7%
Of children attend secondary school in Ngabu
Children out of school
As many children in Ngabu lose their parents due to HIV/AIDS and many more families live in poverty, children often have to work to contribute to their families' household income or to earn their own living. However, this prevents them from attending school regularly. In fact, only about half of all school-age children attend school and the dropout rate is high. Furthermore, only 7% of children in the region attend secondary school, and access to vocational training is also difficult for them. Those children who do attend school often have to walk long distances, and the quality of teaching is affected by the fact that there are on average more than 130 students in a classroom.
8 in 10
Rural households do not have enough food in Ngabu
Children risk malnutrition
The majority of people in rural Ngabu rely on agriculture to generate income, as well as to grow their own food. Over 80% of people make a living in the agricultural sector. However, production is very much dependent on weather conditions, and in recent years, recurring droughts and floods have led to crop failures. Poverty has been rising, worsening the already dire economic situation in the area. Furthermore, families suffer from food shortages. Around 8 in 10 poor rural households do not eat enough food to lead a healthy life. Children under 5 are at particular risk, as undernourishment limits their physical growth and brain development.
Your support makes a difference for children in Ngabu
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.
360
Children and young people
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
110
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
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Strengthening communities and children. We work hard to make sure that children stay at school for as long as possible (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Malawi).
How your support helps in Ngabu
Strengthening vulnerable 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 training 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.
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.
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.