Mogilev

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

Mogilev is an industrial city in eastern Belarus, only 76 kilometres from the Russian border. It is the third largest city in the country, and home to over 380,000 people. Life in Mogilev can be challenging for children and young people. The surrounding area of the city is heavily industrial and offers little place for children to live a carefree childhood. Families here struggle to stay together, with the Mogilev region having the highest proportion of children without parental care across Belarus.

Since 2009, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Mogilev.

27,000
Children in Belarus are at risk of losing parental care

Poverty

The Mogilev region has one of the highest levels of poverty in the country. Social and economic changes have left families struggling with the rising prices of food and other basic goods, which has resulted in more children living in vulnerable conditions. Almost 27,000 children across Belarus are recognized as being in social danger of losing parental care, with financial strain being one of the main reasons for this. Without additional support, families may not be able to stay together and children are at risk of being separated from their families.

1 in 4
Women has been physically abused by partner

Violence at home

In Belarus, every fourth woman has been physically abused by a partner, and every second woman has experienced psychological abuse. Most of these women have children. As there is little social support, it can be difficult for women in abusive relationships to leave, especially those with children. Children who live in violent homes witness and experience this abuse directly. And because domestic violence is widely accepted in some parts of Belarus, these children can grow up believing that violence in the home is a normal part of life.

Your support makes a difference for children in Mogilev

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.
130
Families
Can stay together
470
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
50
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Children who cannot stay with their families, receive care and support from SOS Children’s Villages (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Belarus).

How your support helps in Mogilev

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. Many of the children grow up in foster families. 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.