Children are at risk
Around 30.1 million children and young people under the age of 18 live in Russia, constituting about 21% of the population. Over 5 million people have emigrated from Russia in the past 20 years, with an increasing number leaving each year, in search of better living standards. As a result, children are often left with older relatives who may not able to adequately care and provide for them
1 in 4
Children live in poverty in Russia
Child poverty
At the start of 2022, more than 19 million people were estimated to be living in poverty in Russia, approximately 13% of the population.
One in four children, that is 7.5 million children, live in poverty. According to UNICEF, at least 3 million more children will fall into poverty due to the war with Ukraine that started in February 2022.
Children are disproportionately affected by poverty, facing long-term consequences on their physical, social and intellectual development.
1 in 6
Young people are unemployed in Russia
Youth unemployment
Russia has an unemployment rate of 4%, affecting almost 6 million people.
However, people who are in employment also struggle because of low wages.
Young people often find it hard to get work. Around 17% are unemployed and 12% not in employment, education, or training.
Experiencing unemployment as a young person can lead to a long-term social disadvantage.
1 in 5
Young children don’t go to preschool in Russia
Education
On average, around 20% of 3- to 5-year-olds are not enrolled in early childhood education programmes in Russia. As a result, over a million young children are missing preschool. However, significant regional disparities mean that in some areas, 60% of young children are not enrolled.
Early childhood education can be particularly beneficial for children from low-income families, setting them up for success in later stages of education and contributing to their social and cognitive development, as well as their social inclusion.
Together we can make a difference for children in Russia
Are supported on their way to independence
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SOS Children’s Villages makes sure that all the children in our programmes have access to leisure, education and training. We make sure that young people have the skills they need to find a job – this way they can live independently. We also work with local communities, running workshops to help parents improve their economic situation. (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Russia).
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 trains 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.
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