SOS relies on the kindness and generosity of Canadians to be able to provide a home for the most vulnerable children around the world.
By becoming a child sponsor you are helping an individual child in need.
(You will receive a Canadian charitable tax receipt)
Please help us ensure a loving home for every child. Sponsor a child in Kazakhstan now.
SOS Children's Villages in Astana
SOS Children's Villages has been working in Astana since 2000 and was the second location where we became active in Kazakhstan. The population of Astana has increased in recent years, as have the number of activities and programmes we run in order to support families, young people and children.
SOS Children's Villages works closely with local families to strengthen existing ties and prevent children from losing the loving care of their parents. Our organisation collaborates with local agencies to ensure that children have access to essential educational, nutritional and health services. We support families with income generation and parenting skills so that they can protect and care for their children. We also strengthen support systems for vulnerable families in the community.
Astana's growth is attracting many people to the city
Astana has been the capital of Kazakhstan since 1998; the name "Astana" means "the Capital" in Kazakh. The city is located in central Kazakhstan in a very flat, semi-desert steppe region. Since Astana became the capital of the country, the number of inhabitants has increased rapidly, and it is now home to around 708,000 people (2010 estimate). This growth is expected to continue in the foreseeable future.
The area has traditionally processed agricultural goods. When Astana was declared the capital city, and therefore the new home of the government, a huge investment was made into construction in order to house these official institutions and the expected increase in population. This construction boom attracted many workers to the city; they arrived from other areas of Kazakhstan and also from neighbouring countries. More worryingly, there have been reports that organised criminal trafficking rings brought many people to the city, where they ended up working in precarious conditions with no rights.
In spite of the spectacular transformation of the city, in the neighbourhoods beyond the modern centre, many families continue to live in unrennovated Soviet-style apartment blocks which are difficult to keep warm during the long, cold winters. The low salaries, pensions and benefits means that many people struggle to make ends meet, especially since the cost of living and housing has been rising in recent years. Children are amongst the most vulnerable members of society. Single-parent households and families with many children often cannot afford the cost of education or health care.
Our Impact
Image
SOS Social Centres in Kazakhstan aim is to help families, in particular women and children, living in communities neighbouring the SOS Children's Villages to gradually escape from poverty, and to help young people become self-reliant. |
2 SOCIAL CENTRES | 226 Beneficiaries |
Image
The SOS Children's Village in Kazakhstan provides loving homes to orphaned and abandoned children |
1 VILLAGES | 73 Orphaned and Abandoned Children |
Image
The SOS Youth Facilities in Kazakhstan provides youth with a loving environment where they learn to transition into independent living and to expand their education |
4 YOUTH FACILITIES | 56 Youths in our Care |
Our Impact