IMPACT

 

Everything we do is aimed at ensuring that children and young people without parental care or at risk of losing it grow up with the bonds they need to become their strongest selves. We work with children, young people and families in more than 130 countries and territories, tailoring our services to the unique needs of individuals and communities. We partner with governments, corporations, individuals and institutions to achieve the greatest possible impact. 

Our impact in 2024

We reached more than 7.7 million people worldwide.

137

countries and territories where we worked

4,177,500

people reached through family & community strengthening

2,268,600

people reached in humanitarian action

65,300

children & young people cared for in a range of care options

142,100

young people & adults in YouthCan! or other employment & entrepreneurship training

100

countries where we worked towards positive change in policy & practice

International Annual Report 2024

Learn how we calculate the numbers of people we reach.

In their words

Hodan carries the weight of providing for her five children and five grandchildren alone.

With support from SOS Children’s Villages, she was able to increase her income and bring stability to her family. 

Learn how we work to prevent child-family separation.

Prevention

 

After discovering puppetry during COVID-19 lockdowns, Malak uses her talent as a puppeteer not only to entertain but also to educate her peers on important topics such as mental health.

Learn how we work to ensure care and protection for children who cannot stay with their family.

Protection

At 10, Roberto was placed in care and separated from his siblings. In 2021, he joint SOS Children’s Villages in Belgium in its campaign for a law that would protect siblings’ right to stay together. The law was passed. 

Learn how we work to improve policy and practice for children and their families.

Advocacy

Measuring our long-term impact 

Our experience shows that when children can rely on safe and supportive relationships, they are less likely to experience psychological or social difficulties as adults. This enables them to build healthier relationships, contribute to their community and provide a nurturing environment for their own children, if they go on to become parents themselves. By supporting children and young people today, we help ensure a better future for generations to come. 

As we work alongside partners towards this goal, it is crucial that we measure the long-term impact of our efforts. In 2015, we developed a methodology to assess the social impact of our two core services, family-like care and family strengthening. Our 2024 publication 75 Years of Impact brings together data from our impact assessments to date. 

Read 75 Years of Impact

Our impact in the lives of individuals

Our impact assessments show that most of children and young people who left our care or whose family received our support in the past are doing well and are able to contribute to their communities.

Care and relationships

92% of former participants are doing well: they have strong family relationships with friends and family, are well cared for (if children), and (if adults) give good care to their own children, passing down the care they have received into the next generation

Enabling self-reliance through education and  employment

59% of former participants have received education and acquired skills, are succeeding in the job market and earn a decent living

Securing basic needs

72% of former participants are doing well in terms of accommodation, food security and health

Social and emotional well-being

82% of former participants are experiencing social and emotional well-being and are safe from discrimination and other harm

Our social return on investment

Our social impact assessments from 18 countries show that for every €1 invested into SOS Children’s Villages programmes, an average of €4.50 is returned to society in benefits.

Our contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals

We are committed to ensuring that our work contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the global goals for peace and prosperity adopted by the United Nations in 2015. Find out more about how we support the SDGs.

ABOUT US

WHERE WE HELP

WHAT WE DO