Montevideo

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

Montevideo is the capital city, and commercial and political centre of Uruguay. Approximately 1.9 million people live here, and this makes up 47% of the population of Uruguay. The great economic growth experienced in the capital has drawn many people to move here in hope of a better future. However, despite the high levels of literacy and increasing financial success, there are many risks to children and young people: poverty, sustained child labour, and a growing number of HIV cases.

Since 1964, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Montevideo.

40%
Of children under 14 live in poverty

Child poverty

Around 40% of children under the age of 14 are in households living in poverty. Larger families have a greater number of children in poverty, with parents unable to sustain their families. This trend has also been observed in single-parent households, particularly where the head of the family is a woman. With fewer employment opportunities available to women, child poverty persists. More initiatives in areas of parental education and a change in labour status for women could contribute to reducing child poverty cases.

357
People identified as trafficking victims in 2021

Children at risk of trafficking

Child sex trafficking rings are prevalent in Montevideo. Most victims are women and young girls from families suffering financial hardship. While authorities have increased efforts to address, identify and prosecute organized crime, long-term support remains insufficient. Victims require additional aid in the form of more funding for shelters, support for social reintegration and efforts towards vocational training. And children and young people at risk require more support so that they do not fall victims to these crimes.

Your support makes a difference for children in Montevideo

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.
170
Children
Attend our day-care centres
65
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
5
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Children and young people grow up together in our care, and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Uruguay).

How your support helps in Montevideo

Providing quality education and day care
SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children and young people have access to high-quality education. We help them learn and develop in a safe and supportive environment. We train teachers on children’s rights and child-centered learning, so that each child can get the most out of their education. Young children spend time playing and learning at kindergarten and day-care centres. This prepares them for primary 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. Some children live in different neighbourhoods of 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.