This is to bring the news that Helmut Kutin, former President of SOS Children’s Villages International, passed away.
“I am constantly bothered by the comforting look towards tomorrow,
stating that children are our future. My concern is not about what
happens to children tomorrow, but about the present, the here and now!
More than most of us, children live in the present, they live and feel
every moment, and they have a right to a fulfilled present and a right to
help if this is denied to them.”
– Helmut Kutin
SOS Children’s Villages in Eswatini stands united with the global family of SOS Children’s Villages in mourning the loss of Mr. Helmut Kutin.
The International Senate acknowledges that Mr. Kutin’s personal and professional experiences were closely intertwined with the history and development of the SOS Children’s Villages International federation.
Helmut Kutin was born on 4 October 1941 in South Tyrol, Italy, and came to the world’s first SOS Children’s Village in Imst, Austria, in 1953 at the age of 12, following a family tragedy. In 1967, mandated by Hermann Gmeiner, who founded SOS Children’s Villages in 1949 along with a group of men and women passionate about youth work, he initiated the first SOS Children’s Village in Vietnam. From 1985-2012, he served as President of SOS Children’s Villages International. He was Honorary President between 2012 and 2023.
Helmut Kutin passed away at the age of 82 in the morning of 23 April (local time) in a hospital in Bangkok.
Mr. Helmut Kutin’s remarkable journey was demonstrated by his pioneering work in Asia. In 1967, he established SOS Children’s Villages in Vietnam and served as a village director during wartime. He later held positions as the Asian representative, Secretary General in the 1970s and 80s, and International President of our Federation from 1985 to 2012. He not only served as the president of SOS Children’s Villages International but also presided over the Austrian national association, Hermann Gmeiner Fund Germany eV (HGFD), and chaired various related organizations for decades. Under his leadership, SOS Children’s Villages experienced significant growth, expanding from 233 children’s villages in 85 countries in 1986 to 571 villages in 135 countries by the end of his presidency in 2012, with a substantial increase in affiliated member associations. The organization’s programs diversified to include kindergartens, schools, social and educational centres, as well as family strengthening and emergency humanitarian assistances. We thank him for his leadership, services, contributions, and personal sacrifices. Mr. Helmut Kutin’s influence and dedication garnered support from notable figures such as Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, Oscar Arias Sánchez, King Felipe of Spain, and several head of states or political leaders worldwide. He publicly engaged with grit, charisma, and gravitas to advance our vision and mission. As we reflect on his incredible achievements and impact on the lives of children and young people worldwide, let us move forward together to ensure that ‘no child grows up alone.’ Let this sad moment be a reflection on our collective past, its important lessons, guiding us towards a future that continuously advances and improves the mission of providing a safe and nurturing environment for children worldwide.
SOS CHILDREN’S VILLAGES IN ESWATINI TRIBUTE- by former National Director, Dudu Dlamini.
Losing a loved one is sadly an inevitable part of life. However, reflecting on and honoring their legacy can bring peace and comfort, in times of grief. Helmut Kutin, being a President of a globally renowned organization, lived as though he did not matter but the children he stood for. He spent his life focusing on the welfare and wellbeing of children, almost as if his own needs and interests did not exist. That is why in the words of many of our children, “he was and will always remain our hero.” Out of cultural or professional norms, many of us (his colleagues) would use “President” to address or refer to him. Something which he accepted modestly, but clearly did not read much into it as he preferred to be simply called “Helmut Kutin” by everyone.
Figure 1, former SOS President, visiting the SOS Children’s Village in Mbabane in 2010.
As all stakeholders of SOS Children’s Villages Eswatini reflect and honor the life and legacy of Helmut Kutin – our esteemed former President; I am reminded (as I think about his legacy) that he was not only a visionary leader but also a compassionate guide who inspired countless individuals in their dreams of caring for abandoned, abused and neglected children. I still vividly recall the day I first met Helmut….it was in Mbabane SOS Children’s Village on his first visit, and we were in the village staff meeting. I can boldly say that he saw potential in me that I didn’t know existed in me and believed in me when I doubted myself. Helmut Kutin’s unwavering support and encouragement shaped not only my career but also my outlook on life. It instilled in me the knack to look for positives even in gloomy situations, which in turn drove my ambition to make SOS Children’s Villages Eswatini successful for the benefit of our children. Helmut had an unusual and unwavering optimism which I greatly admired. In the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, he remained resilient; finding light in the darkest of moments and being a pillar of strength and source of encouragement to even to those of us who were indirectly under his leadership and mentorship.
Some of you here may have experienced the man’s legendary storytelling abilities. Whether recounting tales of triumph or adversity, Helmut was gifted in weaving words together to captivate minds, touch souls, and to truly make people think and feel. One of his stories that will be forever etched in my memory was of his visit to an SOS Children’s Village where he met triplets named Patience, Hope and Faith. Through this story, Helmut Kutin would creatively encourage his audience to be patient with changes within SOS Children’s Villages as well as with the work of the organization, to remain hopeful that everything is for the betterment of our care model and having faith that everything would come to pass as planned. As if his storytelling abilities were not enough to captivate audiences, he would further embellish his speeches with winks from his expressive eyes which was so thrilling to children – so much they would try to imitate. Helmut Kutin’s radiant smile and infectious laughter brought joy to those who were fortunate to meet or know him.
As we gather here to celebrate the life of our dear father, brother, friend, mentor, and leader; I am reminded of the village visits I had with him around the country, meeting children, mothers and other employees of the organization. With each child he met, Kutin would pull a balloon from his pocket, inflate it and tie it for the child. He did this tirelessly, to the amazement of all present, as close to a hundred children would get a balloon from his pockets. This activity was revealing of why he liked to wear a safari suit with ample pockets during his village tours. Helmut could remain in the kindergarten for over an hour, giving attention to each of the children as per their age groups. If this was not a demonstration of untrammeled patience and passion for children, then I do not know what else could be. Looking back, I see that through this activity, Helmut was teaching us that it is important to give utmost attention to every child. And indeed, in one of his talks, he is quoted to have said “One thing became clear to me during all my travels: the child’s greatest need is not belonging to anyone. The lack of education, food and clothing is easier for a child to endure than being alone, without a home, without belonging.” Reflecting on President Helmut Kutin’s visit to his village, one of our integrated youth – Samkelo Dlamini, says he recognized that Helmut Kutin was an expert in children when while walking around the village, he impromptu said “ A place living children can’t be this clean, it is really impossible”. Of course, those of us in management had emphasized that the village had to be squeaky clean. We wanted everything to be perfect for the Presidential visit and frankly speaking, I do not think anyone in our position would have not wanted this. Unfortunately, or not, the cleanliness or not of the village was not the thing that Helmut Kutin was more concerned about as can be seen from Samkelo’s reflection. All he wanted to see was a place where children could be children – carefree, belonging, and happy. And as we celebrate the life and legacy of this giant advocate for children’s rights; I want to beg each one of you here today to not get tired, but to remain steadfast in contributing your efforts, in whatever manner or shape, to ensure that “no child should grow up alone” in this beautiful Kingdom of Eswatini.
Helmut’s meetings with SOS Mothers were also memorable moments that I would be doing an injustice not to mention in this tribute. President Helmut Kutin would go into the mothers’ spaces and have conversations with them over tea, including enjoyment of spontaneous sing-alongs with them. With every interaction with the mothers, he made them feel valued and appreciated for their contribution to the organizational mission. Kutin would assure mothers of his support and urge them to go an extra mile in helping children to achieve their dreams. His interactions did not only end with the children and mothers as his influence permeated through all staff of the organization – from the gardener and janitor to the social worker and program director. A retired Mbabane village secretary, Anti Nonhlanhla Thabede, had this to say about Helmut Kutin: “He made me proud of my work of manning the office reception and assured me of the organization’s support to my wellbeing as a staff member, stating that this was crucial for the wellness and happiness of the children.” In the boardroom, he would fit in like a usual member of the board and/ or management team he was visiting. He provided clear direction on how the organization should be managed, displayed a good understanding of local strategic plans, and acted as a quick mediator when members of management or the board were deadlocked. Anti Buyaphi Mahlalela, who rose through the ranks in the organization to become Program Director and even acted as National Director says of Helmut Kutin: “I have learnt from him what it means to be sold out for children and damn, he was not afraid to recommend to management that he felt would propel the organization towards realizing its vision.” Despite being the President of SOS Children’s Villages International, Mr. Kutin was surprisingly open to criticism and willing to listen to anyone towards ensuring that “No child grows alone”
As we bid farewell to His Excellency President Helmut Kutin, let us remember the memories he gave us and continue the traditions we started with him. As we say goodbye to Helmut Kutin, let us carry forward the lessons he imparted and values he embodied. Though he may no longer walk beside us, his legacy of inspiration and empowerment will live on in the lives he touched to inspire the next generation. His spirit will live forever. And indeed, although the tree has fallen, those of us who remain, along with thousands yet to come, will continue to bask in its shade. MAY HIS SOUL REST IN ETERNAL PEACE.
“I have known him as Herman Gmeiner because that was the face I could wrap my head around and say this is the man that gave me a home. He came to our village 3 times when I was a young boy and gave me a balloon. The second time he came I was from Ghana. He gave Banele Mdluli a balloon and I did not get one because I had not performed well. He told me he would like to visit again and when he does, I better deserve to get one.
The third time he came he requested to see me and gave me this balloon because I was a qualified pilot at that time and said its significance is a reminder to always do better. That’s why I kept it all this time.” -former SOS beneficiary.
In the wake of Mr. Helmut Kutin’s passing, we wish to acknowledge his profound impact on the lives of vulnerable children, youth, and families, as well as in the care movement. Mr. Kutin dedicated over four decades of his life to leading a force for good globally. Under his guidance, and with the unwavering support of leaders, staff, volunteers, and partners, the movement experienced unprecedented growth. His dedication, vision, and solid commitment have left an indelible mark, as evidenced by the numerous messages, anecdotes, and condolences received from around the world. These messages came not only from leaders of member associations but also from current and former staff, as well as participants who have been in the care of SOS Children’s Villages. We extend our gratitude to all. Reflecting on Mr. Helmut Kutin’s positive contributions and achievements is amplifying SOS Children’s Villages work and impact. It offers us an opportunity to examine his profound contributions to collective achievements. Importantly, we can renew our commitment to improving the way we deliver our range of care services and advocate for our target group. To this virtual event, we wholeheartedly invite former leaders who closely collaborated with him to share their memories. This opportunity will set us on a path towards reconciliation, strengthening our movement and guiding us to learn from our past while encouraging a stronger, more optimistic, and resilient future. Let us unite to acknowledge our collective past, where Mr. Kutin played a pivotal role. May this moment inspire us to refocus our efforts on building a stronger federation with the goal that no child should grow up alone, as we have promised to serve.
