Children are at risk
Georgia is home to over 0.9 million children and young people under the age of 18, accounting for about a quarter of the population. While poverty rates have improved in recent years, more than a fifth of people lives below the national poverty line. However, children experience a higher rate of poverty than the general population, with up to 30% living in poverty. However, the urban-rural disparity means that child poverty rates rise to 50% in rural areas. Children who have been internally displaced suffer many challenges, including educational inequalities
1 in 5
Children live in poverty
Child poverty
More than 20% of Georgia’s population lives below the national poverty line, rising to almost 30% in rural areas.
Further, around a quarter of all children live in households where no parent has full-time employment, yet only 15% Georgian’s population receive social assistance.
Children born into poverty are more likely to experience a wide range of health problems, as well as face social exclusion that further worsen their future prospects.
1 in 20
People are internally displaced
Long-term displacement
Relative to its overall population, Georgia has one of the world’s highest rates of internally displaced people. More than 300,000 people, 6% of the population, are internally displaced, some for more than 20 years.
For this population, there are fewer employment opportunities. Access to services, including healthcare, remains a challenge. These factors impact the rights of internally displaced children as well.
1 in 10
Children are malnourished
Hidden hunger
Unemployment, low income and rising costs of living have resulted in one in 10 children under 5 years old being malnourished. This contributes to the country’s high infant and under-five mortality, as well as many children experiencing conditions such as anemia.
Such nutritional deficiencies have multiple effects on children’s physical and mental development, from an inability to concentrate in school to poor cognitive function, and poor growth and well-being. Their immune systems are often weakened and this results in illness and disease.
Together we can make a difference for children in Georgia
Are supported in the community
Are supported on their way to independence
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 general information about Georgia. This is because we have limited permission from the children and/or their legal guardians (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Georgia).
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 train 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.
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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