Montevideo

Montevideo is Uruguay’s capital and has a population of approximately 1.3 million. Around 40 per cent of Uruguay’s population lives in the capital. The city is known for its strong European roots and its high quality of living. The financial crisis of 2002 greatly affected all sectors of Montevideo, but the economy has gradually recovered in recent years.

Over 100,000 people in Montevideo are estimated to live in so-called “cantegriles” – shantytowns on the outskirts of the city that lack basic infrastructure, where people live in precarious, makeshift housing. Most people here are rural migrants who have come to the city in search of work and a better life but, more often than not, the reality they face stands in stark contrast to these dreams.

Despite the comparatively low rates by Latin American standards, there are nevertheless around 50,000 unemployed people in Montevideo, and approximately 24,000 people living below the national poverty line, unable to meet basic needs such as an adequate diet. Children are most severely affected by this situation: almost 60 per cent of children between the ages of 5 and 17 in Uruguay belong to the poorest sectors of society.

Growing up in such conditions can have grave effects on a child’s healthy physical and psychological development. A childhood of deprivation can severely hamper a child’s self-esteem, which can lead to unfulfilled potential and underachievement as an adult.

In addition, such children are incredibly vulnerable to sexual exploitation and child trafficking, especially in the border areas of the country. Though they may not be immediately visible in Uruguayan society, problems such as these continue to exist in the country.

SOS Children’s Villages has been working here on the outskirts of Montevideo since 1964. Our social centres offer a family strengthening programme, which aims to alleviate hardship in the community in a holistic and sustainable manner. Our services include a day-care centre and childminding programme, which allow working parents and single mothers to leave their children in safe hands while they are out making a living. Children can be looked after during morning hours and we offer supervised study time and classes in the afternoons, as well as supervision during school holidays.

For children in Montevideo who are no longer able to live with their parents, SOS families can provide a loving home. In each family, the children live with their brothers and sisters, affectionately cared for by their SOS mother. In 2014 some families moved into housing in different districts throughout the town. Children are well integrated into the community as they go to the local schools and take part in neighbourhood activities.

When young people from the village feel ready to move out of the family home in order to pursue further education or vocational training our youth programme makes shared accommodation available to them. With the support of qualified counsellors, the young people live together and learn to take responsibility, plan for their future and prepare for independent adult life.

There is also an SOS Vocational Training Centre in Montevideo where SOS mothers and SOS co-workers receive training.