Bata

Country information

In May 1994, the government of Equatorial Guinea donated a large site in Bata to SOS-Kinderdorf International on which the construction of the SOS Children's Village Bata was to be begun two years later. At the beginning of the school year 1996/97 an SOS Kindergarten was put into operation on provisional premises. It was later on moved to the place where it was definitely established in 1998. The completion of the SOS Children's Village Bata was considerably delayed by difficulties with the import and transport of construction materials. Thus, the official opening ceremony of the SOS Children's Village took place only in summer 1999. At the beginning of school in the very same year, the SOS Primary School located next to the SOS Kindergarten was inaugurated. The SOS Children's Village Bata is located in San Pedro de Lea, a quarter of Bata, approximately 2 km from the centre. Bata is the second largest city of Equatorial Guinea and also the capital of the continental territory, the capital city of Equatorial Guinea itself, Malabo, being located on the island of Bioko. San Pedro de Lea is a residence area inhabited mainly by middle class people. This area can be reached easily by public transport facilities. The SOS Children's Village comprises 10 family houses, a Village Director's house, an administrative building, a guest house for SOS co-workers, a workshop, a multi-purpose hall and a small shop. In addition, an SOS Kindergarten, an SOS Primary School and an SOS Medical Centre were established.