Child Sponsorship background from Khartoum, Sudan

SOS Children's Village Khartoum

In August 1975 negotiations began with the Sudanese government regarding the establishment of a SOS Children's Village in Sudan. A field study revealed that the capital Khartoum would the most suitable location for the planned SOS Children's Village and construction began in the very same year.

SOS Children's Village Khartoum was officially inaugurated on 26 May 1978 by Mr Numeri, President of Sudan.

It consists of 15 family houses for up to 140 children, the village director's house, co-worker accommodation, and an administration and service area with two rooms for tutoring lessons.

Other SOS Projects in Khartoum

SOS Children's Village Khartoum has included an SOS Nursery from the very beginning. This nursery consists of four classrooms and additional rooms for up to 60 children.

In 1984, an SOS Youth Home for boys was set up at Arkaweet near SOS Children's Village Khartoum. In three SOS Youth Homes (each consisting of three bedrooms, a dining and living room, a kitchen and a bathroom), up to 20 boys from the SOS Children's Village can be accommodated. With only one educator to take care of them, the youngsters are quite independent and have to start taking responsibility for their lives. There is also an SOS Youth Home for girls, which consists of three bedrooms, a dining and a living room, a kitchen and a bathroom.

In 1981, construction of an SOS School started at Suba. The school was opened in 1982. In 1995, eight classrooms were added. The school provides primary and secondary education. Although it has been designed for 500 pupils, the school is attended by up to 900 children. It is not a co-educational school: there are separate classrooms (12 each) and one playground each for girls and boys.

In 1995, during the International Year of the Family, the foundation was laid for the construction of a well in the El Salama district (approximately 10 minutes' drive south of the SOS Children's Village Khartoum). The project comprises a deep well with a water pump and water tank and is designed to supply about 25,000 people with water.

Background to Khartoum

Khartoum is the capital of Sudan, the 10th largest country in the world. It is located at the confluence of the White Nile flowing north from Lake Victoria, and the Blue Nile flowing west from Ethiopia.

The ongoing civil war, which started in 1955, has had a devastating effect on the living conditions of the children in Sudan. The population has been living in constant fear and deprivation, particularly in the south of the country.