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SOS villages provide children the opportunity to build lasting relationships within a family according to their own culture and religion, and help them to recognize and express their individual abilities, interests and talents.
Within the three SOS Children’s villages in Benin, we ensure that children in need receive the education and training they need to be successful and contributing members of society.
Our child care model is the long term child-care based upon four principles:
• The mother
The SOS mother builds a close relationship with every child entrusted to her, and provides the security, love and stability that each child needs.
• Brothers and sisters
Girls and boys of different ages grow up together in an SOS Children’s village family. Natural brothers and sisters are not separated.
• The house
The house is the family’s home, with its own unique feeling, rhythm and routine. Under its roof, children enjoy a real sense of security and belonging.
• The village
SOS families live together, forming a supportive village environment where children enjoy a happy childhood.
Children live in the SOS houses until the age of 14 for boys and 16 for girls if their mental development accompanies their physical development. Then, they acquire the status of SOS youth which allows them to move to SOS youth homes which are managed by SOS youth leaders.
The youth leader is responsible for supporting the development of youth and guiding them to independence. Youth leaders lead the child development planning process for youth living in the youth homes. The youth can rely on and turn to the youth leader for advice and understanding. When a youth is mature enough to live an independent life, he or she moves into an independent house hired by SOS under the support of the youth leader. As soon as the youth acquires the means of leading an independent life, he or she will become autonomous.
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