Sudan
Sudan is located in Northeast Africa and has an estimated population of over 40 million. Sudan’s history of armed conflicts has affected all areas of social, economic and political life. The fighting of the past fifty years has cost over 1,5 million lives and many more people have been internally displaced or had to flee to neighbouring countries.
While there have been some positive changes lately, Sudan is one of the least developed countries in the world. Not only has its infrastructure been destroyed by years of conflict, but to make matters worse, the country is often hit by natural disasters.
SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children and and young people without parental care, or at risk of losing it, in Sudan since 1978.
Villages in Sudan
Children are at risk
While the situation in the country has improved slightly, certain challenges remain and have negative effects on children. Being forced to flee their homes due to the conflict, many families were separated. Children without parental care are extremely vulnerable. Furthermore, infrastructure such as sanitation facilities or access to water, is poor, which increases the risk of the transmission of diseases that are particularly dangerous for children. Conflict, underdevelopment and limited awareness of the importance of education also means that many children do not have the chance to attend school.
18%
Of children do not live in a family environment
Internally displaced
Sudan’s history of armed conflicts has affected the lives of many people in the country. The fighting has cost millions of lives and even more people have been internally displaced. In fact, Sudan has one of the highest rates of internally displaced people in the world: around four million people have had to leave their homes and often live in extremely poor conditions. Many children in Sudan were separated from their families. Around 18% of children under the age of 17 are not living in a family environment, while 3.5% live with neither parent.
11%
Of child’s deaths caused by diarrhea
Poor infrastructure
As a result of conflict, natural disasters and underdevelopment, Sudan’s infrastructure is in need of improvement.
Only a third of households in the country have access to proper sanitation; while almost 70% households have access to improved drinking water sources.
The lack of adequate infrastructure puts many at risk of epidemics and children are particularly at risk. In fact, with 11% of child deaths in Sudan being caused by diarrhea.
3M
Children in Sudan are not in school
Education
Sudan has one of the largest number of out-of-school children in the Middle East and North Africa region. It is estimated that over 3 million children do not go to school. While around 75% of primary age children attend school, this figure drops to 28% in secondary school.
And when children do go to school, the quality of learning is often below the required standards. Without a proper education, children struggle to escape the viscous cycle of poverty.
Together we can make a difference for children in Sudan
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80
Families
Can stay together
70
Children
Grow up in our care
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60
Children and young people
Are supported on their way to independence
