55%
Of children in the region are malnourished
Food insecurity and malnutrition
In the Cabo Delgado province, where Pemba is situatied, the majority of the population lives off subsitence farming. Therefore, the frequent natural disasters such as droughts and floods have devastating effects on crop production.
Many families cannot regularly afford nutritious food.
Without enough food, children are unable to concentrate at school, their physical development is affected, and they are more likely to get ill. In the region where Pemba is located, more than half of the children are malnourished.
8 in 10
Children in the region live without electricity
Housing poverty
Cabo Delgado, the province around Pemba, has some of the poorest housing conditions across Mozambique: 82% of children do not have access to electricity at home.
Without access to electricity, families are disconnected and unable to do basic things like refrigerate foods and medicines, or light their homes at night. Instead, they rely on collecting firewood, which takes them away from other activities, such as attending school or earning a living.
Your support makes a difference for children in Pemba
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.
110
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 Pemba
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.