Quilpué

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

The city of Quilpué is the capital of Marga in the Marga Province in central Chile, with a population of approximately 165,000 people. Quilpué has enjoyed significant growth and success from many social service programmes that have addressed poverty and educational attainment levels. While basic infrastructure has drastically improved with close to 90% of roads paved and a basic standard of housing infrastructure in place, more has to be done to improve gender inequality and children’s rights.

Since 1983, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Quilpué.

25%
Of the population lives in poverty in the region

Many families living in poverty

While Quilpué itself has relatively low levels of poverty at under 10%, in neighbouring communities about 25% of the population is living in poverty. Access to basic needs continues to be a struggle and basic infrastructure remains poor. A glaring discrepancy is growing between the regions with differences in healthcare provision and employment opportunities. Teenage pregnancies and malnourishment in children are also on the rise. This has resulted in increasing social problems in Quilpué.

72%
Crime rate in Quilpué

Increasing crime rates

Although the government has successfully introduced measures to reduce poverty, there is still a significant degree of income inequality and wealth distribution. While measures focused on reducing poverty are in place, there is still an unequal opportunity for employment. This has led to growing social problems such as an increasing crime rates, with the number of crimes and robberies in Quilpué currently amounting to 72%.

Your support makes a difference for children in Quilpué

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.
35
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
10
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Playing in the garden! Children and young people who grow up in our care often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Chile).

How your support helps in Quilpué

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. In Chile children are cared for according to age – those between the ages of 6-12 live together, as do those between the ages of 12-18. This means that the support, activities and care can be adapted according to their ages. Some families live integrated in the community, while others live in the village, and they all receive the same support from our team in Quilpué. 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.