Astana

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

Astana, in the Akmola region, is the current capital of Kazakhstan and has a rapidly growing population of more than 1.2 million people. After becoming the new home of the government, the city received huge investment in construction and development, attracting many workers. Kazakhstan is one of the most water-stressed countries in the world, with more than 75% of the country exposed to natural hazards. Some areas of Kazakhstan, including much of Akmola, are almost completely dependent on surface water with many people facing water shortages

Since 2000, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Astana.

1 in 6
Children experience physical violence

Children at risk of abuse

Violence against children in Kazakhstan is widespread with over 75% of adults supporting the use of corporal punishment in families. Children experience various forms of violence in the home, in residential institutions, at school and on the streets. While 18% of children in schools experience physical violence from parents/adults, children in institutions are more than twice as likely to experience such violence. The impact of violence on children can be profound, leaving then with a range of both physical and emotional harm and with significant consequences on their future.

1 in 5
Children have an unhealthy lifestyle

Children experience malnutrition

Child malnutrition, as well as unhealthy diets and obesity, are pressing health issues in Kazakhstan. Almost 20% of children are overweight, mostly as a result of unhealthy eating habits and insufficient physical activity. They consume excessive amounts of salt and with only one in three eat fresh fruit and vegetables daily. Failure to follow a healthy diet, especially extremely high levels of salt intake, risks damaging a child’s health now and, in the future, including a greater risk of illness and disease that limits their quality of life.

Your support makes a difference for children in Astana

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.
35
Families
Can stay together
60
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
35
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
After school, and during weekends and holidays, children spend a lot of time together and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Kazakhstan).

How your support helps in Astana

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 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.
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.