Conflict poses a major threat
Rajpura is located in the Punjab state, a region which has had to cope with political unrest in the eighties and nineties. The conflict has caused tens of thousands of casualties, civilians and soldiers alike. Not only terrorism has been reported, but also corruption and police brutality. Children living in this region were extremely vulnerable to the violence. By the mid-nineties, the insurgency slowly came to an end.
However, violence still exists nowadays in Punjab. Indeed, 752 cases of child abuse were reported in recent years. Eradicating violence against children should be a priority.
14%
Of people live in slums in Punjab
Poor housing conditions
In Punjab, the state in which Rajpura is located, around 14% of people live in slums. Rajpura is a rapidly growing city, with a 10% population increase in 10 years. However, it does not have the infrastructure to keep up with this development.
Often people move to Rajpura in search of a better life and job opportunities, but many people end up in one of the slums in the city.
In these slums, there is an absence of affordable housing, adequate sanitation and safe drinking water. Children are most vulnerable to the poverty in these slums, lacking access to healthcare and education.
Your support makes a difference for children in Rajpura
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.
120
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Are supported on their way to independence
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Brothers and sisters sitting outside in the garden reading stories to each other. Children in our care form bonds that often last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children's Villages India).
How your support helps in Rajpura
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.