Haiti

SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children grow up with the care, protection and relationships they need to become their strongest selves (photo: SOS Children’s Villages in Haiti).

Located in the Caribbean Sea, the Republic of Haiti has a total population of about 11 million, with approximately 1 million people living in the country's capital, Port-au-Prince. Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the Americas. Families and children are at risk, especially as they have recently suffered through numerous natural disasters and crises. In recent years, the country’s social and economic development has been hampered by unstable politics, fuel shortage, increased gang activity and violence. Haitians live in fear of kidnapping, suffering from poverty, hunger, and cholera. Children are most vulnerable to these harsh living conditions.

SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children and young people without parental care, or at risk of losing it, in Haiti since 1984.

Children are at risk

31% of the total population in Haiti is younger than 14 years old. Many grow up in precarious situations, especially as Haiti is the country with the highest infant mortality rates in the Americas. Many children die from preventable diseases like cholera, tuberculosis or pneumonia. Children are especially vulnerable during crises, and Haiti has had its fair share. The critical economic and social situation, the political unrest, as well as natural disasters, are putting hundreds of thousands of children at risk.
60%
Of people in Haiti live in poverty

Widespread poverty

Approximately 60 per cent of Haitians live in poverty. This means people are likely to be malnourished, have limited education, and live in unsafe housing without clean drinking water, sanitation or electricity. Children suffer from these circumstances, and many do not survive: Haiti has the highest infant mortality rates in the Americas. The situation is worst in rural areas where access to basic services is limited. Schools and hospitals are scarce, meaning children and patients have to travel far to get to them.

10,000
Victims of cholera in Haiti since its appearance

Cholera

In the last years, cholera has been on the rise again in Haiti. Cholera is an infection causing acute diarrhea. If left untreated, people suffer from dehydration, and eventually, death. The disease is often caused by poor sanitation and lack of clean water and food. Since its appearance in 2010, cholera has killed nearly 10,000 people. Nowadays, children make up half of the cholera victims in Haiti. Gang violence, fuel shortage and road blockades make access to clean drinking water and health services almost impossible, thus increasing the risk of death.

75
Kidnappings a month in Haiti

Social unrest

Haiti has experienced many crises in recent years. Not only earthquakes have had disastrous consequences on inhabitants and infrastructure, but also political and social conflicts have taken their toll on Haitians. The most recent unrests involve fuel shortages and gang violence. There is a constant threat of kidnapping, violence and rape, with around 75 kidnappings happening every month. The lack of food supplies and unavailability of health care makes things worse. These living conditions have lasting repercussions for Haitians.

Together we can make a difference for children in Haiti

5,530
Adults and children
Are supported in the community
5,380
Children
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
310
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
330
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Andre and his brother lost parental care. With the support of SOS Children's Villages, Andre and his younger sibling were able to be placed in a foster family and go to school. His sense of humour allows him to quickly build relationships with others and makes everyone in his family feel at home (photo: SOS Children’s Villages in Haiti).

Working together for sustainable development

In 2015, leaders from 193 countries committed to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This 15 year plan aims to improve the lives of people by ending poverty, fighting inequality and protecting the planet.
GOAL 1: End poverty
SOS Children’s Villages supports families and communities to keep families together and to help them break out of the cycle of poverty.
GOAL 4: Ensure quality education for all
Every child and young person SOS Children’s Villages supports has access to education, from kindergarten right up to vocational training or university.
GOAL 8: Equal job opportunities for all
SOS Children’s Villages supports young people in developing the skills and self-confidence they need to find decent work and train parents so that they can have a stable income.
GOAL 10: Reduce inequalities
SOS Children’s Villages works to keep children safe by promoting peaceful and inclusive communities. We provide training on children’s rights and positive parenting. .
GOAL 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies
We advocate laws and practices that ensure social inclusion and protection for children and young people without parental care or from marginalized households.

Let’s keep on protecting children and young people!

Many children have been able to find a safe and secure home. With your help, we can continue to change their lives