Sheena* lost her mother when she was very young. Soon after her mother passed away, her father left her too, never to return. Without parental care, and no immediate family to take care of her, Sheena had nowhere to go to. In Sheena* lost her mother when she was very young. Soon after her mother passed away, her father left her too, never to return. Without parental care, and no immediate family to take care of her, Sheena had nowhere to go to. In the year 2022, she was welcomed as part of a foster family under the Individual Foster Care programme of SOS Children’s Villages India. “It was such a tough time, and I felt so alone and lonely. Being a part of a foster family made me feel wanted and loved, once again.” Under the programme, the foster family receives a monthly allowance. Currently, Sheena is pursuing a Diploma in Computer Application. “I am the only girl in my batch, who has cleared all subjects in the third semester examination; now I am in the fourth semester, and super thrilled to have reached this far. I see meaning in life, and my dream of being a successful professional in my field is seeing form.”the year 2022, she was welcomed as part of a foster family under the Individual Foster Care programme of SOS Children’s Villages India. “It was such a tough time, and I felt so alone and lonely. Being a part of a foster family made me feel wanted and loved, once again.” Under the programme, the foster family receives a monthly allowance. Currently, Sheena is pursuing a Diploma in Computer Application. “I am the only girl in my batch, who has cleared all subjects in the third semester examination; now I am in the fourth semester, and super thrilled to have reached this far. I see meaning in life, and my dream of being a successful professional in my field is seeing form.”

Aruna is the paternal aunt of Bhanurekha*, who lost her parents during the pandemic. “When Bhanurekha lost her parents, I took her under my care, but I am also old, and dependent on my son’s earnings. Besides, I had to pay-off the loans my brother had taken, not to mention the exuberant medical costs that I had incurred for the treatment of my brother and sister-in-law,” says Aruna recalling those tough times. Bhanurekha went on to score 86% in her class XII exams, but struggled with college admission. When Aruna got to know about the Emergency Childcare programme of SOS Children’s Villages India, she approached the concerned field team. As initial support, grocery and hygiene kits were handed-over to the family. During programme enrolment, it was noticed that the death certificates of Bhanurekha’s parents were missing. The family was helped with the same, as these documents were needed for various processes. As the next measure, Bhanurekha was enrolled in one of the best colleges in Bangalore to pursue her BCom (Honours). “I can’t believe that I am studying in this college. When I think of the time I had lost my parents, it was like a dark curtain of uncertainty that fell over me. I am now feeling much better – content, calm and happy. My extended family and I are now in a much better place. We are now rebuilding our lives, together.”

Vijay lost parental care when he was five years old and was brought to SOS Children’s Village, Khajuri Kalan. He was a specially-abled child. After joining a normal school, Vijay was later on enrolled in a Job Development course that helped him develop job skills. He also got a job in a hotel. Apart from work, Vijay continues to pursue his passion for football and has won many football matches. In fact, the Olympic Selection Committee selected him for the World Summer Games 2015, held in Los Angeles, USA, where he played for his team as a Forward. He also represented the Special Olympics Bharat football team in the FIFA football tournament held in 2017, where he played as team captain; he and his team won the gold.

I was welcomed to SOS Children’s Villages India when I was just four years of age. Post my class XII, I did my graduation from Shri Ram College of Commerce, and then went on to clear my CAT. I then pursued my MBA, MPhil and PhD in Business Stats, topping the latter,” says 41-year-old Dr. Kamal Singh, who was brought up at CV Faridabad. Currently, Dr. Singh heads the School of Advertising, Public Relations and Event Management at the Asian Academy of Film and Television. He is also the founder of an NGO working for the cause of cancer patients. “My foundation is my way of giving back to society, and the cause lies very close to my heart. My NGO offers medical and counselling support to cancer patients, especially those, who hail from vulnerable backgrounds. Though my SOS Mother is no more, I always know she is with me, in spirit. During her last days, I tried to serve her as best as I could; the bond we share is beyond just this life. She may not have been my biological mother, but she was more than one to me.”

My husband doesn’t have a driving licence, but I have,” smiles Rani, who is the proud owner of an e-rickshaw. Recalling the pandemic period, she says: “It was a tough period for all, but more so for those, who didn’t have anything or very little. For me and my husband, it was just extremely challenging. We were both daily wage labourers, and it became impossible to support the family.” With the help of the Family Strengthening Programme, Rani was able to receive support to buy an e-rickshaw, which she and her husband drive. Says Rani’s husband: “When I don’t go out to put mehndi, I drive the rickshaw. Otherwise, it’s Rani at the wheel.” The pride in his voice is unmistakable. Rani’s children go to school, and she dreams of them becoming contributing members of society, someday. “The support I received extends beyond a single instance. I was inculcated in a self help group comprising of 16 members and we each managed to save INR 100 every month. I learnt the nuances of finances, accounting and child safeguarding, besides the importance of health and nutrition, hygiene and education.” Today, Rani and her family look forward to a bright future, one filled with dreams and aspirations.

I passed my higher secondary with 61% in the year 2020; I did realise that though I had tried really hard to score better, this percentage would make it difficult for me to seek admission in any mainline course. Besides, I needed something that gives me hands-on experience, so that I could apply what I learnt actively. I understood that acquiring a skill was important for me to secure productive employment and build my career,” says Sahil. Post his schooling, Sahil was welcomed in the Family Strengthening Programme (FSP), where he was counselled to pursue a one-year rapid learning course in Software with UI/Hardware & Networking/Financial Expert from Royal Infotech, Baguiati (which is a prominent VT institute with 100% placement record). Sahil completed his course in July 2022. During his course, he was selected by Godrej Waterside as Telemarketing Executive, drawing a monthly salary of INR 18,000. “The pressure was totally off me, so all I had to do was focus on my studies. I am constantly in touch with my SOS India family, which is what I call my group of mentors and peers. They are my support system, in so many ways.” In 2023, Sahil cracked another job interview with Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Hyderabad as an Executive – Front Office, at a monthly starting package of INR 43,000.