Child Sponsorship Background from Davao, Philippines

SOS Children's Village Davao

SOS Children's Village Davao was officially opened in 1982. It is located near the main road which connects the city centre of Davao with the airport. It is approximately 10 minutes by car from the city centre. Davao is the largest city in the island of Mindanao.

SOS Children's Village Davao consists of family houses, the village director's house, an administration and service area, and a community house.

Other SOS Projects in Davao

In 1984, an SOS School was opened. The school is now operated by the "Holy Cross of Davao" organisation. Up to 900 pupils can be taught in its 24 classrooms.

In 1988, an SOS Youth Home for boys was opened. It comprises five houses, a dining room and a library. Older boys from the SOS Children's Village normally move to the SOS Youth Home when they start a vocational training course or go on to higher education.

With the support of qualified youth workers, they develop realistic perspectives for their future, learn to shoulder responsibility and increasingly make their own decisions. They are encouraged to develop team spirit and build up contacts with relatives and friends, as well as with the relevant authorities and potential employers

SOS Children's Villages also operates an SOS Social Centre, which includes a day-care centre and a room for medical treatment. Children of working mothers are taken care of and essential medical care is provided to the local community. There are four classrooms and some training workshops where basic skills are taught

In 2007, SOS Children's Villages launched its family strengthening programmes in Davao. These programmes are intended to support families at risk of abandoning their children and to encourage families to stay together. SOS Children's Villages therefore works with local authorities and other service providers to support families and enable them to take good care of their children.

Family strengthening programmes provide nutritional, educational and health support as well as vocational training, career counselling sessions and job placement support. Families are linked with existing self-help groups; if there is no group, a new one is formed. The programmes also aim at raising awareness of hygiene and child rights and improving people's parenting skills.

Background to Davao

Davao Region, is one of the regions of the Philippines, located on the southeastern portion of Mindanao. The region consists of four provinces, namely: Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, and Davao del Sur and it is part of the Davao Gulf (also known as the Silicone Gulf). The regional centre is Davao City.