70%
Fewer fish caught than previous years
Unsustainable fish farming
People in the fertile Mekong River Delta area (where Ca Mau is located) have traditionally lived off agriculture and rice farming, but increasingly economic activity revolves around fishing and acquafarming. Some groups, such as the Khmer ethnic minority and women, have been disadvantaged by this change in production.
There are some concerns about the long-term sustainability of this type of aquafarming, and how the loss of such income would affect the local population. In 2021, fishermen were reporting a 70% decrease in fish catch than previous years. On land, saltwater from rising sea levels poisons freshwater for farming rice, vegetables and fruit.
10%
Less average income in the region compared to nationally
Poverty
People living in the Mekong River Delta (where Ca Mau is located) are economically weaker than in the rest of the country. In 2020, the average Vietnamese person earned 10% more than people living in the Delta, and residents in Ca Mau had the lowest monthly income among the region.
When taking into account other factors such as access to sanitation, education and housing, the Mekong Delta has one of the highest child poverty rates in the country. Many children are forced to leave school and contribute to the household income.
Your support makes a difference for children in Ca Mau
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.
Are supported in the community
370
Children and young people
Learn at our kindergarten and school
100
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Are supported on their way to independence
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Reading for school! After school and during weekends and holidays, children spend a lot of time together (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Vietnam).
How your support helps in Ca Mau
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.