Guwahati, Assam

SOS Children's Village Guwahati

In 1983, SOS Children's Villages began its work in the Indian state of Assam in the north-east of the country, after many families had been separated and numerous children had lost their parents during heavy clashes between the local population and immigrants from Bangladesh and West Bengal.

The third SOS Children's Village in Assam was set up in a residential area near the airport of the capital of this state. It opened its gates in 1988. SOS Children's Village Guwahati consists of 16 family homes, a multi-purpose hall, staff accommodation and the necessary administration and service area.

Other SOS Projects in Guwahati

The smaller children are looked after at an SOS Nursery, which is open to children from the neighbourhood as well. The SOS Children's Village has its own playground and football field. In the nearby villages, there are primary and secondary schools. By attending the local schools, the children of the SOS Children's Village will be better able to integrate into society later on.

In 1992, an SOS Youth Home was opened at Guwahati. Young people usually move from the SOS Children's Village to an SOS Youth Home when they start a vocational training course or go on to higher education. With the support of qualified youth workers, the young people develop realistic perspectives for their future, learn to shoulder responsibility and increasingly make their own decisions. They are encouraged to develop team spirit and build up contacts with relatives and friends, as well as with the relevant authorities and potential employers.

In 2002, SOS Children's Villages India launched its Family Strengthening Programmes in Guwahati. These programmes are intended to support families at risk of abandoning their children and to encourage families to stay together. SOS Children's Villages therefore works with local authorities and other service providers to support families and enable them to take good care of their children.

The Guwahati Family Strengthening Programme provides nutritional, educational and health support as well as vocational training, career counselling sessions and job placement support. Families are linked with existing self-help groups; if there is no group, a new one is formed. The programme also aims at raising awareness of hygiene and child rights and improving people's parenting skills.