Mr Barbaros Canitez has been the National Director of SOS Children TRNC since November 2007 and told us more about his role:
 

What made you want to work for SOS Children?
As soon as I saw the advert, I had the feeling that I was the right person for the job. I care about children deeply and my work experience in education and psychological consultancy, coupled with a background in business and marketing management, made me realize hope I had the right skills.
 What does your day-to-day work entail?
Being a National Director means I am responsible for the management of the association, staff and for all the educational, financial and managerial aspects of our projects. It is my job to ensure the children’s happiness and to provide job satisfaction for all our employees.
 How does SOS Children's Villages Cyprus help orphaned and abandoned children?
The SOS Children's Village was built in Lefkosa (Nicosia) in 1993. Today, as well as the Village, we have an SOS Youth Facility, an SOS Nursery and an SOS Social Centre. In the beginning of 2007, SOS Children’s Villages started to operate a Family Strengthening Programme in Lefkosa, which enables children who are at risk of losing the care of their family to grow within a caring family environment. In our Village, we enable children to live with a familiy in a warm and safe house and encourage them to become active members of the social community. Their abilities, interests, talents are important to us. We provide them with an education and do our best to give them the life training they need in order to become independent adults. Today we have 12 family houses that currently care for 68 children.
 What are the main challenges faced by the children in your care?
Quality biological family care is the most valuable treasure for a child. We work hard for the children to give them the best care possible and just hope they never feel the difference. Our Family Strengthening Program is also very important in our strategy to keep children in their own biological family.
 You recently did a motorcycle ride to raise money for SOS Children, tell us more!
Mrs. Peggy Mc Alphine, a wonderful 102 year old supporter is a brave hearted lady who was my companion for a charity fundraising motorcycle ride for SOS. After the event she told me “Next time, be sure that ride FASTER & LONGER!” Thanks to Peggy we raised 2,200 Euros for SOS Children.
 Where does your funding come from?
We raise most of our funds through: child sponsorship, fundraising events such as dinners and concerts and charity campaigns. We also receive donations in kind such as meat, beds, mattresses and child’s clothes. Governmental subsidies only cover 11% of our running costs so we always need more fund to help us take care of the children!

soschildrensvillages.org.uk