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Help support the children of the SOS Children's Village in Montego Bay

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Pride members, your support can make a difference for children in Montego Bay!

Children growing up without parental care are the most vulnerable children in the world and, today, one in ten children is at risk of growing up alone. By donating to MRI Software Foundation's fundraiser for SOS Children’s Villages Montego Bay, you are ensuring that children and young people in Jamaica without parental care—or who are at risk of losing it—grow up with the care, support and bonds they need to become their strongest selves.

Your generosity helps to provide children in Jamaica with family-like care, education, family strengthening and humanitarian response programs.

Active in Jamaica since 2011, SOS Children's Villages Montego Bay provides loving homes for 45 children. Additionally, the Montego Bay Village plays a critical role in the community and provides services, which include:

- Psychological support for parents and children;
- Provision of material goods such as food and clothing;
- Job-focused skills training for parents;
- Educational assistance for children.

We thank you for your support and for joining with us to help children throughout Jamaica!

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Children in Jamaica need your support

Children living with violence

Many Jamaican children and young people experience violence in their homes, schools and communities. Many Jamaican children live through psychological aggression and corporal punishment. Three out of 10 caregivers believe that physical punishment is a necessary part of discipline. These families need support so that they can live a life free of violence, and children are not vulnerable to further abuse.

Young people need opportunities to thrive

Adolescence is a time of many changes. As children turn into young people, they often experience strong and confusing feelings. In some cases, their mental health suffers. The most common mental health conditions are anxiety and depression. These can manifest into eating disorders, violence, drug and alcohol abuse and suicidal thoughts. In some cases, violence and aggression towards others are also common.

How your support helps in Montego Bay

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 health care. 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 labor 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.