Children are at risk
Young children in Chile are at a high risk of domestic violence and abuse. The fluctuating global price of copper has had a direct consequence on employment opportunities for the salaried, as well as income generation for the self-employed. This has resulted in growing social unrest in the face of inflation and rising costs of living. Many children are forced to leave school at a young age in search of work to contribute to the household income. Attaining a basic education has thus become less important and has perpetuated the poverty cycle of those children from low-income homes.
1 in 5
Children do not finish primary school
Education
In Chile, around 1 in 5 children do not finish primary school. This is not the same across all of the country because there is a wide disparity in educational attainment levels across the country.
Chile currently has one of the lowest public spending on education. This leaves many schools underfunded.
As a result, access to quality education is limited and related to a family’s socio-economic standing.
65%
Difference in wealth distribution
Income inequality
Despite successful measures to reduce poverty rates across the country, income inequality remains high.
Nearly 53% of households are classified as economically vulnerable, wherein families have no buffer against any abrupt changes in income.
Across Latin America, unequal wealth distribution is at its widest in Chile: 65% wider than the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) average.
400,000
Homes destroyed in the 2010 earthquake
Natural disasters
In 2010, around 400,000 homes were destroyed in an earthquake. The earthquake devastated many areas around the country. The government estimated two million people had been directly affected with over 400,000 homes and commercial properties destroyed.
Infrastructure repairs began as soon as possible, however, the disparity in services provided to more deprived neighbourhoods was glaring. Hundreds of families had to move to makeshift shelters and many have been living in poor conditions till today.
Together we can make a difference for children in Chile
50
Children and young people
Are supported on their way to independence
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In Chile, we support young people as they grow older and are getting ready to become independent. Every young person is unique and we work with them to develop a plan so that they can get the education, training and mentoring they need. Of course, their friends play a key role in their lives. The young men agree: “It’s great to spend time together! We like watching movies, playing videogames or just chatting about our lives” (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Chile).
Let’s keep on protecting children and young people!
Many children have been able to find a safe and secure home. With your help, we can continue to change their lives