Child Protection and Community Recovery
Climate change, amplified by human activities, is driving an increase in extreme weather events, particularly affecting small island states such as Cape Verde. During the night of 10 to 11 August 2025, exceptional torrential rains struck the islands of São Vicente, Santo Antão and São Nicolau, causing severe flooding.
The disaster claimed at least 12 lives, left 5 people missing, and affected more than 5,500 households, displacing 1,500 people in São Vicente. Essential infrastructure — hospitals, health centres, water, electricity and communication networks — was severely damaged, isolating some communities and worsening the economic and food situation.
This event highlights Cape Verde’s high vulnerability to climate change and the urgent need to strengthen resilience and prevention mechanisms.
In São Vicente (population 76,000), a post-crisis assessment was carried out with SOS Children’s Villages in Cape Verde. Eight communities were studied through data collection involving 80 households, several key informants and a focus group, in order to identify priority needs and guide future support programmes.
Our response
The Child Protection and Community Recovery project in Cape Verde aims to restore livelihoods, strengthen essential services and build community resilience for families affected by the floods in São Vicente.
Implemented by SOS Children’s Villages Cape Verde, with technical support from SOS Villages d’Enfants Monde and co-leadership from the Municipality of São Vicente and Civil Protection, the project combines humanitarian aid with early recovery, focusing on five key objectives:
- The livelihoods of households affected by the floods have been restored and diversified.
- Vulnerable households have improved access to safe drinking water, sanitation and flood-resistant shelter.
- Children, adolescents and caregivers benefit from enhanced protection, safe and functional spaces, and improved psychosocial support.
- Access to education, health care and social protection services for children, young people and vulnerable families has been strengthened.
- Disaster preparedness, early warning systems and climate resilience have been reinforced in the four communities.
PERIOD:
DECEMBER 2025 to NOVEMBER 2026
BENEFICIAROES:
It targets 200 households, representing 1,170 direct beneficiaries, across four communities in Mindelo:
→ Chã de Alecrim
→ Espia
→ Bela Vista
→ Ribeiranha
The project will also benefit the entire population of São Vicente, amounting to 76,000 indirect beneficiaries.
OBJECTIVE:
Helping affected families rebuild their activities and regain self-sufficiency.
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Emergency help in Cabo Verde
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Meeting with the First Lady of Cabo Verde
On the occasion of the state visit by the President of the Republic of Cabo Verde José Maria Neves and his wife Débora Katisa Carvalho, Sophie Glesener, our Managing Director, and Khémara Ith, our Administrative and Financial Director, met the First Lady of Cabo Verde on Wednesday 24 May, accompanied by Gisèle Andrade from the […]