Banda Aceh

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

Banda Aceh is the capital of the province of Aceh on the island of Sumatra. Around 250,000 people live in this city, which was one of the hardest hit during the 2004 tsunami. In fact, an estimated 60,000 people died as a result of the natural disaster in Banda Aceh.Although the city has been rebuilt, people in the region still face widespread poverty caused by the tsunami. Children are particularly affected by these difficult living conditions.In addition, girls suffer from the widespread practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Indonesia.

Since 2007, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Banda Aceh.

15%
Of people live below the poverty line

Children are vulnerable to poverty

Although Indonesia is the largest economy in Southeast Asia, there is growing inequality between rural and urban populations and between the different islands, which are divided into provinces. This can be seen in Aceh, where Banda Aceh is located. Here, 15% of the people live below the poverty line. This can be partly linked to the 2004 tsunami, which claimed the lives of 170,000 Indonesians and caused 150,000 children in Aceh to lose their parental care. These children are most endangered by human trafficking or forced labour. Although the city has been rebuilt and infrastructure restored, people are still struggling with the economic and psychological consequences of the tsunami.

49%
Of girls have undergone female genital mutilation

Female genital mutilation

Female genital mutilation (FGM), according to the World Health Organization, refers to “all procedures involving partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.” This practice is still widespread in Indonesia, where 49% of girls aged 0 to 14 years old have undergone FGM. In Aceh specifically, between 51% and 80% of girls have undergone this procedure. FGM can lead to immediate health risks, as well as a variety of long-term complications affecting women’s physical, mental and sexual health and well-being throughout the course of life.

Your support makes a difference for children in Banda Aceh

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.
550
Adults and children
Are supported in the community
30
Children
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
50
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
20
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Children walking to school together. Siblings grow up with each other, and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Indonesia).

How your support helps in Banda Aceh

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.