The SOS Villages in West, Central, and North Africa have adopted the Tunis Declaration to enhance governance and increase impact. This declaration was adopted during the annual meeting of regional management field leaders, which took place on the sidelines of the International Meeting of SOS Villages in Hammamet from September 26 to 29. The meeting brought together leaders of 28 SOS Villages from the five continents.
The Tunis Declaration serves as a reference framework for the strategic orientations of West, Central, and North Africa over the coming years. It focuses on six priority areas. These areas include strengthening institutions by establishing management boards in 18 associations by 2028 and creating a guidance and twinning mechanism between countries.
The declaration also aims to enhance financial independence by diversifying funding sources and setting up a regional task force dedicated to resource mobilization. Additionally, the SOS Villages seek to improve program effectiveness by harmonizing monitoring and evaluation indicators and promoting integrated approaches in mental health and youth participation.
The Tunis Declaration further emphasizes regional coordination through the establishment of an annual coordination and alignment meeting. It also seeks to enhance the role of regional representatives in the International Council and develop follow-up mechanisms. A regional coordination group for West, Central, and North Africa will be established to oversee the implementation of commitments and prepare annual reports.
The SOS Villages highlighted that the Tunis Declaration reflects their shared commitment to strengthening governance and increasing their impact on children in African countries and communities. The declaration will be presented during the next General Assembly of the International SOS Villages organization in October 2026.
According to estimates, 35 million children in Africa are deprived of family care, and over 70% of African countries lack comprehensive policy and legislative frameworks for alternative care. The West, Central, and North Africa region comprises 28 SOS Villages, with only 10 having an established management board.
The adoption of the Tunis Declaration is a significant step towards improving the governance and effectiveness of SOS Villages in the region. The declaration's six priority areas will guide the strategic orientations of the SOS Villages in West, Central, and North Africa over the coming years.
Key points
- The Tunis Declaration aims to strengthen institutions, enhance financial independence, and improve program effectiveness.
- The declaration focuses on six priority areas, including regional coordination and follow-up mechanisms.
- The SOS Villages seek to increase their impact on children in African countries and communities through the adoption of the Tunis Declaration.
