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Dear Dereje

It was a huge privilege to be part of SOS Children's Villages under your Presidency. You have been a captain that steered the Federation through rough seas while always taking into consideration our focus, care for children in need. You also duly considered the wishes of all different parties within the Federation. You always kept your cool also under very heavy pressure and ensured leadership adhered to their statutory duties.

You were truly the face of the Federation to the outside world as well of all of us in the Federation. Your warmth, passion and leadership will missed. Thanking you again for a last time and wishing you all the best!

Peter-Paul

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Dear Dereje,

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your leadership and dedication to our shared cause of ensuring that no child grows up alone. I have enjoyed the - sometimes quite intense - discussions in the International Senate, and I have clearly felt your ambition to always put the children first. It has been a privilege to work alongside you. Your vision, integrity, and compassion have left a lasting impression on me, and I wish you all the best in your next chapter. May it be filled with purpose, joy, and continued success.

With warmest regards,
Mette Thygesen
Board Member, SOS Children’s Villages Denmark
Member, International Senate

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Dear Dereje,

I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity of working with you.

You moral leadership, putting into practice what you preach, is inspirational and contagious. Your integrity and principled approach to the business of SOS CVI, always having the children and youth in mind, is an example I will cherish and - to the best of my abilities- will try to emulate.

Thank you for the professional respect, good conversations and travels we had the opportunity to share.

I am looking forward to learning what new adventures and 'good trouble' you will be getting into, on behalf of the most vulnerable among us.

My very best wishes, with enormous gratitude,

Rosana

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Dear Dereje, working with you and witnessing your dedication to the SOS mission has been an absolute privilege. Your unwavering commitment to providing care and support for children at risk or who have lost parental care is truly inspiring.

Through safeguarding, monetary or organisational challenges, you have navigated with calm wisdom, never losing focus on the children’s best interests. As you have often said, the number of children in need continues to grow, highlighting the importance of our efforts. Your strength and compassion give hope for a brighter future for all children.

Wishing you the very best,

Bea

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Dear Dereje,

Thank you very much for everything over the last 4 years. Thank you for your guidance and leadership through thick and thin, ups and down.

But moreover, thank you for all laughs, talks, happy moments and experiences we shared, like this football match in Pakistan.

Wishing you all the best for what's coming next, i hope we manage to stay in contact and i am already very curious to read your book if you write it :)

All the best, Peter

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Dear Dereje,

Thank you for your commitment, dedication and leadership. You have navigated the federation through some very difficult times. Thank you for not giving up and for keeping the children at the centre. Your passion for the mission always came through, and your legacy will be your respectful way of working. Thank you for that! Wishing you all the best for the path ahead.

Best regards,

Mary

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Dear Mr Dereje Wordofa,

Although your visit to Brazil was brief, it had a profound impact.

By visiting some of our services in São Paulo, talking to the SOS mothers, playing with children, interacting with adolescents, and listening to stories with an open heart, you strengthened dreams and reaffirmed purposes.

Your leadership inspires us to remain steadfast in our mission to protect children, young people, and families.

On behalf of the board of directors, all the employees of SOS Children's Villages in Brazil, we thank you for leading the Organization through challenging times with respect, empathy and belief in the power of transformation.

Wishing you all the best,

Alberto Guimarães

SOS Children´s Villages in Brazil

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President Dereje Wordofa during his virtual visit to MA Burundi in 2024

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Dear President Dereje Wordofa,

On behalf of the entire SOS Children's Villages in Burundi team, and most importantly, on behalf of the children, young people, and families whose lives we are privileged to touch, it is with a profound mix of deepest gratitude and heartfelt wishes that I address you as you conclude your distinguished career with SOS Children's Villages International. Your unwavering dedication to our organization and, specifically, to the children and young people of Burundi, has undeniably left an indelible mark.

We vividly recall your pivotal visit during the immensely challenging times of the 2015 crisis, when you served as International Director for ESAF. Your physical presence on the ground then, amidst such profound hardship, was a powerful testament to your unwavering commitment. It provided not just much-needed solidarity, but also genuine hope for our youth and colleagues, powerfully demonstrating that even in the most difficult circumstances, SOS Children's Villages stood firmly with us.

Your more recent virtual visit in 2024, now in your esteemed role as President, further underscored your consistent and compassionate care for Burundi. It was a true privilege to reconnect with you and share the progress we've made, knowing implicitly that your foundational support played a significant and enduring role in our resilience and recovery.

Throughout your remarkable journey, from your insightful regional leadership to your impactful tenure as President, your leadership, vision, and deep empathy have guided SOS Children's Villages through many critical moments. You have consistently championed the rights and well-being of children, especially those in vulnerable situations, and your transformative impact will resonate for years to come across the globe.

As you embark on this new and well-deserved chapter, please carry with you the sincere appreciation of the entire SOS Children's Villages in Burundi family. Your exemplary leadership, particularly your courage in moments of adversity, stands as a true beacon of hope for countless children and young people around the world.

Inspired by your legacy, we are more committed than ever to upholding the profound values of SOS Children's Villages International and to working tirelessly to build a brighter, more secure future for the young generation of Burundi.

We wish you all the very best, immense joy, and profound fulfillment in your future endeavors. We sincerely hope our paths may cross again.

With deepest respect and heartfelt thanks,

Pascal Bizimana

National Director

SOS Children's Villages in Burundi

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M. DEREJE honoré au forum des jeunes à Lomé, au Togo en 2022

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Cher M. DEREJE,

Vous avez inspiré confiance à notre organisation à un moment critique de son développement.  Vous avez su la conduire dans sa transformation. Et, maintenant qu’elle prend son nouvel élan, vous pouvez être fier des accomplissements.

Nous retenons de votre visite au Togo une profonde attention aux jeunes et une impulsion de la confiance en leur potentiel.

Bonne suite de carrière.

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M. DEREJE honoré au forum des jeunes à Lomé TOGO.JPG

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Dear Mr. Dereje Wordofa,

As you conclude your impactful tenure as the fourth President of SOS Children’s Villages, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to the rights and well-being of children and young people around the world.  You led with purpose, empathy, and a clear vision for a better future of the child!

May your path ahead be as inspiring and impactful as your time with SOS Children’s Villages. Thank you for everything you’ve done—for the children, for the communities, and for us all!

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Dear Dereje,

thank you for your engagement and contributions to the SOS Federation! Wishing you all the best for future endeavors,

with kind regards,

Nicola

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Dear Dereje, Thanks for your commitment. I wish you all the best for the time ahead.

Regards,

Ute Hennig

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Farewell Message to Dr Dereje Wordofa,

President, SOS Children’s Villages International

Dear Dr Dereje Wordofa,

On behalf of the entire SOS Children’s Villages Nepal family, I extend our heartfelt gratitude and warmest wishes as you conclude your remarkable tenure as President of SOS Children’s Villages International.

Your official visit to Nepal in March 2023 remains deeply etched in our collective memory. From your heartfelt interactions with children and caregivers in SOS Children’s Village Sanothimi, SOS Children’s Village Jorpati, and SOS Children’s Village Kavre, to your sincere engagement with national stakeholders—including the Rt. Honourable Prime Minister—you exemplified leadership grounded in empathy, vision and commitment to children’s rights.

We fondly remember your joy during the Holi celebration, your candid conversations with young people and care leavers and your gracious presence at the Ring of Honour ceremony that celebrated the dedication of our caregivers.

One of the most cherished moments was seeing you take to the football field, joining our children and young people for a friendly match. Your enthusiasm, laughter and team spirit reminded us that leadership also means sharing moments of joy, play and connection. That simple game reflected the powerful bonds we build through trust and presence.

Similarly, our admiration for Nepal’s rich culture and diversity during your visits to Boudhanath and Kathmandu Durbar Square reflected the humility and curiosity that define your leadership.

Throughout your presidency, your dedication to values-based leadership, good governance, and child-centred advocacy has been a guiding light across the federation. You have inspired us to see every child not just as a programme participants, but as an expert of their own life, deserving of a voice, dignity, and opportunity.

As you move forward, we sincerely hope you carry fond memories of your time with us. Your presence in Nepal was not just a visit—it was a profound reminder of our shared mission and the global solidarity that binds us. You leave behind a legacy of hope, courage, and transformation.

Wishing you continued success and fulfillment in all your future endeavours.

With deep respect and gratitude,

Dr Ganga B. Gurung

National Director

SOS Children’s Villages Nepal

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Dear Dereje,

In the name of SOS Brasil and myself, we wish you all the best on your future plans and new innitiatives! For me in particular, as a member of our Senate, it has been a very grateful experience to work close to you. Thank you for your visionary leadership and unwavering dedication over the past four years. Your impact on our SOS organization has been invaluable.

Pedro P. Campos

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Dear President Dereje,

Thank you for your outstanding leadership. You leave a legacy that will be remembered by the entire organization for years to come. It has been a genuine honor to serve alongside you.

Sincerely,

Gerald Mashishi,

MA Tanzania

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Dear President Dereje,

Thank you for visiting SOS Children’s Villages India soon after you assumed the role of President. Your visit has been very inspiring for our Mothers, children and co-workers. It was a pleasure to interact with you and to understand your thoughts and insights for the holistic development of children and youth across all our programmes.

Your wisdom and calm demeanor at a difficult time has guided our Federation, grounding it firmly in its purpose: to ensure every child grows up with the bonds they need to thrive.

You led with compassion and conviction, creating space for critical and bold transformation. Your leadership resonated beyond policy. It inspired trust, solidarity, and a deepened commitment to every child we serve.

Your legacy of people-centred leadership, justice, and hope will continue to guide the Federation. We wish you the best for all your future endeavors.

Best Regards

Sumanta Kar

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Dear Dereje,

Thank you so much for your warm and inspiring visit to SOS Children’s Villages Poland. It was truly a pleasure to have you with us and to show you our programmes here.

Your presence, openness and kind words meant a lot to our teams, children and young people. We’re grateful for the time you spent with us and for the positive energy you brought.

Sending our warmest greetings from Poland!

All the best,

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My Dear Brother Dereje,

It has been an honour to serve alongside you on the International Senate.

Thank you for the opportunity to contribute to a cause as vital as the well-being of children. You selected me as one of the President’s appointees (despite us having no prior relationship) - and I will always be grateful for your trust and confidence.

It has been inspiring to watch you steer SOSCV through such a monumental time in its history. Your calm, principled, and dignified leadership—even in the most turbulent moments—left an indelible mark, strengthening our faith in the mission for children, in SOS and in one another.

May your legacy be judged kindly, because it is richly, fully, and undeniably earned.

As C.S. Lewis said, “There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”

So, here’s to peace, fulfillment, and continued impact on the road ahead.

With deep respect and heartfelt thanks,

Aishah N. Ahmad, CFA, OFR

Nigeria

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Dear Mr. President Dereje,

On behalf of all orphans, abandoned children, and children in difficult circumstances who are being cared for, nurtured, and educated at SOS Children's Villages Vietnam, together with all officers, employees, SOS Mothers, SOS Aunts, and employees of the National Office of SOS Children's Villages Vietnam, we would like to express our deepest and most sincere thanks to you for your contributions, dedication, and great love for SOS Children's Villages International as well as SOS Children's Villages Vietnam.

Over the years, your responsible and correct leadership has helped SOS Children's Villages maintain its role as a loving home for every child, steadfast in the goal of No child growing up alone. For SOS Children's Villages Vietnam, we were extremely honored to welcome you to visit and share your love and support to maintain the activities of 17 local Villages in Vietnam.

It is the encouragement that has helped us to be steadfast on this humane yet extremely arduous journey.

Your journey with SOS Children's Villages may have ended, but your contributions will last forever. We wish you good health and success on the road ahead.

Sincerely and with love

SOS Children's Villages Vietnam

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Dear Dereje

Thank you for guiding the Federation through the polycrisis - internally and externally - during your presidency. With relentless effort, you tried everything to keep us focused on our core purpose. Your positive attitude, your dedication to bring everyone on board and your commitment to find solutions deserve our gratitude. I wish you every success and fulfilment in wherever your journey may take you.

Best wishes

Doris

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Dear Dereje,

As we bid you farewell, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the rights and dreams of children.

Your remarkable contribution to the ongoing transformation of our organization has laid a strong foundation for greater impact, not only here in Tanzania but across the globe. Through your tireless efforts, we have strengthened our voice and our mission, building stronger bridges with governments and communities on the mainland of Tanzania and the Zanzibar Isles to ensure that every child grows up with the care, protection, and opportunities they deserve.

Your readiness to foster meaningful partnerships and your dedication to championing children’s rights have left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire us all.

As you step into the next chapter, may your journey ahead be as impactful and purpose-driven as the leadership you have given. Thank you for being a true advocate for children everywhere.

With sincere appreciation and best wishes,

Asha Salim Ali,

National Director

SOS Children’s Villages in Tanzania

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Dear Dereje,

You took over the role of the President at a very momentous time.It was a tumultuous period which threw up enormous challenges.

But you faced and handled all of them with so much of maturity,grace and stoicism that I can’t help but deeply admire you.

You remained so calm and patient even when you were confronted with provocative situations.

Despite all this, you remained focused on the task at hand and ensured that everything was done to the best of your capabilities.

The fact that you were aware that you were not to return to the post did not deter you from giving your 100% to the job.

All this exposes you as a person of very high character and competence, something which is a rare commodity.

I consider it an honour to have worked in your team.

I wish you the very best in your future assignments. May you have health,harmony and prosperity in abundance 🙏.

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Dear Dereje,

Thank you for taking up the challenge to lead the federation through the past rough years. I would have wished that the changes you envisioned, especially returning to focus on our vision, mission and content discussions instead of on the internal politics, would have been embraced by more members of the federation.

I am wishing you all the best for the future and am sending you warm regards,

Trixi

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Dear Dereje,

I will always remember you as the most kid, wise and diplomatic person I have ever met. "It is nice to be important, but it is more important to be nice!" Stay true to that and continue to inspire the world with your kindness, calmness and wisdom!

Forever grateful,

Karlis

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Dear Dereje,
Working with you has been a true privilege. Your genuine care for every child and colleague have deeply inspired my team in Sri Lanka. I especially cherish the memories of your virtual visit to Sri Lanka, which brought us closer despite the distance and reinforced our shared commitment to the children’s well-being. Thank you for your support throughout the years. Wishing you all the best! Please find attached a wish video on behalf of SOS family in Sri Lanka.
Warm Regards,
Divakar Ratnadurai
National Director, SOS Children’s Villages Sri Lanka

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Dear President Dereje,

short and sweet: Thank you for everything in your various roles at SOS Children's Villages. You accomplished a lot, although it might not seem like that for you and you might not have got the credit for it. But you have created a positive atmosphere of change and leadership.

Best,

Thomas

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Dear President Dereje,

As you conclude your remarkable journey with SOS Children’s Villages, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude on behalf of SOS Children’s Villages Bangladesh for your visionary leadership and unwavering commitment.

Your tenure marked a period of deep transformation across the federation—most notably through the bold steps taken to reshape the General Secretariat (GSC) into a more agile, mission-driven, and locally empowered entity. This transformation has strengthened our collective capacity to serve children, families, and communities with greater impact and relevance.

In Bangladesh, we have particularly felt the positive ripple effects of your support for programme innovation. Your leadership encouraged us to rethink traditional models and embrace inclusive, community-based solutions that are both sustainable and scalable. From integrated family strengthening initiatives to digital inclusion and youth empowerment, your vision has helped us reach the most vulnerable with dignity and hope.

Thank you for your stewardship during challenging times and for keeping the rights and voices of children at the heart of every decision. We wish you continued success as you move on to new endeavors. May your next chapter be as impactful and inspiring as your legacy with SOS Children’s Villages.

With deep appreciation and best wishes,

Dr. Md. Enamul Haque

National Director, SOS Bangladesh

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Dear Dr. Wordofa,

On behalf of SOS Children’s Villages Pakistan, I would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation and warmest regards as you conclude your impactful tenure as President of KDI.

Your leadership has been a source of immense inspiration across the federation. The clarity of your vision and your steadfast commitment to strengthening child and youth care systems have significantly advanced our collective mission. Under your stewardship, we have made remarkable progress toward achieving our global strategic goals—progress that will have a lasting impact on the children, young people, and families we serve.

We in Pakistan were particularly honoured to welcome you during the celebrations of our 50th anniversary. Your visit to our projects was not only a moment of great pride for us but also a memorable gesture of solidarity and encouragement to our teams on the ground. Your presence reaffirmed the values that bind us and left an indelible impact on both our coworkers and our young people.

We wish you continued success and fulfilment. Your contributions to the federation will be remembered with great respect and admiration.

With warm regards and deep gratitude,
Saba Faisal
National Director
SOS Children’s Villages Pakistan

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Dear President Dereje,

As you conclude your journey with SOS Children’s Villages, I would like to sincerely thank you for your leadership, dedication, and vision in guiding our federation through a time of transformation and resilience.

Your commitment to the rights and wellbeing of children and young people without or at risk of losing parental care has inspired many of us. Under your leadership, the organization has continued to evolve to meet the complex challenges faced by our target group with courage and clarity.

On behalf of our team in SOS CV Laos, I wish you every success in your next chapter. May you continue to drive positive change wherever your path leads.

With deep appreciation and best wishes,
Sinnasone