Kraśnik

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

Kraśnik, a town in south-eastern Poland, about 50 km south of Lublin, is home to around 37,000 inhabitants. Eastern parts of Poland have not experienced the same levels of growth as other parts of the county. As such, they continue to have lower salaries alongside higher rates of unemployment and poverty.

Since 1991, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Kraśnik.

900,000
Children are at risk of poverty

Socially and materially deprived

Around 15% of the population are at risk of poverty and social exclusion equating to around 5.7 million people. As a result, over 900,000 children, 13%, are considered “poverty-endangered”. Children are disproportionately vulnerable to, and affected by, poverty and material deprivation. They face long-term negative impacts on their physical and mental health; their social, emotional, and cognitive development; their behaviour; and their educational outcomes.

1 in 2
Children live in overcrowded homes

Widespread housing poverty

More than 30% of the population lives in overcrowded homes, with 15% living in poor quality properties. However, children are disproportionately affected, meaning that around half, 51%, of all children live in homes where they do not have sufficient space for themselves. Cramped living conditions harm family relationships, negatively affect children's education and contribute to mental health challenges. These environments also increase the risk of violence in families.

Your support makes a difference for children in Kraśnik

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.
30
Families
Can stay together
50
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
10
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Children playing and exercising in the garden. SOS Children's Villages supports families in providing an environment where their children can develop and flourish (photo: SOS Children’s Villages in Poland).

How your support helps in Kraśnik

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.