35%
Of children do not grow properly in the area around Eldoret
Natural disasters and food insecurity
Families living in rural areas around Eldoret depend on agriculture for food supply and income. At the same, the region tends to suffer from drought, floods and land degradation, so crop failure is a recurring issue. This means that families lose their source of income and food becomes scarce. This food insecurity presents a particular risk for children. In fact, 35% of children in Rift Valley Province suffer from stunting, meaning they are below their age-appropriate height because of malnutrition.
4 in 10
Girls in rural areas around Eldoret are not in school
Education and gender inequality
When the Free Primary Education Policy started in Kenya in 2003, many more children started going to primary school. However, many are concerned that this has led to a decline in the quality of teaching due to the large class sizes, and the increasing workloads teachers face, combined with inadequate salaries. Furthermore, the number of children going to secondary school remains very low, especially in rural areas like the Rift Valley Province where Eldoret is located. In addition, girls, who are often expected to work in the household, are at a disadvantage – 4 in 10 girls living in rural areas are not attending school.
Your support makes a difference for children in Eldoret
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.
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
120
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Are supported on their way to independence
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Strengthening communities and children. We assist parents by providing guidance on income-generating skills and parenting practices, as well as counselling and psychological support where needed (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Kenya).
How your support helps in Eldoret
Strengthening 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.
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.