Hojai, Assam

SOS Children's Village Hojai

In 1983, SOS Children's Villages began its work in the Indian state of Assam in the north-east of the country, after many families had been separated and numerous children had lost their parents during heavy clashes between the local population and immigrants from Bangladesh and West Bengal. SOS Children's Village Hojai was opened in 1984. It is located on the outskirts of the city of Hojai, 180 km east of Guwahati, the capital of Assam.

The SOS Children's Village consists of 20 family houses, staff accommodation, a multi-purpose hall and an administrative building with a small shop. There is also an SOS Nursery, which is open to children from the neighbourhood as well. The SOS Children's Village has its own playground where the children can romp around and have fun. The older children attend schools in the vicinity of the SOS Children's Village.

Other SOS Projects in Hojai

1988 saw the opening of an SOS Youth Home at Hojai. Young people usually move from the SOS Children's Village to an 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.

In 2004, SOS Children's Villages India launched its Family Strengthening Programmes in Hojai. 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 Hojai 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.