Bangladesh

SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children grow up with the care, protection and relationships they need to become their strongest selves (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Bangladesh).

Bangladesh is a country in South Asia, located between India and Myanmar. It is the eighth most populated country in the world, with a population of 165 million inhabitants. The official language is Bengali, and 90% of the population identifies as Muslim. Bangladesh has one of the fastest growing economies - garment industry accounts for 80% of exports. Despite this, millions of Bangladeshi still live in poverty, and child labour is a prevalent issue. Climate change also affects the population. Indeed, around 700 rivers flow through the country- these make the ground very fertile, but also very prone to climate risks.

SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children and young people without parental care, or at risk of losing it, in Bangladesh since 1972.

Children are at risk

In Bangladesh, 40% of the total population are children. These children, living in one the most densely populated countries in the world, face many risks. Bangladesh is prone to climate disasters like floods and cyclones due to its geographical location, ecosystems and population density. Children are even more vulnerable to these climate risks, especially if they already live in poverty. Poverty is also the major reason for children labour, affecting millions of children in Bangladesh
4.7M
Children are forced to work

Child labour

Child labour is common in Bangladesh, with 4.7 million children aged between 5 and 17 in the work force. A labour law exists, prohibiting children younger than 14 to work. Sadly, it’s difficult to enforce the law. Children mainly work in the agricultural sector and the garment sector. However, many girls under 18 are forced into commercial sexual exploitation. The government of Bangladesh has created a program where children going to school receive a stipend, encouraging them to stay in school instead of working.

54%
Of people live in high climate exposure areas

Climate risks

Due to its location and its population density, Bangladesh is vulnerable to the risks of climate change; it is one of the most disaster affected countries in the world. Around 90 million people, which is 54% of total population, live in high climate exposure areas. People already living in poverty, will be even more impacted by climate change dangers. Children are most at risk, both for the direct impact of climate change like floods or cyclones; and indirect effects, on their education and nutrition.

56%
Of children live in poverty

Poverty

Despite rapid growth, poverty remains a major issue in the country, with 20% of the population still living below the national poverty line.For children, who are most vulnerable to poverty, these numbers are twice as high, with 33 million children living below the poverty line, this is 56% of all children in Bangladesh.They are more likely to become victims of child labour, taking away education opportunities which would help them get out of the cycle of poverty.

Together we can make a difference for children in Bangladesh

10,940
Adults and children
Are supported in the community
3,020
Children
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
620
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
390
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Harun, a father of 5 daughters, sought help from SOS Children’s Villages, to make ends meet so that his daughters could go to school. “This programme is one of our helping hands. Now we are self-dependent and can carry our children’s educational expenses” (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Bangladesh).

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 train 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