Sponsor's update from Plagiari, Greece

Child sponsorship update from the SOS Children's Village Plagiari, Greece from Winter 2008.

We all felt a sweet melancholy about the end of another warm and relaxed summer time. The smile of the children, the moments of games and relaxation in the sea and under the shining sun made the residents of SOS Children’s Village in Plagiari have an unforgettable summer again.

On July, we welcomed three new children. The name of the first child is Anastasios, who is 9 years old. Now, he lives in the SOS Family of Christina and he became sympathetic to all of us by the first sight. The names of the other children are Konstantinos and Maria and they are biological brother and sister, Konstantinos 8 years old and Maria 6 years old have accepted the care and love of Mother SOS, Tania. The children are very lovely and they adapted to their new environment very soon.

Mother SOS, Vaso along with the two younger children of the Family spent their summer vacation in the beautiful island of Kefalonia. There, they accepted the warm and nice hospitality of a good friend of ours and especially the Family’s. The girls with their Mother and the nice company of their hostess visited different places of the island; they enjoyed the sea and the walks in the town.

Every summer the last few years, the older girls and boys with the escort of their educators spent a week of their summer time at a camping in Halkidiki. The pleasant temper of all the summer visitors did not stop to exist during of their stay.

Many known and organised Children’s Summer Camps of Northern Greece were kind enough to offer hospitality to the children of SOS Children’s Village in Plagiari. This summer kind initiative was great for us because the children had the opportunity to spend a few days in a pleasant way by the sea and with many activities.

The Greek Army is always next to us and supports us with their charitable work. This summer, like every summer, the whole Village spent its summer vacation from 6 to 19 August, at the Resort Centers of Ag.Triada which belong to the Greek Military Force. The kids with their SOS Mothers and Aunts enjoyed the sea and few days of relaxation during of their stay.

Children growing up at Plagiari, Greece

On August, one of the older kids of our small community participated in a Program of a Summer Camp, called “Change of Balkans Cultures”, which took place in Nimfaio town of Florina. This special and very precious experience gave to Maria the chance to meet children from other countries and learn some interesting information about their life and the differences of our traditions and culture.

On September 13, all the students returned to their schools to attend the next step of their studies. The most of them were very enthusiastic for the beginning of another school year.

On October 11, all the Families of SOS Children’s Village in Plagiari with the escort of their educators and the director went on an educational excursion to the archeological place of Pella and to the public baths of Pozar, which are located in the wider area of Aridea town. The nice and warm autumn day helped all the visitors took their bath and to be guided around the area. In the end of the day, they visited Pella with the invaluable archeological treasures.

The Municipality of Thessaloniki made us a very kind and great donation of theatrical tickets for the children of Primary Schools, due to the annual festival of “Dimitria 2008”. With this chance, the kids watched theatrical performances and enjoyed musical concerts.

Once again, we celebrated the national day of October 28 1940. All the students participated in the big parade, which took place in the Municipality of Mikra.

At this point, we would like to wish you Merry Christmas and a Happy New year full of Health, Joy and Love in our hearts. Thank you very much for your moral and financial support.

Yours Sincerely,

George Basdaris
Village Director