Most people think that children who live in orphanages don’t have any parents. Contrary to this belief, most children do have both parents or are single parented. Some of these children are given up for adoption or are abondoned because their parents are unable to provide an education, food, or a healthy environment for them to grow up in.
Studies have shown that poverty, not the absence of family, is the most common reason for placing children in orphanages. For example:
• Sri Lanka – Over 50% of children in orphanages were admitted due to poverty.
(Global Facts And Orphanages: http://handstohearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Global-Fact-Sheet-on-Orphanages_BetterCareNetwork.pdf)
Located in Piliyandadala, the SOS Village is an institution which provides an immense service to children who have been orphaned, abandoned and neglected. 
FAMILY BASED CARE:The children grow up in a secure home-like environment where there is a SOS mother who builds a relationship with every child entrusted to her care. This stand-in mother provides the security, love and stability a child requires. The mother nurtures, and guides their development while respecting each child’s background, cultural roots and religious practices.
FAMILY STRENGTHENING PROGRAMME: The Family Strengthening Programme is just that, it comes alongside poor families who are struggling to make ends meet and lends them a hand by providing education for the children, skill training for the parents, microfinance for livelihood etc.
SPONSOR EDUCATION FOR A CHILD: You can sponsor an education for a child by providing Rs. 1000 a month, or Rs. 12,000 for a year.
If you would you like to extend a hand to help aid a SOS Village project you can donate here.
(All images taken from their Facebook page)
