Curicó

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

The city of Curicó is also the capital city of the Curicó Province, part of the Maule Region in Chile. The city is located in the Chilean Central Valley and sits on the Guaiquillo River. The climate has helped the agricultural industry, particularly the production of orchard fruits and wine. Curicó is home to approximately 150,000 residents. Curicó remains in need of further investment in infrastructure and children and young people need support.

Since 1996, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Curicó.

60%
Of homes in the region destroyed in 2010

Rebuilding after the 2010 earthquake

The Maule region, where Curicó is located, was one of the main areas devastated by the earthquake and resultant tsunami that hit Chile in 2010. The 8.8 magnitude earthquake wiped out homes, particularly those that were made of poor materials and did not stand a chance in the face of the natural disaster. Around 60% of homes in the region, including in Curicó, were torn from the ground and the people lived in makeshift tents for years. Although many have now rebuilt their homes and livelihoods, the effects of this natural disaster still affect many families.

12%
Of the population lives in poverty

Families living in poverty

Around 12% of the population lives in poverty in the Curicó region. This is the third highest poverty rate in Chile. In the recent past, the number of families living in poverty has incrased in Chile. In Curicó the overall number of people living in poverty has fallen but there has been an increase in families living in extreme poverty. Children and young people living in poverty do not have access to safe homes, education, clean drinking water or medical care. This is especially true in the rural areas surrounding Curicó.

Your support makes a difference for children in Curicó

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.
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Children and young people
Grow up in our care
In Curicó, children and young people grow up together. They often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Chile)

How your support helps in Curicó

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. In Chile, children are cared for according to their age and gender. In SOS Children’s Village Curicó, some children and young people between the ages of 6-18 are cared for in mixed homes, but there are also homes that are for boys only. 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.