Kecskemét

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

With around 112,000 people, Kecskemét is the eighth-largest city in the Hungary. While production and processing of fruit, vegetables, and meat use to be the main source of employment, new jobs were created by the car manufacturing industry. As a result, unemployment in the city is low at around 3%. Nevertheless, the recent economic difficulties of Hungary have led to a cut in social welfare programmes, and this has affected the lives of many children in the region,

Since 1990, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Kecskemét.

1 in 5
Children at risk of poverty

Inadequate support for children

The minimum income allowance in Hungary has remained unchanged since 2012 and is one of the least adequate in the EU. As such, vulnerable families are not given enough economic support to care for their children, leaving more that 20% of minors at risk of poverty, and more than 15% suffering from material deprivation. Children born into poverty are more likely to experience a wide range of health problems, as well as face social exclusion that further worsen their future prospects.

6%
Of babies are malnourished

Lack of quality nutrition

While the central region has the lowest rates in Hungary, malnutrition in children remains a problem in the region where Kecskemét is located. Roughly 6% of children aged 1 year suffer from malnutrition, 1 in 20 children aged 3 and 1 in 25 children aged 5 are malnourished. Child hunger is a taboo subject, but failure to address it has serious long-term effects on children. These include poor development and increased vulnerability to infection and risk of poor health. It can also lead to lack of energy motivation to play or study, all of which is harmful to them and their future.

Your support makes a difference for children in Kecskemét

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.
20
Families
Can stay together
150
Children
Grow up in our care
20
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Children often do some learning at home in the afternoons, weekends and holidays. They often get help from other children or their caregivers (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Hungary).

How your support helps in Kecskemét

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 that are selected, trained and supported by SOS Children’s Villages. The children live in different neighbourhoods in the city, alongside local 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.