Children are at risk
Children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo face many issues including a lack of education, a lack of access to healthcare, extreme poverty, child labour and more. Of the country’s population, 54% are children under 18. UNICEF estimates that 11.5 million children are in need of humanitarian assistance. Due to the broader health, social and economic impacts of COVID-19, vulnerable populations – particularly women and children – are facing devastating consequences. Children are now less likely to attend school and have access to adequate nutrition and health care.
1 of 6
Congolese live in extreme poverty
Poverty is widespread
In spite of some reforms made to improve the economic situation in recent years, the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains one of the poorest countries in the world. In 2018, around 73% of the Congolese population lived on less than USD 1.90 a day.
Development since the Congo Wars in the 1990s has been hindered by health crises largely due to limited access to sanitation and safe drinking water.
5.2M
People are internally displaced
Internal displacement
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has the second largest displaced population in the world. Due to disputes fought over decades, millions have fled their homes. Violence is concentrated in the eastern provinces of Ituri and North and South Kivu. Most of the 5.2 million internally displaced Congolese live in makeshift camps and urban areas with poor sanitation and health care. Outbreaks of Ebola and cholera also occur in these provinces. Children live in particular danger here, as they are often recruited as child soldiers.
43%
Of children are malnourished
Food insecurity
One quarter of the population of the Democratic Republic of the Congo experiences food insecurity. The food crisis is partly due to violence-induced displacement and collapsing transport links, which greatly weaken agricultural production. Families across the country are unable to access healthy food. Indeed, 43% of children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are malnourished. Even where food is available, high prices and falling incomes mean many people are unable to afford nutritious meals.
Together we can make a difference for children in the DRC
Are supported in the community
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
Are supported on their way to independence
![]()
Children in our care and in the community have a chance to learn and grow together. Spending time at school or in the playgrounds help them develop the skills and bonds that will help them in the future (photo: SOS Children’s Villages in Democratic Republic of the Congo).
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