June Round Up

A month full of laughter and joy, June was choc a block with fun and action. While a combination of sports and yoga kept our little ones on their toes, the much awaited SOS Day celebrations took their happiness to a whole new level. Brimming with enthusiasm, June saw our Children’s Villages across India lit with colors and sparkling smiles of our children. Graced by the presence of our donors and witnessing them be a part of our happiness, the month was made doubly special for all of us at SOS India! Here are some highlights:

1. Felicitated with the Hermann Gmeiner Award, Dr. Muruga Sirigere has made SOS India overjoyed and proud!

Dr, Muruga Sirigere, a physician from India, along with Ms. Maria Anggelina, an activist against human trafficking from Indonesia, have been conferred with the prestigious Hermann Gmeiner Award for 2018. generic ambien cost at walmart. The award ceremony took place on 22nd June 2018 at the Hermann Gmeiner Academy in Innsbruck, Austria.

 

The Hermann Gmeiner Award recognizes inspiring young men and women from SOS Children’s Villages, who have gone on to become role models to many in their communities. Muruga was chosen from the eight finalists selected from 71 nominees from 30 countries.

2. SOS Day 2018 Celebrations

Commemorated on June 23rd every year, SOS Day marks the birth anniversary of Dr. Hermann Gmeiner, founder father of SOS Children’s Villages. To celebrate the joyous day, a cultural programme was organised in all 32 Children’s Villages across India, wherein children and co-workers participate together and indulge in activities like singing and dancing.

 

This year, the celebrations witnessed an active participation of beneficiaries from both FBC and FSP. In addition, existing donors visited eight of our Children’s Villages, where a plantation drive was carried out as a symbol of ties everlasting. They also spent time with children and mothers and even discussed about the career options they could opt for after graduating from school.

3. Because health comes first: International Yoga Day 2018

“It is health that is real wealth and not gold and silver.”- Mahatma Gandhi

Celebrated on June 21st every year, International Yoga Day was celebrated with utmost zeal in all SOS Children’s Villages across India. A special programme was organized for the chidren of both our programmes, namely Family Based Care (FBC) and Family Strengthening Programme (FSP).

 

While a large group of our children and youth indulged in performing yoga asanas for most part of the programme, the other half of the time was utilized with awareness sessions on the importance of fitness and good health in one’s life. The programme began at 6:00 am and was concluded by 7:30-8:00 am in most of the places.

4. Nurturing children and plants together with DHL!

Observed on June 5th every year, World Environment Day reminds us about the importance of preserving our environment. This year as part of our celebration, 60 employees from DHL, corporate partner of SOS India, volunteered by planting saplings with our children in Delhi, Kolkata, Jaipur, Pune, Chennai and Bengaluru.

 

Our children not only had a great time with them but also learnt about the need to conserve environment for a better and sustainable future.

5. When our sports sensations bring us laurels!

(a) SOS Children’s Village Begusarai: Our handball players won top positions at the District Handball Championship held at Kamruddinpur from May 27th-29th. While the boys’ team stood first in the under 14 and 19 category, the girls’ team lifted the runner-up trophy in the under 19 category.

 

(b) SOS Children’s Village Hyderabad: Our young volleyball players spent their summer holidays constructively by participating in a coaching camp sponsored by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) Community Centre, Hyderabad. The training was rewarding – our boys won the volleyball competition held among the various participating schools at the end of the camp.

 

SOS India is proud of your achievements!