Children are at risk
In Armenia, there are around 0.7 million children under the age of 18. Up to 30% of these children live in poverty and 2% live in extreme poverty. Since 2001, reforms have seen the number of children in state-run residential institutions halve to approximately 1,500 in 2019. However, children with disabilities remain among the most vulnerable groups, constituting around 1% of all children in Armenia. Many other children are in need of support so that they can grow up healthily and safely.
2 in 3
Children in Armenia experience violence at home
Violence
Around 7 in 10 children experience some form of psychological or physical punishment, including children under the age of one.
As a result, thousands of children are separated from their family and placed in institutions. Some of these separations could be avoided with appropriate support to families. Family separation negatively impacts children in many ways, including their physical and mental health. It also leads to social marginalization and poorer future prospects.
1 in 4
Of older children in Armenia are not in education
Education
Despite free primary and secondary school education, 1 in 10 young children and 1 in 4 older children are not in education in Armenia. Around 12% of young people are also absent because they are not in education, employment, or training. As a result, up to 45% of students lack basic educational abilities and 20% have limited literacy in English, math, and science.
These dropout rates are closely linked to poverty, child labour, and child marriage.
25%
Of the population lives in poverty
Poverty
In 2020, more than 25% of the population lived below the national poverty line. As a result, up to 30% of children lived in poverty, and this number rose to more than 80% in some rural communities.
Children born into poverty are more likely to experience a wide range of health problems, including poor nutrition, chronic disease, and mental health problems. Poverty puts an additional strain on families, which can lead to parental mental health and relationship problems, financial challenges, and substance misuse.
Together we can make a difference for children in Armenia
Took part in our trainings
Are supported on their way to independence
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SOS Children’s Villages Armenia supports children, young people and adults so that they can stay in education and get the training they need (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Armenia).
Working together for sustainable development
In 2015, leaders from 193 countries committed to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This 15 year plan aims to improve the lives of people by ending poverty, fighting inequality and protecting the planet.
GOAL 1: End poverty
SOS Children’s Villages supports families and communities to keep families together and to help them break out of the cycle of poverty.
GOAL 4: Ensure quality education for all
Every child and young person SOS Children’s Villages supports has access to education, from kindergarten right up to vocational training or university.
GOAL 8: Equal job opportunities for all
SOS Children’s Villages supports young people in developing the skills and self-confidence they need to find decent work and trains parents so that they can have a stable income.
GOAL 10: Reduce inequalities
SOS Children’s Villages works to keep children safe, by promoting peaceful and inclusive communities. We provide training on children’s rights and positive parenting.
GOAL 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies
We advocate laws and practices that ensure social inclusion and protection for children and young people without parental care or from marginalized households.
Let’s keep on protecting children and young people!
Many children have been able to find a safe and secure home. With your help, we can continue to change their lives