Makalle

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

Makalle (spelled Mek’ele in Tigray) is the capital of the Tigray Region in northern Ethiopia, near the border with Eritrea, and has a population of around 170,000 people. In this northernmost region of Ethiopia, decades of armed conflict, drought, food shortages and rising proces have marked the lives o the population. The COVID-19 pandemic and the rising costs of food have made matters worse. Over 23 million children are in need of humanitarian assistance. They need of support so that they can live safe and healthy childhoods.

Since 1976, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Makalle.

1 in 3
Children under the age of 5 is malnourished in Tigray

Children are malnourished

Children in the Tigray region are not getting the food they need to grow healthily. According to the United Nations, almost one in three children are suffering from acute malnutrition. Droughts, famines and locust infestations often affect this northern area of Ethiopia. In addition, the violent conflict meant that many areas could not be provided with medical care, or any othe type of support. Families that are already at risk and living from one day to the next were the most affected by all of these factors.

1.8 Million
People have had to leave their homes in Tigray

Children have had to leave their homes

1.8 million people have been forced to leave their homes in the Tigray region. They have had to flee due to the fighting and the unstable political, social and economic situation. When families are forced to move, children suffer most. They are uprooted from their daily lives, and it becomes harder to them to go to school regularly. As parents have to find new ways of making a living, they have enough food for the family. Many children have to work in order to contribute to the household.

Your support makes a difference for children in Makalle

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.
790
Families
Can stay together
1,710
Children and young people
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
130
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
90
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
37,790
Emergency services
Were delivered
Young girls who are growing up together in SOS Children’s Village Makalle (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Ethiopia).

How your support helps in Makalle

Strengthening 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.
Providing care in emergencies
In times of conflict, natural disasters and mass displacement, we respond to the urgent needs of children and families. We provide immediate support, shelter and sanitation facilities to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. SOS Children’s Villages also focuses on preventing the separation of families, and ensures that children, young people and families receive psychological and health care support.
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.