130,000
People live in slums
Children vulnerable in slums
Guwahati is a rapidly growing city in India, partly due to refugees from Bangladesh, but the infrastructure has been unable to keep up with this development.
Often people who move to Guwahati in search of a better life and job opportunities, end up in one of the 160 slums in the city. In these slums, there is a lack of affordable housing, adequate sanitation and safe drinking water.
An estimated 130,000 people in the city live in slums. Children are most vulnerable to the poverty in these slums, lacking access to healthcare and education.
40%
Of Assam’s land area is flood prone
Children risk malnutrition
Assam state, where Guwahati is located, is prone to natural disasters. Around 40% of Assam’s total land area as flood prone.
In the last ten years, the region has been affected by heavy floods, which have been deadly to humans and animals alike. It also causes crops to be destroyed and people to be displaced, leaving them without a home, proper food or drinkable water.
Due to climate change, the floods are only expected to worsen, and it already affects millions in the state. Children are even more vulnerable to the consequences of these floods.
Your support makes a difference for children in Guwahati
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.
160
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Are supported on their way to independence
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Brothers playing a board game together. Siblings grow up with each other, and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages India).
How your support helps in Guwahati
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 training so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start their own businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to 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.