In this edition of FORUM, we would like to present a few examples of metamorphoses within the framework of SOS Children’s Villages. We will also tell you about radical changes and new departures, and how we can support these processes as co-workers.
How can we support children so they are able to stand their ground in difficult situations, able to keep up the fight in the face of adversity? Romana Hinteregger explains the concept of resilience through a children’s book. Negris Ameerr Khan supplies us with a series of practical tips on how to support very young children in our work and how to boost their strength and vitality.
The transition from the safe haven of the SOS family to the youth facility is not an easy one. 20-year old Amela addresses new arrivals and tells them what they can expect and what to watch out for. Her speech was summarised by Katerina Ilievska.
Gabriele Brugger has embarked on new vocational horizons. When her seven children no longer needed her as much, she broadened the scope of her training.
Every new beginning is preceded by a separation. How to deal with grief and loss? How can we understand others, especially our children, in their sorrow? Karl Muller describes the different stages of grieving.
Elisabeth Ullmann enlightens us on the profession of SOS mother, charting its development and recognition and provides two examples of successful legal recognition, in Morocco and France. A report on business not quite as usual by Nermina Becirevic, who shares her experiences from the first meeting of SOS mothers in Bosnia Herzegovina.
Douglas Reed and Mir Shamsul Alam will show how urgently needed and important our work in the Family Strengthening Programmes is. Our help benefits the children and contributes towards making our vision come true: “Every child grows up in a family!”
Changes take time. Anyone working with people, especially those working with children, knows that. Often it takes a lot of patience before changes can be seen in all their splendour. We at FORUM hope that you all have a chance to experience such moments.