Chiclayo

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

Chiclayo is a city located north-west of Lima in northern Peru on the Pan-American Highway. It’s the capital of the Lambayeque region producing sugarcane, cotton, and rice. Despite the government’s strategies to reduce poverty in Chiclayo, child labour rates are still high. Many children in Chiclayo face poverty, difficult family life and physical abuse in the classroom. Families need to be supported so that children can stay in school longer and hope for a better future.

Since 1983, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Chiclayo.

1.6 M
Children aged 5-17 are forced to work

Children are forced to work

Around 1.6 million children between the ages of 5 and 17 are forced to work in Peru. Children who are forced to work are exposed to violence. They are often forced to work in dangerous environments, exploited by gangs and forced into illegal activities such as commercial sexual exploitation. Many also work in domestic settings where they also face abuse. Many children work within their own households, to help make ends meet – there, where they should be safe and protected, they may also endure abuse by their family.

13%
Of children aged 12-16 do not go to secondary school

Living in informal settlements

While a high number of children start primary school, many children do not continue their education after the age of 12. Around 13% of children aged between 2 and 16 do not go to secondary school. According to the National Household Survey, economic difficulties are the main reason why children aged 13 – 19 drop out of school. School should be a safe place to learn and interact with other children, yet for most children the reality is bullying, physical aggression by school staff and fights among pupils.

Your support makes a difference for children in Chiclayo

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.
140
Adults and children
Are supported in the community
470
Children
Could attend kindergartens
65
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
30
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Young children in Chiclayo can attend a day-care centre. Older children go to local schools and we support them so that they can enjoy their education (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Peru).

How your support helps in Chiclayo

Strengthening families and communities
When parents face hardships, they can sometimes struggle to give children the care they need. SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities. Each family needs different support so that they can stay together. This support can include workshops on parenting and children’s rights. We also run trainings so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to school.
Providing quality education and training
SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children and young people have access to high-quality education. We help them learn and develop in a safe and supportive environment. We train teachers on children’s rights and child-centered learning, so that each child can get the most out of their education. Young children spend time playing and learning at kindergarten. This prepares them for primary school.
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.