Children are at risk
Over a third (38%) of Jordan’s population is made up of under 18s, this means there are 4.3 million children. Poverty continues to shape the lives of many children. Children from low-income families are often forced to work, resulting in them ultimately dropping out of school. Children who are living as refugees in Jordan are especially vulnerable: 85% live below the poverty line and 94% experience deprivation.
150,000
Children are forced to work in the Jordan
Child labour
Of the 150,000 children engaged in child labour in Jordan, at least 60% work in dangerous environments. This includes working on the streets, operating dangerous machinery and lifting heavy loads. They work long hours, and /or in unhealthy living conditions.
Poverty is a main reason why children have to work. Most of them ultimately drop out of school. Child labour robs children of their childhood. It deprives them of their education and rights, exposes them to violence and to physical and mental harm.
16%
Of children suffer neglect
Children suffer neglect
Around 16% of Jordanian children are badly affected by the absence of supervision and nurturing by their parent. This includes physical and emotional neglect, being unable to care for a child or provide for their basic needs, and exposure to physical violence.
Many children are left feeling that their parents do not care about them and/or that they are worthless. This significantly impacts their future.
1 in 5
Children live in poverty in Jordan
Children live in poverty
Poverty is high in Jordan: 16% of the Jordanian population lives below the national poverty line. Around 23% of the population is unemployed.
Poverty is mostly found in rural areas, where households are bigger and there are fewer opportunities to make a living. The problem is significantly worse for children from families who have moved to Jordan as refugees: 85% live below the national poverty line.
Together we can make a difference for children in Jordan
Are supported on their way to independence
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SOS Children’s Villages works to protect the rights and privacy of children. As you may notice, we do not show any identifiable photos of children in general information about Jordan. This is because we have limited permission from the children and/or their legal guardians (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Jordan).
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