Lembang

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

Lembang is a town located in West Java, north of the province capital city Bandung in Indonesia. Around 17,000 people live in this town, while Bandung itself has 2.5 million inhabitants. Bandung is a commercial, industrial, cultural and technological hub in Indonesia. However, this economic growth has put pressure on the larger metropolitan area and its infrastructure, with many people living in slums in Bandung. Children are especially vulnerable to these difficult living conditions. Girls are also more easily victim of the forced marriages still occurring in the province.

Since 1972, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Lembang.

15%
Of girls were married as children

Children are forced into marriage

In Indonesia, girls are still victim of child marriages. In fact, there are 1.2 million cases of child marriage in Indonesia. One in nine women aged 20-24 is married before she turns eighteen. 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, STDs and domestic violence. In the province of West Java specifically, where Lembang is located, between 10% and 15% of all women aged 20-24 were married before age 18. The national target to end child marriage by 2030 will require a major push from the government.

120,000
People live in slums in the city

Living in informal settlements

Bandung, the city right next to the town of Lembang, does not have the infrastructure to keep up with the rapid economic and demographic development. People move to Bandung in search of a better life and job opportunities, but they could end up in one of the slums in the city. More than 50% of Bandung’s districts sill contain slum areas, where there is a lack of affordable housing, adequate sanitation and safe drinking water. An estimated 120,000 people in the city live in slums. Children are most vulnerable to the poverty reigning in these slums, lacking access to healthcare and education.

Your support makes a difference for children in Lembang

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.
440
Adults and children
Are supported in the community
630
Children
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
80
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
30
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Children chatting together. Siblings grow up with each other, and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Indonesia).

How your support helps in Lembang

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
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.