Photo: F. Espinoza
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The SOS Children's Village in Ipiales in the Department Nariño in Colombia's south has been in operation since October 2003. Ipiales, a city with a population of 100,000 near the border with Ecuador, is located in a farming region characterised by poverty, high unemployment and crime. Civil war, which has been going on for decades, is one of the causes for the unfavourable economic and social situation. Many people flee from the countryside and flock to the cities; they get stranded in the dreary outskirts.
Lack of infrastructure and support, and resignation in the face of scattered hopes make many families experience alcoholism and domestic violence. This results in child neglect and insufficient care; when the worst comes to the worst, the children cannot stay with their biological parents any longer.
SOS Children's Village Ipiales can take in up to 120 children in need of a new home. President Kutin will now officially open the latest project in Colombia on 9 September in presence of representatives of the municipal and national authorities and SOS Children's Villages. The SOS Social Centre, which has been operational since April 2005, will also be officially opened. The social centre houses a day-care centre which can take in up to 420 children, and also offers day-care for babies. Additionally, children can see a paediatrician and a dentist for regular check-ups and, if necessary, treatment.
The new SOS Social Centre offers counselling to up to 100 mothers; they can also attend training courses to help them boost self-determination and improve their opportunities on the labour market.