San Vicente
SOS Children’s Villages supports individual children, young people and families so that they can thrive (photo: SOS Children’s Villages El Salvador).
In central El Salvador, San Vicente is home to roughly 53,000 inhabitants – 174,000 in the department of the same name. It is a volcanic, rural region where most people live off agriculture. Here, young people who cannot find farming work move to the cities, but urban unemployment continues to be a great problem. This lack of opportunities and support are some of the factors that can drive them to get recruited by a gang.
Since 2004, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in San Vicente.
19%
Of young people in rural areas are out of school
Children need to stay in school longer
In rural areas across the country, the percentage of young people who are not in school is more than two times higher than in urban regions. In the countryside, 19% of young people of lower secondary school age are not in school. For comparison, that number stands at 7% in the cities. Families need to be supported so that children and young people can stay in school as long as possible. Without access to further education, young people cannot develop the skills they need to improve their economic situation.
6%
Of the rural population has no safe drinking water
No safe drinking water sources
Around San Vicente, and in other rural regions of El Salvador, 6% of the population drinks unclean drinking water. That means their drinking water comes from an unprotected dug well, a spring or a tank. Sometimes it is simply surface water – coming from rivers, lakes, canals, or bottled water.Access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation are fundamental needs, and a safe water supply is key to ensuring health and economic benefits for everyone, especially children.
Your support makes a difference for children in San Vicente
SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
400
Families
Are supported so that they can stay together
70
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Having access to online learning and the internet is crucial for the education of children and young people (photo: SOS Children’s Villages El Salvador).
How your support helps in San Vicente
Strengthening families and communities
When parents face hardships, they can sometimes struggle to give children the care they need. SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities. Each family needs different support so that they can stay together. This support can include workshops on parenting and children’s rights. We also run training so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start their own businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to school.
Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.
