Yamoussoukro

SOS Children’s Villages supports individual children, young people and families so that they can thrive (photo: SOS Children’s Villages in Côte d’Ivoire).

With 360,000 inhabitants, the city of Yamoussoukro is Cote d'Ivoire's fifth largest city and the official capital of the country. It is located in the interior, about 240 km northwest of Côte d’Ivoire’s economic and cultural centre, the coastal city of Abidjan. Agriculture is the most important economic activity in the region, providing the main source of income for half of the population.

Since 2014, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Yamoussoukro.

380,000
Adults and children live with HIV

HIV/AIDS can lead to poverty

HIV/AIDS rates are high in Côte d’Ivoire. Latest numbers show that 21,000 children were reported to have been infected with the virus across the country – but only 49% children had access to antiretroviral therapy that suppresses the virus in the body and helps reduce mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Families who are affected by the disease often cannot access treatment due to the high cost and long journeys to reach a medical centre. If they are ill and unable to work, they are increasingly at risk of poverty, and unable to ensure a nutritious diet for themselves and their children. These families need special support to stay together.

56%
Of young people drop out of upper secondary school

Poverty prevents education

Côte d'Ivoire has made progress in improving access to education, even though many schools still have a shortage of trained teachers. Today, fewer young people are excluded from education and more and more young people have access to secondary education. However, only 50% of both boys and girls enroll in secondary school. Especially in rural areas, girls often drop out of education and start a family with an older man who can provide financially. This makes the girls highly dependent on their husband or father of their children.

Your support makes a difference for children in Yamoussoukro

SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
1,100
Adults and children
Are supported in the community
550
Children
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
200
Children and adults
Received medical support
110
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Helping each other out. Siblings grow up together, and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages in Côte d’Ivoire).

How your support helps in Yamoussoukro

Strengthening vulnerable families and communities
When parents face hardships, they can sometimes struggle to give children the care they need. SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities. Each family needs different support so that they can stay together. This support can include workshops on parenting and children’s rights. We also run trainings so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to school.
Providing quality education
SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children and young people have access to high-quality education. We help them learn and develop in a safe and supportive environment. We train teachers on children’s rights and child-centered learning, so that each child can get the most out of their education. Young children spend time playing and learning at kindergarten. This prepares them for primary school.
Providing medical care
In areas with limited health services, SOS Children’s Villages provides medical advice and assistance. We offer preventative measures such as medical check-ups and vaccination programmes. Most of the patients who approach us for medical help come from local families, who could otherwise not afford to receive treatment. Young people can participate in workshops on topics such as sexual and reproductive health.
Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.