Dosso

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

Dosso is a town of nearly 50,000 people, located southeast of the country's capital, Niamey. The Dosso region is largely rural and the region has the highest levels of poverty in Niger. The region is heavily affected by desertification and soil degradation, so people live in a constant food and nutrition crises. Malaria, which is endemic to the country, accounts for a large proportion of deaths of children under 5 years of age.

Since 2010, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Dosso.

4 out of 10
Children under 5 are stunted

Natural disasters and malnutrition

Natural disasters are a major challenge to Niger’s agriculture. Niger is one of the hottest countries on the planet. Severe droughts, accompanied by flash floods, often mean the loss of crops and livestock. Few families are able to cope and thousands of parents have seen their children die of hunger. Child malnutrition is more widespread than in any other African country. When children do not get the nourishment required for them to grow up healthy, they are at higher risk of death from common illnesses. More than 4 out of 10 children under 5 are stunted.

14%
of women compared to 42% of men can read and write

Educational inequality

Access to school remains low for girls throughout Niger, especially in rural areas. Only 14% of women compared to 42% of men in Niger can read and write. Families often favour their sons when investing in education. After primary school, many girls are forced to get married, jeopardizing their chances of receiving adequate secondary education. Social discrimination continues into adulthood, as women are prohibited from owning land and property. Women only have access to lower-paid jobs, especially in agriculture. Breaking out of the vicious circle of poverty is therefore almost impossible for many girls and women.

Your support makes a difference for children in Dosso

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.
170
Children and adults
Are supported in the community
110
Grow up in our care
Strengthening communities, families and children. We work hard to make sure that children stay at school for as long as possible (photo: SOS Children’s Villages in Niger).

How your support helps in Dosso

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 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.