78,000
Children are internally displaced in the region Sudan are too short for their age
Violence and insecurity
Due to violence in Tahoua by extremist groups; and growing instability in neighboring countries Burkina Faso, Mali, and Nigeria, thousands of people have been displaced within Niger. In 2021, 140,000 people were displaced in the Tillaberi and Tahoua regions - 78,000 were children. Violence and forced displacement disrupt the lives of children, leaving many living with trauma. Children are at risk of separation from their families and exposure to sexual abuse, child labour and recruitment by armed groups. People who are displaced tend to live in makeshift camps and areas with poor sanitation and healthcare.
20,000
children were affected by school closures in 2020
School closures
More than 22,000 children were affected in 2020 when over 300 schools were forced to close in Niger due to insecurity. Children in Tahoua and nearby regions were especially affected due to insecurity as armed conflicts escalated.
Education, which is free and compulsory for 8 years in Niger, is a child’s right. School can also be a safe place, protecting children from abuse, exploitation and recruitment by armed groups. Attacks on schools deny children the right to develop the skills they need.
Your support makes a difference for children in Tahoua
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
180
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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Looking after the vegetable plots in the garden. Children grow up together and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages in Niger).
How your support helps in Tahoua
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.