The Better of 2016
Many are labelling 2016 ‘the worst year yet.’ It was a year of political election results that shocked the world, the death of many notable global figures, and widespread armed conflicts and disasters that displaced millions.
Amidst the gloom in 2016, we have witnessed remarkable strength and resilience from children facing adversity and hardship. We have observed children’s dreams becoming reality, and seen proof of the hurdles that children can conquer when given the opportunity.
In the year since the Nepal earthquake that struck on 25 April 2015, SOS Children’s Villages has been on the ground providing humanitarian support for children and families in need. Thanks to the generosity of Canadians and the Government of Canada’s donation matching campaign, SOS Children’s Villages leveraged its resources and experience on the ground, to provide urgent help to families directly impacted by the disaster, and keep children safe.
Former SOS child, Mavis Chirandu made her childhood dream come true, representing Zimbabwe at the Rio Olympic Games.
Photo: @DUsabase Twitter account
20-year-old SOS Youth Ambassador, Divine Usabase, spoke for the voiceless children worldwide when she addressed UN dignitaries at the Youth Forum, on engaging youth in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
After being passed around from one family member to the next, 4-year-old Alex has found a loving home at the SOS Children’s Village in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
10-year-old Keren is challenging gender norms in Ethiopia. To counter retrogressive gender mind-sets early, the SOS Children’s Village formed a gender club in 2015, where children aged nine and above are taught to develop a healthy gender outlook. A year later, Keren is thriving in her role as a leader in the children’s parliament.
As we start a new year, we turn to the future and look forward to all that is to come in 2017.