SOS Children, the world's largest orphan and abandoned children's charity. Our vision is "a loving home for every child" and we think our approach is the best for children and child sponsors alike. Child sponsors and donors worldwide provide a new family and home for more than 78,000 children in 518 unique Children's Villages in 125 countries. Our supporters also help a million children and their families through our programmes in the surrounding communities.

SOS Children Charity

"SOS Children - a charity where deeds speak louder than words" The Dalai Lama

Choosing a charity

When the Dalai Lama said that we were "a charity where deeds speak louder than words" doubtless he knew there are lots of ways to choose a particular charity (for example through which to sponsor a child). Some people choose charities based on the charity's presence giving opinions on the news, the charity's TV or newspaper adverts or the mail the charity sends. These people aren't wrong, but we are not that kind of charity; we build families not headlines. We get on with giving the least fortunate of children a chance of a proper family life. People find us and it is by our deeds that we think they should judge us.

Life in SOS Children's Villages Philippines: Harry's story

"My family was happy despite both of my parents suffering from blindness. Then one day my parents decided to separate. My sister Shelo and I lived with our father, and the Quirino Grandstand, where we sold cigarettes to make ends meet, became 'home' to us. A government agency referred us to SOS Children’s Village Manila, when I was 10 and my sister was 12. Nothing compares to my new home, I thought to myself, I have a bed of my own, so does my sister and we no longer have to sell cigarettes in order to feed ourselves. I also had brothers and sisters, and most importantly a mother who took care of us and loved us, although I did know that she was not my real mother. Of course I missed my father, but the village director, 'Papa Noel', was always there to hug, talk to and encourage us. Somehow the longing I felt for my father turned into joy - now I had two fathers.

"SwissAir sponsored our house, and one day we had a visitor. She was a former flight attendant and her husband was a pilot. She asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. Imagine her delight and surprise when I replied "a pilot”! Most of my brothers at the SOS Children's Village changed their ambitions on a daily basis. But not me! My determination to become a pilot became even stronger following an educational tour to Philippine Airlines. So at the age of 20, I graduated from college with a Bachelor of Science in Aircraft Maintenance. After being sponsored by SwissAir to obtain a licence to become a commercial pilot I enrolled on more flying courses at the Philippine Airlines flight school. That year, my dream became reality when I was selected second pilot officer for the Philippine Airlines.

"I’m now reaching even greater heights as I've been promoted to First Pilot Officer, flying domestic routes and to Asian countries. Not only that, I am now building up my own family. Together with my beloved wife, Misty, I know I can give my son and daughter a better future with our full dedication and unconditional love as parents. I have lots of memories from my home at SOS Children's Villages. I will never forget the people who helped to shape our characters and the benefactors who continuously supported our needs. Now that I am an adult and have successfully achieved my dreams, I can share my good fortune with my SOS family and be a positive role model for other children."

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Local Contact
SOS Children's Villages Philippines
Mindanao Drive, Ayala Alabang Vill.
P.O. Box 196,
Ayala Alabang
1799 Muntinlupa City
Philippines
Tel: +63/2/807 0764
Fax: +63/2/850 9654
e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.