Bharatpur

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

Bharatpur is a city in south-central Nepal. With a population of around 370,000, it is the fifth largest city in Nepal and the commercial centre of Chitwan district. Thanks to its location on a large river, the area is fertile, so most people in the region are involved in agriculture. As Bharatpur is growing rapidly, the city's infrastructure is coming under increasing pressure. Consequently, people live in slums where children in particular suffer from the harsh living conditions. In addition, many girls are still forced into child marriages.

Since 2003, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Bharatpur.

19%
Of girls are forced into marriage

Child marriage

Nepal has the 16th highest rate of child marriages in the world. This means that 40% of women in Nepal were married before the age of 18. Child marriage is a violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the emotional damage a child suffers from a forced union is profound. There is also an increased risk of child pregnancy and domestic violence. Specifically in Bagmati province, where Bharatpur is located, 19% of girls were married as children. The national target to end child marriage by 2030 requires a strong push from the government.

49%
Of the urban population lives in slums

Living in informal settlements

Bharatpur is one of the fastest growing cities in Nepal, but the infrastructure cannot keep up with its development. There is a lack of affordable housing, proper sanitation and clean drinking water. Often, people who move to Bharatpur in search of a better life and job opportunities end up living in slums on the outskirts of the city. Overall, 49% of people in Nepal live in slums. Children are particularly affected by poverty in the slums. Due to the lack of access to clean drinking water, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene, they are at high risk of contracting preventable diseases.

Your support makes a difference for children in Bharatpur

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.
550
Adults and children
Are supported in the community
700
Children
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
120
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
100
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Children coming home from school. They grow up with each other, and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Nepal).

How your support helps in Bharatpur

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 trainings so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to school.
Providing quality education
SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children and young people have access to high-quality education. We help them learn and develop in a safe and supportive environment. We train teachers on children’s rights and child-centered learning, so that each child can get the most out of their education. Young children spend time playing and learning at kindergarten. This prepares them for primary 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.