Vontovorona

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

Vontovorona is located in a suburb of Madagascar’s capital city, Antananarivo, which is located in the center of the island. With a population of almost 1.3 million, it is also the biggest city in the country. Although poverty tends to be particularly high in Madagascar’s rural areas, urban poverty remains a reality for many families in Antananarivo. The city is expanding, putting more and more strain on infrastructure and social services. Furthermore, as many parents struggle to make a living and feed their children, many children need to contribute to the family income instead of going to school.

Since 1989, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Vontovorona.

3/4
Of people in Vontovorona live in poverty

Widespread poverty

While the economic situation in the city of Antananarivo tends to be less dire than in Madagascar’s more rural parts, living conditions in the capital are still extremely tough for thousands of families. In fact, around three quarters of the people live in poverty. As the city is growing, basic infrastructure and service are under pressure. Many people live in slums and face extremely poor living conditions. Their houses are often mere shacks, without running water or electricity. Diseases spread quickly in densely populated slums, while access to medical care is limited.

17%
Of primary school age children can read

Low school attendance

Since so many people in Antananarivo live in poverty and struggle to make a living, children are often expected to contribute to family income. The rise of child labour means that more and more children and young people are deprived of an education, which seriously jeopardises their chances of escaping the vicious cycle of poverty. Only 17% of primary school age children can read. However, the immediate needs of the family are in many cases far more pressing than any long-term prospects.

Your support makes a difference for children in Vontovorona

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.
90
Children and young people
Learn at our school and kindergarten
730
Medical services
Were provided
110
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Strengthening communities and children. We work hard to make sure that children stay at school for as long as possible (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Madagascar).

How your support helps in Vontovorona

Strengthening 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.
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.