Mogadishu

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

Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, is a growing city, and currently over 2.2 million people live here. People move to Mogadishu in search of a safer and better life, often fleeing from conflict and natural disasters. However, Mogadishu is known as one of the world’s most fragile cities. Although the overall security situation in Mogadishu has improved and there are some positive signs, the threat of violence remains. For all these reasons, efforts to improve the lives of families and children must continue. As the economy continues to grow, there is an opportunity for positive change to reach even the most vulnerable.

Since 1985, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Mogadishu.

57%
Of people live in poverty in Mogadishu

Widespread poverty

In Mogadishu, around 57% of people live in poverty. The majority has been forced to move to Mogadishu due to conflict and natural disasters. They arrived here in search of safety and ways to survive. Families living in poverty often suffer from malnutrition, as they do not have the means to grow or buy goods. They live in low quality housing with neither access to safe sanitation facilities nor clean water to drink. Living in such conditions makes them vulnerable to other illnesses and disease – and health care is not readily available. Unfortunately, the insecurity situation means many are not able to make a stable income. Unless families receive the support they need, children will drop out of school, be forced to work or left to fend for themselves.

500,000
Displaced people live outside Mogadishu

Living on the edge

When crisis strikes rural areas, many move to Mogadishu in search of safety. There are approximately 500,000 internally displaced people in Mogadishu – many of them have been displaced for decades. They live in crowded settlements in insecure areas outside the city. They often live on private land and, in the past, these settlements have been cleared without warning and with force. The government is working to protect the rights of displaced people and ease the tensions with the host communities. Some progress has been made, but there is still a long way to go before the situation improves for these families struggling to exist in one of the world’s most fragile cities.

Your support makes a difference for children in Mogadishu

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.
200
Families
Can stay together
1,400
Children and young people
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
308,570
Medical treatments
Were possible
130
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
60
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Local children and young people, including those in our care, go to school and receive further training. And leisure time is important too (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Somalia)!

How your support helps in Mogadishu

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.
Providing medical care
In areas with limited health services, SOS Children’s Villages provides medical advice and assistance. We offer preventative measures such as medical check-ups and vaccination programmes. Most of the patients who approach us for medical help come from local families, who could otherwise not afford to receive treatment.
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.