Dignitaries and Heads of States join Children of almost all SOS Children's Villages in India celebrating the festival of Rakhi, rejoicing feelings of trust and bonding. It was a time of family reunion and strengthening the bond of love within the family homes in the villages and also visiting dignitaries and State Heads. Settled children and youth visited their brothers and sisters and looking forward to the delicious meal cooked by the mothers. Children's Villages wore a happy and festive look.

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Dr. Kiran Bedi graced the occasion as chief guest while Dr. K. Sekar, Professor, Department of Psychiatric Social Work, NIMHANS, Bangalore was the keynote speaker. The occasion marked the birth anniversary of Smt. Tara Ali Baig, a multifaceted personality with diverse interest and deeply committed to social issues; who is remembered for the pivotal role she played at the policy and implementation level of the country's social agenda. The lecture aimed at highlighting the vitality of Psychosocial Competencies among Children in India.

Dr. Kiran Bedi appealed to the responsible citizens of the country to enrich psychological & social proficiency among the children and empower them to decide what is right and what is wrong in the best interest of all. Further highlighting the imperativeness of child's overall development she said, "Family should play the role of a primary caregiver for wellbeing and guidance of the child. Government must adopt socially responsible policies, keeping children specifically in mind. Individuals, families, communities and institutions are all duty bound to promote the resources leading to psychosocial development of a child. While Dr. K. Sekar emphasised on the fact that parents or guardians should take all necessary steps at different levels of a child's growing period to ensure that the child is both socially & psychological mature enough to face the outside world.

Childhood is the foundation of the nation's future and there has to be an over-all development of children in order to make this country a better place to live in. On the occasion, children from SOS Children's Villages and other members of SOS family paid tribute to their Dadi, as Tara Ali Baig is fondly remembered by the children.

The construction of SOS Children's Village Mumbai is progressing well and it is expected to be completed by September 2010.

Meanwhile, 6 family homes have been handed over to SOS Children's Village Mumbai.The village is home to 22 children in 3 family homes. SOS Children's Village Mumbai is coming-up with the support from Espirit, the International lifestyle brand.

The Village is situated at Alibag, a coastal township known for its enthralling scenic beauty and various quite and refreshing shores of silver sand. Alibag situated in Raigad district can be reached via sea route which takes around 45 minutes by Ferry (Catamaran) service during day time from Gateway of India, Mumbai except heavy monsoon days. Bus route is also available from Mumbai as well other important cities and towns of Maharashtra. The nearest Rail Station is Pen (28 km from Alibag) on Mumbai-Goa highway, which is one hour journey by Konkan Railway from Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai.

There will be 14 Family Homes at the SOS Children's Village Mumbai besides other Village facilities, a Kindergarten, a community hall and a Learning Centre for the children including children from the neighbouring community.

SOS Children's Villages in South Africa welcomed acclaimed actor Djimon Hounsou and his wife, Kimora Lee Simmons, to its village in Cape Town on 21 June during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The couple toured the area, visited with the children, and expressed their support for SOS Children's Villages worldwide.

In his visit to the SOS Children's Village in Cape Town, Hounsou expressed his support for the organisation: "SOS Children's Villages is fantastic. It gives children a strong family connection and helps them to dream big...of a brighter future. As I watch the World Cup athletes who are so focused and dedicated, I appreciate that SOS Children's Villages is helping children who would otherwise only be dreaming of their next meal, to feel the security that allows them to dream bigger dreams...like one day competing in the World Cup."

Marcia Cannon, director of the SOS Children's Village in Cape Town added: "The visit from Djimon and Kimora was incredible! The children performed three dances to welcome the couple who spent the afternoon at the village. Djimon thanked the children for their presentation and encouraged them to continue with their performing arts - 'as they were fantastic'. He also thanked the SOS Mothers, especially for their commitment and the time invested in the lives of their children. Kimora presented the children with gifts, which absolutely thrilled them."

Hounsou's relationship with SOS Children's Villages runs deep. In 2006, Djimon Hounsou first visited an SOS Children's Village in Mozambique during the filming of the Oscar-nominated film "Blood Diamond". In the years since, he has been an avid supporter, exemplified through his partnership with SOS Children's Villages USA.

Delighted children and mothers of the SOS Children's Village Rustenburg welcomed Her Imperial Highness Princess Hisako Takamodo of the Japanese Imperial family, together with Mr Inukai, President of the Japan Football Association, among others, when they visited the village on 24 June.

After her husband's death in 2002 Princess Takamodo became very active in a large number of charitable organisations involving sports, cultural exchange and environment. She is currently the honorary patron of the Japan Football Association. "Soccer teaches children about community because it's about teamwork and communication skills, and children who play on grass are healthier," said the Princess.

After being greeted by SOS staff members the Princess toured the integrated SOS Children's Village of Rustenburg. She stepped into a family house where she laughingly commented on the tidiness of the children's rooms. "I am sure that when there are children in the bedrooms they are just as untidy as my children."

The children hugged the Princess and escorted her to the newly built soccer pitch behind the village. Here she was treated to the diski dance by SOS and community children. The Mayor of Rustenburg, Janette Nyati, was also on hand to welcome the Princess. "Arigato [thank you]. We will always cherish this visit in our hearts and we hope for a good relationship with Japan. We feel privileged to have this delegation here today," said Mayor Nyati.

The Princess chatted to the SOS moms and children and expressed her appreciation for the work they do. "I believe in the SOS Children's Village concept and was happy when they made the declaration in 2006 to build more villages. Now, the 2010 World Cup in South Africa has promoted unity. South Africa is a country of love and forgiveness. Children should be brought up in this spirit so they can create better dreams."

The Princess and her delegation handed out gifts of soccer balls to the children who immediately began playing a fun game. The older children promised to root for Japan in their match against Denmark later that day. Obviously with success: Japan beat Denmark 3-1 at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.

91st birth anniversary of Late Dr. Hermann Gmeiner, Founder Father of SOS movement celebrated.

SOS Children's Villages of India today celebrated SOS Day as a tribute to their Founder Father, Late Dr. Hermann Gmeiner. The celebration marked the 91st birth anniversary of Dr. Gmeiner who was instrumental in laying the foundation of SOS Children's Villages in the world. The celebration witnessed pleasing performances by the children of SOS Children's Village that left an indelible mark in the hearts of the invited Guests. The esteemed guests paid tribute to Dr. Gmeiner and praised the commendable movement of the organisation towards child care.

SOS Children gave a traditional welcome to the guests, followed by garlanding of the statue of Dr. Hermann Gmeiner and lighting a lamp in front of the statue. The whole atmosphere was filled with emotions and nostalgia as the Village Director, mothers & children unfolded the life and selfless deeds of Dr. Gmeiner. To make the day special and memorable a cultural programme was organised which saw enthusiastic participation from the children. Later, guests visited families in the Children's Village where mothers & children shared their experiences of love & care that binds them together.

In his message on this occasion Shri Rakesh Jinsi, National Director - SOS Children's Villages of India said, "SOS Family is honoured by the gracious presence of the honorable guests on the 91st birth anniversary of our guiding force Dr. Hermann Gmeiner. The seed grown by Dr. Hermann Gmeiner, our founder, 61 years ago is today spread across 132 countries with 500 SOS Children's Villages. We are overwhelmed by the continuous trust and support that we receive from our well wishers to make our children into responsible citizens of our country. SOS Day serves as a reminder to strengthen our resolve to provide long term family based care to our special children. We promise to take the dream & efforts of our founder to higher levels by providing devoted family based care to our children."

SOS Children's Villages this weekend welcomed UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie to its village in Santo outside of Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince. Ms. Jolie spent the night at an SOS house in the SOS Children's Village. She visited with and brought toys for the children. On her trip she met with President Preval, current and former Government of Haiti Ministers, Haitian Judges and lawyers, U.S. State Department officials, and other NGOs regarding child protection in Haiti.

Preceding the overnight stay, Ms. Jolie held a dinner and round-table discussion that included UNHCR, SOS Children's Villages, UNICEF, Partners in Health and PRODEV. The purpose of these meetings was to study the Haitian legal system surrounding child protection issues and explore mechanisms for strengthening the Government's capacity to address these needs.

This is Ms. Jolie's second visit to the SOS Children's Village Santo in Haiti. When last there in February she met with the 33 children who were brought to the SOS Children's Village after the Haitian government intervened to prevent their removal from Haiti. This weekend, Ms. Jolie learned that all of the children have been reunited with their families and continue to receive assistance from SOS Children's Villages.

During her stay Jolie commented, "That is why I like to visit and support the SOS Children's Villages in the world because I have seen that the children are growing up in a safe and loving environment."

In contrast to an orphanage, SOS Children's Villages is a family-based model of care that makes a commitment to provide each child with a loving mother, home and a future. SOS Children's Villages places a priority on keeping biological brothers and sisters together and raising them in their own culture.

Ms. Jolie enjoyed breakfast in the village. Children from the SOS Children's Village Santo welcomed her with a song in Creole as she distributed toys she had brought for them. One of the children spoke on behalf of the group and told Ms. Jolie how happy they were that she had visited the village again.

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have been long-time supporters of SOS Children's Villages. In the past, Ms. Jolie personally visited an SOS Emergency Relief Programme in Chad, an SOS Children's Village in Ethiopia and the couple also visited the SOS Children's Village in Amman in Jordan.

"Ms. Jolie's involvement helps to raise spirits when life has become so hard for children who have lost everything. Her continued support sheds an important light on the progress and challenges all of us face in Haiti," said SOS Children's Villages - USA CEO, Heather Paul. "With the six month anniversary of the earthquake approaching, Jolie helps the world remember that the struggle for survival continues on the ground every day. International partners working hand-in-hand with Haitians will be there for many years to come, long after the cameras have gone away."

SOS Children's Village Santo is currently housing nearly 500 children without biological families to care for them. Over the past few months, 160 children who were temporarily in the care of SOS Children's Villages have been reunited with their families. They are beneficiaries of the SOS Family Strengthening Programme that provides food and counselling assistance to more than 10,000 children daily.

Ms. Jolie also toured the SOS "Global Village Shelters" at the Santo site. Made of polypropylene materials, these shelters are quickly installed. They each provide eight children and an SOS Mother with dry, safe housing as the rainy season approaches. About 300 children will be moved into the shelters as added protection against the rainy season. "Global Village Shelters" promise to set a high standard for mid-term housing in Haiti.

The seminar helped in creating more awareness amongst the key stake holders about the plight of the children in need of care and protection. The Chief Guest, Shri Ram Kishore Saini, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, inaugurated the Seminar with the lighting of the lamp. Eminent personalities from Government of Rajasthan, UNICEF, Judiciary and Child Welfare Committee were also present at the seminar to discuss the key issues for child protection.

Shri Ram Kishore Saini threw light on some major issues in child care and protection and the state initiative towards the same. Other speakers at the seminar made presentations and focused on 'State Initiatives for children in need of care and protection. Shri CBS Rathore, Joint Labour Commissioner, Dept. of Labour - Govt. of Rajasthan, briefed on the role of their department in protection of children from Child labour and other forms of child abuse. Dignitaries from Judiciary like Justice Shiv Kumar Sharma and Justice N. L. Tibrewal discussed the Role of Judiciary playing an imperative role in the protection of child rights. Also present Mr. Sanjay Nirala, Consultant, UNICEF, Rajasthan spoke on UN Perspective towards the development of children. Shri Ganpat Acharya, Chairman, Child Welfare Committee, enlightened the role of CWC in addressing the requirements of needy children.
Sumanta Kar, Deputy National Director from SOS-India presented the family based care model of the organization and shared how SOS Children's Villages Organisation contributed for the development of UN Guidelines on alternate care. While describing the different forms of families as detailed in the guidelines, he urged the participants to promote the family based model of SOS Children's Villages as the model is in line with the guidelines. He further added that separating the child from the families should be the last resort and monitoring agency should ensure that only those children who cannot grow in a family are referred for alternate care.

Addressing the dignitaries Mrs. Shobha Kaul, Village Director, SOS Children's Village, Jaipur said, "It's been a great pleasure for us to have such dignitaries at our village. We are thankful to the Government of Rajasthan who has taken such an important step towards child care and child protection. Our organisation is always committed to provide family based child care to the children in need and to strengthen families and communities as a preventive measure in the fight against abandonment and social neglect"

There was sharing of experience based on the work being done by the various stake holders for the cause of children.  All the participants endorsed the view that there need to be more co-ordination and net working amongst the various stake holders to consolidate the efforts for the development of children.

SOS Children's Village at Faridabad celebrated 'World Environment Day' by planting saplings and pledging to make the environment healthy.

Around 40 SOS children along with mothers, youths from Aurnodai and co-workers planted more than 50 saplings and took a pledge of "Each one plant and nurture one" to save the environment from the onslaught of depletion. This plantation drive along with a symposium on the Environment changes across the globe helped in sharing ideas on the dangers faced by the environment and how to combat the issue.

The topics discussed at the symposium focused on problems related to environment and encouraged the participants to undertake concrete steps towards the protection of environment. The children also participated in a slogan writing contest where each child designed a unique message conveying how to save the environment. Children who have planted the trees have taken a pledge to nurture and protect the same.

It was a moment of immense pride and happiness for the children, mothers and coworkers of SOS Children's Village Srinagar when Dr.Shah Faisal, the first ever Kashmiri to top the IAS examination, visited SOS Children's Village Srinagar on 19th May 2010. The atmosphere of the village was charged with excitement to meet their idol. Baby Sabreena's happiness knew no bounds at having been selected to present the bouquet.

A short entertainment programme was presented to the guest and Dr. Faizal was presented an SOS sash on behalf of SOS Children's Villages of India. He spoke about his big and small life experiences and shared his likes and dislikes with the enthusiastic children. He was emotionally moved to see small children living in the village and advised them to be always helpful to one another and work hard in life and also gave them some tips to be successful in their lives. He advised them to be committed to their goal so that nobody in the world can stop them from achieving success and encouraged children to dream high.

Dr Shah promised the children many visits to the village along with a few of his officer and doctor friends. He wished the children happiness, compassion and sunshine.

On the occasion of Mothers' Day, SOS Children's Villages-India today felicitated SOS Mothers for their efforts and dedication in shaping the future of many children in need and strengthening the SOS India endeavour. The SOS Mothers throughout the country were honored in the presence of children, guests of honour along with Village Directors, Assistant Village Directors and coworkers of SOS Children's Villages.

Building up stable relationships and family bonds - this is the goal that SOS Children's Villages pursues, with the greatest demand lying on the SOS mother: She takes on the tasks of the natural parents on their behalf and becomes the person the children entrusted to her care can rely on. At the same time, she is a childcare professional who, by using her educational and practical knowledge, is able to approach the children and their specific life histories. Every child accommodated in an SOS Children's Village is entrusted to the care of an SOS mother who becomes his/her reference person. She's the principal actor for the protection and education of the SOS Family. She lives with the little group of children, contributes to their education and fulfils their needs.

The guests on this special day were welcomed in a traditional manner with garlands and tilak by SOS mothers and children. Emotions, nostalgia filled the atmosphere when SOS children presented flowers to their mothers for the love & care that they shower on them. This was followed by colorful cultural program by them. On the occasion, SOS family also paid floral tribute to Dr. Hermann Gmeiner, Founder Father SOS Kinderdorf International.

To make the day memorable for their mothers, the children exchanged roles with them. Children took the responsibility to complete the daily household work, while mothers were let to indulge themselves in fun filled activities. SOS family organized picnics, trips to movie halls and eat outs for their mothers.

Mr. S. Sandilya, President - SOS Children's Villages of India saluted SOS mothers for their effort and dedication and said, "You play the pivotal role in strengthening family bonds and nurturing relationships in your children's lives. I wish you all greater strength, determination and passion to bring up many more children that come home to SOS Children's Villages of India."

Mr. Rakesh Jinsi, National Director - SOS Children's Villages of India congratulated SOS Mothers on this special day and said, "Mothers' Day celebration symbolizes the recognition of the special relationship between Mother and Child. I express my deep gratitude for the outstanding work being done and pray to God that he gives you more courage and patience and you continue to give society, meaningful and contributing human beings."

GAIL visited SOS Children's Village Jaipur to extend its helping hand towards a noble cause of Children's education. As a token of noble gesture, Mr. Mittal - General Manager, GAIL Jaipur presented a cheque to Mrs. Shobha Kaul, Village Director, SOS Children's Village Jaipur. GAIL has donated this amount towards Corporate Education Sponsorship for 40 children of Children's Village Jaipur. Mr. Sangha - Head HR and Mr. Behera - Deputy Manager from GAIL were also present during the event.

SOS Children gave a traditional welcome to Mr. Mittal which was followed by garlanding of the statue of Dr Hermann Gmeiner, the founder father of the SOS movement worldwide. Mr. Mittal was amazed to witness the enthusiasm with which these children performed at the cultural programme and praised SOS Children's Villages of India for their selfless efforts of bringing up needy children.

Extending gratitude Mrs. Shobha Kaul, Village Director, SOS Children's Village Jaipur, said, "We are highly grateful to GAIL for their commitment towards such a noble cause. SOS -India follows a unique model of child care, perfected over time and still has a long way to go. This friendly support from GAIL, will help us in providing efficient services to our children." Mrs. Shobha Kaul briefed Mr. Mittal about various activities and programmes participated in and undertaken by Children's Village at Jaipur to nurture the children towards a better future. Impressed with the activities of SOS Children's Village Jaipur, Mr. Mittal promised to continue the support of GAIL in the future too.

SOS Children's Village has organised "The Summer Camp 2010" at its village in Tambaram, for the third consecutive year. The Summer Camp includes activities like dance classes, painting classes, classical music, martial arts, theater and fun math and many more for the children between age group of 8-18 years.  Summer vacation is the period when kids have leisure time and can concentrate on their hobbies. The response of kids to ‘The Summer Camp 2010' is remarkable and their enthusiasm is witnessed in their creativity. The camp will conclude on May 25 giving ample opportunity to kids to enhance their talent & gain knowledge in various fields. The camp is divided into three week sessions and there are whole day outings on Saturdays.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Nambi Varatharajan, Village Director, SOS Children's Village Chennai said, "Summer camp is a place where kids and teens forget about their busy schedule of schools and boring day to day life and utilize their long drawn out summers by learning new art and skills. Our organisation brings home and takes care of children who have lost the care of parents, by not only providing for the necessities of life but also by ensuring the all round growth of each individual. We are organising this camp to make our children physically and mentally strong and also to add fun in their lives. We feel satisfied when we see the smiling faces of children. I thank Mrs. Uma Narayanan, Managing Director SOS Children's Village Chathnath Homes; this initiative has been her brain child."

Activities like swimming session helps in enhancing the mental & physical fitness in addition to coordination of limbs of the kids. Moreover, it gives them respite from the scorching summer heat. Creative sessions like clay modeling teach kids the art of moulding amazing figures. Dance sessions will teach the various western & modern moves which will inculcate grace and confidence in children. For girls, martial art training sessions will make them strong & confident to protect themselves and to face the outside world. Other sessions of theatre, science & maths will impart self control, knowledge & creativity to children.

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90 fundraising and communications co-workers from 36 SOS national associations from all continents participated.

SOS worldwide movement has challenging goals of helping one million children and gaining one million new friends by 2016. Fundraising and communications teams play a major role in helping the organization achieve these goals. To succeed in these efforts we need to strengthen skills, continuously share best practices and act as a unique and unified fundraising and communications global community.

The "Skillshare" included workshops, discussions and exchanges that will help in support in developing the tools needed to be better fundraisers and communicators. At the conference, world's greatest authorities on the subject talked about best practices in the fundraising profession and looked at future trends that will affect our work for decades into the future.SOS Children's Villages fundraisers and communicators told stories about projects they had implemented and the results they had achieved.

President SOS Kinderdorf International, Mr. Helmut Kutin said that during the week, co-workers from around the world had gathered for sharing experience on how they could contribute to SOS Children's Villages working many more miracles for children and families in need.

• The Applied Materials Foundation and Applied Materials India has renewed the sponsorship of three family homes in addition to giving funds for installation of solar lights for our Children's Village at Bangalore and purchase of a school bus.
• GAIL (India) Limited has supported SOS-India for education sponsorship of 140 children in our village at Bawana and Jaipur, in addition to child sponsorship of 100 children in our village at Rajpura.
• SAIL has extended support for education sponsorship of 50 children in our village at Greenfields and for capital assets at Children's Village in Kolkata.
• Three financial organizations, Canara Bank, HSBC Insurance (Asia Pacific) Holdings Ltd. and Oriental Bank of Commerce have formed a joint venture called Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance Company Ltd. (popularly know as Canara HSBC Life). This entity has supported the education of 10 children each at SOS Children's Villages at Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Rajpura.
• SBI has extended support for education sponsorship of 15 children of SOS Children's Village at Rajpura.
• OCL has supported the education of National Bravery Award winning children to pursue their education at SOS Hermann Gmeiner School at Bhimtal with the grant of a corpus of Rs 25 lacs.
• CARE TODAY has extended support for education , health and nutrition of 151 beneficiary children under our Family Strengthening Programme in Jorgama (Bihar's flood affected area).
• Nav Bharat Smarak Nidhi has sponsored a family home at Children's Village in Bawana.
• KPMG has continued its support to SOS-India by raising Rs. 4 lacs in the Mumbai Marathon.
• Microsoft employees have continued to support through their "Giving Campaign" initiative.

He gave precious life skill lessons to the children through much enjoyed short stories and patriotic songs. The children were deeply inspired by his personality and were enthralled by his presence. He said that it was a pleasure meeting the Children at the village and added that he admired and extended his best wishes to the mothers and the coworkers who brought hope and dynamism to the kids.

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