Buchanan

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

Buchanan is a city in the Grand Bassa county in Liberia, and home to around 35,000. The aftermath of decades of civil war is still tangible and many families are in an extremely vulnerable situation. The port of Buchanan, which provided jobs in the area, is under reconstruction after it was destroyed. Because of a lack of infrastructure and services, people struggle to find stable employment, and to access healthcare, clean water and education.

Since 2019, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Buchanan.

39,000
People are living with HIV in Liberia

HIV/AIDS can lead to poverty

HIV/AIDS rates are high in Liberia and can lead to a worsening of a family’s living standard. 39,000 Liberians are living with the virus across the country— the majority of them women. Families who are affected by the disease often cannot access treatment due to the high cost and long journeys to reach a medical centre. If they are ill and unable to work, they are increasingly at-risk of falling into abject poverty, and unable to ensure a nutritious diet for themselves and their children. Stigma and discrimination towards those affected also remain predominant in Liberian society.

31%
Of adults aged 15 and above can read and write

Low Literacy

Although the government has invested in schools and offered free primary education, the literacy rate is very low in Liberia. In many cases parents cannot afford the extra costs of schooling – transport, clothing, school books and materials. Many families are so poor that they have to rely on their children's contribution to the family finances – an estimated 14% of children aged 5-17 work. However, prioritizing education and training in early life will allow young people to escape the poverty cycle as they grow older and have more employment opportunities at their disposal.

Your support makes a difference for children in Buchanan

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.
4
Adults and children
Are supported in the community
10
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Young people enjoying their afternoon classes. We work hard to make sure that children stay at school for as long as possible (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Liberia).

How your support helps in Buchanan

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.
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 live in the local community, alongside other families. They 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.