Ho Chi Minh

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

With an estimated 9 million inhabitants, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam, and it is one of the most densely populated. The city plays an important role in the Vietnamese economy. Although the city is one of the richest in the country, there is a growing wealth disparity. Life here is very harsh for the many families who continue to live below the poverty line. People who are most likely face economic hardship include those with low levels of education or few skills, those who are ill or have a disability, families with many children, and those who have recently moved to the city.

Since 1999, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Ho Chi Minh.

2.7%
Annual growth leads to informal settlements

Informal settlements

Rapid urbanization of Ho Chi Minh City is partly due to people migrating there from rural areas. The city has seen approximately 2.7% annual growth in recent years. Families who have moved to the city are often socially isolated, which makes it harder for them to find work or seek support in times of need. Families living in poverty often live in precarious locations, such as on the streets, in slums, or on boats. As they build their shelters in unrecognized sites, they constantly face the threat of relocation. In the majority of cases, they have no electricity and no source of clean drinking water. People living in these conditions often have no official residence rights, and are therefore excluded from governmental services.

1.9M
Children under 5 suffer from stunting

Malnutrition and health

Unfortunately, not all children have benefited from improving living standards in recent decades. 1.9 million children under 5 suffer from stunting due to malnutrition and lack of adequate healthcare. Stunting affects brain function and the immune system, which means that many children perform poorly in school. Decreased productivity in adult life diminishes the chances of escaping the poverty cycle. Children from ethnic minorities often live in remote areas in mountainous regions, and have less opportunity to go to school and find employment as a result.

Your support makes a difference for children in Ho Chi Minh

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.
1,490
Children and young people
Learn at our kindergarten and school, and attend trainings
130
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
90
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Happy doing some colouring in! SOS Children’s Villages runs a kindergarten and school, and organizes training for young adults (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Vietnam).

How your support helps in Ho Chi Minh

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.
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.