Canchungo

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

Canchungo is a small city located in the Cacheu region in northern Guinea-Bissau and has a population of roughly 7000 people. Situated between two rivers, it is a major producer of oil palm vegetables for export. Rice cultivation, subsistence agriculture and fishing are the main local economic activities. In many rural areas infrastructure, such as health services and schools, are not sufficiently available. This can negatively affect the health and wellbeing of children.

Since 2007, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Canchungo.

33%
Of households don’t have access to drinking water

Water, sanitation and hygiene

Over the past few years, Guinea-Bissau has made great strides to improve water and sanitation facilities. Yet more work is to be done, especially because climate change has a big impact on rain patterns and water levels. Water resources are worsening, which has a negative impact on the access to safe drinking water for children and their families. Access to safe water and sanitation is important for the health of children. Poor water and sanitation is the main cause for many diseases, such as cholera and other diarrheal diseases, which remain one of the leading causes of death for young children.

68%
Of children attend primary education

Early childhood education

A third of children between the ages of 6 and 11 are considered “out-of-school children” which means that they either never entered school or started and later dropped out. This has many reasons. For example, many children have to repeat a grade or drop out to help their parents in the house or on the fields. Children up to the age of five are usually socialized at home and in the communities. Only a small percentage of children attend pre-primary education. Schools receive insufficient funding for quality education and physical school buildings and textbooks don’t meet acceptable standards.

Your support makes a difference for children in Canchungo

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.
110
Families
Can stay together
550
Children and young people
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
70
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Children in our care are enjoying their childhood: having fun and playing in the garden (photo: SOS Children’s Villages in Guinea-Bissau).

How your support helps in Canchungo

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 training so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start their own 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.
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.