Jaipur, Rajasthan

SOS Children's Village Jaipur

In Jaipur, the capital of the desert state of Rajasthan, an SOS Children's Village was opened in 1976. Jaipur is called the "Pink City" and is a very popular tourist spot. In 1876, the old part of the city was painted pink by order of the Maharaja on the occasion of a visit by the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII). Even today, the facades of the houses have to be painted that colour.

The SOS Children's Village is situated in a residential area, about 2 km from the railway station and was built on a site which was a present to SOS Children's Villages. The architectural style of the 14 family houses is in the tradition of the region and has been adapted to the weather conditions: the roofs are flat and serve as sleeping area during the hot season.

Other SOS Projects in Jaipur

The smaller children are looked after at the SOS Nursery, which is on the premises of the SOS Children's Village. This nursery is also attended by children from the local community. Older youths from the SOS Children's Village usually move to the SOS Youth Home when they start a vocational training course or go on to higher education. With the support of qualified youth workers, the young people develop realistic perspectives for their future, learn to shoulder responsibility and increasingly make their own decisions. They are encouraged to develop team spirit and build up contacts with relatives and friends, as well as with the relevant authorities and potential employers.

SOS Children's Villages has set up a home for retired SOS mothers in a rented building in town.

In 2004, SOS Children's Villages India launched its Family Strengthening Programmes in Jaipur. These programmes are intended to support families at risk of abandoning their children and to encourage families to stay together. SOS Children's Villages therefore works with local authorities and other service providers to support families and enable them to take good care of their children. The Jaipur Family Strengthening Programme provides nutritional, educational and health support as well as vocational training, career counselling sessions and job placement support. Families are linked with existing self-help groups; if there is no group, a new one is formed. The programme also aims at raising awareness of hygiene and child rights and improving people's parenting skills.