8%
Of girls were married before the age of 18
Children forced into marriage
India has one of the highest number of child marriages in the world. This means that 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 Kerala specifically, 8% of girls were married when they were children. The national target to end child marriages by 2030 will require a major push from the Government.
Children vulnerable in slums
Trichur is a fast-growing city in India, and the infrastructure has been unable to keep up with this development. The government is making an investment, to get rid of slums across the state of Kerala.
However, at present, there is a lack of affordable housing, adequate sanitation and safe drinking water. Often people who move to Trichur in search of a better life and job opportunities, end up in one of the 133 slums at the border of the city. Children are most vulnerable to the poverty in these slums, and to the lack of access to safe drinking water and inadequate sanitation.
Your support makes a difference for children in Trichur
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 in our care are having fun and reading together. SOS Children's Villages supports families in creating an environment where their children can develop and flourish (photo: SOS Children’s Villages India).
How your support helps in Trichur
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 to empower parents. 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.