El Jadida

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

El Jadida is a port city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast and has a population of roughly 171,000. The nearby port makes El Jadida an important centre for trade in the region. The situation regarding children’s and women’s rights in Morocco has improved over the last decade. However, despite increased government measures, thousands of underage girls continue to work as domestic servants in the country today, and around 35% of the female population continues to be illiterate.

Since 2006, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in El Jadida.

8,900
Children lost parental care due to HIV/AIDS in 2020

Left without parental care

There are several reasons why children in Morocco may lose parental care. The leading causes of death among adults, of which heart disease is one, mean that hundreds of children no longer have parents to care for them. Although Morocco has a relatively low HIV/AIDS prevalence, 8 900 children lost parental care due to HIV/AIDS in 2020. Children are also taken into care due to social and cultural factors. Single mothers often face discrimination from some parts of society. They need extra support so that mother and child can stay together.

90%
Of women are estimated to be illiterate

Gender inequality

Gender inequality remains very significant in Morocco. For example, 35% of women are illiterate compared to about 17% of men. It is estimated that the illiteracy rate for women in rural areas is up to 90%. Girls are more likely to drop out of school after primary school and only 26% of girls in rural areas attend secondary school. Long journeys to school can be challenging for girls, as transport can be difficult or dangerous. Schools are often equipped with poor sanitation facilities. And in some households, girls also have to help with the housework.

Your support makes a difference for children in El Jadida

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.
50
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
60
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Young people in our care playing football together. Siblings grow up together and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Morocco).

How your support helps in El Jadida

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.