Who we are?
Each child lives in the family, growing up in a loving, safe, respectful environment
Our vision
- Family is the cornerstone of society. Every child in the family is protected and free to enjoy the sense of belonging to his or her family. This is where children learn values, share responsibilities and establish lifelong relationships. All of this gives them a strong foundation to build on in their future lives.
- With the help of love and acceptance, emotional wounds are healed and self-confidence is strengthened. Children learn to trust and have faith in themselves and others. Once their self-awareness is sufficiently developed, each child can recognize and realize his or her potential.
- Voice of every child is listened to and heard. Children participate in making the decisions that affect their lives. They are in charge of their development, with appropriate guidance. Children grow up in the environment that respects them and preserves their dignity, as beloved members of their families and community.
- Children are protected from abuse, neglect and exploitation. In natural disasters and wars, their safety is protected. Children have shelter, food, health care and education. These are the basic prerequisites for healthy development of children.
SOS Children's Villages look after children without parents or parental care, regardless of their race, nationality or faith, providing them with love and security in the family environment, as well as a permanent home and education needed for happy and peaceful childhood.
Humanitarian work of SOS Children's Villages rests on four principles:
- SOS mother
- SOS brothers and sisters
- SOS house
- SOS Village
The first SOS Children's Village was founded and built by Hermann Gmeiner (1919-1986) in 1949, in the small Austrian town of Imst. Thanks to ease with which it lends itself to different cultures and traditions, SOS idea has been accepted in 133 countries so far.
Today there are 533 SOS Children's Villages around the globe, as well as 2310 supporting facilities, such as SOS Kindergartens, SOS Youth Projects, SOS Social Centers, SOS Schools, SOS Vocational Training Centers, SOS Medical Centers and SOS Emergency Relief Programs.
Association SOS Children's Village Croatia has been active since February 25, 1992, as a full member of SOS Kinderdorf International, the world’s largest NGO in the field of child and youth care. SOS KDI is seated in Innsbruck, Austria.
The execution of necessary tasks in Association SOS Children's Village Croatia is carried out by the National Office, which coordinates all the SOS facilities in the country. Co-workers in the National Office are professionals who devote all their efforts to helping children build a better life.