1 in 3
Children in Maputo are malnourished
Children do not get food they need
Food shortages across Mozambique mean that many children are not given the nutritious diet that they need to grow up healthily: 34% of children in Maputo city are malnourished.
Food shortages are frequent due to extreme weather changes that destroy vital crops.
Growing one’s own food is not an option within the city, and so people here rely heavily on a cash income. This is hard for vulnerable families to secure, especially single-parent families.
1 in 10
Children in Maputo live in poor housing conditions
Living in informal settlements
Although Maputo is a relatively modern city, the inequality between the rich and the poor is substantial. New infrastructure is being developed constantly, but many families continue to live in run-down, overcrowded housing.
The families with lowest incomes often find themselves trapped in poverty. Many people move to the city in search of work, but stable jobs are difficult to get. Without a steady income, families are often unable to live comfortably in the city, butdo not have the means to move away.
Your support makes a difference for children in Maputo
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
570
Children and young people
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
80
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Are supported on their way to independence
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Children in our care learning together. Siblings grow up with each other, and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Mozambique).
How your support helps in Maputo
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.
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.
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.