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Every young person dreams about independence. They want to study, find work, build relationships, and shape their own future. For many young people, this transition happens gradually with the support of family and community. However, some young people grow up without this safe nest. For them, the moment of leaving care becomes a decisive turning point.

At the beginning of this year, many people made quiet promises to themselves. Some wrote them down. Some kept them in mind. These goals often focus on personal growth, health, or success.

The SOS mothers are one of the most silent yet central figures in SOS Children’s Villages. They work in the background, without public attention, but with lifelong commitment. An Arab proverb explains this role clearly: “a mother is not only the one who gives birth, but the one who raises a child.”

For the Armenian Charitable Foundation SOS Children’s Villages, 2025 was marked by deep transformation, sustainable growth, and real impact in the lives of children. On the eve of the New Year, we would like to gratefully reflect on the results made possible through the trust and continued support of our SOS Friends.

The holiday season is often described as a universal time of warmth and celebration, yet it carries a special meaning for children. For children, the holidays are more than just dates on the calendar, especially those who experienced family loss or instability.... For them, holidays symbolize a time that can either soften emotional gaps or make them more visible. The power of this season lies not in material gifts but in emotional experiences.

Every successful life is built on a base on stability from childhood. Unfortunately, many Armenian children do not have this stability while growing up for many reasons; they may lose their family, live in poverty, which leads to a lack of mental support.

For children in Armenia who have lost parental care, the first and most effective step toward overcoming trauma is to place them in a family. The World Health Organization has designated October 10 as World Mental Health Day, a reminder that emotional well-being is just as important as physical safety.

Childhood shapes the foundation of who we become. Unfortunately, for many children, early life experiences are marked by pain and distress that can be carried with them into adulthood. Understanding what childhood trauma is, learning how to recognize the signs of childhood trauma, and addressing the long-term effects of childhood trauma are fundamental steps toward creating healthier futures for our kids and our society.

This booklet is published with the generous support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development BMZ