Jos

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

The city of Jos is the capital of Plateau State in central Nigeria and has a population of almost 900,000. Jos is an important trading and tourist centre and its tin mines attract internal migrants from all over Nigeria. The region is ethnically and linguistically diverse. Its location in Nigeria's ‘middle belt’ places it at the centre of the divide between the Muslim north and the predominantly Christian south and violent religious clashes are common. Growing up under these conditions is challenging. Many children have lost parental care or are at the risk of losing it.

Since 2011, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Jos.

1 in 3
Children in Nigeria doesn’t grow properly

Many families lack food

Like in other parts of Nigeria, living in poverty is a reality for the majority of people in Plateau State, where Jos is located. Many people struggle to find work in the city of Jos and families tend to live in very poor conditions. They often do not have access to safe drinking water or sanitation facilities like toilets, which increases the risk of water-borne disease. Furthermore, parents often struggle to feed their children. Around one in three children in Nigeria does not grow healthily due to malnutrition. This has severe long-term effects for children.

47%
Of children do not go to school in northern Nigeria

Children missing out on an education

Many children in Nigeria do not have the opportunity to go to school. In the north of the country, the situation is particularly difficult, with only about 47% of children going to school. The percentage of girls who go to school is even lower. The educational deficits in northern Nigeria are due to several factors, including economic barriers and socio-cultural norms and practices that discourage girls in particular from pursuing formal education. Without education, however, children struggle to escape the vicious cycle of poverty.

Your support makes a difference for children in Jos

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.
100
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
140
Children and young people
Learn at our kindergarten and school and take part in trainings
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 Nigeria).

How your support helps in Jos

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.