Angol

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

Angol is the capital city of the Araucanía Region of southern Chile. It has a population of approximately 54,000 people and is located by the Rehue River. With both rural and urbanized areas, the city is known for its production of fruit, wheat and oats, a result of fertile land found by the river, as well as industrial factories that include flour milling, and lumbering. The province that Angol is situated in is one of the poorest in Chile, with many households living under the poverty line.

Since 1981, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Angol.

17%
Of the population lives in poverty in the region

Many families living in poverty

In the Araucanía Region, where Angol is located, 17% of people live in poverty. Because of this, many from Angol travel to larger towns, sometimes up to 100 km away in search of employment opportunities. For some families, commuting back and forth daily becomes impractical and so, young children are often left on their own for long periods of time while their parents are away at work. They lack a consistent source of support for food and education, as well as care for their wellbeing.

9%
Of Chileans lost their homes in the 2010 earthquake

Inequality impacting housing

The earthquake in Chile in 2010 left many families without a home: approximately 9% of Chileans lost their homes. Many families had no resources to repair their homes or find a new one. Government policies further intensified the differences. As a result, those families with least resources have ended up in low-quality housing in economically segregated neighbourhoods far from jobs and services. Although the earthquake took place in 2010, its effects continue to affect children and young people today.

Your support makes a difference for children in Angol

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.
20
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
5
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Chatting in the garden! Children and young people who grow up in our care often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Chile).

How your support helps in Angol

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.