Tres Rios

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

Tres Ríos is a district in the San José province with a population of 10,884. Tres Ríos is known worldwide for their distinct and unique coffee flavour. It is one of eight coffee producing regions in Costa Rica. Some of the land had been lost to urban growth in the metropolitan area of the capital city of San José. The Central Region, where Tres Rios is located, has some of the lowest levels of poverty in Costa Rica. However 18% of the population lives in poverty in the region.

Since 1975, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Tres Rios.

18%
Of people live in poverty in the region

Rising poverty and inequality

In Costa Rica’s Central Region, where Tres Rios is located, around 18% of people live in poverty. Households headed by single mothers are more likely to live in poverty. The majority of single parent households in Costa Rica are headed by women. In most cases, single mothers earn low wages, work part time or find it hard to find a job. Poverty affects nutrition, which in turn has a negative impact on children’s development and even ability to learn in school.

40%
Of children experience physical punishment

Children exposed to violence

Around 40% of children and young people experience physical punishment in Costa Rica. Girls are more likely to be victimized than boys. Violence includes bullying, corporal punishment and murder. In 2020, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child were especially concerned that 15% of adolescent girls were murdered. The Committee called on Costa Rica to crack down on sexual and domestic violence.

Your support makes a difference for children in Tres Rios

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.
65
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
90
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Children creating a mural together (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Costa Rica).

How your support helps in Tres Rios

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.