Children are at risk
A large number of families live in poverty, especially in rural areas, and they often struggle to feed their children enough nutritious food. Children are often undernourished, which can affect their development in the long term. In some cases, children must drop out of school to contribute to household income by working themselves. Without an education, their chances at escaping poverty are low. The HIV/AIDS pandemic also has dire consequences for many children. Some are directly affected; others lose parental care due to the disease and are left very vulnerable.
28%
Of the population are living in poverty
Widespread poverty
Tanzania remains marked by widespread poverty. Over 28% of the country’s population are living in poverty and millions find themselves caught on the bottom steps of the socio-economic ladder. Only a small minority has been able to benefit from the country’s recent upswing. Growth has been neither broad-based nor great enough to effectively tackle high poverty levels in Tanzania. Particularly in rural areas, poverty is widespread and acute. Many families here do not have access to basic infrastructure, and 1 in 3 children are undernourished.
1 in 5
Children are not enrolled in primary school
Education
Education is the key to an independent life. The enrolment rate in Tanzania has improved in recent years and about 4 out of 5 children complete primary school. Nevertheless, government funding for primary and secondary education is relatively low compared to many other countries in the region. Furthermore, the dropout rate is high due to financial constraints in families. Many children have to work alongside school to contribute to the household income.
1.7M
People live with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania
Health
Tanzania is characterised by a comparatively high HIV prevalence rate. As in many other parts of Africa, many people - about 1.7 million - live with the disease. The HIV/AIDS epidemic significantly hinders the country's socio-economic development and also affects the food security of thousands of families. When the breadwinner of a family falls ill, other family members - often children - have to work to support the family.
Together we can make a difference for children in Tanzania
2,520
Children and young people
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
Are supported in the community
290
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Are supported on their way to independence
Naima and her younger sister lost parental care. With the support of SOS Children’s Villages, she and her sister could stay together in a foster family and go to school. Today, Naima is attending trainings to be able to set up her own business (SOS Children’s Villages Tanzania).
Let’s keep on protecting children and young people!
Many children have been able to find a safe and secure home. With your help, we can continue to change their lives