89%
Of children experience physical punishment
Physical punishment
Even though Guinea has passed laws that prohibit physical punishment of children in all settings, it is still a common practice.
Violent discipline at home is the most common form of violence against children. This can be especially harmful at a young age, because there is an increased risk of physical injuries. Children can’t understand the reasons behind the abuse or adopt coping strategies. Physical and psychological aggression often happen at the same time. The consequences of violent discipline range from immediate effects to long-term damage that affect children through their childhood and into adulthood.
70%
Of adults in Kankan cannot read and write
Lack of education
70% of adults in Kankan cannot read and write. This is one of the lowest rates of all the regions in Guinea. The country also has a big gap between rural and urban areas: around 60% of the urban population knows how to read, whereas the same is true for only 24% of the rural population.
Achieving and improving literacy skills is an important part of the right to education. But education is more than just being able to read and write - it can empower people and enable them to participate fully in society and improves their livelihood.
Your support makes a difference for children in Kankan
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.
Are supported in the community
50
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Are supported on their way to independence
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Brothers playing together. Siblings grow up together in families, and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages in Guinea).
How your support helps in Kankan
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.
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.
Supporting young people to become independent
To help young people become confident and independent, our local team works closely with each young person to develop a plan for their future. We support young people and also help them prepare for the labour market and increase their employment prospects. For example, young people can attend workshops and trainings run by SOS Children’s Villages. They also improve their skills through taking part in different projects with local mentors and businesses.