N’Djamena

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

N’Djamena is the capital of Chad with a population of over 1.2 million. Thousands of children have inadequate access to health care and education due to a severe lack of infrastructure. Child labour and trafficking are common. Like other areas of Chad, the region surrounding N’Djamena is affected by floods and droughts. The COVID-19 pandemic increased food insecurity as 320,000 workers saw their income affected by the economic recession.

Since 2005, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in N’Djamena.

32,000
People were affected by floods in 2020

Natural disasters affect livelihoods

Seasonal flooding in 2020 affected 400,000 people across Chad. In the region of N’Djamena 32,000 people were affected, many losing their homes. Flooding affected agricultural production – already suffering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic – leaving households struggling to put food on the table. Climate change and irrigation practices have accelerated the drying up of Lake Chad. Food insecurity in rural areas has forced many families to migrate to the city. Urban communities face many of the same challenges, resulting in unstable livelihoods. In N’Djamena 12,302 children are living below the monetary poverty line.

856 of 100,000
Births end in the mother’s death

Care out of reach

Children, young people and families in Chad face a variety of health issues. Many live in rural areas where it is hard to access health care. Some of the leading causes of death for women are complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. Chad has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the region, with a death record of about 856 per100,000 births. In addition, the number of teenage pregnancies is high at 164.5 births per 1,000 adolescents aged 15 to 19, often followed by birth complications. Chad also has a large number of nomadic and island populations that have limited access to health services.

Your support makes a difference for children in N’Djamena

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.
200
Families
Can stay together
360
Children
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
8,060
Medical treatments
Were possible
110
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
70
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Playing in the garden. Children in our care grow up together, and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages in Chad).

How your support helps in N’Djamena

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 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.
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.