Our Roots
What we are

We take action for children as an independent non-governmental social development organization. We respect varying religions and cultures and we work in countries and communities where our mission can contribute to development. We work in the spirit of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. With the SOS Children’s Village concept, our organization pioneered a family approach to the long-term care of orphaned and abandoned children.

The first SOS Children’s Village was founded by Hermann Gmeiner in 1949 in Imst, Austria. He was committed to helping children in need- children who had lost their homes, their security and their families as a result of the Second World War. With the support of many donors and co-workers, our organisation has grown to help children all over the world.

Our Vision
What we want for the world’s children

Every child belongs to a family and grows with love, respect and security

Our Mission
What we do

We build families for children in need
We help them shape their own futures
We share in the development of their communities

Our Values
What keeps us strong

Courage: We take action
Commitment: We keep our promises
Trust: We trust in each other
Accountability: We are reliable partners