Child Sponsorship background from Vilnius, Lithuania

SOS Children's Village Vilnius

The SOS Children's Village Vilnius is located in green surroundings in Virsuliskes, a suburb of Vilnius about three kilometres north of the city centre of the Lithuanian capital. The Village was built according to the typical Baltic architectural style, and the colourfully painted wooden façades radiate an aura of serenity and warmth.

SOS Children's Village Vilnius consists of twelve family houses, houses for the SOS aunts (who support the SOS mothers and take care of the children when the mothers are on leave), and the village director, and an administration and service area. Additionally, a playground has been laid out. The family houses have a capacity for up to 84 children who have lost their parents or can not live with them for different reasons.

Other SOS Projects in Vilnius

The SOS Nursery comprises four group rooms, a multi-purpose room, a kitchen, a canteen, a room for medical treatment and a playground, and up to 100 children from the SOS Children's Village and from the neighbourhood, can be admitted.

To meet the needs of the increasing numbers of youngsters an SOS Youth Home was set up in Vilnius. Up to sixteen youngsters between the ages of sixteen and twenty stay there during their vocational training or further education and their youth leaders help them prepare for an independent life.

The Family Strengthening Programme offers access to essential services for children’s development (eg. educational, nutritional, health support, social skills) and supports families to protect and care for their children. The programme also aims at linking families with income generating activities and offers help to improve the parents’ parenting skills.

Background to Vilnius

Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania, and its largest city, with a population of 560,190 (850,324 together with Vilnius County). As of 2010 it is the seat of the Vilnius city municipality and of the Vilnius district municipality. It is also the capital of Vilnius County.