26%
Of children in Mali are too short for their age
Malnutrition and stunting
Malnourishment in Mali is a major challenge. Severe drought has affected the growing season, leading to food insecurity in many families. The country has one of the highest stunting levels in the world: 26% of children are stunted or too short for their age.
When children do not receive the nutrition they need to grow up healthily, they are at higher risk of dying from common diseases. Stunting also affects brain function and the immune system, causing many children to perform poorly at school.
45%
Of children benefit from complete vaccination
Vaccination and health
Even though vaccines are free in Mali, many children do not receive the recommended doses. Because only 45% of children are fully vaccinated, one in ten children dies from common childhood illnesses before the age of 5. A low rate of immunization leads to childhood diseases such as measles and polio.
Health facilities are often out of reach for families. Slowly, however, innovative approaches are being implemented: vaccinations are offered in places where people gather, digital registers of children vaccinated are used, and people are urged to get vaccinations through communication campaigns.
Your support makes a difference for children in Sanankoroba
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.
Are supported in the community
850
Children and young people
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
140
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Are supported on their way to independence
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Children in our care look at some school work together. Siblings grow up together and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages in Mali).
How your support helps in Sanankoroba
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..
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.
Supporting young people to become independent
To help young people become confident and independent, our local team works closely with each young person to develop a plan for their future. We support young people and also help them prepare for the labour market and increase their employment prospects. For example, young people can attend workshops and trainings run by SOS Children’s Villages. They also improve their skills through taking part in different projects with local mentors and businesses.