19%
Of girls were married as children
Children at risk of child marriage
India has the highest number of child marriages in the world. This means a harrowing 27% of women aged 20 to 24 were first married before 18. Child marriage is a violation of the universal declaration of human rights, and the emotional damage a child suffers from a forced union is profound. There is also an increased risk of child pregnancies and domestic violence.
In Haryana state specifically, where Faridabad is located, 19% of girls were married as a child. The government has to work hard if it is to meet its target to end child marriage by 2030.
12%
Of people live in slums
Living in informal settlements
In Haryana, the state in which Faridabad is located, around 11% of people live below the poverty line. Although Faridabad is rapidly growing, the infrastructure has not kept up with this development. Often people move to Faridabad 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 a lack of affordable housing, adequate sanitation and safe drinking water. An estimated 12% of the city lives in slums, making it the city within Haryana with the most slums. Children are most vulnerable to the poverty in these slums, lacking access to healthcare and education.
Your support makes a different for children in Faridabad
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 kindergartens and schools
60
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Are supported on their way to independence
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Arjun and his caregiver drawing together. Children grow up together, and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages India).
How your support helps in Faridabad
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.