Chipata

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

Chipata is the capital of Zambia's Eastern Province and lies close to the border with Malawi. The city has over 450,000 inhabitants. Most people here live from subsistence farming and produce their own food. Poverty levels in Chipata remain high. More than 50% of the population live in extreme poverty and are unable to meet their basic needs. Many people in Chipata do not have access to clean drinking water and sanitation. However, a lack of poor sanitation facilities puts children at risk of childhood diseases and malnutrition, which can affect their overall development, their ability to learn and, later in life, their economic opportunities.

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

53%
Of the population is under the age of 18

Young people

The population of Zambia is very young: 53% of the population is under 18 years old. This is due to high population growth, as a woman in Zambia has an average of 4.7 children. Due to the lack of infrastructure, economic development and education, many young people do not have secure jobs. Whether young people are in school, training or working has important implications for future economic growth, development and stability. If overlooked, youth unemployment has a potential to have significant and serious social repercussions. Youth unemployment can lead to social exclusion and unrest.

15%
Of children under 5 have registered births

Children’s rights and protection

Children who are not registered at birth do not have access to basic rights and services such as education and health care. Overall, less than 15% of births to children under the age of 5 are registered in Zambia, despite the requirement to do so. In addition, child marriage poses another challenge to child protection efforts in Zambia. The number of child marriages has increased significantly in recent years. In families with limited resources, child marriage is often seen as a way to provide for the daughter's future.

Your support makes a difference for children in Chipata

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.
500
Adults and children
Are supported in the community
120
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Two brothers playing football together. Children grow up together and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Zambia).

How your support helps in Chipata

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.
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.