300
Children have lost their lives in the conflict
Children without parental care
Srinagar is located in the union territory Jammu and Kashmir, a region which is struggling with political unrest, and disputes between Pakistan, India and China. The conflict has lasted for more than 30 years, and has caused hundreds of thousands of casualties, civilians and soldiers alike. Not only mass killings have been reported, but also disappearances, torture, and rape.
Children living there, in one of the most militarized zones in the world, are extremely vulnerable to violence. More than 300 children have been killed since 2003, and many others are victim of sexual violence. Children are also recruited as child soldiers.
18,000
Households live in slums
Children vulnerable in slums
Around 50% of all Jammu and Kashmir’s (the Union Territory where Srinagar is located) slum population resides specifically in Srinagar district.
Often people move to Srinagar in search of a better life and job opportunities, but because the infrastructure cannot handle this shift, many people end up in one of the slums in the city. In these slums, there is an absence of affordable housing, adequate sanitation and safe drinking water. An estimated 18,000 households in the city live in slums.
Children are most vulnerable to the poverty in these slums, lacking access to healthcare and education.
Your support makes a difference for children in Srinagar
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.
60
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Are supported on their way to independence
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SOS Children’s Villages cooperates with education authorities, schools and community organizations. Together they ensure free and equitable access to quality education that equips children with values and skills (photo: SOS Children’s Villages India).
How your support helps in Srinagar
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.