Concepción

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

The city of Concepción in southern Chile is a coastal urban area. It has a population of approximately 230,000 people. The city is also the capital of the Bío Bío Region, a major port city and an important administrative hub. Due to its geographical location, the city is the most heavily industrialized region in the country. However, in the past years, the number of people living in poverty has increased, and vulnerable children, young people and families are in need of extra support.

Since 1971, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Concepción.

8%
Of the population is unemployed

Families suffer from unemployment

The official Chilean unemployment rate grew to nearly 8% in 2022. In addition, 27% of people work in the precarious informal economy. Women are more likely to be unemployed or face worse working conditions than men. Despite the repair work implemented in response to the 2010 earthquake, unemployment levels have steadily increased in the region. Thousands left Concepción in search of work in neighbouring cities. In many cases they have been forced to leave their young children behind, often with grandparents or other relatives.

17%
Of the inhabitants lost their homes in 2010 earthquake

High levels of poverty

Natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic are affecting the lives of many children, young people and families in Concepción. As a coastal town, Concepción suffered the most violent effects from the 8.8 magnitude earthquake and the resultant tsunami that hit Chile in 2010. Basic infrastructure was destroyed, leaving tens of thousands of people without homes. More recently, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, this region experienced some of the highest increases in poverty in the country.

Your support makes a difference for children in Concepción

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.
35
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
15
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Playing together! Children and young people who grow up in our care often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Chile).

How your support helps in Concepción

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.