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Why we exist

1 in 10 children are at risk of being separated from their families, facing neglect, abuse or exploitation. 

The effects often last a lifetime, creating a harmful cycle that repeats from one generation to the next.

We exist to break this cycle and prevent it from happening in the first place.

We provide care, protection and support to help children and young people feel safe and loved. This means they can grow into strong, confident adults.

We are there for children every step of the way. From caring for children without parental care, and helping families to stay together, to guiding young adults toward self-reliance and protecting children in emergency situations.

By nurturing trust, confidence, and a sense of belonging, we empower children to find their voices and build brighter futures.

1 in 10 children

are separated from their families, abandoned,
neglected or forced to live in an abusive
environment.

450 million children

are living in conflict zones, and 43.3 million have been forcibly displaced from their homes.

One billion children

experience emotional, physical and/or sexual violence each year.

Our team

are separated from their families, abandoned,
neglected or forced to live in an abusive
environment.

1 in 10 children

are separated from their families, abandoned,
neglected or forced to live in an abusive
environment.

450 million children

are living in conflict zones, and 43.3 million have been forcibly displaced from their homes.

One billion children

experience emotional, physical and/or sexual violence each year.

Impact stories

Hear from the children, young people and families we support.

Care Reform

Why children’s care must change and what we are doing about it

Many children are separated from their families not because they are alone or unloved, but because their families are under...

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Advocating for Children, Providing Alternative Care

Two years on: Children evacuated from Gaza face renewed uncertainty 

As violence escalates across the Middle East, children who have already endured displacement and trauma are once again living through...

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Advocating for Children, Safeguarding

SOS Children’s Villages UK partner with Childlight Global Child Safety Institute

SOS Children’s Villages UK is partnering with the Childlight Global Child Safety Institute, an independent data institute working to end...

Read more
View more stories and updates

“My work with Nadiia is not yet over, but after four one-on-one sessions, her progress has been encouraging. Her mother shares that she now sleeps through the night and feels more rested in the mornings. She is calmer, more grounded, and more optimistic about her future.”

Natalia, Psychologist at SOS Children’s Villages Ukraine

Natalia supports a young girl who has been deeply affected by the war in Ukraine.

“In most of the southern part of the country when it gets flooded, there is saline water everywhere. Because people have lost their families, parents have lost their properties and lost their lands, they don’t have money to feed their children, they don’t have money for their education. So, they are forced to child labour. It’s estimated that 1.7 million children are under the child labour situation. Also, it is estimated that 60% of the girls are getting married under 18, the highest in Asia, and 22% below eleven years of age.” 

Dr Enamul Haque, National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Bangladesh

Commenting for World Environment Day on the impact of the climate crisis on children.

“We’re grateful that we’re able to care for these innocent children, who are not guilty of what is happening. Knowing that a majority of the victims of this war are children.””

Ali, SOS Children’s Villages Palestine

Ali reflects on their role caring for children impacted by the war in Gaza.

“I can finally say that I feel happy and I’m very grateful to be where I am in my life. Now my dream is for [my daughters] to use this business to get a head start in life and make sure they don’t have to live life empty-handed, suffering like I did.”

Wilma, a mother from Bolivia

After being widowed twice, Wilma was supported to open her own ice cream business.

“I wasn’t taught financial independence as a girl, but I’m determined to instil it in my daughters. Their futures are theirs to shape, and they’ll be equipped to navigate life’s challenges independently.”

Pranita, 32, a mother from Assam in India

After losing her husband suddenly, Pranita had to navigate social and gender norms to support her daughters.

“These children face very harsh realities and are regularly confronted with abuse, discrimination, and harassment. No child or young person chooses to live on the street. Through the open food and mobile health services as well as the provision of counselling, we are able to build trust. At our transition centres, we offer children and young people temporary shelter to protect them from harm and provide them with opportunities to regain a sense of normalcy in their lives.”

Michael Sintayehu, Project Coordinator, SOS Children’s Villages Dire Dawa, Ethiopia

Michael supports street connected children in Ethiopia though the Street Child Programme.

“It’s important to remember that the children of today will be the adults of tomorrow, so it has to be our priority to lessen the level of trauma that will have a direct impact on Haiti’s future.”

Faimy Loiseau, National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Haiti

Faimy Loiseau reflects on the impact of the ongoing violence in Haiti.

“When I witnessed my daughter using a computer at the centre for the first time, I couldn’t hold back my tears. It was unbelievable to see my child, born into our illiterate family, confidently working on a computer like wealthy and educated individuals. The moment overwhelmed me, and I couldn’t stop sobbing.”

Nazneen, a mother from India

Nazia, Nazneen’s daughter, learned how to use a computer through one of SOS Children’s Villages’ Digital Learning Centres in India.

“Salam is very smart and alert. She’s only three but she understands exactly what’s happening around her. When I first met her, I was trying to calm her down and reassure her that she’s safe now, and she said, ‘say whatever you want to say, but do not say you’re going to take me to my parents. I saw them dying in front of my eyes.’ I burst out crying.” 

Khaled, a psychologist from SOS Children’s Villages Palestine

Khaled is sharing the story of Salem, a three year old girl who lost her parents to bombing and has since been cared for by SOS Children’s Villages Palestine. 

“ They lost their houses, money, vehicles and all they saved in their lives. They’ve lost the little money they have renting houses in their areas of refuge. 


Families are not able to meet their basic needs of food, health services, clothing. They’re living under the stress of not being able to support their children. And all schools or colleges are closed. Access to health services and education for children and young people is really the greatest concern for me, as it is for most of the families.”

Abdelrahman Mubarak, National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Sudan

Mr Mubarak reflects on the impact of the ongoing conflict in Sudan which greatly impacts children.

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A child burying their head into their mother's shoulder, below her bright blue headscarf, while sitting in their living room in Somalia.

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