December 15 2008

Sixth SOS Children's Village in Laos officially opened

15/12/2008 - The city of Savannakhet in southern Laos can boast an SOS Children's Village. The sixth SOS Children's Village in the country has been dedicated by Deputy Prime Minister of Laos, Dr. Thongloun Sisoulith on 10 December on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Photo: SOS Archives
Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Sisoulith (left) and President Kutin unveal the plaque at the opening ceremony Photo: SOS Archives

Amongst the many guests were the Minister of Labour Invalids and Social Affairs, the governor of the province, the ambassador of Luxembourg to Laos, officials from SOS Children's Villages Luxembourg, President Helmut Kutin and several representatives of SOS Children's Villages. Many local government officials, community leaders and people from the vicinity were present on the occasion.

SOS Children's Village Savannakhet is home to 83 children who are living in the care of 18 mothers. "It's a wonderful environment here and I am living with my siblings and my mother. I met the guests and I am really happy that they are visiting our home," said Chua, 12, who is growing in SOS Children's Village Savannakhet.

The SOS Children's Village was dedicated to the children of Laos in a ceremony which saw about 600 to 700 people in attendance. The children presented beautiful folk dances and balloons were all around. "We are really grateful to SOS Children's Villages that they came to Savannakhet to help the needy children of this region and I believe a child-friendly environment will be created," said a community leader.

Photo: SOS Archives
One of the SOS families from Savannakhet - Photo: SOS Archives

The children, mothers and co-workers have moved to the SOS Children's Village Savannakhet on the first day of March in 2008. "I like the lawn in front of my house where I have a lot of place to play," chuckles Sana playing with her doll.

"I like this flower the most. I brought this flower plant along with me when we came here and now it's on the full bloom," said Phua while showing the plants to one of the guests.

"At present we have ten families and the village community will grow further. All children are attending community schools and they are growing healthily," informed the director of SOS Children's Villages Laos, Soumata Dengchampa.

Photo: SOS Archives
Photo: SOS Archives
The SOS Children's Village is located nine kilometres from the city centre. It consists of 15 family houses, a kindergarten and a social centre. The foundation has been laid on 27 December 2006.

Savannakhet is the capital of Savannakhet province in the south of the country and has a population of about one million people. The second largest city in Laos is situated on the banks of the Mekong River.