Kratie

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

Kratie is a small town situated on the Mekong River, northeast of the capital of Phnom Penh. Over half of the population lives in rural areas, surviving off subsistence farming or fishing. Although some improvements have been made in recent years, the northeastern provinces remain the most underdeveloped and over one third of its inhabitants live in poverty. Years of conflict has resulted in stressful social and economic conditions in Cambodia, which have a huge impact on family life. Many children are in need of support because they have lost parental care, or are at risk of losing it.

Since 2012, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Kratie.

32%
Of children under 5 are stunted

Malnourishment

Families do not always have enough food to stay healthy: around 32% of Cambodian children under 5 years of age suffer from stunting. Early childhood malnutrition has far-reaching consequences: if continuously underweight. When children are undernourished, they get sick easily from preventable illnesses that could be avoided by proper sanitation. Frequent illnesses means that children don’t go to school. The consequences of the COViD-19 pandemic on the country’s economy, as well as frequent flooding has increased food insecurity for families and has increased acute malnutrition among children.

50%
Of children have experienced violent punishment

Child protection

Child labour is an everyday reality for many children in Kratie. These children are at risk of exploitation and abuse, many are separated from their parents, and some end up as victims of human trafficking.In addition, more than half of all Cambodian children have experienced physical violence, including beating, emotional and sexual abuse. One in twenty children have been sexually assaulted according to UNICEF’s study on child protection.Children who lose the care of their parents are often cared for by the state. The majority of these children receive some schooling but not enough to help them break the cycle of poverty.

Your support makes a difference for children in Kratie

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.
230
Families
Can stay together
30
Children and young people
Learn at our kindergarten and school
80
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Education is very important for children’s development. We make sure children go to kindergarten and school, and receive further training as they get older (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Cambodia).

How your support helps in Kratie

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.
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.