380,000
Adults and children live with HIV
HIV/AIDS leads to poverty
HIV/AIDS rates are high in Côte d’Ivoire and can lead to a descent into poverty. Latest numbers show that 21,000 children were reported to have been infected with the virus across the country – but only 49% of children had access to antiretroviral therapy that suppresses the virus in the body and helps reduce mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Families who are affected by HIV/AIDS often cannot access treatment due to the high cost and long journeys to reach a medical centre. If they are ill and unable to work, they are increasingly at-risk of falling into abject poverty, and unable to ensure a nutritious diet for themselves and their children.
56%
Of young people drop out of upper secondary school
Poverty prevents education
Côte d'Ivoire has made progress in improving access to education, even though many schools still have a shortage of trained teachers. Today, fewer young people are excluded from education and more and more young people have access to secondary education. However, less than 50% of boys and girls enroll in secondary school. Especially in rural areas, girls often drop out of education and start a family with an older man who can provide financially. This makes the girls highly dependent on their husband or father of their children.
Your support makes a difference for children in Aboisso
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.
Are supported in the community
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
80
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Are supported on their way to independence
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Brothers and sisters grow up together and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages in Côte d’Ivoire).
How your support helps in Aboisso
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 trainings so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to school.
Providing quality education
SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children and young people have access to high-quality education. We help them learn and develop in a safe and supportive environment. We train teachers on children’s rights and child-centered learning, so that each child can get the most out of their education. Young children spend time playing and learning at kindergarten. This prepares them for primary 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.