Santa Ana

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

Santa Ana is a suburb of Costa Rica’s capital city San José with population of 51,262. Santa Ana is one of the fastest growing suburbs, an upscale living area, just 13kms from the capital city of San José. Yet children and young people in Santa Ana are dealing with challenges such as underlying mental health problems that are affecting their grade levels. These vulnerable students are at a higher risk of dropping out of school.

Since 2009, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Santa Ana.

18%
Of people are living in poverty in the region

Children living in poverty

Although the standard of living in Santa Ana itself is improving, around 18% of people are living in poverty in the Central Region where Sana Ana is located. This means that many children who grow up in this region are living in poverty. Although Costa Rica has one of the lowest rates of child labour in Central and South America, it is precisely those children from vulnerable households who are most likely to drop out of education early in order to contribute to the family income. While the government is working to end child labour, children and young people need support so that they can grow up safely and complete their education.

420
Children are sexually abused every month

Children need more protection

Crimes against minors are on the increase. Figures are not easy to gather but in 2020, 7,060 alleged crimes against minors were investigated. The majority of the cases (3,830) were sex crimes with a considerable increase in recent years. There is also an alarming increasing trend in the homicide attempts on children. In most of the cases violence happens at home. Areas with higher density of population have the highest number of cases. Children are most vulnerable and those who grow up facing violence every day may be affected throughout their lives.

Your support makes a difference for children in Santa Ana

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.
90
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
On their way to school! We make sure that children and young people can go to school or receive further education or training (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Costa Rica).

How your support helps in Santa Ana

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 Village Santa Ana. 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.