Support for orphans

Y Care International has been working with Yambio YMCA in Southern Sudan since early 2007 to support orphans and vulnerable children and young people affected by conflict.

Over the past 50 years, two civil wars in Southern Sudan have caused the death of over 2 million Sudanese, produced 4 million internally displaced people, devastated infrastructure, and left much of the surviving population unable to access basic education and healthcare services. Children in Southern Sudan lack access to primary education and over 30% of young people are illiterate.

Yambio has received a constant influx of internally displaced people fleeing war-torn regions, including a number of war orphans. Volunteers from Yambio YMCA have been trying to address the chronic shortage of services for orphans and vulnerable young people by caring for some in their own homes.

How we are helping
Y Care International is supporting Yambio YMCA to improve the quality of life of 1,000 orphans, vulnerable children and young people by increasing their access to basic healthcare, quality education and social support services. 

What we hope to achieve

• A multi-purpose centre will be established and equipped to provide food, basic social care and healthcare facilities
• Numeracy and literacy classes will be provided to 500 children and young people per year
• Trauma counselling will be offered, which will include sports and recreational activities
• Y Care International is also helping Yambio YMCA network with other organisations and community leaders supporting orphans and vulnerable children to advocate for their specific needs and rights

This project is being run as a collaboration between Y Care International and Belfast YMCA.