Hojai

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

Hojai is a city in the Assam state, located in the far Northeastern part of India. Around 40,000 people live in this city, which is known for its agarwood extraction and trade, used in incense and perfume. The population in the state is quite mixed, which causes clashes between different groups to happen frequently. Furthermore, the state of Assam is prone to floods, causing people to be displaced. Children are most at risk due to the consequences of violence and natural disasters.

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

250,000
People are displaced in Assam

Children vulnerable in ethnic conflicts

People in the state of Assam, where Hojai is located, are often victims of ethnic clashes, due to the very ethnically mixed population in the state. The conflicts often happen for religious reasons, land ownership disputes, and illegal immigration issues with Bangladeshis. Due to these conflicts, often families have to leave their homes and are displaced or become victims of violence. Around 250,000 people in the whole state are displaced due to these conflicts, and children are most vulnerable to the lack of security and a safe home.

40%
Of Assam’s land area is flood prone

Children vulnerable in floods

Assam state, where Hojai is located, is prone to natural disasters. Around 40% of Assam’s total land area as flood prone. In the last ten years, the region has been affected by heavy floods. Crops have been destroyed and people have been displaced, leaving them without a home, proper food or drinkable water. Due to climate change, the floods are only expected to worsen, and it already affects millions in the state. Children are most at risk to the consequences of these floods, having to survive in destruction those floods cause every single year.

Your support makes a difference for children in Hojai

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.
280
Families
Can stay together
160
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
100
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Young women attend a self-help course, where they learn about reproductive health and rights as well as communication skills (photo: SOS Children’s Villages India).

How your support helps in Hojai

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.
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.