Managua

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

Managua is the capital and largest city of Nicaragua, located on the southern shore of Lake Managua. It is part of the department and municipality of Managua, with a population of over one million. Children who have lost parental care and have to fend for themselves often move to the capital, Managua, in search of work. However, there they often live on the streets, where they are exposed to violence and exploitation.

Since 1995, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Managua.

30%
Of people in Nicaragua live in poverty

Poverty puts children at risk

Around 30% of people in Nicaragua live in poverty. Young people and children living in some of Managua's poorest neighborhoods are at higher risk of contracting infectious diseases. They have no access to education, medical care, shelter or food. To survive, they are often forced to scavenge in garbage dumps for items they can sell for recycling or work as food vendors in markets. In conjunction with poverty, other problems such as chronic malnutrition often arise.

1 in 3
Children are engaged in child labour

Children are forced to work

Sexual exploitation is the actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. Nicaraguan law allows young people over the age of 14 to engage in commercial sexual exploitation. This type of exploitation is widespread in Managua, port cities, and near highways. Between 1,200 and 1,500 girls and young women are subjected to sexual exploitation. This causes them severe physical and emotional damage.

Your support makes a difference for children in Managua

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.
190
Families
Can stay together
740
Adults and children
Are supported in the community
1030
Children and young people
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
110
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
10
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
110
Emergencyservices
Were possible
SOS Children’s Villages works to protect the rights and privacy of children. As you may notice, we do not show any identifiable photos of children in our care in Managua. This is because we have limited permission from the children and/or their legal guardians (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Nicaragua).

How your support helps in Managua

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 their own businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to school.
Protecting children in emergencies
In times of conflict and natural disasters, we respond to the urgent needs of children and families. In emergencies, SOS Children’s Villages focuses on keeping families together, and provide practical, psychological and medical support. If children are separated from their families, we look after them and work to reunite them. We also provide immediate practical assistance. For example, we create child-friendly spaces where children are cared for.
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.