Chimoio

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

Located only 95km from the Zimbabwean border, Chimoio is a popular city in south-central in Mozambique. Around 373,000 people live in the city, and due to its central location and railway connections, it is a commercial and industrial centre. It is also the capital city of Manica Province, where Mount Binga, the highest mountain in Mozambique, is located.Hardship is a daily reality for the children of Chimoio and the surrounding region, with almost 40% of people in the area living in poverty. Most children live in unsuitable housing without basic facilities such as electricity or a hygienic toilet.

Since 2011, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Chimoio.

16%
Of children have lost either one or both of their parents

Loss of parental care

Due to high rates of HIV/AIDS in the area, many children are left to fend for themselves. When the adults in the family are too ill to work, children have to take over the role of carer and provider. Many chidlren have been left without parental care. In fact, 16% of young children in the region have lost either one or both of their parents. When children in Mozambique lose parental care, they are often sent to foster families where they are at risk of being mistreated or exploited as household servants.

4 in 5
Children in the region use unhygienic toilets

Poor sanitation

In the region where Chimoio is located, 79% of children do not have access to proper sanitation facilities at home. This means that most children use latrines or makeshift toilets where there is no hygienic disposal or separation between the child and the waste. Without proper sanitation, children are at risk of fatal infectious diseases. These conditions lead to the spread of infectious diseases such as diarrheal disease, which is one of the main causes of infant death.

Your support makes a difference for children in Chimoio

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
Families
Can stay together
90
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
7
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Siblings having fun together. They grow up with each other and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages in Mozambique).

How your support helps in Chimoio

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 training so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start their own businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to 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.