Children are at risk
While the situation in the country has improved slightly, certain challenges remain and have negative effects on children. Being forced to flee their homes due to the conflict, many families were separated. Children without parental care are extremely vulnerable. Furthermore, infrastructure such as sanitation facilities or access to water, is poor, which increases the risk of the transmission of diseases that are particularly dangerous for children. Conflict, underdevelopment and limited awareness of the importance of education also means that many children do not have the chance to attend school.
18%
Of children do not live in a family environment
Internally displaced
Sudan's history of armed conflicts has affected the lives of many people in the country. The fighting has cost millions of lives and even more people have been internally displaced. In fact, Sudan has one of the highest rates of internally displaced people in the world: around four million people have had to leave their homes and often live in extremely poor conditions. Many children in Sudan were separated from their families. Around 18% of children under the age of 17 are not living in a family environment, while 3.5% live with neither parent.
11%
Of child’s deaths caused by diarrhea
Poor infrastructure
As a result of conflict, natural disasters and underdevelopment, Sudan’s infrastructure is in need of improvement.
Only a third of households in the country have access to proper sanitation; while almost 70% households have access to improved drinking water sources.
The lack of adequate infrastructure puts many at risk of epidemics and children are particularly at risk. In fact, with 11% of child deaths in Sudan being caused by diarrhea.
3M
Children in Sudan are not in school
Education
Sudan has one of the largest number of out-of-school children in the Middle East and North Africa region. It is estimated that over 3 million children do not go to school. While around 75% of primary age children attend school, this figure drops to 28% in secondary school.
And when children do go to school, the quality of learning is often below the required standards. Without a proper education, children struggle to escape the viscous cycle of poverty.
Together we can make a difference for children in Sudan
60
Children and young people
Are supported on their way to independence
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The family strengthening programme run by SOS Children’s Villages gave Awadiya, a single mum, new hope for her family of seven children. “The most important achievement for me was the ability to build a safe home for my children” explains Awadiya (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Sudan).
Working together for sustainable development
In 2015, leaders from 193 countries committed to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This 15 year plan aims to improve the lives of people by ending poverty, fighting inequality and protecting the planet.
GOAL 1: End poverty
SOS Children’s Villages supports families and communities to keep families together and to help them break out of the cycle of poverty.
GOAL 4: Ensure quality education for all
Every child and young person SOS Children’s Villages supports has access to education, from kindergarten right up to vocational training or university.
GOAL 8: Equal job opportunities for all
SOS Children’s Villages supports young people in developing the skills and self-confidence they need to find decent work and trains parents so that they can have a stable income.
GOAL 10: Reduce inequalities
SOS Children’s Villages works to keep children safe, by promoting peaceful and inclusive communities. We provide training on children’s rights and positive parenting.
GOAL 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies
We advocate laws and practices that ensure social inclusion and protection for children and young people without parental care or from marginalized households.
Let’s keep on protecting children and young people!
Many children have been able to find a safe and secure home. With your help, we can continue to change their lives