Kita

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

Kita is a city of about 50,000 inhabitants in the southwest of Mali in the Kayes region. It is an important location for the manufacturing industry and the surrounding area is mainly agricultural. The Kayes region is one of the driest in Mali and has one of the highest rates of child malnutrition in the country. High food prices and severe poverty continue to threaten thousands of families in Mali. To make matters worse, violent fighting in the north of the country has displaced hundreds of thousands of people.

Since 2008, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Kita.

5.6
Births per woman in Mali

High birth rate

Mali has one of the highest birth rates in the world; a Malian mother gives birth to an average of 5.6 children. Due to widespread poverty and lack of basic social and medical services, a large proportion of the young population is vulnerable to malnutrition and disease. As a result, Mali also has one of the highest rates of child malnutrition. Around 26% of Malian children suffer from stunting. This is when children do not receive the nutrition they need to grow up healthily. Even in good times, food security in Mali is precarious. In times of drought or violence, the situation of children in Mali is particularly worrying.

1,595
Schools were forced to close due to insecurity

Insecurity and school closures

The recent political instability has affected the lives of children in several ways. According to international reports, armed groups have recruited boys to fight and forced girls to marry members of such groups. In addition, children are often not protected from violence and the risk of human trafficking. Many families have had to flee, leaving their homes and livelihoods behind. While families struggle to have food and a safe roof over their heads, their children's education is at risk. By mid-2021, 1,595 schools had to be closed due to the insecure political situation, leaving more than 478,000 children unable to attend school.

Your support makes a difference for children in Kita

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.
260
Adults and children
Are supported in the community
970
Children and young people
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
110
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Children helping each other with math homework. Siblings grow up together in families, and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages in Mali).

How your support helps in Kita

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.
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.