Child sponsorship background from Urgench

Urgench is the capital of Uzbekistan's Khorezm region, where a harsh climate makes living hard. While parents migrate in search of work, children are often left to fend for themselves, sometimes forced to survive subzero temperatures without heating, electricity or even running water.

Employment in the Urgench area has always been based around the agricultural sector. Because of the environment, and its shortage of water, work is highly seasonal. A lack of other employment opportunities forces parents to leave the region in search of jobs elsewhere.

Surviving alone

When parents leave, children are often left behind with relatives who simply do not have enough time to care for them. Some are left totally alone, without power or heating in the hovels they inhabit.

Even when their parents at home, children in Urgench are vulnerable. Children brought up by their mothers are often particularly disadvantaged thanks to the unfavourable position women occupy in Uzbek society.

Supporting children in Urgench and beyond

SOS Children has helped fragile families in Urgench since 2010. Local government helps us identify those in special need of care, and we act to provide the support these families need to create the best environment children as they grow up.

Our approach is multi-faceted. We work closely with parents in the neighbourhood so that they can continue to care for their children. In collaboration with local agencies we ensure that children have access to essential educational, health, clothing and nutritional services. We also provide advice on parenting skills and income generation, and inform parents of their rights regarding housing and state allowances.

We give younger children a free nursery place and older children textbooks so that they can go to school. Because there is a shortage of teachers with adequate skills, we run an educational programme for teachers in the community. We work closely with the local kindergarten and schools to enhance the skills of teachers and we support individual children by offering tuition in areas where they are struggling. We organise after-school groups, where children can do their homework.

Children who can no longer live with their parents can find a loving home in one of the SOS families. The SOS parents provide a loving and stable environment where children can flourish. The children attend the local kindergartens, schools and after-school activities - this helps with their integration into the community.

Our work is helping disadvantaged children achieve a better life in a hard environment. Help us continue our vital work in Uzbekistan by taking out a child sponsorship.