Children are at risk
Children in Syria face many challenges, most of them caused by the prolonged military conflict affecting the entire country. Access to basic services has declined drastically and around 3 million children between the ages of 5 to 17 are out of school. Their lack of basic education negatively impacts their future chances of living a fulfilled life. In addition, half a million children are chronically malnourished. This increases their risk of contracting a preventable illness that may even end in death.
1 in 3
Children in Syria showed signs of psychological distress
Children need protection
Many children in Syria can’t remember a time when they have lived in peace. War is all they know.
They live in fear of violence, landmines and other dangerous remains of the war. In their daily lives, they are dealing with the physical and psychological effects of the conflict.
Around 1 in 3 children show signs of psychological distress, including anxiety, sadness or trouble sleeping.
80%
Of Syrians live in poverty
Poverty
The long war in Syria has destroyed much of its wealth, infrastructure and workforce.
Around 80% of people are living in poverty in Syria. This means that many people live on less than $1, 90 a day. Families struggle to fulfil the most basic needs like health, education, and access to water and sanitation.
Children who grow up in poverty often don’t have the food, sanitation, shelter, health care or education they need to not just survive, but also thrive.
3 million
Syrian children are out of school
Health
The Syrian war has resulted in one of the most serious educational crises in recent history. Educational facilities are overburdened, and many schools are unable to function because they have been destroyed, damaged, or are being used for different purposes, like housing people who are displaced by the conflict.
Getting a good education is more than just being able to read and write. It can enable people to participate fully in society and contributes to improving their livelihoods.
Together we can make a difference for children in Syria
100
Children and young people
Are supported on their way to independence
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Sabah* and her 3 brothers have been supported by SOS Children’s Villages since 2014. Sabah had missed 2 years of school but worked hard to catch up. She took part in psychological support activities which included drawing. “I have always dreamed of becoming an artist…I can easily spend long hours painting without feeling bored or tired,” says Sabah. She wants to continue studying art (*name changed, photo: SOS Children’s Villages in Syria).
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