Children at risk in Chipata

Chipata is the main town in Zambia’s Eastern Province. Because of rural-urban migration, an expanding population has led to an increase in poverty and a growth in HIV infections. As a result, there is a particularly high rate of family breakdown and child abandonment in the town.

It is estimated that one in six of all children in Chipata are orphans, compared to one in 12 in the general population of Zambia. Over 70% of households in Chipata are caring for orphans, and in a large percentage of these already-struggling households, the main breadwinner is ill, often with HIV/AIDS.

Reaching out to African children

We are reaching out to children in Chipata to ensure that they can grow up within a stable and positive family environment.

Since February 2011, our Family Strengthening Programme has prevented children from losing the care of their families. We equip parents and caregivers with the skills to gain financial independence and build a better life for their children. We are currently supporting over 150 families, including over 600 children, in the community.

When children lose the care of their families and are left completely alone, we ensure that they can grow up safely by creating new families. Headed by SOS mothers, these families live together at SOS Children’s Village Chipata, which opened in October 2012. So far, 43 children with no one to care for them have moved into their new homes in the Village, cared for by 13 SOS mothers. In the coming months, over 100 more children will join these families.

We have opened an SOS Nursery for the younger children living in the Village, as well as children from the wider community. In a country where the average class size is 68, we are dedicated to improving the quality of primary education available. As a result, we have refurbished a local school, the Damview Primary School, establishing new classrooms, installing electricity and a toilet block.

We also provide life-saving medical care for vulnerable families. In Zambia, half of children who die before their fifth birthday die of preventable diseases such as pneumonia and diarrhoea. Our SOS Medical Centre in Chipata offers treatment to 9,600 patients every year. In addition, a mobile medical unit bus travels to remote communities, providing vaccinations and treatment for a further 6,000 people.

Be part of rebuilding lives

You can help give African children a loving home by sponsoring a child living in SOS Children’s Village Chipata, or you can support the whole Village by taking out a Village sponsorship.

Sponsor a child in Chipata

You can be amongst the first to sponsor the children who have moved into SOS Children’s Village Chipata. For £20 a month, you can help to provide children with a safe home, healthcare, a quality education and hope for the future. In addition to our regular newsletter, we will keep in touch with regular updates about your sponsored child.

Sponsor a child in Chipata

Sponsor SOS Children’s Village Chipata

By sponsoring SOS Children’s Village Chipata for £20 per month, you will enable us to continue to provide a loving home to children in the Village, and reach out to empower more families who are struggling in the community.

Sponsor SOS Children's Village Chipata