Les Cayes

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

Les Cayes is located in the Southern Department of Haiti, about 6-7 hours by road from the capital city Port-au-Prince. Its harbour makes it one of the most important cities in the country and about 775,000 people live in the region. Some areas of the Southern Department have become increasingly poor recently. In spite of attempts to improve the situation, this region still has some of the highest levels of poverty in the country.

Since 2012, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Les Cayes.

1 in 5
Children aren’t growing properly due to malnutrition

Children are malnourished

Malnutrition is a problem in Les Cayes, because there is a shortage of food and also families don’t have enough money to provide the right kind of food to feed themselves. Nearly half of the population can´t afford the nutritious food they need to stay healthy. Around one in five children aren’t growing appropriately due to poor nutrition. Poor nutrition in turn makes them more vulnerable to illnesses. These illnesses could be prevented and treated if families were able to take the children to the doctor.

340,000
Children were affected by the 2021 earthquake

Children are at risk

An estimated 340,000 children were affected by the 2021 earthquake in Haiti. The southern part of the country, where Les Cayes is located, was amongst the worst affected. Many children and their families lost their homes and livelihoods. In addition they were not able to go to school, as school buildings were also destroyed. In the following months and years, the situation for children has not become safer. The country has faced a fuel crisis and social and political instability. At the same time, infrastructure has not been rebuilt, and many children do not have access to medical care.

Your support makes a difference for children in Les Cayes

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.
159
Families
Are supported to stay together
610
Children
Attend our kindergarten and school
110
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Children in our care and from the local community can go to kindergarten and to our school in Les Cayes (photo: A. Kaiser).

How your support helps in Les Cayes

Strengthening 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 and day care
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 and day-care centres. This prepares them for primary school.
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. Some children live in different neighbourhoods of the city, alongside local families. We also support foster families. 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.