20-40%
Of children are stunted in Vietnam
Malnutrition
Although Vietnam has made impressive progress, many children in the northern mountainous region live in inappropriate housing, with no access to sanitation facilities or safe drinking water. Access to flush toilets is high only in urban districts.
In addition, many children are malnourished, and this makes them more vulnerable to illness. Rates of stunting for children under 5 range between 20-40% everywhere except the largest cities in Vietnam. When children become unwell, it is often hard for them to get affordable medical attention.
18%
Of the population lives in poverty
Disability, poverty and education
There continues to be a shortage of schools and well-trained teachers in Vietnam. According to experts, the educational system needs to be modernized, so that children are able to find jobs when they leave school.
In the northern mountainous area, where Thai Binh is located, around 18% of the population live in poverty. As a result, some children have to work, often in bad conditions and an increasing number end up living on the streets.
Moreover, only 66% of children currently aged 5-14 with disabilities from low income households attend school.
Your support makes a difference for children in Thai Binh
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.
Are supported in the community
Learn at our kindergarten
90
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Are supported on their way to independence
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Playing together! Children and young people in our care play and learn with each other, and thereby often develop bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Vietnam).
How your support helps in Thai Binh
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.