Puducherry

Children in our care in Fort Portal growing up together - the care and support of SOS Children’s Villages will help them flourish (SOS Children’s Villages India).

Puducherry is a city located by the sea in the union territory of the same name, in the South East of India. Around 250,000 people live in the city, which is mainly a tourist seaside resort, and the main economic activity is food processing and fishing. The region is very prone to cyclones and other natural disasters, and was devastated by the tsunami of 2004. Furthermore, inhabitants still live in poverty, which affects children the most, leaving them undernourished.

SOS Children’s Villages began supporting children and families in Puducherry in 2008.

50%
People in Puducherry depend on a ration card

Children vulnerable to poverty

The union territory of Puducherry has one of the lowest poverty rates of all the union territories in India, with just 1.72% of its population living in poverty. However, 50% of the population of Puducherry have a BPL (below poverty line) ration card. People can apply for this card when their income is below the poverty line limit. This shows that people in Puducherry do still need support, and children are especially vulnerable to poverty. To illustrate, one in every two school-going adolescents is malnourished in Puducherry.

3
Cyclones on average by the Indian coasts

Children vulnerable to disasters

The union territory of Puducherry is prone to natural disasters, with some of the most devastating ones in recent years being the tsunami of 2004, a cyclone in 2011, and the floods of 2015. Not only did these destroy lives, families, and houses; it also had a massive impact on the fishing sector and its infrastructure, leaving many people without any income. On average, 3 tropical cyclones make landfall in India each year, and the cases of natural disasters are only increasing, due to climate change. Children are most vulnerable to these disasters, often losing their homes and families.

Your support makes a difference for children in Puducherry

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.
380
Families
Can stay together
130
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
75
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Learning how to use laptops for school assignments. SOS Children’s Villages cooperates with education authorities, schools and community organizations. Together they ensure free and equitable access to quality education that equips children with values and skills (photo: SOS Children’s Villages India).

How your support helps in Puducherry

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 to empower parents. 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.