Mental Health Is Not A Luxury—It Is A Fundamental Right

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.

For SOS Children’s Villages Armenia, this day highlights a crucial truth: when children lose their families, they carry deep psychological scars, often linked to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The path to healing requires more than professional support: it begins with the warmth and stability of a loving family, where children can rebuild trust, recover emotionally, and grow in a safe environment. At SOS Armenia, we have witnessed this firsthand.

For example, Aram’s Story shows how family support helped him overcome early challenges, and it demonstrates how care and belonging within a healthy environment can positively shape a child’s future. By providing family-like care and supporting vulnerable families in staying together, our mission as SOS Children’s Villages Armenia is to directly contribute to reducing reliance on institutional care. These interventions are not only about keeping children safe—they are also essential for protecting children’s mental health. But we cannot do this alone.

Our mission is shared by donors, supporters, and partners in Armenia and abroad—including new friends in the United States. Together, we believe that protecting children today means building a better society tomorrow. A child who grows up mentally healthy, loved, and educated becomes a responsible and active citizen—strengthening families, communities, and nations. Join our family. Help us provide a home, care, and hope for as many children as possible. It is time to take action.