Ganja

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

Ganja is the third largest city in Azerbaijan, 340 km west of Baku, and home to more than 335,000 people, at least 5% of whom are internally displaced persons who have moved here from other areas of the country. The city and the surrounding areas are among the poorest in the country. The local economy is dependent on agriculture, mineral extraction, transportation, and tourism. Like Baku, Ganja is undergoing a process of urbanization with significant income disparity.

Since 2005, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Ganja.

1 in 3
Children live in poverty

Children living in poverty

In the Ganja-Gazakh Economic Region, 33% of the population lives in poverty and is unable to meet basic needs. Access to basic services is lower among rural populations, including Ganja: 1 in 4 household do not have access to water and 1 in 5 do not have access to gas. Children born into poverty are more likely to experience a wide range of health problems. They may also face social exclusion that further worsens their prospects and leads to multigenerational poverty.

9 in 1010
Children do not go to preschool

Children miss out on school

In Azerbaijan, there are very few early learning facilities. As a result, less than 1 in 10 children receive pre-school education. Children who go to pre-school often do better at school. In addition, 5% of children are not in primary school while 13% of adolescents are absent from secondary school. The consequences of a poor educational background can be profound, from slower progress in learning and worse prospects for future employment. It can also restrict social and emotional development and increase children’s vulnerability to abuse and exploitation.

Your support makes a difference for children in Ganja

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.
50
Children and young people
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
50
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
10
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
300
Adults and children
Received humanitarian aid
Drawing is a great time to relax during the school holidays (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Azerbaijan).

How your support helps in Ganja

Providing quality education
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. This prepares them for primary school.
Providing care in emergencies
In times of conflict, natural disasters and mass displacement, we respond to the urgent needs of children and families. We provide immediate support, shelter and sanitation facilities to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. SOS Children’s Villages also focuses on preventing the separation of families, and ensures that children, young people and families receive psychological and health care support.
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.