Huancayo

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

Huancayo is located in the central highlands of Peru. One of the world’s highest train routes, the trans-Andean Ferrocarril Central Andino, connects Huancayo with Peru’s capital city of Lima. Huancayo is an important economic centre and many families move here in search of a better life. There are deprived districts in Huancayo where families live in crowded conditions without enough food. As a result, children and young people face many challenges, for example from chronic malnutrition and anaemia.

Since 2000, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Huancayo.

27%
Of the population in the region lives in poverty

Children living in poverty

Around 27% of the population of the region where Huancayo is located, are living in poverty. And 4% are living in extreme poverty. As many of these families struggle to make ends meet, children are often forced to drop out of school. They need to contribute to the family income by helping with farming and caring for the livestock. But there is more sinister child labour, where vulnerable children and young people are tricked into fake employment offers and end up in exploitative conditions such as commercial sexual exploitation.

50%
Of women suffer violence in Peru

Women suffer violence

According to national survey data, nearly 50% of women in Peru experience some form of violence. Violence can be emotional, physical or sexual. Around 1 in 10 women suffer sexual violence in Peru. Violence against women is the most widespread form of violence in the country. Older women, and those who are working, suffer more domestic violence. The level of education of the aggressor directly correlates with the level of violence.

Your support makes a difference for children in Huancayo

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.
90
Adults and children
Are supported in the community
500
Children
Could attend kindergartens
40
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
20
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Children and young people can do their learning at home. Having access to computers and the internet is crucial (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Peru).

How your support helps in Huancayo

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 and training
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.