In the heart of Dhaka is an extraordinary sight—a community of fifteen houses, each housing a mother and her children. These mothers may not be the children's biological parents, but their love and care know no bounds.
Welcome to the SOS Children's Village, a non-profit organization that provides a safe haven for orphans and destitute children. With a rich history dating back to its inception in 1949, the international organization established its presence in Bangladesh in 1972 and operates six branches across the country today.
Shyamoli's SOS Children's Village encompasses three distinct neighbourhoods: "Dishari," "Sonali," and "Mamata."
Like any other devoted mother, the first task for these SOS mothers begins in the morning—sending their children off to school. As dawn breaks, the children wake up and go to SOS Hermann Gmeiner School.
Rokeya (pseudonym), one of the SOS mothers, shared her experience with the Dhaka Tribune, saying: "I have been here for 20 years. Every morning, I wake up and prepare lunch boxes for my children. After sending them to school, I start cooking for lunch, waiting for their return. Once they've eaten and refreshed themselves, they settle down to study with their private tutor. It may take some time for new children to adjust, but they adapt remarkably quickly."
Loneliness is a word that holds no meaning within this organization.
CourtesyRokeya added: "Here, they have many brothers and sisters. When new children join the organization, they assimilate swiftly. Many of my children have grown up and left. They have established their lives, some are even married and living elsewhere. I miss them dearly, but they still visit for various programs."
Anisur Rahman, the program director, highlighted: "Our children lead comfortable lives here, and our organization primarily relies on donations from European-based countries."
When asked about the background of these children, Anisur explained: "Many of them have lost their parents, while others come from Chhotamoni Nibash or are referred to us by the Department of Social Service. Our SOS mothers are here round the clock. Occasionally, some children are sent to visit their grandparents or close relatives. Additionally, we care for children when couples go through divorces, and neither party can care for them."
Apart from academics, SOS provides various co-curricular activities for children, including sports, music, and dance. These activities allow the children to express themselves and foster their holistic development.
During a chat with Ratul (pseudonym), a member of the SOS family, he shared: "I take the school bus every day and enjoy playing in the field during the afternoon, especially now during vacation time."
Rakib (pseudonym), another child, expressed his daily routine, saying: "We have private tutors who assist us with studies, and when they leave, I engage in sports. Afterwards, I watch television and sometimes enjoy cartoons on the computer."
As the children grow older, they can pursue higher education at the university. Anisur Rahman emphasized: "Our children can stay in our care until age 26, offering them a supportive environment for both education and various extracurricular pursuits."
Rokeya added: "We celebrate all festivals together—Eid, Christmas, Puja—and the children enthusiastically participate in these events. Furthermore, we embrace various cultural celebrations as a united community."
Recognizing the importance of mental well-being, the SOS authorities prioritize the emotional health of the children.
Hashina Parveen, the assistant director of the institution, explained: "Our children reside in an environment that significantly reduces the likelihood of developing mental health issues. We have personalized plans for each child, tailoring their education accordingly. Older children are introduced to family life earlier, while convincing those who join us at a very young age can be more challenging."
She stated: "The children find immense happiness with their mothers and siblings. We strive to meet the needs of their families, and if a child experiences any mental health challenges, we consult experts and provide appropriate treatment."
The SOS Children's Village is a testament to the power of compassion, transcending blood relations to create a loving and nurturing environment for needy children. Through education, support, and a range of activities, this remarkable organization fosters the growth and development of these children, offering them a chance at a brighter future filled with love, care, and opportunities for success.