19%
Of girls are married as children
Children at risk of child marriage
India has the highest number of child marriages in the world. This means a harrowing 27% of women aged 20 to 24 were first married before 18. Child marriage is a violation of the universal declaration of human rights, and the emotional damage a child suffers from a forced union is profound. There is also an increased risk of child pregnancies and domestic violence.
In Haryana state specifically, where Greenfields is located, 19% of girls were married as a child. The government has a lot to do in order to meet its national target to end child marriages by 2030.
12%
Of people live in poor housing
Children living in poor housing
In Haryana, the state in which Greenfields is located, around 11% of people live in poverty. Greenfields, is growing rapidly but it does not have the infrastructure to keep up with this development.
Often people move to Faridabad in search of a better life and job opportunities, but many people end up in one of the slums in the city. In these slums, there is a lack of affordable housing, adequate sanitation and safe drinking water.
An estimated 12% of the city lives in slums, making it the city within Haryana with the most slums. Children are at risk due to the poverty in these slums, lacking access to healthcare and education.
Your support makes a difference for children in Greenfields
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.
160
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Are supported on their way to independence
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Children helping each other out in ICT class. We work hard to make sure that children stay at school for as long as possible (photo: SOS Children’s Villages India).
How your support helps in Greenfields
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. 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.