Bangui

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

Bangui is the capital city of the Central African Republic.It is located in the southwestern part of the country and borders the Ubangi River. It is the only major city in the country and the metropolitan region is home to around 900,000 inhabitants. The majority of the people in this region still live from farming. The city suffered significant damage during the coup attempts in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Since 1992, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families, and advocating for their rights in Bangui.

68%
Of women are married before the age of 18

Child marriage

The Central African Republic has the second highest number of child marriages in the world. There is no minimum legal age of marriage and 68% of girls are married before the age of 18, and 29% are married before the age of 15. Marriage before the age of 18 is a major violation of human rights. It often compromises a girl’s development by resulting in early pregnancy and social isolation. It interrupts her schooling and limits her career opportunities. Child marriage is therefore also a direct manifestation of gender inequality.

3.1M
People are in need of humanitarian assistance

Humanitarian crisis

Recurring violence and the resulting decline of basic services have significantly worsened the living conditions of Central Africans. Around 3.1 million people need humanitarian assistance - that is 63% of the population. Women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities are especially vulnerable. One in four Central Africans has been uprooted from their home – either within the Central African Republic or in neighbouring countries. 73% of the population report insufficient food consumption. Furthermore the number of attacks on civilian infrastructure, such as schools and hospitals, is increasing.

Your support makes a difference for children in Bangui

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.
90
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
60
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
1,230
Emergency Services
Were possible
Children in our care. Siblings grow up together and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s in the Villages Central African Republic).

How your support helps in Bangui

Protecting children in emergencies
In times of conflict and natural disasters, we respond to the urgent needs of children and families. In emergencies, SOS Children’s Villages focuses on keeping families together, and provide practical, psychological and medical support. If children are separated from their families, we look after them and work to reunite them. We also provide immediate practical assistance. For example, we create child-friendly spaces where children are cared for.
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.