Bata
Bata and its surrounding area is home to around 440,000 people. This makes it the most populous city in Equatorial Guinea. It is located on the mainland of Equatorial Guinea on the Atlantic Coast in the province of Litoral.
Even though Bata is no longer the capital city of Equatorial Guinea, it remains an important centre for trade.
Since 1996, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Bata.
3/4
Of the people in Equatorial Guinea live in poverty
Widespread poverty
Even though Equatorial Guinea is rich in natural resources, especially oil, only few people benefit from it. While the economy boomed in recent years and the country became one of the richest in Africa, access to healthcare services and education continued to worsen. Even though Equatorial Guinea has low debt and is considered a middle-income country because of the oil revenues, the country is plagued by chronic hunger, poor sanitation, a poor education system, disease, and frequent blackouts, among other problems. Around 60% struggle to survive on less than 1$ a day.
2
Hospital beds are available for every 1000 people
Young people living on the edge
One of the greatest difficulties the population of Bata, and Equatorial Guinea as a whole, faces is the dysfunctional health system.
It is marked by insufficient human resources, infrastructure and financial means. For 1000 people there are only 2 hospital beds and 0,4 doctors available.
Additionally, life expectancy remains low at only 59 years, even though the leading causes of death are usually preventable
Your support makes a difference for children in Bata
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.
.png)
90
Families
Can stay together
1,230
Children
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
17,090
Medical treatments
Were possible
80
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
.png){kind=icon}
60
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
How your support helps in Bata
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 trainings so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start 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.
Providing medical care
In areas with limited health services, SOS Children’s Villages provides medical advice and assistance. We offer preventative measures such as medical check-ups and vaccination programmes. Most of the patients who approach us for medical help come from local families, who could otherwise not afford to receive treatment.
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.