Mozambique
Situated on the coast of south-eastern Africa, over half of Mozambique’s 30 million people is under the age of 18. More than 70% of the population lives in rural areas, with agriculture being the main source of income. The official language of Mozambique is Portuguese, but over 40 languages are spoken across the country.Many families are struggling to cover even their most basic needs, such as running water, proper sanitation and regular access to food. Income distribution remains highly unequal in a country where the richest 20% control over half of the national household income.
SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children and young people without parental care, or at risk of losing it, in Mozambique since 1986.
Children are at risk
In recent years, there have been great improvements for children and young people in Mozambique. More children attend school, and more children live beyond their fifth birthday. However, there is still more to be done. Every day, children, young people and families across Mozambique face the reality of widespread poverty. Most children do not complete school, and most have to walk for hours to the nearest health centre. Without support, families struggle to stay together and children are vulnerable to neglect, abuse and abandonment.
1 in 2
Children in Mozambique lives in severe poverty
Widespread poverty
Mozambique is one of Africa’s countries with the highest levels of poverty, and with 48% of children living in extreme poverty.
Families are struggling to cover even their most basic needs, such as running water, proper sanitation and regular access to food.
Without access to these necessary resources, children are left unprotected and families are at risk of breaking down.
60%
Of children in Mozambique do not finish primary school
Education
Although there have been impressive steps forward in getting children to start school, only 40% finish primary school. From these children, only 8% go on to attend secondary school.
Basic education often allows children to break out of the vicious cycle of poverty. As they become independent adults, they will be able to make important contributions to their communities’ development, as well as their own.
1.1M
Children have lost their parents to HIV/AIDS
Loss of parental care
Approximately 1.1 million children in Mozambique have lost their parents due to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Children without parental care are less likely to attend school on a regular basis, as many have to work to support themselves and their families.
Recent government pledges have made a positive impact, but 1 in 10 children between 5 and 14 are still forced to work.
Together we can make a difference for children in Mozambique
.png)
1,110
Families
Can stay together
570
Children and young people
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
600
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
.png){kind=icon}
140
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
