9 in 10
People live in poverty in and around Fort Dauphin
Poverty and malnourishment
Madagascar is a low-income country, but the situation is particularly severe in the rural south. Here, an estimated 9 in 10 people in the area live in poverty.
Many people are subsistence farmers, meaning that they rely on their own agricultural produce to feed their families. However, Madagascar is vulnerable to natural disasters and is the most-cyclone exposed country in Africa. As a result, agricultural production often remains low and many families go hungry. Malnourishment has particularly negative impacts for children, as the lack of a balanced diet leads to hamper their growth and development.
60%
Of children do not go to primary school
Lack of access to education
In the Anosy region, where Fort Dauphin is located, over 60% of children do not go to primary school, and worryingly this figure has worsened in recent years.
Apart from having to work to contribute to household income, there are a number of other reasons why children do not go to school. Especially in rural areas like Fort Dauphin, it is hard for children to get to school due to the lack of infrastructure. In addition, many parents cannot afford the extra costs of travel or school supplies. Children without the possibility of getting an education tend to be stuck in the vicious cycle of poverty.
Your support makes a difference for children in Fort Dauphin
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
55
Children and young people
Learn at our kindergarten and school
110
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
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Tatiana is tending to some freshly planted shoots. Learning to care for a garden and planting and harvesting vegetables are some of the many useful skills children and young people in our care develop, so that they become independent when they grow up (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Madagascar).
How your support helps in Fort Dauphin
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 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.