Support Children
Children should grow up in loving families and develop to their fullest potential. We at SOS Children's Villages Laos work to support children and families who need help.
Family-Style Care
We help children who cannot be cared for by their parents have the opportunity to grow up in families with mothers, siblings, and community. We provide long-term care for children, offer educational opportunities, build life skills, and help them become contributing members of society. Additionally, we promote children's development of strong, loving relationships within their families and communities.
Family Strengthening Program
A child’s biological family is the best environment for their growth and development. Therefore, we encourage vulnerable families to stay together through our 'Family Strengthening Program,' which is tailored to the specific needs and realities of the local community. When a family breaks breakdown occurs and parents are unable to provide quality care for their children, we explore the most appropriate care alternatives for each child's individual needs. This final paragraph highlights the strategic partnerships and sustainability of the organization's work. In the NGO sector, "self-reliance" and "capacity building" are the standard professional terms for these concepts. We collaborate with the government and other relevant stakeholders to provide access to quality healthcare and basic education, empowering children and families to become self-reliant. We provide essential training to strengthen families, helping them generate income and improve the quality of care they provide for their children. In cases where children have been separated from their families, we provide them with protection. We actively support family reunification and assist families in overcoming psychological trauma to rebuild their lives. For children who are unable to return to their families of origin, we work closely with the local authorities to identify the most suitable alternative care options.
Girls' Empowerment Program
SGH is a program promoting education for young women from poor and disadvantaged families who may be at risk of dropping out of school and becoming victims of human trafficking. Through this program, these young women receive support to continue their studies at SOS Hermann Meiner School, receive life skills training and basic vocational training to increase their employment opportunities.
Youth Development Program
This program is a continuation of the SOS Children's Village model, adapted to meet youth needs. We provide opportunities for young men to experience independent living. The primary goal is to help and guide young men in preparing to enter society by providing them with higher education and real-life skills training.
Supporting Children's Rights
SOS Children's Villages works based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), UN Guidelines for Alternative Care of Children (UNGL), and UN Resolutions focusing on children without parental care. It is our priority to integrate these children's rights frameworks into alternative childcare services and promote children's rights in all areas of our work. We promote quality alternative childcare while supporting prevention of unnecessary family separation. We collaborate with government authorities and like-minded organizations to promote children's rights, especially the right to grow up in safe family environments that help children realize their full potential and become quality members of society.
Child Protection
We help children and youth understand their roles, rights, and responsibilities in stopping violence against children. Our programs have established child protection committees at national and local levels. Additionally, all staff must undergo training on children's rights work, child protection work, child protection policies, and investigation procedures. We also have monthly and annual reporting on various cases related to child protection. We have strong reporting and resolution mechanisms to handle cases involving child-related issues.
Promoting Education
SOS Children's Villages operates 6 kindergartens and 5 primary-secondary schools to provide quality education to our children and children from surrounding communities. All schools have well-trained staff and teachers who follow curricula established by the Ministry of Education and Sports.
