Kraljevo

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

The city of Kraljevo is the administrative centre of the Raška District in central Serbia. Kraljevo has about 70,000 inhabitants and is situated at approximately 170 km south of Belgrade. The area is one of the regions with the lowest net salaries in the country. On average, a quarter to a third of the population are at risk of poverty.

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

1 in 5
Children lacks secondary education

Education

At the national level, the school attendance rate at secondary level is about 90%. However, in low income families it is about 70%, and only 22% of Roma children attend secondary school full-time. In Raška district, where Kraljevo is located, only 78-86% of children finish their secondary education. A poor educational background can worsen prospects for future employment, limit social and emotional development. It also increases children’s and young people’s vulnerability to abuse and criminal exploitation.

2 in 3
Children lack adequate nutrition

Children are underweight

Although child labour is prohibited for children under the age of 15 in Serbia, and there are special laws to protect working children between the ages of 15 and 18, at least 10% of children reportedly work, 3% of them in hazardous conditions. Child labour robs children of their childhood. The balancing act between work and school deprives them of the right to education, affects their academic performance, and causes them to underachieve, drop out of school early, or not go to school at all.

Your support makes a difference for children in Kraljevo

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.
50
Families
Can stay together
90
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Drawing, gluing and colouring are just some of the methods where learning is mixed with play time, and that is something that children love the most (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Serbia).

How your support helps in Kraljevo

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 children grow up in foster families. 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.