Children are at risk
In Uganda, there are around 20 million children under the age of 18; around 2.7 million of them have no parental care and many more are at risk of losing it. Widespread poverty and parents falling ill with HIV/AIDS are key reasons for this. These children are extremely vulnerable, as they are often undernourished and lack access to basic services such as sanitation and healthcare. Furthermore, in some cases children have to work in order to make a living instead of going to school. Children's rights are not sufficiently protected: one in four is forced to work.
1/3
Of Ugandan children do not grow properly due to malnutrition
Widespread poverty
While Uganda has made some economic progress in recent years, nearly 20% of people still live in poverty. Many of them live in rural areas, surviving off farming. They are often affected by climate changes and produce less food than they need to feed their families.
Malnutrition is a problem: more than one third of all young children are not growing as they should, since they do not get enough nutritious food.
1/4
Of Ugandan children drop out of primary school
Education
Due to Uganda’s universal primary education policy, the number of children who start school is quite high. However, only 1 in 4 children actually finishes primary school.
Many stop going to school because their parents can't afford the fees or the extra costs. In other cases, children who have lost their parents to HIV/AIDS have to work instead of going to school. Overall, girls are more likely to drop out than boys. Furthermore, the quality of education needs improving.
1.5 M
People in Uganda live with HIV/AIDS
Health
In spite of some improvement in recent years, the lack of medical care remains a problem for many families in Uganda, especially in rural areas. People may have to travel hours to see a doctor. Pregnant women, mothers and young children are severely affected by the lack of health care.
The HIV/AIDS rate, at 7.3 per cent, is also unusually high. There has been some progress: a fall in the number of people with HIV/AIDS and an increase in the number of people receiving antiretroviral therapy. However, more needs to be done to prevent further infections.
Together we can make a difference for children in Uganda
10,580
Adults and children
Are supported in the community
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
Are supported on their way to independence
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Sanyu is clever and ambitious. However, the 11-year-old was forced to drop out of school and started working in a quarry in 2017. Today, she is able to go to school. Despite a two-year absence from school due to the lack of school fees, she is among the best performing pupils in her class. (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Uganda).
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
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.
GOAL 10: Reduce inequality among countries
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 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