Sucre

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

The capital of Bolivia and of the Chuquisaca Department, Sucre is home to 361,000 inhabitants. It’s located in the south-centre of country and lies at 2,810 metres above sea level, giving it a subtropical highland climate. The country’s educational and government centre, Sucre is known for its historical city centre and architectural heritage. But the living conditions of those based in the surrounding countryside are difficult, which leads to a flow of families moving to the city.

Since 1996, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Sucre.

73%
Of the local population is indigenous

Communities need support

In Chuquisaca, where Sucre is located, 73 per cent of the local population is indigenous. Whether they have stayed to live in their rural communities or moved to the cities, indigenous people have historically been among the most excluded demographic group throughout Latin America. There has been a strong trend towards the reaffirmation of indigenous identity and culture, but they remain marginalized in economic terms and continue to live in extreme poverty, often lacking access to basic social services.

6
Children per woman in rural areas

Children health is endangered

In Bolivia, many people in rural areas live in extreme poverty and has limited access to basic services such as health and education. This has resulted in high levels of illiteracy and poor health standards. For example, while the average birth rate across Bolivia is 3 births per woman, it can be as high as 6 births per woman in the rural areas. This illustrates how inequalities between rural and urban areas persist, and how access to education and professional reproductive health care services are vital for the women and children’s well-being and development.

Your support makes a difference for children in Sucre

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.
560
Adults and children
Are supported in the community
110
Families
Can stay together
50
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
30
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Children having fun together. Children spend a lot of time with each other, and they often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Bolivia).

How your support helps in Sucre

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.