Esprit lays the foundation for SOS Children's Village in India
The foundation stone for the new SOS Children’s Village in the Indian village of Alibaug was officially laid with great celebration on 4.11.2008. This was made possible thanks to the commitment of Esprit, who completely finances the construction of this new Children’s Village.
Alibaug is located near Mumbai on India's west coast. Over 200 children and 150 adults from the area came to the laying of the foundation stone, turning the official event into a joyful children’s festival. Children brought their imaginations to life with colour in an art competition, followed by a magic show and dance performance that delighted both young and old. The highlight of the colourful event was the “bhoomi pujan”, the celebratory blessing by a Hindu priest.
Local politicians and Wolfram Hail, President of Esprit Asia Pacific, appeared equally thrilled by the happy children and the project and thanked all involved. “Today represents something very special for Esprit, as well as for me personally – Today, it is not just the physical foundation which has been laid for this SOS Children's Village, it is also the foundation for the future of many children and families. These children and families will find a home here in Alibaug, and with it, a perspective for their future,” said Heinz Krogner, Esprit Chairman and Group CEO.
Long-term partnership: Esprit and SOS Children’s Villages
Esprit has been involved as a cooperation partner with SOS Children’s Villages for many years now. This partnership was taken to a new level in 2008:
- The SOS Children’s Village in Alibaug will consist of 14 family houses. Over 140 orphaned and abandoned children will find a safe home in their new SOS family.
- The SOS Kindergarten will have enough space for 60 children from the SOS Village and the neighbouring community.
- The concept also includes a SOS Social Centre as the home of SOS family strengthening programmes. This will serve as a contact point for over 500 needy women and children from the surrounding area. Education and guidance will help girls and women in particular to travel life’s path with strength and confidence.
Esprit had also supported six further SOS family strengthening projects in the New Delhi area in 2008 and will continued the support in 2009 by co-financing the projects. S. Sandilya, President of SOS Children’s Villages of India offered his sincere thanks. “Children are our future and it is our responsibility to make it possible for them to live a better life. The kind and generous help from friends like Esprit isn’t just financial support – their firm belief in us gives us the strength to believe in our goals and create a loving environment for our children.“
The official opening of the SOS Children’s Village is planned for November 2010 when the first SOS families move in - and the occasion will naturally be marked by another celebration.
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