SOS Children’s Village Begusarai was established in January 2004 with 24 children from Sri Ram Sumaran Anath Nidhi Trust of Begusarai. The trust also gifted 24 acres of land to SOS-India near Indian Oil Corporation, Barauni refinery for the construction of a Children’s Village. SOS Children’s Village Begusarai is now recognized as a leading child care organization in the state and getting appreciation from media through special features. A lush green campus and Mango orchard enhances the beauty of the Children’s Village.

Begusarai is the administrative headquarters of Begusarai district which is one of the thirty-seven districts of Bihar. The name of the district apparently comes from Begu, a man who looked after a Sarai, an old and small inn. It is situated in the Middle Ganges Plain, just north of the Ganges River. It is an important commercial centre on the North Eastern Railway.

At present 25 Children are in permanent care of the Children’s Village. All of them are studying in prestigious schools and doing very well.

Construction of the Village is in progress for 14 family houses, youth house, Kindergarten, three Co-workers residences, community house and aunt’s house.
Construction of nine family houses has reached the roof level. Pathways and drainage lines are in speedy progress. Construction work is expected to be completed by December 2007. The Village boundary wall is about to be completed for which the finishing work is in progress.

SOS-India started this programme on 15th August 2004 to extend support to the needy children of neighbouring communities. Children’s Village Begusarai is extending support to 500 children and their families. These children are receiving education, nutrition and health support. Through this, SOS-India has reached every nook and corner of the area. Under this programme, school fees, school uniforms, shoes and bags to the needy children are provided. These 500 children are being reached through centres at Maharathpur, Kailaspur and Tilrath.

SOS Children’s Village is also working in Partnership with the District Chapter of Indian Medical Association who provides free medical consultation to children. An influential local group of women is providing various material supports consistently. Moreover the District Administration has recently expressed its willingness to build parks for children in each location.

Massive floods in Northern Bihar displaced lakhs of people and 15 districts were submerged in the flood waters. The floods were declared a national disaster. SOS-India standing up in this hour of challenge initiated emergency programmes to provide relief to the affected people in tandem with Bihar government.

Immediate relief was provided by setting up Child Relief Centres at Purnea and surrounding areas. Basic necessities were provided to over 1600 families with over 3000 children. Food packets including baby food, drinking water and basic medical and toilet materials were provided to rescued families. An extension camp was set up for Santhali tribals of Kalbadua in the Araria district where camp residents were provided shelter, clothing, food and medical attention.

SOS-India is now exploring the possibility of further support to the flood victims. Co-workers from SOS Beguserai are in touch with the state government for a partnership program for reconstruction of affected villages.