> 800
Houses were destroyed by flooding in Niamey
Floods destroy livelihoods
The entire Sahel region is affected by recurring droughts, flash floods, failed harvests and global rises in food prices. Niger is one of the hardest hit countries. Flash floods, following heavy rains, occur all over Niger, regularly submerging homes, crops and roads under water.
In August 2020, over 15,000 people were affected and over 800 houses destroyed when the Niger River flooded Niamey. After such emergencies, displaced families find refuge in makeshift camps, with poor sanitation and healthcare, or with host families, where they have to compete for limited resources. The absence of clean water and proper sanitation leads to contagious diseases, like cholera.
76%
Of Nigerien girls are married before turning 18
Child marriage
Niger has the highest rate of child marriage in the world. 76% of girls are married before they are 18 and 28% are married before the age of 15. Deeply rooted gender norms play a role in the likelihood of girls being forced into early marriage, as well as in decisions about continued access to education.
Due to increasing economic insecurity caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing costs of living, some families resort to child marriage as a way to increase their household income. The practice of bride price, which is usually paid by the groom's family to the bride's family, is one way to generate additional income.
Your support makes a difference for children in Niamey
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
28,580
Medical care services
Were provided
120
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Are supported on their way to independence
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Strengthening communities and children. We work hard to make sure that children stay at school for as long as possible (photo: SOS Children’s Villages in Niger).
How your support helps in Niamey
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 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.
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.