Bulnes

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

Bulnes is a small agricultural city and commune in Ñuble Province in central Chile, with approximately 22,000 residents. Around 61% of its inhabitants reside in urban areas with the remaining in rural Bulnes. The region has extreme weather with warm summers and very cold winters. Most people live off agriculture and forestry, and are therefore vulnerable to any natural disasters. With 15% of the population living in poverty, children and young people from vulnerable families need support.

Since 1969, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Bulnes.

15%
Of people in Bulnes are living in poverty

Children living in poverty

In the Ñuble region, where Bulnes is located, nearly 15% of people are living in poverty. This makes it one of the regions with the highest poverty rates in Chile. The local government has been working to support vulnerable families by generating employment opportunities and improving public services. Children and young people from these families need further support so that they can stay in school or further training for as long as possible.

17%
Of Bulnes’ residents lost their homes in earthquake

Environmental disasters

In Bulnes, residents are vulnerable to environmental disasters. In 2010, Bulnes suffered from an earthquake with its epicentre just 34 km off the coast of the Ñuble Province. The 8.8 magnitude earthquake coupled with the resultant tsunami impacted over 17% of the population. Many lost their homes and livelihoods. In 2017, disaster struck again with an outbreak of forest fires. Many residents in Bulnes were injured and, once again, had their properties destroyed.

Your support makes a difference for children in Bulnes

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.
280
Children and adults
Are supported in the community
In Bulnes, we support families in the community. In this photo you can see the little gifts that the children made for mother’s day (photo: SOS Children’s Village Chile).

How your support helps in Bulnes

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 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.