Bangalore Village — Child Sponsorship Information

SOS Children's Village Bangalore

SOS Children's Village Bangalore was set up in the capital of the southern federal state of Karnataka. Construction started in 1988, and the first families moved into their new homes in 1989. Bangalore is known as the 'Garden City', but there is also a lot of industry in the suburbs.

The SOS Children's Village is located 16 km outside Bangalore on an eight-acre site. It consists of 16 family houses, staff accommodation, a multi-purpose hall and the necessary administration and service area.

Other SOS Projects in Bangalore

It has its own SOS Nursery, where up to 100 children can be taught in two group rooms. The nursery is attended by children from the local community and from the SOS Children's Village. There is a playground where the children can romp around and get some exercise. The large natural pond of the village, which contains many varieties of fish and other wildlife, is the delight of the children. At SOS Children's Village Bangalore, special importance is attached to the teaching of sports, music and traditional dancing.

In 1993, an SOS Youth Home was opened. Young people usually move from the SOS Children's Village to an SOS Youth Home when they start a vocational training course or go on to higher education. With the support of qualified youth workers, the young people develop realistic perspectives for their future, learn to shoulder responsibility and increasingly make their own decisions. They are encouraged to develop team spirit and build up contacts with relatives and friends, as well as with the relevant authorities and potential employers.

In 2003, SOS Children's Villages India launched its Family Strengthening Programmes in Bangalore. These programmes are intended to support families at risk of abandoning their children and to encourage families to stay together. SOS Children's Villages therefore works with local authorities and other service providers to support families and enable them to take good care of their children.

The Bangalore Family Strengthening Programme provides nutritional, educational and health support as well as vocational training, career counselling sessions and job placement support. Families are linked with existing self-help groups; if there is no group, a new one is formed. The programme also aims at raising awareness of hygiene and child rights and improving people's parenting skills.