Educational staff

The SOS mothers | Educational staff | Village administration

Photo: SOS Archives The SOS mother is directly supported in the area of child development by a number of village co-workers like youth leaders, educators, psychologists and social workers. Educational co-workers In an SOS Children's Village there is next to no time for boredom - this is the task of the educationalist. Leisure time becomes an exciting adventure in the course of which you can experience and learn a lot. For instance at painting and handicrafts workshops, music lessons, sports activities, excursions etc. Frequently, the children attend "private tuition" for problems at school. Together with the educationalist they can prepare themselves for a specific exam or once again work through certain topics. Another particular matter of concern to the educationalist is the individual care and the guidance of children in crisis situations. The tasks of educationalists in an SOS Children's Village are manifold. They guide and report the development of the children and the SOS family on a permanent basis. The educationalist is a reliable professional who supports and promotes the child in terms of his intellect and abilities. Another important task of the educationalists is to support the SOS mother in the upbringing of the children. The educationalist is an extra-familiar person to relate to for the children and, apart from the village director and the village director assistant (if these are male), embodies the important male part in the SOS Children's Village. Foto: K. González Psychological co-workers Besides the educational co-workers there are qualified psychological co-workers who help the children and youths in crisis situations. Comprehensive talks - also together with the SOS mother - help the children reappraise their traumas and experiences. The psychologists and psychotherapists guide the children and youths from the moment they are admitted to the SOS Children's Village until they become independent. This includes making a psychological diagnosis so as to obtain a picture of the children's personality in terms of their state of mind and talents. This enables the psychological co-workers to take specific therapeutic or educational measures. In crisis situations these co-workers provide psychotherapeutic support and guidance. The psychologists and psychotherapists are at the disposal of all co-workers who need advice in educational questions. Speech therapists provide specific help to children with retardation and disturbances in terms of language and speech development.