Córdoba

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

In the foothills of the Sierra Chicas lies Córdoba, the capital of the central Córdoba province and the second most populous city in Argentina with 1,4 million inhabitants. The local population is still suffering from the consequences of the 2002 economic crisis, when almost half of the population fell into poverty. Malnutrition, alcoholism and child abuse spread nationwide – and the COVID-19 pandemic worsened the situation.

Since 2000, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Córdoba.

11%
Of children live in extreme poverty

Children living in poverty

In the northwest of the country, around Córdoba, 57% of children and adolescents live in poverty, and 11% of them in extreme poverty. Some of these children and young people lose parental car. And some have to work on the streets, a problem visible in Córdoba that suffers from a negative and stigmatised image. They are often explotied, expelled from the streets, and treated as criminals, leading to a criminalisation of poverty itself and promoting marginal and violent survival options. These children and young people need extra support so that they can have hope for the future.

50%
Of children without parental care experience violence

Children experience violence

Across the country, 5 out of 10 girls and boys without parental care are subjected to violence and mistreatments; 2 out of 10 suffer neglect or sexual abuses. Some measures and support programmes are in place to help these children, but to ensure their healthy development and future, it is essential that they receive support as soon as they are at risk of losing parental care. With support, it may be possible for the family to stay together. If it is not possible, the child needs a safe environment in which to complete their education and stay on course for a successful adult life.

Your support makes a difference for children in Córdoba

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.
60
Young people and adults
Are supported in the community
10
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Children from the community and those in our care play together. SOS Children’s Villages provides children with the skills they need to lead independent lives (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Argentina).

How your support helps in Córdoba

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. Many children live in different neighbourhoods in the city, alongside other local families. 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.