Shillong: SOS Children’s Village Shillong celebrated its 25th year of operations, marking a major milestone for the NGO that plays an integral role in the holistic development of vulnerable children and families in the region.
The Silver Jubilee celebration, which was held recently at the SOS Children’s Village Shillong campus near Umiam Lake, saw children, caregivers, community leaders, and dignitaries sharing ideas, gratitude, culture, and a shared vision for the road ahead.
Each of the 32 Children’s Villages spread across the country comprises of a community including an SOS Mother and siblings that surrounds parentless children and focuses on their holistic well-being. The idea is to provide a pillar of family-like care to every programme participant under the care of SOS India.
The event was graced by Paul Lyngdoh, Cabinet Minister, Government of Meghalaya, as the Chief Guest; Damanbait Lamare, MLA, as Guest of Honour; along with Sumanta Kar, CEO, SOS Children’s Villages India.
Paul Lyngdoh, Cabinet Minister, Government of Meghalaya, said, “It gives me immense pride and joy to join in celebrating the silver jubilee of SOS Children’s Village Shillong. This remarkable milestone stands as a testament to the commitment of SOS Children’s Villages India towards building strong foundations for vulnerable children, nurturing not just lives but futures.
Paul Lyngdoh added, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the SOS mothers, co-workers, and supporters who have made this journey possible. May the Children’s Village continue to inspire and illuminate the path for many more generations to come.”
Sumanta Kar, CEO, SOS India said, “Twenty-five years ago, SOS Children’s Village Shillong began with a promise to every child who had lost parental care or was at risk of losing it, that they would still have a home, a family, and a future filled with hope.”
Sumanta Kar added, “Today, as we mark this silver jubilee, we stand in awe of the lives nurtured, the bonds built, and the dreams made possible here. This is a celebration of love, resilience, and the enduring belief that every child deserves to grow up with dignity, security, and belonging.”
Since its inception in 1999 and the subsequent establishment of the Children’s Village in 2000, SOS Children’s Village Shillong has expanded its roots. Starting out with 5 SOS Mothers nurturing 40 children, it now supports 155 children across nine family homes and two youth homes.
It also supports 65 young adults through its Supervised Independent Living (SIL) programme which aims to provide a smooth transition towards being contributing members of society. 108 youth have attained self-reliance and are contributing members of the society.
Over the years, SOS Children’s Villages India has evolved in its interventions and extends support to the community in Shillong. Through its Family Strengthening Programme, 282 children are supported to ensure they remain in their biological families and to date, 523 families have attained self-reliance and are sustainable.
The Foster Care programme in collaboration with the Government of Meghalaya supports 51 children. The Kinship Care programme supports 25 children.
The achievement of the 25-year-milestone was marked with cultural celebrations comprising of traditional Khasi, Assamese, and Jhumur dances performed by the children and youth from SOS Children’s Villages Shillong, Guwahati, and Hojai.
This was followed by former SOS Mothers sharing their fond memories and experiences. The silver jubilee was also marked by the unveiling of a special souvenir booklet documenting the 25-year journey. The celebrations were drawn to a conclusion with a tree plantation drive.
