Somaliland – Family Strengthening

Somaliland has high levels of poverty and widespread unemployment, with life expectancy estimated to be around 50 years. Although the reporting on the number of orphans is limited, SOS Somaliland sees a large increase in children being without parental care across the region. Many children live on the streets begging for food and money, and child trafficking is also becoming a problem. As the number of children without adequate parental care is increasing, communities and extended families are unable to provide adequate care for every child.

This programme targets children at risk of losing parental care living in internally displaced families in Berbera and Hargeisa. The families receive support based on their individual needs, which can include things like improving their housing conditions, or providing literacy and numeracy courses, nutritional support, school uniforms and school resources.

The programme also works to build the capacity of caregivers to establish and maintain a source of stable income. To do this, training in business and entrepreneurial skills is provided, alongside help in acquiring micro-credit loans from local banks.

Alongside the work done with the families themselves, SOS Somaliland also helps to strengthen existing community structures with training on organisational development, financial reporting, and monitoring standards. They encourage local community-based organisations, government offices and other NGOs to enhance their commitment to the rights of children and support for their families.

Overall Goals

• Children who have lost or are at risk of losing parental care receive appropriate care and protection that serves their best interests.
• Over 6,000 children and young people grow up in a caring family environment.
• Improved capacity and commitment of caregivers, families, communities, government, and childcare centres to protect and care for their children.
• Improved Government, Community-Based Organisations, Community and Partner commitment and capacity to respond to children’s rights and prevent unnecessary separation of children from their families.

Photo: Lars Just