1 in 5
Children live in urban poverty
Children living in poverty
Children are malnourished: In Kyrgyzstan, parents often move to urban centres, like Bishkek, for better employment prospects. Despite being lower than the urban average, Bishkek still has a high poverty rate, with 17% of the population living below the poverty line.
Children growing up in poor urban neighbourhoods are more likely to experience a greater concentration of poverty, crime, and marginalization. As such, these children are at a disproportionate risk of traumatic events that negatively impact their future.
1 in 4
Children experience indoor pollution
Unhealthy environment
Around 8% of children live in a household where there is no handwashing facility with both water and soap on the premises.
Worse still, while Bishkek has one of the worst air pollution levels in the world, a quarter of children in Kyrgyzstan also experience indoor pollution, often the result of burning coal for heating homes, which is used by 70% of people. Unhealthy environments not only jeopardize children’s health now and, in the future, but also risk their lives and contributed to child and infant mortality.
Your support makes a difference for children in Bishkek
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.
Are supported in the community
Can attend our kindergartens
Are supported on their way to independence
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We support young people until they can live on their own. Here they are during a workshop on tme management (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Kyrgyzstan).
How your support helps in Bishkek
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.
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 and day-care centres. 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.