Let's help 400 families meet their basic needs

Socioeconomic Context

It is widely recognized that we are living through a period of significant uncertainty, marked by numerous social events that are shaping the global social, political and economic landscape. Uncertainty has become a constant in our daily lives, requiring us to navigate increasingly complex circumstances when making key decisions across all aspects of society. As a result, we are operating in a more challenging global environment, with multiple factors to consider when developing projects, implementing strategies and managing our organizations.

Spain is, of course, also experiencing the consequences of the current political, social and economic crisis. We are all feeling the impact of these changes, particularly from an economic perspective.

The continuous rise in the cost of living is forcing households to reduce spending, limit investments and make increasingly difficult financial decisions, directly affecting everyday life.

For many families with children, however, the situation is far more severe. Families who were already living in highly vulnerable socioeconomic circumstances are now overwhelmed. Many are no longer able to guarantee even the most basic needs for themselves or for their children, and the number of families facing these challenges continues to grow.

It is estimated that 675,000 children in Spain are unable to meet their most basic needs.

We are facing a particularly challenging moment, with many people across the country at serious risk.

For this reason, it is essential that we continue building strong strategic partnerships capable of generating meaningful social impact and combining efforts to support the economic and social development of the communities where we work.

Thousands of children, young people and families need us now more than ever, and we cannot look the other way. Although we have achieved a great deal together, the data clearly show that there is still much work to be done.

FOOD-RELATED NEEDS

One in three children in Spain is at risk of poverty or social exclusion. As a result, many households struggle to meet their basic needs, including being able to afford meat or fish twice a week or cover unexpected expenses. For some children, the only complete meal they receive each day is the one provided at school.

Maintaining a balanced diet with limited financial resources is extremely challenging. Families living in situations of socioeconomic vulnerability are often forced to purchase cheaper, less nutritious food in order to feed their children.

Childhood obesity is twice as prevalent among households with the lowest income levels.

• Data: A report by the Spanish Ministry of Consumer Affairs shows that 23.2% of children from families with an annual gross income below €18,000 are affected by obesity, compared with 11.9% of children from families with annual incomes above €30,000.
• Data: 4.9% of children and adolescents in Spain cannot afford to eat meat or fish at least once every two days. Living Conditions Survey (ECV), 2021.

ENERGY-RELATED NEEDS

One in three children in Spain is at risk of poverty or social exclusion, and many of their families struggle to meet essential household expenses such as rent, electricity and heating.

Energy poverty is particularly prevalent among low-income households. Being unable to pay for electricity or gas has significant consequences for children's health, education and nutrition.

• Data: According to the Spanish High Commissioner for the Fight Against Child Poverty, 49.1% of children and adolescents living in low-cost rental housing live in homes with inadequate temperatures; 39.9% of households at risk of poverty live in homes with leaking roofs; and 15.5% lack adequate lighting.
• Data: 13.1% of children and adolescents in Spain are unable to keep their homes at an adequate temperature. Living Conditions Survey (ECV), 2021.

EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

One in three children in Spain is at risk of poverty or social exclusion, and their families' socioeconomic circumstances have a direct impact on their education. The digital divide, limited resources and capacity to support learning at home, together with difficulties in balancing work and family life, compromise children's right to a quality education and limit their future opportunities.

Financial hardship also prevents many children and adolescents from participating in extracurricular, sports, cultural and social activities, placing them at a disadvantage in many aspects of their development, increasing inequality and making social inclusion more difficult.

Children and adolescents from families experiencing socioeconomic hardship generally achieve lower academic results. They also show higher rates of absenteeism and early school leaving and are more likely to repeat a school year.

• Data: Households with monthly incomes below €900 face greater difficulties in accessing computers and internet connections at home. Within this income bracket, 500,000 children live in households without a computer, and nearly 100,000 children do not have internet access at home. Children's Platform (Plataforma de Infancia), 2020.

MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS

One in three children in Spain is at risk of poverty or social exclusion, facing barriers that undermine their emotional well-being and negatively affect their mental health.

These households frequently experience highly stressful situations and, in many cases, chronic stress because of prolonged financial hardship and socioeconomic difficulties. This makes children particularly vulnerable to mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression and behavioral disorders, among others.

Mental Health Needs (continued)

The risk of poverty and social exclusion is directly associated with a higher likelihood of children experiencing mental health problems that affect their development.

• Data: “Primary care pediatric services and referrals to mental health services have recorded a significant increase in consultations related to anxiety, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, depression, self-harm and psychosomatic disorders.” Spanish Association of Paediatrics (July 2021).
• Data: According to the ANAR Foundation (ANAR Helpline/Chat Annual Report 2021), mental health problems among children and adolescents increased by 54.6% in 2021 and accounted for 32.5% of all requests for help received from children and adolescents that year.

Impact on the Partnership

Banco Santander's contribution has enabled SOS Children's Villages to reach the homes of thousands of vulnerable children across Spain, helping us respond to the Home Emergency many families are currently facing.

The financial contribution received has been allocated to our Home Emergency Kit, helping to meet families' most urgent needs, primarily related to food. This support benefits 100% of the children participating in our programs across Spain. The Home Emergency Kit has a monthly cost of €75.

€75 provides one child with basic food for one month, including milk, cereals, fruit, vegetables, meat and fish.

We provide families with the food they need to ensure their children have an adequate diet. In addition, we work with families on nutrition education, household budgeting and financial management, helping them identify healthier purchasing options and make informed food choices while making the best possible use of their limited resources.

Thanks to the funds raised by the moment, we have been able to cover the most basic nutritional needs of 40 families in Spain.

Links:

• https://www.aldeasinfantiles.es/conocenos/

In an increasingly complex and uncertain global context, education can no longer be limited to the transmission of academic knowledge alone. Today, more than ever, teachers, families and education policies agree that children need to develop life skills: abilities that enable them to adapt, build relationships, manage their emotions and make conscious decisions that support their well-being and life prospects.

Spain has participated in the OECD Study on Social and Emotional Skills (SSES 2023), which analyses how these skills develop among 15-year-old students and within their educational environments. One of the study’s key findings is that social and emotional skills do not develop in isolation; rather, they are shaped by cognitive development and learning environments throughout life.

Through structured tasks, the setting of long-term goals, interaction with peers and teachers, and exposure to diverse ideas and perspectives, formal education can influence skills such as conscientiousness and openness to new experiences. This clearly shows that the educational climate and teacher support are just as important as curriculum content.

International evidence also suggests that socio-emotional skills—including emotional regulation, cooperation and communication—are positively associated with better educational outcomes and improved health and well-being throughout life.

These skills influence not only academic performance but also social integration, mental health and future employability. For SOS Children’s Villages, preparing for tomorrow means equipping children and young people with a toolbox of life skills that allows them to navigate the complexities of adulthood with confidence, autonomy and resilience.

Socio-emotional skills

Learning does not end when the school bell rings. In fact, non-cognitive abilities—often referred to as soft skills—are just as important as academic knowledge for success in life.

These competencies are defined as the ability to manage emotions, set goals, empathise with others and make responsible decisions. According to the study mentioned above, students with higher levels of these skills not only report greater satisfaction with their lives and relationships, but also achieve better grades in key subjects such as mathematics and reading.

Key competencies for adult life

For children and young people to build their own life projects, several fundamental areas must be nurtured from childhood and adolescence:

Autonomy

Autonomy is one of the most essential competencies for adult life. It involves knowing how to organise time, assume responsibilities, manage money, practise self-care and make decisions progressively. Encouraging autonomy from an early age helps children build self-confidence and feel capable of facing new challenges.

For many young people who have grown up in the protection system, the transition to adulthood arrives abruptly, often without a strong family support network. For this reason, it is essential to begin this process early, supporting them in learning practical skills and everyday decision-making that prepare them for independence.

Emotional management

Emotional management influences the way we relate to others, resolve conflicts and cope with stress or frustration. For this reason, it is important to learn how to identify, express and regulate emotions.

Many children and young people in vulnerable situations have experienced difficult circumstances that can affect their emotional well-being. Providing psychological support, helping them name what they feel and equipping them with tools to manage their emotions is an investment in their present and future mental health.

Communication and social skills

The ability to communicate assertively, express opinions, listen to others and build healthy relationships is key. These competencies support coexistence, teamwork and integration in different environments, from education to the workplace.

Educating in communication also means encouraging participation, giving children and young people a voice and recognising their right to express their views on issues that affect them. When they feel heard and valued, their self-esteem and sense of belonging are strengthened.

Responsibility and decision-making

Decision-making is a constant throughout life. From seemingly small choices to decisions that shape personal and professional paths, learning to evaluate options, accept consequences and take responsibility for one’s actions is essential for building an independent life project.

This learning requires guidance and trust. Mistakes are part of the process and, when they occur in a safe environment, they become opportunities for growth.

Youth Programme: building the path to independence

At SOS Children’s Villages, we understand that the transition to adulthood is a critical stage, especially for those who have grown up under protection measures and lack a strong family network. We reaffirm our commitment to an education that goes beyond academics and prepares children and young people to face the future with autonomy, confidence and hope.

At just 18 years old, many of these young people must face early emancipation, placing them at risk of social exclusion if they do not receive adequate support. Our Youth Programme was created precisely to respond to this need. Its objective is to accompany them until they achieve full social and professional integration, providing support that goes far beyond material assistance: it is educational, financial, psychological and, above all, human support.

One of the pillars of this support is the Transition to Adulthood Project. During this stage, the focus is on strengthening autonomy in all aspects of life. It is not only about studying, but also about learning how to manage a household: cooking, cleaning, managing money and organising time responsibly.

During these years, young people receive career guidance and begin to design what we call their “roadmap” or life project. This plan provides the reassurance and confidence they need to know that, upon reaching adulthood, they will not be alone. Various training opportunities are offered—from vocational education and training to professional certification programmes—adapted to their interests and personal circumstances.

Unlike what often happens in the general protection system, at SOS Children’s Villages our support does not end when young people turn 18. Through the Autonomy Project, they can continue receiving residential, financial or educational support according to their needs.