Juba

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

Juba is located in the south of South Sudan, near the border with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. With over 500,000 inhabitants, it is the country’s biggest city and became the capital after South Sudan became independent in 2011. Political instability has continued in recent years, this has included fighting between government forces and rebels. Many people have fled hundreds of kilometres to relative safety in the south of the country, but internally displaced families are struggling. They lack access to safe water, shelter, health services or education. Assistance in rebuilding their livelihoods is urgently required.

Since 2014, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Juba.

75%
Of child deaths are due to preventable diseases

Lack of access to safe drinking water

In South Sudan, access to safe drinking water is limited. In fact, this affects around half of the people in the area. To survive, some families may be forced to drink unsafe water, which puts them at risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea. The situation is further aggravated by poor hygiene practices as only around 1 in 10 people have access to improved sanitation. These diseases remain a leading cause of death among children in South Sudan, as around 75% of all child deaths in the country are due to preventable diseases like diarrhoea, malaria and pneumonia.

2M
South Sudanese children are out of school

Children missing out on an education

In South Sudan, more than two million children, meaning over 70% of children in the country, do not go to school. Many families are simply too poor to send their children to school. Children are often malnourished, which leaves them very weak and vulnerable to disease, and hence unable to attend school. In other cases, children live in pastoral communities in the rural areas around Juba, moving with their cattle and are not able to attend regular classes. Girls make up the largest group of out-of-school children in South Sudan, leaving them particularly disadvantaged.

Your support makes a difference for children in Juba

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.
40
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
10
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Growing up together, playing and forming bonds. Children who can’t live with their families are cared for by SOS Children’s Villages (photo: SOS Children’s Villages South Sudan).

How your support helps in Juba

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.