Flores

Country information

The decision to build an SOS Children's Village in the island of Flores was taken after the devastating earthquake of December 1992. Flores was once a Portuguese colony, and the majority of the population is Catholic. The climate is very hot and dry. The SOS Children's Village was opened in 1995. It is situated at the village of Waturia, 14 km west of the district capital of Maumere. As the island is frequently struck by earthquakes, the buildings of the SOS Children's Village have been equipped with special roof constructions, which are supposed to be earthquake-proof. In addition, the floors of the buildings have been raised so that they are safe in the event of a seaquake. There are twelve family houses and the Village Director's house. Vegetable gardens have been laid out for each family house in order to provide the families with fresh vegetables. Many fruit trees, such as mango, banana and tamarind, have been planted on the site of the SOS Children's Village. In 1997, the SOS Kindergarten was opened and a community house as well as staff quarters were completed. From September to November 1999, a group of one hundred children from the orphanage of the East Timorese capital of Dili were temporarily accommodated at the SOS Children's Village Flores.