In recognition of the enduring collaboration between the government and SOS Children’s Villages, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has announced the provision of land in Karachi, Khairpur and Jamshoro along with a financial commitment of Rs437 million for the development of educational infrastructure.
Officials said that during a special ceremony held at the CM House on Saturday to celebrate four decades of service provided by the SOS Children’s Villages in Sindh, Shah extended his congratulations and reiterated the provincial government’s steadfast support for the organisation’s mission to improve the lives of vulnerable children throughout the province.
As the CM was tied up with commitments somewhere else, his message was read by the local government minister, Saeed Ghani, who represented him at the event.
The ceremony drew a distinguished audience, including the SOS Children’s Villages International President Dr Dereje Wordofa, SOS Pakistan president-elect Shahid Hamid, SOS Sindh Chairman Javed Jabbar, SOS Sindh Secretary Naureen Hamid and Executive Assistant to the SOS International President Peter Safer, along with diplomats, business leaders, philanthropists, volunteers and children residing in the SOS Villages.
In his message, the CM praised the legacy and humanitarian ethos of the SOS model, which provided family-like care to children who lacked parental support. “The unique structure of SOS Children’s Villages, where a dedicated woman becomes the mother of eight to 10 children in a loving and secure home, restores the essential fabric of a family,” he said. “It is a profoundly compassionate response to one of life’s most painful realities.”
Shah praised the global leadership of the SOS International, headquartered in Austria, for successfully expanding the model to 132 countries over the past 75 years. Special recognition was given to Souriya Anwar, the visionary founder of SOS Children’s Villages in Pakistan, who laid the foundation of the movement in 1975.
The CM congratulated the SOS Children’s Villages Sindh for completing 40 years of impactful service, starting with establishing the first SOS Village in Karachi in 1985. “Since then, the organisation has expanded its presence to Jamshoro and Khairpur, positively transforming the lives of hundreds of children,” he said.
Highlighting the organisation’s achievements, he praised the establishment of the SOS Technical Training Institute in Landhi, which trained over 1,200 youth annually in 12 vocational disciplines. He also commended the affordable, quality education provided by the SOS schools and the organisation’s strong emphasis on preparing young adults for independent living through its Youth Homes.
Acknowledging the vital role of generous donors, dedicated staff and committed volunteers, the CM expressed gratitude for their continued support and tireless efforts in sustaining the mission. “The unwavering focus of SOS on the rights of children and its commitment to creating nurturing and empowering environments for children and their SOS mothers is particularly commendable,” he noted.
Underscoring the government’s longstanding partnership with the SOS, he highlighted the allocation of land in Karachi, Khairpur, and Jamshoro, along with financial support for educational infrastructure.
He also announced the Sindh government’s approval of a Rs437 million grant for Phase-I of a new SOS Village in Prem Nagar, Islamkot, Tharparkar. The land for this project was generously donated by the Vankwani family as part of their social welfare initiative.
“This will be the first SOS Village in Tharparkar and a beacon of hope for children in one of the most underserved regions,” the CM remarked. “It will provide care, education and opportunities to vulnerable children, offering them a brighter and more dignified future.”
Shah also mentioned complementary initiatives in the desert region, including the development of a modern NED University campus and projects in health care, solar energy, water supply and agriculture sectors.
He expressed his respect for all individuals and organisations involved in the SOS mission. “Your efforts are not just transforming lives; they are building a more compassionate, equitable, and hopeful society,” he said.
The CM’s message concluded with these words: “May we continue working together to ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, is given the love, opportunity, and dignity they deserve.”
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Wordofa expressed gratitude to the CM for organising the event and for continued support for the SOS Children’s Villages.
Highlighting the organisation’s presence in over 132 countries, the SOS Children’s Villages International president stated that the SOS not only provided shelter to children in need but also ensured their education and holistic development.
He thanked all the institutions and individuals who supported the SOS, calling their contributions vital to the continuation of this noble mission.
The event also featured the digital unveiling of the upcoming SOS Village in Prem Nagar, Tharparkar.
Earlier, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah met Dr Wordofa and conveyed him a special message from the chief minister that appreciated Dr Wordofa’s outstanding services and expressed his regret for being unable to attend the event in person.
In a gesture of cultural hospitality, Ghani presented Dr Wordofa with a traditional Ajrak and Sindhi topi on behalf of the CM as a token of respect and welcome.
Published in News Daily on 06-April-2025.
