Chvalčov

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

A municipality and village in Kroměříž District in the southeast Zlín Region, Chvalčov is home to 1,600 people. In the nearby Zlin and Olomouc districts, more than 13% of people are threatened by poverty - these are some of the highest rates within the Czechia. In the region around Chvalčov, families who are in vulnerable situations often find it hard to obtain assistance. Children and young people living here need extra support.

Since 1973, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Chvalčov .

1 in 5
Children live in poverty

Children living in poverty

Almost 10% of the Czech population lives in income poverty. However, in rural areas like Chvalčov, the risk of poverty is greater. There is also a growing divide between rural and urban household incomes, placing rural children at a greater risk of deprivation. Children living in poverty in rural households are more vulnerable to the consequences of poverty. These can include poor nutrition, chronic disease, and mental health problems, as well as greater gender inequality and school absence.

1 in 6
People struggle financially

Permanent risk of poverty

Despite a low national unemployment rate of under 3%, unemployment is not evenly distributed across Czechia. Rural areas face almost 5% unemployment. Coupled with low wages and a rising cost of living, around 16% of Czech people experience near permanent financial hardship. As a result, children living in poverty are on the margins of society, in, or at risk of falling into, poverty where their basic needs can no longer be met.

Your support makes a difference for children in Chvalčov

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.
30
Families
In the community can stay together
10
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Siblings having fun together. They grow up with each other, and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Czechia).

How your support helps in Chvalčov

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 foster families that are supported by 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.