A baby boy sleeping peacfully in crib in Children's Village…

A baby boy sleeping peacfully in crib in Children's Village Khartoum, The Sudan.

Babies born out of wedlock are very frequently abandoned in the Sudanese capital Khartoum. This means that babies are often cared for at the SOS Children's Village Khartoum.

Hossam is four months old with big shiny eyes and has been living at SOS Children's Village Khartoum in Sudan since April 2008. Hossam's SOS mother Taiba comments how "Babies love to be carried and cuddled," as she gazes warmly at Hossam.

The village director Tajalarifeen Sirajeldin, says of the babies in Khartoum born out of wedlock: "The lucky ones are found and registered with the police, then handed over to the Maygoma [the governmental orphanage in Sudan]. However, thousands more are not found in time and left alone."

The majority of the children living at SOS Children's Village Khartoum come from the Maygoma. "When they first move in, many show signs of stress and are malnourished, as a result of having been neglected at such an early age", Tajalarifeen explains.

At SOS Children's Village Khartoum, working in line with the organisation's vision - every child belongs to a family and grows with love, respect and security - means that tchildren receive special attention and care amid a warm and tender atmosphere.

Mama Taiba and SOS mothers Rakzallah, Nawal and Weedad - who all have babies in their SOS families - enjoy watching their little darlings grow and recover day by day. "This experience is extremely delightful," says mama Weedad with a smile.

The baby's name has been changed to protect his privacy.