Innovation

As a learning organization, we are always looking for new ways to address the root causes of family breakdown and to strengthen the individual development of children, young people and families.

“RAT AUF DRAHT”

In Austria, SOS Children’s Villages offers mental health support to children and youth via a 24-hour helpline. During periods of pandemic lockdown, there was a 30% increase in consultations, with trained counselors helping people to cope with heightened feeling of stress, isolation and depression. The team also expanded their written chat support to accommodate those struggling for privacy at home. Usage rose by 62%.

YOUTH POWER

This global project was developed in partnership with Ashoka and ChangemakerXchange and is supported by Deutsche Post DHL and Allianz. It offers a unique platform for young people to share their initiatives for positive change in their communities. In October, 18 youth-led initiatives were presented at the first virtual summit, where participants could learn from each other and access training, mentoring and funding.

 

DIGITAL CARE ASSISTANT

In several countries across Africa, a text-voice chat bot revolutionized learning opportunities for caregivers, helping them respond to COVID-19 challenges. "Rafiki" is an artificial intelligence-based virtual assistant that can be accessed from mobile devices, tablets and desktops. The bot helps to find solutions to questions about parenting, mental health, education and more, acting as a "mini encyclopaedia" on alternative care. It will be rolled out further in 2021.

 

LET'S TALK

In the Philippines, Ronalyn and Jeremy's youth-led initiative "Let's talk, be active and plant joy" aims to help young people dealing with anxiety and emotionally challenging situations through exercise, fun and urban farming.

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YOUTH-LED INITIATIVES SPARKED BY YOUTH POWER

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