“As the patron of the village I was delighted to see that the children have everything they need for learning and development,” Mrs Karis remarked. “The family-home model they have adopted here has certainly justified itself, because the youngsters are well looked after and very much loved. They are growing up just the same as most children lucky enough to be living with their biological parents.”
Mrs Karis added that everyone can do their part to improve young people’s mental health. “It is not only funding and counsellors that are needed, although there could be more of both,” she remarked. “People need to be more caring and more understanding of one another. And in that regard, as in many others, Estonia and Malta are very much on the same page.”
Margus Oro, the director of SOS Children’s Village Estonia, gave Mrs Karis and Mrs Vella an overview of the organisation’s activities. After meeting with the young residents and staff, the First Ladies then planted an apple tree in front of the family home.
SOS Children’s Village is an international charity which has been operating in Estonia since 1992. As a rule, the spouse of the incumbent head of state has been the patron of the charity since 1995. The role has previously been taken on by Helle Meri, Ingrid Rüütel, Evelin Ilves, Ieva Ilves and, in recent years, Kristi Kallas. Sirje Karis has been its patron since May this year.
Maltese president George Vella is on an official visit to Estonia, accompanied by his wife, to mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Estonia and Malta. Earlier today the spouses of the heads of state visited an exhibition showcasing the story of Estonian glass at the Estonian History Museum in Maarjamäe.
