Puerto Varas

SOS Children’s Villages supports individual children, young people and families so that they can thrive (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Chile).

Puerto Varas is a small town in the southern Chilean province of Llanquihue, in the Los Lagos Region. It is a popular tourist destination known for beautiful natural surroundings. The town is home to approximately 34,000 people and is an important region for agriculture. While Puerto Varas is generally a thriving city with the lowest unemployment rates in the region, poverty remains high with approximately 20% of residents affected.

Since 1984, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Puerto Varas.

20%
Of people live in poverty in Puerto Varas

Many families living in poverty

Around 20% of the people living in Puerto Varas are living in poverty. This is mostly due to the fact that one third of the population is self-employed and struggles to earn enough oncome. Those who are self-employed often work longer hours with no promise of earning more. Income inequality in Puerto Varas is one of the highest in the region. As parents have to work long hours, the often struggle to give the right care and attention to young children in the household.

4%
Of children cannot read or write in Puerto Varas

Children missing out on an education

Around 4% of children in Puerto Varas cannot read or write. This will affect their chances of a better future. As many families are self-employed and do not earn enough money, many children of these households are expected to find work to contribute. In most cases, they leave school. The school dropout rates are highest among young people between the ages of 14 and 18. As the region’s economy evolves, young people will need a solid education to find good jobs.

Your support makes a difference for children in Puerto Varas

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.
50
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
5
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Spending time together in the garden! Children and young people who grow up in our care often form bond that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Chile).

How your support helps in Puerto Varas

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 Village Puerto Varas. In Chile, children receive care according to their age and gender. In SOS Children’s Village Puerto Varas, some families are only for girls up to age 18 and others are only for boys up to age 18. However, the children share their daily lives as they play in the same playground and take part in activities in other common areas in the village. 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.
Supporting young people to become independent
To help young people become confident and independent, our local team works closely with each young person to develop a plan for their future. We support young people and also help them prepare for the labour market and increase their employment prospects. For example, young people can attend workshops and trainings run by SOS Children’s Villages. They also improve their skills through taking part in different projects with local mentors and businesses.