Achieving this requires a stable and functioning political, economic and social framework and politically binding measures that will ensure the protection and welfare of children in line with the UN Convention on the Right of the Child. This will determine whether millions of children actually have the chance to be protected during their childhood and create real prospects for an independent adult life.
Challenge: Ongoing high demand for quality alternative care
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| Children on a playground - Photo: SOS Archives |
SOS Children's Villages sees big future challenges in the ongoing high demand for good quality alternative care models for children who cannot grow up in their families of origin, and in support for disadvantaged families in cooperation with communities, partner organisations, local authorities and governments. Extensive family strengthening programmes will continue to be a priority for us in African countries, to prevent "sheer" poverty from leading to children losing parental care.
Enabling young adults to become independent
Another core theme is enabling young adults who have grown up in an SOS family to become independent. The poor economic climate and few optimistic prospects for development in many African countries make it one of the most difficult tasks in the care process to achieve any successful integration into the job market and the ability to lead an independent life for young adults in the care of SOS Children's Villages. In order to offer the young people the best possible starting conditions - despite what are often difficult underlying circumstances - education and vocational training will still be a top priority in our work in future.
Political stability a big question mark in some countries
In the case of some African countries there is a large question mark over the political stability and reliability of democratic systems. The situation in Somalia gives no cause for hope, and the way ahead for countries like Zimbabwe, Côte d'Ivoire, Tunisia and Sudan is impossible to predict. The fate of children hangs on a delicate political balance in places - as does the relief and aid options for SOS Children's Villages which are determined by the children's fate.
Facing problems will continue
We will continue to face problems and challenges in Africa: it is difficult to find qualified staff in all areas of work and to get local funding to finance SOS programmes and projects. The aim of SOS Children's Villages is to raise a certain percentage of the funding required in the countries themselves. In this respect we are focusing on, among others, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania and North Africa.
But in spite of all the challenges, SOS Children's Villages will continue its efforts to improve the living conditions and future opportunities of disadvantaged children and families in African countries and to raise its voice on behalf of children if their rights are violated or ignored.