Aqaba

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

The harbour town of Aqaba, located on the southern coast of Jordan, near the border with Israel, is home to over 95, 000 inhabitants. Aqaba benefits from its coastal location and status within Jordan's special economic zone. The city’s economy is largely based on tourism and port industry sector. However, life here can be incredibly tough, especially for the thousands of refugees and the younger generation who are struggling to find employment.

Since 1991, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Aqaba.

1 in 6
Women work outside the home

Difficult to find jobs

Not everyone in Aqaba benefits from the wealth that tourists bring to the region. Refugees do not have Jordanian citizenship and therefore do not benefit from social services such as health care and free education. Young people in particular struggle to find employment due to a lack of jobs that match university qualifications and skills. In some areas, there are some cultural obstacles to women’s full integration into the labour market: only 14% of women work. This limits women’s prospects and puts them at risk of early marriage and exploitation.

9 in 10
Refugees do not have enough to eat

Children at risk of malnutrition

People who have been displaced and refugees are at great risk of poverty and deprivation. Around 90% of Syrian refugees in Jordan are hungry. For children, this situation is particularly difficult as they are not only torn from their homes and the environment, they are familiar with, but many of them have experienced violence and traumatic events. Refugee families find it hard to find shelter, work, and enough food to survive. An increasing number are forced to beg for money.

Your support makes a difference for children in Aqaba

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.
70
Children
Attend our kindergarten
15
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
35
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Children who cannot live with their families, can find the stability and care they need in the care of SOS Children’s Villages (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Jordan).

How your support helps in Aqaba

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 and day-care centres. 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. Some children live in neighbourhoods in the city, alongside other local families. 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.