UN-HABITAT awards SOS Children

UN-HABITAT has named the SOS Family Strengthening Programme in Uruguay as a successful example of sustainable development. The Family Strengthening Programme in Salto, was recognised as an example of "Good Practice" in sustainability, participation and integration.

The SOS Family Strengthening Programme in Salto, the second largest city in Uruguay, which is situated in the north west of the country (close to the border with Argentina), was chosen in a national selection process on the sustainable development of communities in areas with a poor infrastructure. The programme is based in five community centres in different areas where families face particularly challenging living conditions. The programme, which is mainly carried out with the target group itself and in collaboration with the local government, reaches out to more than 600 children and their families. Information events take place on child nutrition and health matters; training courses and workshops target women in particular. Up to 380 children aged 18 months to twelve years are supervised at nurseries and day care centres, which takes the pressure off their mothers, who often are single working mothers. The programme aims to ensure that the children have a healthy development and, in parallel, strengthen the skills and capabilities of the family. As important stakeholders in this social network, community committees also ensure the sustainability of the programme.