In alignment with the global “This is What Family Means” campaign by SOS Children’s Villages International and in the lead-up to the Second World Summit for Social Development in 2025 , SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia marked the International Day of Families with a heartfelt two-day celebration focused on the transformative power of human connection.
Under the theme, “This is What Family Means to Me,” the campaign honoured the strength of nurturing relationships. As the core message reminds us: “Behind every thriving child is someone who made them feel safe, valued, and believed in.” These bonds, whether formed through birth, caregiving, or community are not only protective but foundational for children’s resilience and lifelong well-being.
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The celebration invited staff members to reflect on the relationships that have shaped their own lives. One participant wrote, “Family is the foundation for a nation,” emphasizing the role of strong family ties in building cohesive, resilient societies.
Throughout the campaign, staff members shared personal reflections on the meaning of family, posting their thoughts on a communal notice board. These expressions served as a powerful and lasting reminder that supportive family bonds, whether found at home or fostered through workplace relationships nurture the emotional security children and adults alike need to thrive.
On the second day, a symbolic thread-passing activity brought staff members together for a moment of collective reflection. As each person passed a colourful thread to the next, they shared a single word that captured what family meant to them. This simple yet meaningful gesture became a living metaphor: while a single thread may be fragile, woven together they formed a strong, supportive web symbolizing the resilience, unity, and strength found in human connection.
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SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia proudly joins the international call to place families, however they are formed at the heart of sustainable development. As the world prepares for the 2025 World Summit for Social Development, this celebration stands as a powerful reminder that strong families build strong societies.