Edenred, the world leader in prepaid service vouchers, organized an art competition -"Art from the Heart" in partnership with SOS Children's Villages of India to enable underprivileged children showcase their talent for the new look flagship vouchers. The initiative was launched on Children's Day and the art competition was held across Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore.An independent selection panel comprising of Mr. Sandeep Banerjee, Managing Director & CEO of Edenred India and renowned artist Mr. SheilSadwelkar handpicked 12 winning paintings amongst the 3 cities.The paintings created by Vaibhav - age 13 and Ranjit Shah - age 13 from SOS Children's Village Alibaug, Mumbai and Greenfields, Delhi respectively, were adjudged as the top 2 paintings.

On the partnership with Edenred, Mr. Rakesh Jinsi, Secretary General, SOS Children's Villages of India, said, I express my heartfelt thanks to Edenred for dedicating this special activity to children at SOS Children's Villages of India. Such activities provide a platform for nurturing talent and instill confidence in children. We appreciate the support given byEdenred and hope we can have a long term relationship that benefits many more children.

Each child is special and needs to be treated equally. Keeping this thought in mind, the SOS village of Khajurikalan (Bhopal) organized a cultural event on the World Disability Day to showcase the abilities of these special children and encourage their talent. These children were awarded for their special talent ranging from dance, painting, performing arts, etc.

SOS Children's Villages of India believes in imparting confidence to each one of their children so that they are able to command respect in the society.

On this occasion, Mr. Rakesh Jinsi, Secretary General, SOS Children's Villages of India said that there is a need for a multi –pronged approach to improve the protection of children with disabilities i.e. minimizing the incidence of disability; identifying and certifying disabled children as early as possible; getting more disabled children into school and making it a pleasant experience for them; and sensitising general public to reduce the social stigma of disability etc.

He further added that Khajurikalan only caters to the needs of  disabled and parent less children who come from different parts of the country and is providing an inclusive environment where children with different types of disabilities receive family based care, nutrition and education. However, due to special and advanced medical facilities required to run the village, we need more corporates and donors to come forward and support these children in need.

The Aviva Great Wall of Education, India's biggest book donation drive for underprivileged children, which was launched on the 11^th November on the National Education Dayculminated in Mumbai. The chief guest wasAviva Life Insurance's brand ambassador and ace cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, who byplacing his children’s storybooks and picture books on the wall donated to the cause as well.

President Pratibha Patil recommended the name of SOS Children's Villages to take care of five siblings who lost their father and mother in an accident on July 16 near Delhi.

Clutching her infant sister the ten-year-old Pooja with her other three minor siblings waited anxiously for her parents while rescue operations were on at the crash site at Ghaziabad, a Delhi suburb.

Her father Phool Singh and mother Chanda Devi were working as construction workers on a residential building when the entire structure was collapsed leaving many buried under the debris. Her parents were among those who got crushed in the building collapse.

After seeing the plight of siblings in a newspaper President Pratibha Patil offered help and suggested the name of SOS Children’s Villages where the siblings can find care and protection of a home.

"I don't know what to do now. I have to look after my brother and sisters," Pooja told the Hindustan Times the newspaper that highlighted her plight.

She is trying to cope up with the situation in which she is all alone and has added responsibility of taking care of her siblings without her parents. The uncertainty and nervousness enveloped her and she immediately needs the care and protection of a home to lessen the unprecedented trauma.

Click below link for read more...

http://www.hindustantimes.com/tabloid-news/newdelhi/President-Pratibha-Patil-offers-to-help-five-orphaned-siblings/Article1-722730.aspx

http://epaper.hindustantimes.com/PUBLICATIONS/HT/HD/2011/07/19/ArticleHtmls/President-Pratibha-Patil-offers-to-help-five-orphaned-19072011003011.shtml?Mode=1

SOS Children's Villages will continue implementing its innovative educational programmes worldwide, supported by the Future First programme of HSBC.

Joined by SOS Children's Villages Secretary General Richard Pichler on 4 March 2011 in a ceremony in New Delhi, Douglas Flint, HSBC Group Chairman, pledged an additional USD 15 million over five years to expand Future First (USD 5 million allocated to SOS Children's Villages). Indian HRD Minister KapilSibal was the chief guest on the occasion.

"We feel privileged to have been part of Future First's work for the last five years. They do incredible work that makes a meaningful difference to some of the world's most disadvantaged children," said Douglas Flint.

"I've witnessed the changes on the ground from Asia to Africa where SOS Children's Villages is implementing various programmes for children, equipping them with new skills and making families self-reliant in the communities," said Richard Pichler.

"Only this morning I met a mother of three children in a Delhi slum and it gave me immense pleasure to see how a small but significant support from the Future First programme enables her to send her kids to school and meet other vital expenses. She is running a shop to earn their livelihood," he added, "I don't know where these children would have been if this help were not there."

"At HSBC, we believe that education is one of the most powerful tools to reduce poverty and inequality and with Future First, we can help deliver projects that provide young people with a more sustainable and prosperous future. I wish everyone involved the very best success with this important programme," said Douglas Flint.

 
Worldwide the partnership with SOS Children's Villages has been furnished with USD 5 million which has supported 173 projects in 38 countries benefitting 306,069 children.

"In Asia this partnership in six countries – Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam is a great success. The numbers are also important but it's heartening to see how children are benefitting at SOS Vocational Training Centres, in SOS Family Strengthening Programmes and in schools," commented SOS Children's Villages Deputy Secretary General for Asia, Siddhartha Kaul.

In India, HSBC has been partnering with India for over 10 years and are currently supporting a project in Kochi.

Simon Martin, Head of Group Corporate Sustainability of HSBC, said, "from our excellent experience partnering with SOS Children's Villages over the last four years and their extensive footprint in so many countries, they were our clear choice for an additional long term sustainable project. Their work has been recognised not only in providing a safe environment for children in need but also their outreach work in challenging environments has life-changing impacts."

MaliniThadani, Head of Group Communications, Public Policy and Corporate Sustainability for HSBC India, who leads this global initiative, said, "…what makes Future First unique is the local expertise that underpins it, with projects created and implemented on a local basis by local people, delivering tailored support to underprivileged children."
The function was well attended by the stake-holders. S Sandilya, the President of SOS Children's Villages India, and Secretary General Rakesh Jinsi also graced the occasion.

The SOS Children's Village Malakal has taken in more than 150 families seeking shelter after 50 people reportedly died in gunfights. Violent clashes broke out over today's official recognition of the referendum results concerning the secession of South Sudan from the North.

Violent clashes have erupted once more in the South Sudanese town of Malakal between armed militias and army troops over the results of a southern referendum in favor of independence from the North that was officially recognised by Sudan's president Omar Hassan al-Bashir today, 7 February. More than 150 families have sought refuge in the SOS Children's Village as the organisation is widely respected by both warring sides and has provided protection from violence in the past.

Though the children's village has not been harmed, the sound of gunshots could be heard close by as of Friday morning. A shell fired by a tank into a neighbouring building caused slight damage and a stray bullet hit a house where adolescent girls in SOS Children's Villages' care live. In spite of this, the village director has described the security situation as being relatively stable.

While the SOS Children's Village has a functioning generator, the town itself currently has no electricity. The fuel for the generator is being rationed, as the town has been cut off from supply routes, which also raises concern over the water supply, usually provided by government authorities. With the town's markets closed, a delivery of 150 emergency food packages that was already sent to the village by the offices of SOS Children's Villages in Karthoum is feared to have been lost to looters; a second delivery is being prepared to ensure the families currently staying at the SOS Children's Villages are provided with basic necessities.

In a sad coincidence, the children of the SOS Children's Village were in fact preparing festivities to celebrate the birth of their future country. On the day that would later see the violence break out, the director of SOS Children's Villages Sudan reported that the children were "ready and happy to start a new life and a new country with hopes for the best of the people of the south of Sudan. It is a positive experience for the children. It will be great for them to witness the birth of the country and the making of history; great also to participate in the building and hard work for its future". The events of the last few days are a sad reminder of how much work remains to be done.

SOS Children's Villages has been operating in Malakal since 2002. It offers families a space to socialise in its SOS community centre as well as providing a new home to 103 children in the SOS Children's Village. The respect SOS Children's Villages enjoys among members of all warring groups has offered protection to thousands of children and their families on two occasions in the past, once in 2006 and again 2009. SOS Children's Villages has also provided medical supplies and emergency medical care for children and their families in the areas of conflict.

SOS Children's Villages is an independent, non-governmental, social development organisation that advocates the concerns, rights and needs of children. Approximately 73,000 children and young people live in 491 SOS Children's Villages and 396 SOS Youth Facilities around the world. More than 174,000 children and young people attend SOS Hermann Gmeiner Schools, SOS Kindergartens and SOS Vocational Training Centres. Moreover, SOS Children's Villages provides families with material, psychological and social support. Approximately 450,000 people benefit from these family support services; some 489,000 people make use of the SOS Medical Centres. In times of crisis and disaster, SOS Children's Villages helps through emergency relief programmes.

Ms. Nozile was selected after graduating from the University of Florida's Levin College of Law in spring last year.

The Jolie Legal Fellowship, created and funded by the Jolie-Pitt Foundation, supports the Government of Haiti's ongoing efforts to strengthen the Haitian judicial system in the challenging post-earthquake environment. Jolie Legal Fellows are attorneys who will concentrate on the protection of Haiti's most vulnerable children in the judicial system, by serving as special assistants to key Government of Haiti officials. Ms. Nozile leaves for Haiti later this month to begin her work. "I am thrilled that Nathalie Nozile will be our first legal fellow in Haiti - where the need to enhance child protection is so great," said Angelina Jolie. "Nathalie has a heartfelt commitment to improve conditions in her homeland, and brings to her work the unique perspective of growing up in an SOS Children's Village. There, she learned firsthand the importance to a childhood of a stable and nurturing environment. Now, as a promising attorney, she will draw on her personal experience as she returns to help strengthen the Haitian judicial system. Nathalie will be working to help ensure equal access to justice and the protection of children's rights in Haiti."

Dr. Heather Paul, CEO of SOS Children's Villages USA, added: "The Jolie-Pitt Foundation has been a long time supporter of SOS Children's Villages worldwide. Nathalie is an excellent example of SOS young people who are educated and imbued with a sense of responsibility to give back to their community and their country. We are so proud that a former SOS child will work within the Haitian judicial system with an eye to protecting those who are most vulnerable. Nathalie's devotion to her country and demonstrated willingness to support its justice system echoes Ms. Jolie's long-term commitment to ensuring legal equality and protecting the rights of children in Haiti and across the globe."

Ms. Nozile, who made it a priority to volunteer in Haiti in the aftermath of the earthquake in the SOS Emergency Relief Programmes, expressed her gratitude for this opportunity: "It is a great privilege and honour to become the first Jolie Legal Fellow. I made a decision to obtain a law degree long ago so that I could return to Haiti to serve my country, now in such a critical state. I hope my commitment will inspire more young professionals to return to Haiti, because Haiti needs us all."

Ms. Jolie concluded: "Nathalie Nozile is a force…just wait and see. She will be doing many great things. She represents the best of Haiti. She is an extraordinary example. I am proud to know her and extremely grateful to have the opportunity to work with her."

Angelina Jolie has been an outspoken and loyal supporter of SOS Children's Villages for years and has visited both the trauma therapy centre run by SOS Children's Villages within one of the refugee camps in Chad for people fleeing Darfur and an SOS Children's Village in Amman, Jordan. The Jolie/Pitt Foundation she created together with her partner Brad Pitt has donated funds to the organisation on more than one occasion.

In her role as UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, Angelina Jolie visited also the SOS Children's Village in Port-au-Prince in Haiti just four weeks after the earthquake.

National Association information

SOS Children's Villages is an independent, non-governmental, social development organisation that advocates the concerns, rights and needs of children. Approximately 73,000 children and young people live in 491 SOS Children's Villages and 396 SOS Youth Facilities around the world. More than 174,000 children and young people attend SOS Hermann Gmeiner Schools, SOS Kindergartens and SOS Vocational Training Centres. Moreover, SOS Children's Villages provides families with material, psychological and social support. Approximately 450,000 people benefit from these family support services; some 489,000 people make use of the SOS Medical Centres. In times of crisis and disaster, SOS Children's Villages helps through emergency relief programmes.

Since the end of the civil war in May 2009, SOS Children's Villages has been caring for unaccompanied children in a camp for internally displaced persons near Vavuniya. As parts of the camp were being closed by the authorities, children still in the care of SOS Children's Villages were moved to Jaffna in the first week of December 2010. In Jaffna, SOS Children's Villages will start permanent care and support programmes for children and families.

Due to heavy fighting in the war-torn northern part of Sri Lanka in April 2009, hundreds of thousands of people were stranded in huge IDP camps (IDP – internally displaced person), amongst them hundreds of unaccompanied children. Eventually, the long-awaited end of the civil war was proclaimed in May 2009.

SOS Children's Villages was able to open a temporary care programme in Zone 4 of the IDP Camp in Cheddikulem (near Vavuniya) in August 2009. Since then, SOS Children's Villages Sri Lanka has cared for some 200 unaccompanied children and youth, 120 of which were reunited with their families. Still, 80 children remain in the care of SOS Children's Villages and will most likely need a permanent new home.

In cooperation with the government authorities, SOS Children's Villages was ready to immediately start its work in the North after the end of the war to support children without parental care and disadvantaged families. But it took until December 2010 before SOS Children's Villages was able to begin activities in Jaffna.

Due to the closing of Zone 4 in the IDP Camp in Cheddikulem in November 2010, SOS Children's Villages was also forced to close its temporary care project in Cheddikulem. As a provisional solution, SOS Children's Villages has rented two houses in Jaffna to accommodate the 80 children until a new SOS Children's Village is built. In the first week of December, the children and their care-givers moved to Jaffna. The government has already asked for the admission of a further 60 children who are also victims of the civil war.

SOS Children's Villages President Helmut Kutin visited various SOS projects in Sri Lanka very recently. At a press conference on 3 January in Piliyandala he expressed his confidence that social programmes and the construction on a new SOS Children's Village in Jaffna would start as early as this year, thus successfully continuing the commitment of the child care organisation which began working in Sri Lanka in 1980.

Currently, SOS Children's Villages in Sri Lanka is supporting some 6,700 children through family-based care, education and health services.

National Association information

SOS Children's Villages is an independent, non-governmental, social development organisation that advocates the concerns, rights and needs of children. Approximately 73,000 children and young people live in 491 SOS Children's Villages and 396 SOS Youth Facilities around the world. More than 174,000 children and young people attend SOS Hermann Gmeiner Schools, SOS Kindergartens and SOS Vocational Training Centres. Moreover, SOS Children's Villages provides families with material, psychological and social support. Approximately 450,000 people benefit from these family support services; some 489,000 people make use of the SOS Medical Centres. In times of crisis and disaster, SOS Children's Villages helps through emergency relief programmes.

SOS Children's Village Guwahati gets another feather in its hat when one of its girls, Purbashree Boro got recognition in the field of sports and extra curricular activities at both national as well as international level. Purbashree is a very talented girl and has displayed great talent in the field of sports. She is a very good athlete and used to participate in all the sports competition at the school level, be it a track and field event or some other game. She played the district level Archery too but the girl had an inclination towards Adventure Sports and was quite conspicuous even when she was very small. The girl knows no fear and enjoys the thrill. She gets participating in the dangerous sports. The girl very soon could find herself going high in Mountaineering and thus, started her panache for this form of adventure sport.  Purbashree was so much in love with the sport that at a very tender age of 14 yrs, she represented the WORLD'S FIRST ALL GIRLS TEAM to a High Altitude Trekking in Sandakphu. Her performance was highly appreciated by all.

Her hard work and perseverance have started paying dividends of late.  Purbashree had been selected by the Indian Mountaineering Federation to attend mountaineering and trekking camp at Sela Pass in Arunachal Pradesh. She was one among the very few children who were selected from the northeastern states including the states of Sikkim and West Bengal. She excelled in all the activities in the camp and was honoured with certificates and prizes in the prestigious Shankardev Kalakshetra. Her skill in the particular sport helped Purbashree get short-listed by the same national mountaineering unit for another series of training programme to prepare them to climb the Mt. Everest in 2011. She had already completed the basic training camp at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttar Kashi, with 'A' Grade. She also went for an Advanced Training Camp to realize her mission of scaling the Mt. Everest one day.

Every body was still rejoicing at what Purbashree had achieved when she was again selected to represent the children of the SOS India in the Environment Programme, participated by a few selected children of the SOS Villages of all the SAF countries and their allied projects at Bhopal. The girl did very well in the camp too. It was indeed a motivating experience for Purbashree to meet the honorable Secretary General of the SOS Kindordorf, the Deputy Secretary General of South-East Asia, the National Director of SOS India and a series of other renowned persons along with the children of all the participating countries.

She also attended a rafting camp for two days at Tippi in Arunachal Pradesh and performed very well. Recently she attended the Pre Expedition of 20 thousand ft. Mountaineering at Sikkim. Now she is preparing to scale Mount Everest in March 2011. This is a golden opportunity to Purbashri as she had to undergo a tough training schedule for the final selection.

Presently, Purbashri is pursuing a course in Photography after completion of Higher Secondary; she has been into adventure sports since her childhood. Her love for adventure and an intense liking for nature were behind her resolution to climb the highest peak of the world one day.

SOS Mothers –Icons of Dedication & Commitment

SOS Children Villages of India organized "Ring of Honour Award Ceremony" on 20th December 2010 in Helmut Kutin Auditorium, SOS Enclave Sector-29 Faridabad. On this occasion Mr Helmut Kutin- President, SOS children's Villages International, Mr. Sadilya- President SOS Children's Villages India, Mr. Rakesh Jinsi – Secretary General – SOS India and Mr. Sidarth Kaul Deputy Secretary SOS Asia were present.

"Ring of Honour Award Ceremony" was organized to honour the mothers, who dedicated ten years or more of their life span in the services of SOS Indiia successfully. It was a small way of acknowledging their contribution for this bigger cause. Twenty eight mothers from twelve different villages were present on this occasion.

The Ceremony started with the Welcome Note by Mr. Jinsi, followed by  lighting of lamp and invocation  and Ganesh Stuti by Children of HGS, Faridabad. The Ganesh stuti was presented by Children through a dance sequence which highlighted the Indian Culture and heritage.

Following the address by Mr. Sandilya, President, SOS CVI India, a student of nursing school paid the tribute to Mothers which was overwhelming. She presented her thoughts about mothers in a very beautiful manner.

The award ceremony for mothers started after Mr. Helmut Kutin - President; SOS Children's Villages International addressed the gathering. All the mothers were happy and seated in the first few rows of the guests. Their contribution as a mother and their role in the family was read by their Village Director. One by one all the mothers came on the stage and received the Ring which had SOS Logo engraved on it, certificate and few other gifts. All the mothers were very happy to receive this award as most of them waited for this day to come to their life. This award was symbolic of their dedication and commitment. Children applauded when their own  mother came to the stage. It was really a beautiful scene to see the bond between the Mothers and their children.

After the award Ceremony few cultural programmes were also presented by the students. The function ended with a thank note followed by community diner.

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.