Karlino

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

Karlino is located around 9 km from Białogard town in Białogard County, approximately 30 km from the Baltic Sea, in the north-west of Poland. Karlino town is home to around 9,400 people while Białogard has almost 24,000 inhabitants. As with many other rural regions in the country, Białogard remains one of the most deprived in Poland.

Since 2005, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Karlino.

1 in 5
Children are not properly nourished

Families are unable to provide food

Every fifth child in Poland is undernourished, lacking essential nutrition from their diet. Problems of hunger and malnutrition are greater problems in rural areas of Poland, like Karlino, where poverty levels are higher. Nutritional deficiencies have multiple effects on children’s physical and mental development, affecting their ability to learn and concentrate at school, limiting their growth and well-being, and weakening their immune system, making them more vulnerable to illness and disease.

1 in 10
Young children are not attending preschool

Rural children are missing education

On average, just over 10% of young children aged 3-5 years are unable to take part in pre-primary education. However, in rural areas, almost 35% of young children miss this opportunity. Early childhood education can be particularly beneficial for disadvantaged children, setting them up for success in their later education. It also contributes to their social and cognitive development and social inclusion. In addition, children in school are less vulnerable to safeguarding issues, such as abuse or neglect.

Your support makes a difference for children in Karlino

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.
100
Families
Can stay together
30
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
10
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Children spending time together during a hiking trip. Children who grow up in our care form bonds that often last a lifetime (SOS Children’s Villages Poland).

How your support helps in Karlino

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. 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.