Brno

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

With a population of 370,000, Brno, the second largest city in the Czechia, is located in the South Moravia region. The city is an important administrative centre and home to the judiciary and various state organizations. Generally, the areas in the south-east of the country experience relatively low poverty rates. However, this does not apply to all families. Many children and young people continue to grow up in poverty and need extra support so families can prosper.

Since 2003, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Brno.

1 in 3
Children in special schools are Roma

Roma communities are discriminated

Roma communities constitute around 1-3% of the Czech population. They face ethnic discrimination and unofficial segregation in the country. Unemployment rates for excluded communities, most of whom are Roma, is around 85%. In addition, 35% of children attending special classes are Romani. This social exclusion of children not only limits their integration, but also their education and future prospects.

9 in 10
Single-parent families are headed by women

Women at greater risk of poverty

Czechia has one of the highest gender-pay gaps in Europe, with women earning on average 22% less than men. In addition, only 64% of women are in paid work, compared to 79% of men. Of single-parent households, around 90% are headed by women. With low wages in Czechia, single parents, especially women, are threatened by income poverty. As a result, children in these families live precariously on the margins of society, in, or at risk of falling into poverty, where their basic needs can no longer be met.

Your support makes a difference for children in Brno

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.
5
Families
Can stay together
20
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
2
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Crafting always popular. After school and during weekends and holidays children spend a lot of time together and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Czech Republic).

How your support helps in Brno

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 foster families supported by SOS Children’s Villages. Some children live in different neighbourhoods of the city, alongside local families. We also support foster families. 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.