1 in 3
Children in Sudan are too small for their age
Children do not get enough food
In Sudan, poor nutrition is a major threat to the survival and development of children under the age of 5. In fact, the situation has worsened, as nowadays the country has more malnourished children than 30 years ago. While the risk of malnutrition is even higher in rural areas, urban poverty and inequality means that many parents in Khartoum struggle to provide enough nutritious food for their children. As a result, over 1 in 3 children under five is too short for their age, and this is mainly due to malnutrition. Illnesses such as diarrhea exacerbate poor dietary intake even more, which can have grave long-term effects for children.
2M
People in Sudan had to flee their homes
Living in informal settlements
Over the last decades, the city of Khartoum has seen an influx of refugees and internally displaced people that fled the violence in different areas of the country. There are over 2 million internally displaced persons in Sudan, many of whom came to the capital. This rapid population growth put a lot of strain on Khartoum’s infrastructure, and pockets of poverty, as well as large informal settlements, developed all over the city. Here, infrastructure such as sanitation facilities, health services and education tends to be limited. Some displaced people are now returning to their homelands, but urban poverty remains a serious worry in the capital.
Your support makes a difference for children in Khartoum
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.
70
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Are supported on their way to independence
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Children picking fresh dates together. Siblings grow up with each other, and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Sudan).
How your support helps in Khartoum
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.