Da Lat

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

The city of Da Lat is the capital of the Lam Dong province in southern Vietnam. The north of the province is very mountainous and around 70 per cent is covered in forests. The region scores lower than the national average in terms of life expectancy and literacy. Those living in rural or mountainous areas face particular hardships. Many people decide to leave the rural areas and find a better future in the cities. However, life in urban areas such as Da Lat is also fraught with difficulties.

Since 1969, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Da Lat.

170,000
Children are without care

Children are left without care

Children are the first victims of the harsh social and economic circumstances in Da Lat. Many children lose parental care for one of the following reasons: that one or both parents have died due to AIDS, that the parents have been affected by traffic or work-related accidents, or that parents have migrated to other regions or abroad. Currently, around 170,000 children are without parental care in Vietnam. Some of these children are left in the care of extended family members, but in many cases, the relatives are also unable to look after them. Children from rural areas often migrate to the cities on their own. When they arrive to cities like Da Lat, they are at risk of exploitation and abuse.

5.6%
Of children forced labour in a trafficking context

Human trafficking

Human trafficking is a problem in the region where Da Lat is located and internal trafficking is often linked to rural-urban migration. A 2020 study suggests that 5.6% of children in Vietnam experience forced labour related to trafficking or in the context of migration. Many are forced to work in the garment sector, gold mines, or are coerced into street hawking and begging in urban centres. Sex traffickers target many women and children from ethnic minorities from impoverished rural areas. Da Lat is reported to be a major destinations of trafficking where the majority are forced to work in commercial sexual exploitation or forced into domestic service.

Your support makes a difference for children in Da Lat

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.
1,030
Adults and children
Are supported in the community
1,460
Children and young people
Learn at our kindergarten and school
110
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
90
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Time to play! Children who grow up in our care often form bonds that will last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Vietnam).

How your support helps in Da Lat

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.