Visakhapatnam

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

Visakhapatnam is the largest city of the Andra Pradesh state, located in southeastern India. Around 2 million people live in this city, which is rapidly growing due to industries in the area. However, many people still suffer from poverty in the state, they are malnourished and living in slums. Children are most vulnerable to these living conditions, and to the consequences of HIV. Indeed, Andra Pradesh has one of the highest number of HIV cases in India.

Since 1995, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Visakhapatnam.

314,000
People live with HIV

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is still a major concern in India. An approximate 2. 5 million people live with HIV in the country, and more specifically 70,000 children. The Andra Pradesh, where Visakhapatnam is located, is the one of the states with the highest number of people living with HIV in the whole of India - 314,000 people to be precise. People with HIV/AIDS are often stigmatized and discriminated against. Especially children who lose parental care due to AIDS, can be confronted with stigmatization.

600,000
People live in poor housing in Visakhapatnam

Inadequate housing

Visakhapatnam is a rapidly growing city in India, but the infrastructure has been unable to keep up with this development. Often people who move to the city in search of a better life and job opportunities, end up in one of the approximate 700 slums on the border of the city, amongst 600,000 other vulnerable people. In these slums, there is a lack of adequate sanitation and safe drinking water. Children are most vulnerable to the poverty in these slums, lacking access to healthcare, education, and food. In fact, 29% of children in Andra Pradesh are underweight.

Your support makes a difference for children in Visakhapatnam

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.
390
Families
Can stay together
140
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
110
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Children have great fun at one of the game afternoons - children who grow up in our care form bonds that often last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages India).

How your support helps in Visakhapatnam

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.