SOS Children's Village Drops 'Gmeiner' Name

SOS Children's Village International, the umbrella organization, is cutting jobs in its central administration, as reported by the 'Kurier' on Friday.

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2025 December 20 . 2:35 PM

1 min read

In this picture there is a building in the center of the image, on which there is a name board in... — In this picture there is a building in the center of the image, on which there is a name board in the image.

SOS Children's Village Drops 'Gmeiner' Name

SOS Children’s Villages International has announced it will remove its founder’s name from all facilities and programs. The decision follows credible allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct against Hermann Gmeiner. Alongside this move, the organisation revealed plans to cut around 30% of its central staff due to financial and political pressures.

An internal investigation uncovered serious misconduct by Gmeiner and other unnamed individuals. The organisation stated that stripping his name from buildings and initiatives aims to support survivors and prevent further harm. Future naming policies will avoid honouring individuals, opting instead for neutral, organisation-related terms.

The global secretariat, which currently employs 449 full-time staff, will shrink by nearly a third. In Austria alone, up to 35 of the 153 employees may lose their jobs. However, SOS Children’s Villages Austria, an independent branch, will remain unaffected by these cuts. SOS Children’s Villages International oversees over 100 national associations and multiple regional offices worldwide. The changes reflect broader efforts to reform governance and address past failures.

The removal of Gmeiner’s name marks a shift in how the organisation acknowledges its history. Staff reductions will reshape the central administration, though local branches like Austria’s will continue operating as before. The new policies aim to ensure accountability and prevent future harm.