The first village SOS Children Village Program Mekelle was established in 1974 to support children who lost their parental care, love and security as a result of the devastating war.  

Presently, the village gives care and protection to 172 children (88 male and 84 female) in SOS families and 90 young people (49 male and 41 female) in youth facilities. In each family, the children live with their brothers and sisters, affectionately cared for by their SOS mother. The village is comfortable and has enough space for the childrn to play, enjoy, etc. within the premises. The village has 19 families house and can accommodate up to 190 children.

The village provides what each individual child needs; get to know the needs of each child and work with them to foster an individual development plan. The village continue its support until the child is ready to become an independent adult. Furthermore, the village provides psychological support to children assumed of having problems of depression, sadness, despair etc as a result of their past experiences. Training on life skill is also given to children as well as young people.

When young people from the children’s village reach an age of 14-18 and feel ready to move out of the family home, the SOS Youth Program makes shared accommodation available to them while they complete their education or vocational training. With the support of qualified counselors, the young people learn to take responsibility, plan for their future and prepare for independent adult life.

Currently, under the Youth facility I, there are 29 young people (16 male and 13f female) aged 14-18, who started semi-independent life out of the village. These young people receive all the necessary support from the village. Similarly, under the Youth facility II there are 61 young people (33 male and 28 female) who joined universities, colleges or different training institutions as well as graduates in different disciplines. Under this program the young people get support until they start earning their own income and become self-reliant.

Over 600,000 people live in Mekelle, Ethiopia. Over 200,000 children are left vulnerable for various problems on a daily basis. Family is the heart of society. Within a family each child is protected and enjoys a sense of belonging. Here, children learn values, share responsibilities and form life-long relationships. A family environment gives them a solid foundation on which to build their lives.