5, 000
Children are gang members
Children recruited into gangs
According to a UNICEF study in Honduras, out of 25,000 gang members, 5,000 of them are children.
Violence and organised crime are major problems in Honduras. The level of crime in Choluteca is very high with aggressive violent crimes, assaults, and armed robbery.
Gang members have infiltrated every part of the community, even schools, ready to recruit vulnerable children to sell drugs or commit burglaries or other crime. Children and young people need to be protected and given good opportunities so that they can create their own lives free from violence.
16%
Of women experienced sexual violence as children
Women at risk of violence
Gils and women in Honduras are at risk of violence – violence which sometimes ends in their death. Around 161 woman is murdered every 23 hours
Women between 15 – 39 are most vulnerable to being either murdered by their current or ex-partner, raped or murdered. Women in Honduras are subjected to sexual and physical assaults with 15% of Hondurans experiencing physical violence after turning 15.
Honduras has one of the world’s highest rate of violent deaths among women. According to the most recent data from 2020, 278 women were murdered in the country.
Your support makes a difference for children in Choluteca
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.
20
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Are supported on their way to independence
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Children and young people go to kindergarten and school, and attend further training too (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Honduras).
How your support helps in Choluteca
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.
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.