Conakry

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

Conakry is the capital and largest city of Guinea. It is located on a peninsula at the Atlantic coast. The harbour is an important trading post which exports various goods such as exotic fruits, coffee, cocoa and fish.The living conditions for the majority of the population remain precarious. This is partly due to the fact that the city has more than doubled in size in the last thirty years. The majority of people live in informal settlements. These conditions have led to increased crime rates and social unrest.

Since 1989, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Conakry.

55%
Of Guineans live in poverty

Widespread poverty

Even though Guinea is rich in natural resources, it faces many socio-economic challenges. More than half of the population lives in poverty and 22% of households are food insecure. This means that they lack regular access to nutritious food. Living in poverty means that many people live on less than 1,90 USD a day and struggle to fulfil the most basic needs like health, education, and access to water and sanitation.

50%
Of people in cities live in slums

Living in informal settlements

Conakry has experienced rapid growth over the years. This growth was not systematically managed and has led to poor housing conditions. Informal housing, like slums, are characterized by a lack of durable and permanent housing that protects against extreme weather conditions. They lack sufficient living space, easy access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation. Informal housing is also a place where people are exposed to many diseases because of the poor water and sanitation conditions. Many diseases will spread easily either through contaminated water or the high population density.

Your support makes a difference for children in Conakry

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.
5,940
Adults and children
Are supported in the community
700
Children
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
60
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
50
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Brothers and sisters play together in the care of SOS Children’s Villages, and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages in Guinea).

How your support helps in Conakry

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.