Hanoi

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

Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam and is home to around five million people. Hanoi’s economy is growing fast, and this attracts many people to move here in search of a better life. The population is growing at a yearly rate of nearly 4%. Although the city is one of the richest in the country, there is a growing wealth disparity. Life is very harsh for those who continue to live below the poverty line. Families who are most likely struggle economically include those with low levels of education or few skills, those who are ill or have a disability, families with many children, and those who have recently moved to the city and have no permanent residence status.

Since 1989, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Hanoi.

46%
Of population’s poorest have access to basic services

Access to water and sanitation

Families living in poverty often build their living quarters in precarious locations, such as on the streets, in slums, or on wasteland. These are unrecognised sites, and so they constantly face the threat of eviction and relocation. In the majority of cases, they have no electricity or clean drinking water. Only 46% of the population’s poorest have access to basic services. Whereas in urban areas 92% of the total population have access due to major improvements in recent decades, people who have moved to the city are also socially isolated as they do not have a support network, which makes it harder for them to find work or seek help in times of need.

1.8M
Children do not grow properly

Stunting and obesity

In Vietnam, malnutrition is high and this has led to 1.8 million children being stunted. Many children under the age of two do not receive the food or nutrients they need to grow and develop properly. Undernutrition is particularly widespread among ethnic minority children living in rural mountainous areas, where poverty is proportionally worse than in urban areas. A UNICEF study found that 1 in 3 children of ethnic minorities suffer from stunting, while 1 in 5 are underweight in Vietnam. At the same time, due to widespread poverty, overweight and obesity among children under five has been increasing every year.

Your support makes a difference for children in Hanoi

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.
1,020
Children and young people
Learn at our kindergarten and school, and attend trainings
140
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
70
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Young children have fun playing with their big sister in the garden (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Vietnam).

How your support helps in Hanoi

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.
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.