Siegwerk Continues Commitment with SOS Children’s Villages Worldwide

For 15 years, Siegwerk has partnered with SOS Children’s Villages worldwide. Siegwerk employees around the world are engaged in initiatives run by the children’s rights organization to support children and young people from vulnerable backgrounds to successfully manage the transition into independent life. This commitment will continue in the coming years.

The collaboration between Siegwerk and SOS Children’s Villages worldwide began in Mexico City in 2010, when the SOS Children’s Village on-site had to be completely rebuilt due to serious structural defects. Siegwerk financed the construction of a new building for eight children and their SOS mother.

This project marked the beginning of a long-standing partnership. Since then, every year, Siegwerk has supported projects run by the children’s rights organization in South America and Asia with an annual contribution of €100,000.

Additionally, employees from nearby Siegwerk sites contribute their expertise and time to selected projects, supporting young people in their personal and professional development by mentoring, training and teaching them relevant social and technical skills.

Following this mentoring approach, Siegwerk has partnered with the global employability initiative YouthCan!, run by SOS Children’s Villages worldwide, since 2018. This project empowers young people to transition to independent careers.

Local employees of Siegwerk are personally involved in supporting young adults through skills training and by acting as role models, trainers, and mentors. Joint workshops and events are regularly organized to promote the professional and personal development of youth participants.

Siegwerk volunteers share their knowledge and experience, while also providing young people with access to the working environment. Some young people have since become Siegwerk employees themselves. Between 2020 and 2024, Siegwerk and the local SOS Children’s Villages associations have implemented more than 150 projects and activities as part of YouthCan!.

“Social commitment is firmly anchored in Siegwerk’s corporate culture. We want to give back to the communities in which we operate,” said Dr. Nicolas Wiedmann, CEO at Siegwerk. “We are very proud that our employees have contributed their expertise and time for 15 years to help children and young people pave their way to a better, self-determined life. SOS Children’s Villages worldwide is a strong partner that makes this possible and does exceptional work.”

Siegwerk currently supports ongoing projects in Brazil, Guatemala, Mexico, the Philippines, and Thailand. In addition to promoting vocational qualifications, the goal is to also provide young people with the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes necessary for a sustainable and resource-efficient society and economy.

Siegwerk plans to continue its commitment in the coming years. As part of their long-standing partnership, Siegwerk and SOS Children’s Villages worldwide are developing a joint strategy. This ensures a needs-based approach, providing support where it is needed most. 

“Our 15-year partnership with Siegwerk demonstrates how sustainable corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies can bring about positive social change,” said Barbara Gruner, member of the Executive Board of SOS Children’s Villages worldwide. “Through the active engagement of its employees and global cooperation as part of the YouthCan! initiative, Siegwerk is setting standards for corporate engagement. This effective, long-lasting partnership serves as inspiration and a model for future-oriented corporate social responsibility.”