The construction of SOS Children's Village Mumbai is progressing at a good pace. The first batch of children would be brought-home in December 2009. The SOS Children’s Village Mumbai is coming-up with support from Espirit, the International lifestyle brand.
The Village is situated at Alibag, a coastal township known for its enthralling scenic beauty and quiet refreshing shores of silver sand. Alibag can be reached via sea route which takes around 45 minutes by Ferry (catamaran) service. Regular ferry service is available every hour during day time from Gateway of India, Mumbai as well from Bhaucha Dhakka (Fort) except during heavy monsoon days. Bus facility is also available from Mumbai Central and other areas of Mumbai like Sion, Dadar and Parel. Buses are available from other major cities like Pune, Thane, Nashik, etc. The nearest rail station is Pen (28 km from Alibag) which is one hour journey by Konkan Railway from Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai.
The Children's Village will have 14 Family Homes besides other Village facilities, a Kindergarten and a Learning Centre comprising of Computer Lab as well Music Room for the Children including children from the neighbouring community. The Initial target has been fixed to reach out to 600 needy children of the vulnerable families of neighbourhood under family strengthening programme. Necessary arrangement has been done to conduct a Feasibility Study for the same by hiring an external agency. FSP programme would be started after submission of the report of Feasibility Study as well necessary approval.
The first phase of Interview for selection of SOS Mother Trainees is over. A few Mother trainees will soon move to Mother's School Faridabad for the training programme. Among the co-workers, the Village Director, Female Educational Co-worker as well Maintenance Co-worker (Village Master) has joined. The other co-workers will join as per the need and Organization’s Policy. It is expected that at least six family houses will be ready for possession by January 2010 and the rest will be ready for possession by June 2010.
