Coffee Cup Conversations, SOS Village
Posted: Thu 12 Nov 2015 7:14 am
As the festive season approaches and we begin making plans for celebrations and
partying, it's also the time of year when we reflect on the months gone by. What have we
achieved? What are our plans for the future? Whilst it's easy to get caught up in the commercialism
of Christmas and New Year we must not forget those less fortunate than us. A recent meeting with
two bright young women working at the SOS Children's Village in Lefkoşa reminded me that if we
have a safe and warm roof over our heads and are next to the ones we love then we are the lucky
ones. Şirin Damdelen and Beran Djemal spoke to me about this unique establishment located in
the heart of the capital of North Cyprus.
Both Şirin and Beran work hard to promote awareness for the village, and Beran in
particular is currently involved with national laws regarding children's rights. Beran is keen to point
out that the SOS Children's Village in North Cyprus works in collaboration with ther TRNC Ministry
of Labour and Social Security. Şirin explains to me that the SOS Children's Village in the TRNC is
part of an international group of villages located all around the world. The North Cyprus branch
was established in 1991 (officially opening its doors to the children in 1993), with the aim to provide
family-based care to children in need. The centre comprises of colourful and modern buildings that
are known as family houses. The house has a mother/aunt figure looking after a small number of
children in a comfortable and normal home environment. The complex also has an open air
amphitheatre, activity salon, playground and a kindergarten preschool.
In such a small and close-knit community like North Cyprus, I asked how the system
worked, how needy children were discovered and eventually placed in the village. Beran explains
that the social services are the ones who deal with any cases of child abuse or neglect. If a child is
orphaned and has no other immediate family members then they too are homed at the centre.
Siblings are kept together and the children are given support for as long as they need. In fact there
is a separate youth centre located in Girne that the children are gradually transferred to when they
reach the age of fifteen/sixteen.
Whilst it is common knowledge that SOS is assisted by the top people at its European
headquarters, Şirin tells me that after 2017 funds to the village will be cut and transferred to other,
more needy, causes. Thus the financial support provided by kindhearted local companies and
individuals is much appreciated. Members of the public can make one off or monthly donations via
direct debit into a bank account. Alternatively a child or a 'house' can be sponsored, which means
that the needs of a child or children will be covered for a year: including food, clothes, health and
education. Probably the easiest way to donate money is by making a monthly donation using an
mobile phone SMS subscription service where you can choose the amount of money (10, 20, 30 or
50TL) you want to give.
As I have already mentioned, the festive season is arriving and the kids living at the village
would be very happy to receive visitors baring gifts. Over the years caring citizens have collected
presents for the children and have even organised a visit from Father Christmas himself. I have
been told that seeing their faces light up is priceless. To find out more about the work being carried
out at SOS Children's Village log onto their website http://www.soscocukkoyu.org. Help them provide 'A
loving home for every child.'
partying, it's also the time of year when we reflect on the months gone by. What have we
achieved? What are our plans for the future? Whilst it's easy to get caught up in the commercialism
of Christmas and New Year we must not forget those less fortunate than us. A recent meeting with
two bright young women working at the SOS Children's Village in Lefkoşa reminded me that if we
have a safe and warm roof over our heads and are next to the ones we love then we are the lucky
ones. Şirin Damdelen and Beran Djemal spoke to me about this unique establishment located in
the heart of the capital of North Cyprus.
Both Şirin and Beran work hard to promote awareness for the village, and Beran in
particular is currently involved with national laws regarding children's rights. Beran is keen to point
out that the SOS Children's Village in North Cyprus works in collaboration with ther TRNC Ministry
of Labour and Social Security. Şirin explains to me that the SOS Children's Village in the TRNC is
part of an international group of villages located all around the world. The North Cyprus branch
was established in 1991 (officially opening its doors to the children in 1993), with the aim to provide
family-based care to children in need. The centre comprises of colourful and modern buildings that
are known as family houses. The house has a mother/aunt figure looking after a small number of
children in a comfortable and normal home environment. The complex also has an open air
amphitheatre, activity salon, playground and a kindergarten preschool.
In such a small and close-knit community like North Cyprus, I asked how the system
worked, how needy children were discovered and eventually placed in the village. Beran explains
that the social services are the ones who deal with any cases of child abuse or neglect. If a child is
orphaned and has no other immediate family members then they too are homed at the centre.
Siblings are kept together and the children are given support for as long as they need. In fact there
is a separate youth centre located in Girne that the children are gradually transferred to when they
reach the age of fifteen/sixteen.
Whilst it is common knowledge that SOS is assisted by the top people at its European
headquarters, Şirin tells me that after 2017 funds to the village will be cut and transferred to other,
more needy, causes. Thus the financial support provided by kindhearted local companies and
individuals is much appreciated. Members of the public can make one off or monthly donations via
direct debit into a bank account. Alternatively a child or a 'house' can be sponsored, which means
that the needs of a child or children will be covered for a year: including food, clothes, health and
education. Probably the easiest way to donate money is by making a monthly donation using an
mobile phone SMS subscription service where you can choose the amount of money (10, 20, 30 or
50TL) you want to give.
As I have already mentioned, the festive season is arriving and the kids living at the village
would be very happy to receive visitors baring gifts. Over the years caring citizens have collected
presents for the children and have even organised a visit from Father Christmas himself. I have
been told that seeing their faces light up is priceless. To find out more about the work being carried
out at SOS Children's Village log onto their website http://www.soscocukkoyu.org. Help them provide 'A
loving home for every child.'