Case studies: former child from Monrovia, Liberia

James, a former SOS child, remembers and shares his first impressions of being an SOS child...

I would like to thank you

James, 32 years old, has experienced several types of care in his early age, from orphanages, to foster care. But in SOS Children's Village Monrovia, something was "obviously different", as he would say it. Read about the first memories and impressions of one of the first children to join SOS Children's Village Monrovia, more than 25 years ago.

My name is James. I came to SOS Children's Village Monrovia in the early eighties along with some twenty-three other children. We were the first group, the 'pioneer group'.

At that time, I cannot say I expected much because it was about the third home I had been moved to, not counting the two families I had lived with.

My country, Liberia, had always had orphanages or homes for orphans, destitute and less fortunate children and it has always tried to provide in whatever way it could to the basic needs of these children. I'm grateful for its care and concern, but I'm also very grateful for 'transferring' me to SOS Children's Village Monrovia when it was necessary.

In Liberia, the social welfare ministry works very closely with SOS Children's Villages Liberia and refers children's cases to the organisation. Each case is then analyzed and verified, before any decision of admitting a child or a group of siblings in the village is taken.

In SOS Children's Village Monrovia, I experienced a different atmosphere almost immediately. Words like 'mother', 'brothers', 'sisters' and 'family' were new.

Our mother, Clara, first started with five children under her care. The size of the family was small, allowing her to genuinely care for each one of us. Nutrition was perfect, and I realised something was obviously different. I must admit that it was in SOS Children's Village Monrovia I felt really cared for, for the first time. The environment was relaxed and secured, and I knew that I had someone who really was concerned about me and loved me: my mother.

Today, I have a degree in business administration, a job as youth leader at the SOS Youth Facility in Monrovia, a wife and three children. I also have many brothers, sisters, and mothers that I can look up to for moral, emotional or psychological support.

I doubt whether my life would have been any better if it were not for SOS Children's Villages, its many sponsors, and diligent co-workers. I am very grateful and appreciative and I want to say 'thank you' because you gave me the life I could never have had.

SOS Children has been working in Liberia since 1981 when the first SOS Children's Village was opened at Matadi, a district of Monrovia. A second village at Juah Town was opened in 2000. Nearly 200 children have a loving home at these unique SOS Children's Villages while a further 15,000 are supported in the community.

You can provide a future for children like James by sponsoring a child in Liberia.