Varanasi, situated on the bank of river Ganga in the state of Uttar Pradesh, is one of the most ancient living cities in the world. The ancient city of Varanasi is also known as Kashi or Benaras. Varanasi is famous in all over world for its religious importance, temples, Ganga Ghats, culture, traditions, music and craft of silk weaving.

Well connected by air, rail and buses with all the main Indian cities, its distance from Delhi is 776 km. The Babatpur airport is about 25 km from the city center (about 45 minutes by taxi) and it is well connected to Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Nepal. All the major domestic Indian carriers operate from here.

SOS Children’s Village Varanasi, established in the year 1984 and dedicated to the nation on February 23, 1985, has completed 24 years of service in childcare. The Village, located in a rural area about 25 km from the city of Varanasi, is home to 187children, 87boys and 100girls, in 18 family houses.

Toddlers attend the SOS Kindergarten, which is also open to children from local families. In the Children’s Village campus there is a well equipped learning center, consisting of a library, a music room and a computer center. The academic performance is more than satisfactory.

During summer vacation, children attend various creative classes according to their hobbies like drawing, computers, music, meditation, dance, and sports, attending library and Spoken English classes.

During festivals settled girls and boys come to the Village to celebrate various functions like Maha Shivratri, Holi and Navratri with their family. Children participate in the Village ritual with their mothers.

In 1993, an SOS Youth Facility was started. Arunodaya and Sopan facility in Varanasi has 63 youth, out of which 27 are studying in school and 36 are studying in University/Professional Courses. It is a matter of sheer joy and pride for SOS Children’s Village, Varanasi that Ankur has successfully completed the final examination of C.A this year. Ankur has given all credit to his mother and SOS-India for his success.

SOS Hermann Gmeiner School Varanasi is one of the premier educational institutions around. It was set up in 1990 in 9 acres of land. The school boasts of about 1300 children, 42 staff members and about 20 other supporting staff members. It is well equipped with all the facilities such as sports ground, laboratory, computer lab, and music along with other infotainment classes. The students have been able to make their mark in various Inter School as well as Inter state level competitions in various fields.

In 2003, SOS Children's Villages of India launched its Family Strengthening Programmes in Varanasi. 190 families with 600 children are being supported under this programme. To empower women Vocational training courses like Tailoring, Incense Stick making and Formation of SHGs is functional and various awareness programmes on issues such as Child Right, Health and Sanitation are organized in the Village and community on a regular basis.