Bangpoo

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

Bangpoo is a suburb of Bangkok, the capital and most populous city of Thailand. Around 11 million people live in the city, which is also one of the most visited cities in the world with around 22 million tourists per year. However, despite and because of the booming tourism and economy, the city suffers from prevailing pollution, poverty and inequality. Millions of vehicles and the lack of proper waste disposal pollute the city, in which 20% of the people live in slums. Children growing up in Bangpoo are the most affected by these living conditions. They often struggle with health consequences and can hardly escape the cycle of poverty.

Since 1974, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Bangpoo.

10M
Vehicles in Bangkok

Children at risk due to pollution

Bangpoo suffers from air pollution. This is not only due to traffic, construction and factory emissions, but also the burning of waste. Bangkok is especially infamous for its traffic congestion. The city has around 10 million vehicles, which is 8 times as much as the existing roads can handle. Cars in Thailand are seen as a representation of affluence, so it is hard for people to give it up and opt instead for more sustainable options. Every single day, around 10,000 metric tons of waste is produced in Bangkok. On a yearly basis, only 19% is recycled. Children are especially vulnerable to the lack of waste management and air pollution, which has a negative effect on their health and living conditions.

20%
Of people live in poor housing

Poor infrastructure

Bangkok's infrastructure has not been able to keep up with the rapid economic development. People who move to Bangkok in search of a better life and job opportunities often live in one of the city's slums and lack access to electricity, water and health services. In fact, 20% of people in the city live in these poor conditions. Children are the most affected by the difficult living conditions in the slums and do not have access to adequate health care and education. For these reasons, it is often difficult for them to escape the vicious circle of poverty.

Your support makes a difference for children in Bangpoo

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.
30
Children
Learn at our schools and kindergartens
80
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
30
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Children playing a boardgame together. Siblings grow up with each other, and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Thailand).

How your support helps in Bangpoo

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.