Tamale

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

Tamale has a population of approximately 950,000 and is the capital of the Northern Region of Ghana – one of the poorest of the country. While Ghana has experienced economic growth over the past years and overall poverty has halved in recent years, rural poverty has barely dropped. Furthermore, in contrast to other regions, Tamale has been affected by armed conflict between ethnic groups over land rights and political representation. Children are particularly vulnerable to the impact of poverty and instability.

Since 2008, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Tamale.

40%
Of people face food insecurity

Rural poverty

Despite Ghana’s overall economic development in recent years, many rural areas remain very poor. An estimated 40% of the population in Ghana’s drought-prone Northern Region continues to face chronic food insecurity as many crops fail in these dry weather conditions. In addition, there is a widespread lack of infrastructure, basic social services and safe drinking water.

6 in 10
Girls do not have an education in Tamale

Gender Inequality

Although the Ghanaian government is taking steps to ensure free basic education for all, many girls are still disadvantaged when it comes to education in the Northern Region. In fact, around 6 in 10 females have no formal education. This is in part due to poverty and the amount of work expected of girls in the home, and in part due to early marriage. A lack of education impedes girls’ future socio-economic success and makes it harder for them to break the cycle of poverty as adults.

Your support makes a difference for children in Tamale

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.
350
Adults and children
Are supported in the community
70
Children
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
40
Medical treatments
Were possible
110
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Siblings having fun together. They grow up with each other, and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Ghana).

How your support helps in Tamale

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.
Providing medical care
In areas with limited health services, SOS Children’s Villages provides medical advice and assistance. We offer preventative measures such as medical check-ups and vaccination programmes. Most of the patients who approach us for medical help come from local families, who could otherwise not afford to receive treatment.
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.