Children are at risk
Children in Niger face many problems, including lack of access to education and health care, extreme poverty and conflict-related violence. According to UNICEF, over 2 million children are in need of humanitarian assistance. As of mid-2021, 377 schools nationwide were closed due to insecurity caused by violent activities of armed groups, that is 21% more than in 2020. Many children are exposed to numerous risks such as separation from their families, sexual abuse, child labour and human trafficking.
42%
Of children aged 5-14 are working instead of attending school
Child protection
Protecting children’s rights is an ongoing challenge in Niger. The country has one of the youngest populations in the world: around 50% of Nigeriens are 14 years-old or younger.
Children from large families sometimes have to work so that enough food can be produced. About 42% of Nigerien children between the ages of 5 and 14 work instead of going to school. Many children are at great risk of exploitation and violence.
7
Births per woman in Niger on average
High birth rate
Niger has the highest birth rate in the world, where the average woman gives birth to 7 children. But, due to widespread poverty and lack of essential social and medical services, a large portion of children remains vulnerable to malnutrition and disease. As a result, Niger also has one of the highest rates of mortality among children under the age of 5. In addition to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, which remain a major public health issue, Niger’s population also faces repeated outbreaks of measles.
6 out of10
Women in Niger find it justified for a man to beat his wife
Gender-based violence
6 out of 10 Nigerien women find it justifiable for a man to beat his wife. Due to movement restrictions since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, women are increasingly at risk in their own homes.
Child marriages are also widespread. Most women in Niger are married before the age of 18. Child marriage is internationally recognized as a form of gender-based violence and young girls or women are at greater risk of sexual, physical and psychological violence.
Together we can make a difference for children in Niger
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
Are supported on their way to independence
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SOS Children’s Villages aims to provide a stable environment and support for children who come into our care. The siblings grow up together and form strong relationships (photo: SOS Children’s Villages in Niger).
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