Supporting young people to transition successfully into adulthood is a key priority within our alternative care and family strengthening programmes. 

To ensure their development and employability, SOS Children’s Villages in Burundi implements Supervised Independent Living as a dedicated care option for adolescents and young adults who are preparing for autonomy. 

Supervised Independent Living is designed to equip young people with the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to manage adult life responsibly and independently. 

Under this model, young people live in semi-autonomous arrangements, which may include: 

• Boarding schools 

• Accommodation with their family of origin 

• Shared apartments 

• Individual housing 

While living more independently, they continue to benefit from structured educational, social, and emotional support. 

Building life skills and employability 

The objective of this care option is to promote social and professional integration by strengthening young people’s capacities in: 

• Managing daily life and household responsibilities 

• Financial planning and budgeting 

• Accessing vocational training or higher education 

• Searching for employment 

• Making informed and responsible decisions 

Young people are supported by trained educators who provide personalised follow-up, mentoring, and socio-educational guidance. As their skills and confidence grow, the level of supervision is gradually reduced to encourage greater autonomy. 

Supporting a successful transition to adulthood 

Through this care option, SOS Children’s Villages in Burundi currently supports 579 young people, in addition to those benefiting from other forms of alternative care. 

Supervised Independent Living helps prevent risks of social exclusion, unemployment, and precarious living conditions by strengthening life skills and employability. By preparing confidence and build their own future.