Children are at risk
Around 35% of the population of Djibouti are under the age of 15. Hence, many that suffer from recurring droughts, food shortages and poverty, are children. Often, children lack access to proper education as they are expected to work and contribute to the family income. Furthermore, Djibouti has one of the world's highest levels of malnutrition for children, particularly among those under the age of five living in rural areas. Many children end up losing parental care and are therefore vulnerable to exploitation.
1/3
Of children under 5 are malnourished in Djibouti
Malnutrition
Djibouti is a very dry country with little rainfall. Water scarcity often destroys the harvests of small farmers and kills much of the livestock, leading to food shortages and malnutrition. Djibouti has one of the world's highest levels of malnutrition for children, particularly among those under the age of five living in rural areas.
According to some estimates, about one third of all children in Djibouti suffer from the effects of malnutrition including stunted growth and lasting cognitive deficits.
70%
Of Djibouti’s population lives in poverty
Poverty
An estimated 70% of Djibouti’s population are poor. In recent years, the price of food and other basic commodities such as housing, electricity and water have risen, causing more suffering for families who were already struggling to make a living.
In addition, families face economic pressures, which means that many cannot afford to send their children to school. Very often girls and boys are sent out to work to contribute to the family income.
50/1000
Children die before their first birthday
Health
Around 35% of the population of Djibouti are children under the age of 15.
In spite of some recent improvements, the country has very high infant and maternal mortality rates, as 50 out of 1000 of children die before the age of one.
This is largely related to malnutrition, poor sanitation and limited access to medical facilities.
Together we can make a difference for children in Djibouti
Are supported in the community
80
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
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The best place for children to grow up is within their family. If, however, this is not possible, SOS Children’s Villages will provide the care and protection they need in order to thrive (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Djibouti).
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 trains 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