#Vantage Foundation #Portugal #Lisbon #SOS Children's Villages #Child Neglect

Vantage Foundation's Visit to SOS Children's Villages Portugal

On April 15, 2025, the Vantage Foundation made a significant visit to the SOS Children’s Village in Lisbon, Portugal, where the team engaged in discussions focused on combating child neglect. The delegation met with key representatives including Teresa Conceição, Corporate Fundraising Coordinator, and Emerson Marques, Brand and Communication Lead, to delve into the organization's 60-year commitment to safeguarding vulnerable children.

Child neglect is a critical issue that often goes unnoticed, affecting a child’s emotional well-being. In Portugal, a child grows up without necessary support every ten minutes, with neglect frequently perpetuating across generations. Unlike more visible forms of child maltreatment, neglect remains largely out of sight, resulting in prolonged trauma for those involved. SOS Children’s Village Portugal works diligently to disrupt this cycle through prevention, protection, and advocacy efforts, ensuring that no child is left behind.

As discussed during the visit, neglect is not merely a lack of care. It represents a gradual erosion of trust, leading to dire repercussions on mental health and overall development. Neglected children often encounter emotional issues and difficulties forming healthy relationships. Without intervention, the cycle of neglect continues, entrapping families for generations.

SOS Children’s Village directly addresses the root causes of neglect by empowering families through education, psychological support, and emergency relief. By tackling systemic issues early on, the organization endeavors to prevent family breakdown and diminish the need for external care. When separation from family becomes necessary, SOS Children’s Village ensures that children are provided with quality care in a nurturing environment, which includes keeping siblings together and tailoring care to individual needs. Their caregivers are also trained in trauma-informed practices to better support the children.

Furthermore, the organization advocates for stronger legal protections for young individuals exiting care, giving them a better chance at building independent lives. Emerson Marques stressed the importance of collaboration in ending neglect, stating, “Child neglect is a deep-rooted, invisible, and devastating issue. The quieter it is, the more dangerous it becomes. Spreading this message is crucial to break the cycle - we need more people who are aware, concerned, and willing to care.”

Steven Xie, Executive Director of the Vantage Foundation, remarked on the inspiring work being done by SOS Children’s Village Portugal, emphasizing, “It demonstrates what’s possible when we place children’s futures at the core of our actions and highlight the significance of collective effort. Neglect represents a silent crisis, but together, we can bring the issue to light and instigate real change.”

By confronting neglect head-on, the Vantage Foundation and SOS Children’s Villages aim to foster a world where every child grows up with love, respect, and security. This initiative aligns with the Vantage Foundation’s relentless commitment to empowering at-risk groups globally.

For more information about SOS Children’s Village Portugal, visit the official website. To learn more about the Vantage Foundation, explore their website.

Together, let us envision and work towards a future where no child endures the pain of neglect.