Siedlce

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

The town of Siedlce is located in the Masovian Province about 90 km east of the country’s capital of Warsaw. While Siedlce is home to over 77,000 people, Warsaw has a growing population of 1.8 million inhabitants. The region around Warsaw has benefited from the capital city's economic growth. However, although the capital has one of the lowest rates of poverty in the country, social inequality is rising.

Since 1998, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Siedlce.

1 in 5
Children are not properly nourished

Malnutrition

Around 2.5% of the population are living in hunger. Children are disproportionately affected by hunger, and as a result, every fifth child is undernourished. More than 23,000 children in Warsaw suffer from starvation. Child hunger has multiple knock-on effects, from an inability to concentrate in school and poor cognitive function, malnutrition and poor growth, and low levels of well-being and a vulnerability to stress.

1 in 7
People live in poor housing

Inappropriate housing

Around 15% of the population lives in poor housing, where they either have no place of their own to live or live in substandard conditions. Around 9% of the population lacks managed sanitation for their household, and approximately 8% of people live in homes without bathrooms, with leaking roofs and insufficient light. Poor quality housing can affect a child’s physical and mental health, leaving them without an appropriate place to do homework, or unable to find comfortable space for themselves.

Your support makes a difference for children in Siedlce

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.
90
Families
Can stay together
40
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
10
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
These two sisters love horseback riding. SOS Children's Villages supports families in providing their children with an environment in which they can develop and flourish (photo: SOS Children's Villages Poland).

How your support helps in Siedlce

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.