25%
Of rural youth does not go to school
Children treated unequally
Access to education is a challenge in rural parts of Paraguay, where 25% of young people are out of school – for comparison, that number stands at 12% in urban areas. In Hohenau, many people only speak the indigenous language Guaraní at home – that means that if their children do not attend school, they can end up excluded from economic and political processes later in life. No matter what their family situation is, children and young people need support so that they can stay in school and be equipped with the skills that are necessary to fully participate in society.
43%
Of the population does not have access to health care
Children risk malnutrition
Health care in Paraguay is also a great concern – in fact, almost half of the population does not have access to it, and up to 33% of Paraguayans are using basic sanitation services that are shared with other households.
Poor sanitation is a major factor in spreading several tropical diseases and contributes to malnutrition. Better water, sanitation, and hygiene are needed for children to grow up healthy and to improve their chances as adults.
Your support makes a difference for children in Hohenau
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.
70
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Are supported on their way to independence
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Children enjoy spending afternoons painting colorful pictures. SOS Children's Villages supports families in providing their children with an environment in which they can develop and flourish (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Paraguay).
How your support helps in Hohenau
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 training so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start their own businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to 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. Some children live in foster families in neighbourhoods in the city, alongside local families. 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.