Bhuj
Bhuj is a city in the very west of India, located in Gujarat state, one of the fastest growing states in India. Around 300,000 people live in the city.In 2001, Bhuj was devastated by an earthquake, which killed around 12,000 people, and destroyed 40% of homes.The region has also been affected by conflict. While Bhuj is growing economically, children are nonetheless still faced with various issues. They are vulnerable to gender inequality and malnutrition.
Since 2003, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Bhuj.
31%
Of girls were married as a child
Children without equal opportunities
Gender inequality is a major issue in Gujarat. To illustrate, in the state, 31% of girls were forced into marriage before the age of 18. 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.
Furthermore, literacy rates in Gujarat speak for themselves: the literacy rate for men is 87%, while the literacy rate for women is 73%. This is partly due to the fact that girls often drop out of school much sooner than boys.
39%
Of children are underweight
Malnutrition
Although India has experienced a rapid economic growth over the past years, food insecurity is still recurrent, and many people still suffer from acute hunger.
Parents in Gujarat state struggle to provide enough nutritious food for their children.
And thus, 39% of children are underweight. To be more specific, 39% of children in Gujarat experience stunting (low height for age), a result from undernutrition. Furthermore, 25% of children experience wasting (low weight for height), which occurs when a child has not had food of adequate quality and quantity.
Your support makes a different for children in Bhuj
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.
3,130
Adults and children
Are supported in the community
230
Children
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
110
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
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100
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
How your support helps in Bhuj
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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 to empower parents. 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.