Padre las Casas

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

Padre Las Casas is a city in the Cautín Province of the Araucanía Region in Chile. As of 2022, it has a population of approximately 85,000 people. The Araucanía region has one of the highest poverty rate in Chile, with over 17% of the population living in poverty. Families often move from the surrounding rural areas to the urban centres like Padre las Casas in search of a better life.

Since 2008, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Padre las Casas.

80%
Of Mapuche household heads have less than 4 years schooling

Low levels of education

Around 40% of the population in Padre las Casas is Mapuche. There are high poverty levels among the Mapuche, and this is perpetuated by their low educational levels. Up to 80% of heads of households have less than 4 years of schooling. Their children in turn often drop out of school at an early stage, and sometimes have to work. These circumstances worsened with the lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic: children did not have access to the technology they needed to continue their schooling. Children and young people need more support so that they can become independent.

50%
Of the population of Padre las Casas lives in poverty

Families living in poverty

The Araucanía region, where Padre las Casas located, has one of the highest poverty rates in Chile. Studies reveal that the indigenous Chilean population suffers from higher levels of poverty than the non-indigenous Chileans. Although living in a protected area, the Mapuche have limited access to social benefits that would alleviate poverty. Between efforts to uphold and maintain their culture and keeping up with modernization, many Mapuche have left home to find employment opportunities elsewhere. However, without the education levels necessary for them to succeed, many need extra support. .

Your support makes a difference for children in Padre las Casas

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.
20
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Children love spending time outside, playing or looking after the garden (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Chile).

How your support helps in Padre las Casas

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. 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.