Ratanakiri

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

SOS Children's Village Ratanakiri is located in Banlung, the capital of the province of Ratanakiri. The region has around 210,000 inhabitants who come from mixed backgrounds and speak a variety of languages. Most of the population lives in rural areas, surviving off agriculture.Years of conflict has resulted in stressful social and economic conditions in Cambodia, which have an impact on family life, and left countless children without parental care.

Since 2011, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Ratanakiri.

30%
Of children under 5 are not registered at birth

Social isolation

Although the infrastructure has improved recently, Ratanakiri remains rather isolated. Families here experience some of the worst living conditions in Cambodia. The region has some of the worst health indicators in the country. It is often hard for people to access health care, due to language and cultural barriers, or because the medical centres are so far away that people simply cannot afford the cost of travel and treatment. Over 30% of children under 5 are not registered at birth. This creates problems later on when children are denied access to basic rights and services like education and healthcare.

60%
Of the population is under 25

Young population

Children suffer most from the harsh situation in the region. Children that are most vulnerable are those who live in rural areas or have had to move from their homes. Also children who live with elderly relatives or in households that are headed by a child or a woman are at risk of harm. They are often forced to go out to work to contribute to the family income. Approximately 60% of Cambodia’s population is under the age of 25. The young population has the potential to contribute to the country’s social and economic development, but many don’t have the resources to do so. Prioritizing education and training will allow young people to have more employment opportunities.

Your support makes a difference for children in Ratanakiri

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.
620
Adults and children
Are supported in the community
40
Children and young people
Learn at our kindergarten and school
60
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
20
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Children spend a lot of time playing outside. They often develop strong bonds with each other – bonds that will last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Cambodia).

How your support helps in Ratanakiri

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
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.