SOS Children’s Villages celebrates 35 years in Sri Lanka

'SOS Children’s Villages Sri Lanka marked a significant milestone as they celebrated 35 year of operations in Sri Lanka. The celebration was commemorated with an unveiling of an official 35th anniversary logo which took place at the very first SOS Children’s Village in Piliyandala. The event saw the attendance of SOS management, members of the SOS Children’s Villages, media and other invitees. 

SOS Children’s Villages founded by Dr. Hermann Gmeiner is an international organisation working actively around the world for over 60 years providing secure and loving homes for children. Dr. Gmeiner, an Austrian, pioneered the concept of bringing up orphaned children not just in a regular orphanage, but giving them the security and quality care of a proper home, the love and care of a “Mother” and a framework of sibling relationships providing them emotional security for a lifetime. 

Speaking on the occasion, Ananda Karunarathne, National Director, SOS Children’s Villages Sri Lanka said, “At SOS Children’s Villages we have strived hard to keep up the principles handed down to us from Dr. Gmeiner. His unparalleled work has always been a source of inspiration for us which drives our endeavors of providing every child in need a home.”

“The holistic development of a child when happens under parents helps the child develop better reasoning, skills, higher IQ levels and a much better health which in turn makes him/her into a productive citizen of the country. And any alternate care model that aims to provide a family like environment to a vulnerable child will help in building a strong nation with healthy and happy children. This message was reiterated today on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of SOS Children’s Villages Sri Lanka which has been proudly providing family based care to parentless children over the last three decades.”

SOS Children’s Villages families are created through a mutual need for affection and a sense of belonging. SOS Children’s Villages ensures these families live in a home like any other and though they may not be biologically connected to each other the emotional bonding lives on. 

Over the years they have also developed a specialised family strengthening program to ensure this bond is created and challenged traditional methods of childcare by exploring innovative childcare approaches which has shown positive results over the years.

“When I came here I saw that all the families live together, formed a supportive village environment where we were able enjoy a happy childhood. My SOS mother built a close relationship with all of us and we entrusted her to provide us with the security, love and stability that each child needed. Through this each child learned to participate actively contribute in society and live as good citizens,” said Sashini Maheshika, former child of the SOS Children’s Village in Piliyandala. 

SOS Children’s Villages believes that any understanding of quality care must be based on a child development perspective. A children development is best realised in a caring family environment, involving children as playing a role in their own development, making decisions in their best interests, respecting their rights supported by strong social networks and families can help children develop to their full potential.