Juliaca

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

Juliaca is a city in southern Peru and the capital of San Roman Province. It’s a busy transit hub for tourists heading for the Andean Lake with Inca ruins nearby - Lake Titicaca. Juliaca is also the financial capital of the Puno region. But there is a darker side to the city: Juliaca is at the heart of the smuggling business. It’s estimated that 60% of Juliaca’s population are involved in the illegal smuggling of goods at the border.

Since 2009, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Juliaca.

50%
Of people in the region live in poverty

Children living in poverty

Around 50% of the population of the region where Juliaca is located are living in poverty. This refers not only to income poverty, but also to other aspects such as lack of access to basic services. The situation is particularly bad in rural areas where many children and young people are growing up without electricity or sanitation. Up to 70% of the population here has very basic, or even no, access to services. As many of these families struggle to make ends meet, children are often forced to drop out of school. They need to contribute to the family income by helping with farming and in the home.

59%
View violence against children as acceptable

Violence as an everyday experience

For many children and young people, violence is a part of life in Peru. Violence in the community, at school or at home. Although there are many attempts to raise awareness about the effects that violence has on children, violence at home is still frequent. This refers to physical or emotional punishments. As children get older and take on more responsibilities and chores around the home the violence tends to increase. More needs to be done to raise awareness, and parents need to be offered support, so that all children can grow up in a safe environment.

Your support makes a difference for children in Juliaca

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.
60
Adults and children
Are supported in the community
500
Children
Could attend kindergartens
40
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
15
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Children and young people can do their learning at home. Having access to computers and the internet is crucial (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Peru).

How your support helps in Juliaca

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 and training
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.