SOS Children’s Villages Sri Lanka marked the 106th birth anniversary of its founder, Dr. Hermann Gmeiner, on June 23. All six SOS Children’s Villages across Sri Lanka hosted a series of community-focused events on this day, honouring Dr. Gmeiner’s contributions to child development and care.
Dr. Gmeiner, born in 1919, set up the first SOS Children’s Village in Austria in 1949. His initiative was driven by a commitment to provide family-like care for children who had lost parental care during World War II. This model, which emphasizes a loving home environment and other supporting operations, has since expanded to over 136 countries, including Sri Lanka.¬¬
Every year, care leavers, SOS mothers, children, and staff come together on this special day. This yearly gathering celebrates the lasting impact of the family-like care model, honouring the person who started it and gave hope and a home to many.
SOS Children’s Villages Sri Lanka National Director Divakar Ratnadurai said, “Dr. Gmeiner’s vision laid the foundation for a unique approach to child care that prioritises stability, love, and a sense of belonging. The commemorations served as an important opportunity to reflect on this enduring legacy and the profound impact it continues to have on countless children’s lives.”
The distributed celebrations across the Villages highlighted the organisation’s ongoing commitment to its core values of care and support for children, engaging local communities in the spirit of SOS Day.
