Tema

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

Tema is located on the Atlantic coast of Ghana and has a population of roughly 160, 000 inhabitants. It is Ghana’s most important seaport and home to some major industrial plants. Over the past decades, this attracted many people from all over the country in search for employment and better living conditions. However, the city was unable to keep up with this influx of people and is marked by deep inequalities. Many people are without a job, proper housing, or sanitation. Under these circumstances, there are countless children engaging in labour activities instead of going to school.

Since 1974, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Lubango.

20,000
cases of preventable diseases in Ghana

Limited immunization

Many people in Tema live in poor conditions, with no proper housing, no access to running water or no sanitation. As a result, the spread of diseases is a common problem. The Ghanaian government has taken significant steps to ensure that children are immunized. Nevertheless, many children, especially those who live in densely populated parts of urban areas, have not been vaccinated and are exposed to a number of diseases at an early age. In fact, there are around 20,000 reported cases of preventable diseases like measles or mumps every year.

76%
of households don’t have access to drinking water

Children experience growth issues

Like in other regions of Ghana, some poorer areas within the city of Tema do not have access to clean drinking water or proper sanitation facilities. Some progress has been made to ensure that children and families have access to safe drinking water. However, around 76% of households in Ghana are at risk of drinking water contaminated with faecal matter. Various approaches and interventions in urban basic sanitation are not effectively coordinated and monitored. As a result, access to toilets and other hygiene facilities is limited. This puts children at greater risk of contracting infectious disease.

Your support makes a difference for children in Tema

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.
290
Families
Can stay together
850
Children
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
1,220
Medical treatments
Were possible
90
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
70
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
A young person and her caregiver. Children in our care grow up together, and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Ghana).

How your support helps in Tema

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.