São Domingos

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

São Domingos is located just outside the capital Praia. Although Cape Verde is generally better off than other African countries, many families here still struggle. Especially in urban areas, inequality is a major challenge, as not everyone has benefited from Cape Verde's relative economic growth in recent years. Many poor families only have limited access to basic services. Children growing up in these conditions are disadvantaged - instead of receiving education, they often have to work.

Since 2003, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families, and advocating for their rights in São Domingos.

26%
Of people do not have access to sanitation

Urban inequality puts families at risk

Although Cape Verde is more developed than most countries on the African continent, a significant number of Cape Verdeans continue to lead difficult lives under precarious socio-economic conditions. Linked to this, social disparities on the island have become increasingly evident in recent decades. Housing conditions are generally poor and access to sanitation facilities such as toilets is limited, with 26% of people having no access to them at all. Children growing up here are disadvantaged from an early age.

1 in 25
Children are forced to work

Children are forced to work

As poverty remains a major challenge in Praia, children often have to work to support their families with extra income and thus miss out on a proper education. Many of these children work in agriculture, where they are exposed to dangerous machinery and pesticides. Moreover, without parental care, children are left to fend for themselves, and the number of children living on the streets of Praia is increasing. They have to earn a living by washing cars, transporting cargo or petty theft. Without an education, it is difficult to escape this vicious cycle.

Your support makes a difference for children in São Domingos

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
10
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Ana's passion is singing. Her love for music goes back to her early childhood and her dream is to become a well-known singer. In her free time, Ana often sits outside with her guitar, sings and dreams (photo: SOS Children’s Villages in Cape Verde).

How your support helps in São Domingos

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.