Tanzania

SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children grow up with the care, protection and relationships they need to become their strongest selves (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Tanzania).

The United Republic of Tanzania is a country situated in Eastern Africa within the Great Lakes Region. Tanzania has a total population of 56 million people and its capital city is Dodoma. Tourism has come to play an increasingly vital role in Tanzania’s economy. However, it is still mainly based on the agricultural sector where more than 80% of the work force is employed. While the country has experienced some economic growth in recent decades, many people still live in poverty, especially in its rural areas. Families struggle, as they often lack food or access to basic infrastructure. Furthermore, the HIV/AIDS pandemic remains a major public health challenge in the country.

SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children and young people without parental care, or at risk of losing it, in Tanzania since 2000.

Children are at risk

A large number of families live in poverty, especially in rural areas, and they often struggle to feed their children enough nutritious food. Children are often undernourished, which can affect their development in the long term. In some cases, children must drop out of school to contribute to household income by working themselves. Without an education, their chances at escaping poverty are low. The HIV/AIDS pandemic also has dire consequences for many children. Some are directly affected; others lose parental care due to the disease and are left very vulnerable.
28%
Of the population are living in poverty

Widespread poverty

Tanzania remains marked by widespread poverty. Over 28% of the country’s population are living in poverty and millions find themselves caught on the bottom steps of the socio-economic ladder. Only a small minority has been able to benefit from the country’s recent upswing. Growth has been neither broad-based nor great enough to effectively tackle high poverty levels in Tanzania. Particularly in rural areas, poverty is widespread and acute. Many families here do not have access to basic infrastructure, and 1 in 3 children are undernourished.

1 in 5
Children are not enrolled in primary school

Education

Education is the key to an independent life. The enrolment rate in Tanzania has improved in recent years and about 4 out of 5 children complete primary school. Nevertheless, government funding for primary and secondary education is relatively low compared to many other countries in the region. Furthermore, the dropout rate is high due to financial constraints in families. Many children have to work alongside school to contribute to the household income.

1.7M
People live with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania

Health

Tanzania is characterised by a comparatively high HIV prevalence rate. As in many other parts of Africa, many people - about 1.7 million - live with the disease. The HIV/AIDS epidemic significantly hinders the country's socio-economic development and also affects the food security of thousands of families. When the breadwinner of a family falls ill, other family members - often children - have to work to support the family.

Together we can make a difference for children in Tanzania

2,520
Children and young people
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
6,880
Adults and children
Are supported in the community
290
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
110
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Naima and her younger sister lost parental care. With the support of SOS Children’s Villages, she and her sister could stay together in a foster family and go to school. Today, Naima is attending trainings to be able to set up her own business (SOS Children’s Villages Tanzania).

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 train 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