Child Sponsorship Background from Rionegro, Colombia

SOS Children's Village Rionegro

The third Colombian SOS Children's Village was built in 1996. It is located in the north-western part of the country near the city of Rionegro in the province of Antioquia. Rionegro is situated at an altitude of 2000 metres above sea-level in a region which has seen an increase in economic importance during the past few years. The paper, food and chemical industries have moved from the capital of the province (Medellín) to Rionegro. The newly constructed international airport has also contributed to the improvement of the region's infrastructure. Many people also move from Medellín, which is 40 km away, to Rionegro, since the quality of life there is much better, as there is less violence and unemployment.

The SOS Children's Village was erected on a site of 27,000 square metres and comprises 15 family houses, providing a new home to over 130 children. Further features on the site include a village director's house, a house for the so-called SOS aunts (SOS Children's Village mothers in training, who assist SOS mothers and substitute them in the case of illness or during holidays), an administrative building, and a common house for events, celebrations and other gatherings.

Other SOS Projects in Rionegro

An SOS Vocational Training Centre for the (further) education of SOS Children's Village mothers and other SOS staff was opened in March 1999, and consists of four training and seminar rooms, and suitable additional rooms.

An SOS Youth Home was established in urban Rionegro. The youths are housed in shared flats throughout their secondary or vocational education in order to prepare them gradually for an independent life.