1 in 3
Internally displaced people are children
Displacement and discrimination
Of the country’s internally displaced persons, it is estimated that more than a third are children, including those that have been born to parents who fled conflict. Many families who fled to Baku, sought shelter in dilapidated public buildings. With many of these building being demolished in the construction boom and parents facing discrimination and unemployment, there is a high number of children on the streets of Baku.
Children on the street are at an increased risk of sexual and physical violence, abuse, and exploitation, as well as disease and malnutrition, and psychosocial distress.
4 in 5
Children are not protected in social schemes
Lack of social support
Economic changes have increased the need for social protection systems in Azerbaijan, in particular child allowances. Less than 20% of children are covered by at least one social protection scheme, and less than 10% covered specifically by a child allowance.
Children are now facing increasing inequality due to declining family incomes and deteriorating socio-economic conditions. Without well-resourced services to support families that face poverty or difficult situations, children run the risk of living in institutions deprived of opportunities to grow and thrive in family environments.
Your support makes a difference for children in Baku
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.
Attend our kindergartens and schools
60
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Are supported on their way to independence
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Cooking together. We try to show children and young people some basic cooking skills so that they can look after themselves as they get older (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Azerbaijan).
How your support helps in Baku
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.
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.