Children are at risk
Around 18% of the population are under 18 years old, this means there are around 1.7 million children growing up in Hungary. There is a high rate of poverty and deprivation, with more than 18% of the population, and more than 22% of children at risk of poverty or social exclusion. A high percentage of these come from Roma and Sinti backgrounds.
2 in 3
Roma children are at risk of poverty
Discrimination
Roma families face discrimination and marginalization in all aspects of social life. They rely on seasonal work or informal day labour for income, making them exceptionally vulnerable to economic changes.
Roma are disproportionally affected, with more 65% at risk of poverty and social exclusion and more than 45% experiencing severe material deprivation. As a result, children live precariously on the margins of society, in, or at risk of, falling into poverty where their basic needs can no longer be met.
1 in 5
Children are not in education
Absent from school
School attendance is compulsory from ages 6 to16. However, 20% of Hungarian children and young adults do not attend school, trainings, university, or kindergarten.
More work needs to be done to improve the educational chances of Hungarian children, particularly in rural and poor communities and among minorities. For example, only 1% of young people from the Roma community graduate from higher education.
1 in 2
Babies are malnourished
Malnourishment
Nationwide, roughly 8% of children who are 1 year old suffer from malnutrition. This figure improves as children get older, but 1 in 17 children who are aged 5 are malnourished.
Child hunger is an uncomfortable subject to talk about, but failure to address it has serious long-term effects on children. These include poor development and increased vulnerability to infection and risk of poor health. They may also lack energy and motivation to play or study, all of which is harmful to them and their future.
Together we can make a difference for children in Hungary
Are supported on their way to independence
![]()
SOS Children’s Villages supports young people until they can become independent. In conversation with each young person, we draw up a plan which outlines the individualized support they need. And even when they have set up their own home, they often come back for a visit and to blow bubbles for the younger children (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Hungary).
Working together for sustainable development
In 2015, leaders from 193 countries committed to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This 15 year plan aims to improve the lives of people by ending poverty, fighting inequality and protecting the planet.
GOAL 1: End poverty
SOS Children’s Villages supports families and communities to keep families together and to help them break out of the cycle of poverty.
GOAL 4: Ensure quality education for all
Every child and young person SOS Children’s Villages supports has access to education, from kindergarten right up to vocational training or university.
GOAL 8: Equal job opportunities for all
SOS Children’s Villages supports young people in developing the skills and self-confidence they need to find decent work and trains parents so that they can have a stable income.
GOAL 10: Reduce inequalities
SOS Children’s Villages works to keep children safe, by promoting peaceful and inclusive communities. We provide training on children’s rights and positive parenting.
GOAL 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies
We advocate laws and practices that ensure social inclusion and protection for children and young people without parental care or from marginalized households.
Let’s keep on protecting children and young people!
Many children have been able to find a safe and secure home. With your help, we can continue to change their lives