Tete

SOS Children’s Villages supports individual children, young people and families so that they can thrive (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Mozambique).

Located on the Zambezi River, Tete is an important coal-mining city in west-central Mozambique. Due to its growing economy an increasing number of people are moving to the city in search of work.In 2007, the city had a population of 156,000 and ten years later, the population has almost doubled to 307,000.Despite the success of the local coal mining industry, the majority of families in Tete have not benefitted from the growing economy. The rapid expansion of the mines has led to the displacement of whole communities. Housing conditions are poor and most homes lack safe water and sanitation facilities.

Since 1987, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Tete.

17%
Of children in Tete are forced to work

Child labour

HIV/AIDS rates are high in the area, with the illness leaving many families without their main provider. In order to support their families, many children are forced to work to contribute to the household income. Tete Province has the highest rate of child labour across Mozambique, with 17% of children working in places such as mines or tobacco farms. Many more children are forced to miss school in order to help their families in domestic duties, such as collecting water or firewood.

9 in 10
Children in Tete live without electricity

Housing poverty

Families in Tete Province live in some of the worst housing conditions in Mozambique. Most children live in homes with no electricity or safe sanitation facilities, and many families have more than four people living in one room. Growing up in poverty means that children in Tete are not given the opportunity to live a carefree childhood in a comfortable home. Without electricity, children cannot read or do their homework when it is dark, and without hygienic sanitation facilities, children are at risk of catching fatal diseases.

Your support makes a difference for children in Tete

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.
280
Families
Can stay together
80
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
30
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Siblings having fun together. They grow up with each other, and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Mozambique).

How your support helps in Tete

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 training so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start their own businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to school.
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.