Sponsor's update from Ciudad Ojeda, Venezuela

Child sponsorship update from the SOS Children's Village Ciudad Ojeda,
Venezuela from Winter 2007.

Dear Sponsors:

Now that the most beautiful season of the year has arrived again, receive a fraternal greeting on behalf of all us here at SOS Children Village Ciudad Ojeda. We thank you for the continuous help you provide to us; as you know this enables our children and youngsters to have a happy and rewarding life. When 2007 comes to close, I’m proud to communicate the news and achievements of the year.

After 12 hard working months, we reached the maximum cover in the program which allows us to give a familiar upbringing to 99 children and youngsters. This year we welcomed 11 kids to the most pleasant of the environments. The children that already lived in the houses- together with the mothers- prepared each of the rooms that the new boys and girls will occupy. The house was clean and decorated with balloons, toys and treats for the newcomers. Moms baked delicious cakes and put new sheets on the beds. One group of children felt quite identified with their mothers and siblings and it was a great surprise for them to have such a warm reception. However, the other group was rather distant and shy; uncertainty and strangeness was drawn on their faces. The good thing was that they protected themselves among each other and it was actually a challenge for the mothers to start working with those kids and make them feel at home. Psychologist and other specialists also cooperated to make transition easier for those children. We are happy to tell you that currently they have adapted well and are happy sharing with the rest of the families.

In our last communication we informed you that one of the families had moved out from the Village. They live now in the community and the experience has been great so far! Interaction and integration with neighbors has also been very positive. This doesn’t mean that the family and kids had separated from the Village; on the contrary they keep close contact with their friends and other families at the Village and still participate in many of the events organised here.

We have 2 Youth Communities. The female one is home to 5 young girls, and 10 youthful boys live in the male Community. It was very rewarding to attend the graduation ceremony of one of the girls. Now she has started her university studies and as an encouraging deed her mother and youth assistant celebrated in a nice restaurant in Maracaibo. Concerning to the boys, some of them have permanent jobs, alternating work and studies. Last but not least, there are 6 youngsters living more independently; they have started to make their own way towards an autonomous life.

Growing up at Ciudad Ojeda, Venezuela

We are proud of the academic performance of most of the children and youngsters. Academic year 2006-2007 was simply outstanding! General point average for the boys and girls was 17 out 20 points, which is the highest mark in the Venezuelan academic system.

All children are provided with compulsory education; they go to school during mornings and in the afternoons they attend complimentary activities. I would like to stress the high level of participation of most of the children in recreational activities: 34 boys and girls develop their musical skills, 8 girls go to modeling and protocol classes, 2 boys play football and 1 baseball. 7 children take painting classes, 27 kids practice taekwondo- 10 of them have successfully changed their belt color. A group of 17 boys and girls take part in the Boy Scout Association and 7 kids joined the Fire Fighting Junior Squad. Hard work and efforts had paid off and both children and youngsters have received medals and trophies in many swimming and taekwondo championship at a regional level.

Amongst the work we do with youngsters, technical and work training is still the priority. Therefore, 20 youths from the Village and 15 from Youth Communities received vocational training in areas such as legal assistance ship, sales promotion, chef courses and others.

Late in August, families in the Village started to go out for a well deserved summer holiday. In total 7 families visited different cities around the beautiful sceneries we have here in Venezuela. Mountains, parks and beaches were of course the most popular choices.

Mothers keep on promoting from within their families, children’s participation in cultural and recreational activities (Carnival Party, Cultural events at school, presentations, etc). Values such as friendship, teamwork and companionship are continuously reinforced and greatly appreciated in most of the activities we organise at the Village.

Special attention was given to mothers and aunts through and Integral Caring Programme. Several workshops were dictated in assertive communication, time and planning management, sexual health for the little ones and bio-dance sessions. Mothers and aunts also enjoyed entertainment activities and get-togethers. Similarly, the first level of mother training was dictated at “SOS Mother Centre”. One of the training aunts from SOS Children Village Ciudad Ojeda took part in this activity, seizing all the information and best practices given. Later on at the annual mothers meeting, 8 certified mothers updated their knowledge in working with children and had the chance to introduce new practices and enjoy together.

Of course the Village is a scenario for boys' and girls' stories. This year, one young girl was protagonist of a dreamful night when she celebrated her 15th birthday. She danced the waltz with me and bopped to other happy tunes with her friends. She was wearing a beautiful dress and was the centre of attention among the happy crowd who stayed until late hours that night. Her mother, siblings and biological family were there to support her and rejoice in such a special moment in the life of this young lady.

Projects supporting children at Ciudad Ojeda, Venezuela

We are delighted to announce you the full refurbishment of most of the houses and common areas of the Village. By the end of 2007, we have brand new kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms. Green areas and park have also been renovated in order to offer kids and youngsters better spaces for recreation. We are very thankful to a few governmental and private organisations which have covered the expenses for these improvements.

“Los Chipilines Nursery School” keeps offering schooling services and has already started the academic year 2007-2008. Currently 180 children from the local community participate in their activities. The most relevant project in the last period of the year has been “classrooms schemes” which combine school reinforcement and working on several academic topics.

The SOS Social Centre caters for 360 children of the local community. Furthermore, Community Homes and Centres support less fortunate families in Ciudad Ojeda who live in extreme poverty. Among the most significant activities performed this year, families and co-workers celebrated Carnival, Child’s Day, familiar gatherings, etc. Cover figure will soon increase, when 3 new Community Centres start their operations.

Once again we extend our most sincere thanks for all the kind support you give both to our Village and the Family Strengthening Programs. On behalf of the Board of Directors, National Office, co-workers, mothers, aunts and most especially on behalf of all the children and youngsters; we wish you and your beloved ones a merry season and many blessing for allowing us to achieve our daily goals in tune with offering these kids a safe, fruitful and happy life! Merry Christmas and Happy Year 2008.

SOS ALDEAS INFANTILES VENEZUELA
Aldea Infantil SOS Ciudad Ojeda

José Luis Benavides M.
Director