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Is a 4 year old girl
from Philippines
Reyshima lives with her large family in a hut made from bamboo and tin. They live away from a city but can access some basic facilities. Her father earns the sole income, so her parents regularly cannot afford necessities to support Reyshima & her siblings.
Reyshima lives with her large family in a hut made from bamboo and tin. They live away from a city but can access some basic facilities. Her father earns the sole income, so her parents regularly cannot afford necessities to support Reyshima & her siblings.
Rich in natural resources and home to world-renowned tourist destinations, the Philippines is hamstrung by corruption and highly vulnerable to life-threatening natural disasters such as typhoons, floods, landslides and volcanoes. Many children live in poverty, especially in remote villages where there is limited acces to quality school and health clinics.
The Philippines has high rates of child labour. Most children working are employed working on farms, where they face terrible conditions on a daily basis.
Health: Ensure all children have access to a healthy, nutritious diet and clean water.
Early Childhood Development: Provide children with the best start in education by improving learning materials, and renovating and building new classrooms in early childhood development centres.
Disaster Risk Reduction: Help communities keep children safe during emergencies by running disaster risk reduction projects in vulnerable areas.
Is a 7 year old boy
from Ethiopia
Amen lives with his parents in a small village that lacks access to proper healthcare, sanitary and educational facilities. His parents are laborers who struggle to provide Amen with basic living needs.
Amen lives with his parents in a small village that lacks access to proper healthcare, sanitary and educational facilities. His parents are laborers who struggle to provide Amen with basic living needs.
As Africa’s oldest independent country, Ethiopia has a long and proud history. In recent years, rural parts of Ethiopia have suffered from periodic droughts, which have put immense pressure on the country’s people. Ethiopia still ranks as one of the poorest countries in the world, and inadequate food and water supplies continue to contribute to high levels of child malnutrition and disease.
Education in Ethiopia has been severely stunted by three decades of food insecurity and civil war. The education system has improved since the regime changed in 1991, but it largely remains inadequate or simply inaccessible for most children. Class sizes are too large, and teachers are underpaid. Impoverished families are unable to pay for textbooks, school clothes and other necessities. Primary school attendance rates are low, about 80%.
Education: Improve their reading, writing and maths skills, while also keeping students interested in staying in school.
Livelihoods: Provide income-generating activities to reduce the burden on families and help children stay in school.
Child rights: Increase awareness of children's rights and help children become leaders in their communities.
Is a 3 year old boy
from Ethiopia
Amen lives with his parents in a small house built with stone, cement and shell. His father works as a laborer but struggles to provide him with basic living needs.
Amen lives with his parents in a small house built with stone, cement and shell. His father works as a laborer but struggles to provide him with basic living needs.
As Africa’s oldest independent country, Ethiopia has a long and proud history. In recent years, rural parts of Ethiopia have suffered from periodic droughts, which have put immense pressure on the country’s people. Ethiopia still ranks as one of the poorest countries in the world, and inadequate food and water supplies continue to contribute to high levels of child malnutrition and disease.
The health of mothers and newborns in Ethiopia is often at risk, since many women do not deliver in hospitals or receive adequate pre- and postnatal care. ChildFund’s programs encourage mothers to deliver at hospitals, and provide nutrition, sanitation and hygiene solutions to keep children healthy.
Maternal Support: Help mothers deliver at health facilities with skilled staff, reducing the high rates of infant mortality.
Health: Increase awareness about diseases that lead to child deaths, and provide solutions that can save lives.
Water and Sanitation: Provide safe water and education to help prevent the spread of diseases that are responsible for child deaths.
Is a 5 year old girl
from Zambia
Ruth lives with her family on a small scale farm, frequent droughts and floods have led to poor harvest and a low income for the family. They struggle to afford healthcare, clothing and food for Ruth.
Ruth lives with her family on a small scale farm, frequent droughts and floods have led to poor harvest and a low income for the family. They struggle to afford healthcare, clothing and food for Ruth.
Three decades of oppressive rule following independence in 1964 contributed to Zambia becoming one of Africa’s poorest countries. In rural areas, four out of five people live in poverty. Zambia’s fortunes have improved recently, but decades of underinvestment mean the country is lagging behind in key areas and there is a lack of jobs and opportunities for people.
Many children in Zambia live in poverty and do not have access to adequate schools or health centres. Access to clean water is also a major problem in many communities. Zambia has an extremely high rates of childhood deaths, most of which are preventable.
Health: Provide growth monitoring services to prevent child malnutrition, vitamin supplements, deworming and vaccinations. Families also receive mosquito nets to ward off malaria.
Water and Sanitation: Provide clean water and hygiene lessons to communities to prevent childhood illnesses and child deaths.
Early Childhood Development: Ensure children get the best start in education and smoothly enter primary school, by providing learning and play materials at early childhood development centres.
Is a 6 year old girl
from Ethiopia
Soliyana lives with her parents and brother in a small hut, their neighbourhood has a high prevalence of disease due to overcrowding, poor sanitation and hygiene. Her father is a labourer but his income is not enough to provide for Soliyana and her family’s needs.
Soliyana lives with her parents and brother in a small hut, their neighbourhood has a high prevalence of disease due to overcrowding, poor sanitation and hygiene. Her father is a labourer but his income is not enough to provide for Soliyana and her family’s needs.
As Africa’s oldest independent country, Ethiopia has a long and proud history. In recent years, rural parts of Ethiopia have suffered from periodic droughts, which have put immense pressure on the country’s people. Ethiopia still ranks as one of the poorest countries in the world, and inadequate food and water supplies continue to contribute to high levels of child malnutrition and disease.
Education in Ethiopia has been severely stunted by three decades of food insecurity and civil war. Class sizes are too large, and teachers are underpaid. Impoverished families are unable to pay for textbooks, school clothes and other necessities. Girls face even more of a challenge than boys in Ethiopia when it comes to getting a proper education. Girls are expected to perform housekeeping duties on top of school, and marry young.
Women and Girls: Educate communities on the rights of women and girls, and improve child protection to provide safe, encouraging environments where girls can thrive.
Education: Help students improve their reading, writing and maths skills, while also keeping them interested in staying in school.
Livelihoods: Provide income-generating activities to reduce the burden on families and help girls stay in school.
Is a 7 year old girl
from Ethiopia
Amriya lives with her parents and three siblings in a small traditional hut. Her community suffers from lack of adequate health care and clean water and her father’s limited income doesn’t afford Amriya’s basic living needs.
Amriya lives with her parents and three siblings in a small traditional hut. Her community suffers from lack of adequate health care and clean water and her father’s limited income doesn’t afford Amriya’s basic living needs.
As Africa’s oldest independent country, Ethiopia has a long and proud history. In recent years, rural parts of Ethiopia have suffered from periodic droughts, which have put immense pressure on the country’s people. Ethiopia still ranks as one of the poorest countries in the world, and inadequate food and water supplies continue to contribute to high levels of child malnutrition and disease.
Education in Ethiopia has been severely stunted by three decades of food insecurity and civil war. Class sizes are too large, and teachers are underpaid. Impoverished families are unable to pay for textbooks, school clothes and other necessities. Girls face even more of a challenge than boys in Ethiopia when it comes to getting a proper education. Girls are expected to perform housekeeping duties on top of school, and marry young.
Women and Girls: Educate communities on the rights of women and girls, and improve child protection to provide safe, encouraging environments where girls can thrive.
Education: Help students improve their reading, writing and maths skills, while also keeping them interested in staying in school.
Livelihoods: Provide income-generating activities to reduce the burden on families and help girls stay in school.
Is a 8 year old boy
from Kenya
Leshan lives with his siblings & parents in a traditional hut, the house is frequently damaged in strong weather conditions. Leshan's parents' income is too low to cover his basic needs.
Leshan lives with his siblings & parents in a traditional hut, the house is frequently damaged in strong weather conditions. Leshan's parents' income is too low to cover his basic needs.
Despite Kenya being considered the economic and transportation hub of East Africa, poverty is still widespread across the country’s regional areas. Many of Kenya’s poorest people live in isolated communities, which are prone to climate change-driven droughts.
Children, who make up more than half of the population, face serious risks that stem from a lack of food, clean water, and education. Lack of access to healthcare in rural areas and poor sanitation in urban zones accelerates the spread of preventable diseases. Many children from remote communities are forced to drop out of school because their parents cannot afford it school fees or supplies.
Education: Renovating classrooms and providing children with school uniforms and educational resources such as books.
Water and Sanitation: Keep children healthy and in school by providing sustainable local water sources.
Livelihoods: Reduce the burden on families in remote communities by providing income-generating activities to help parents pay for their children's education and wellbeing.
Is a 5 year old girl
from Uganda
Sarah lives with her parents and 6 siblings in a village that has no access to basic social services. She fetches water from a distant well daily and shares one sleeping mat with several siblings. She wishes to attend school soon.
Sarah lives with her parents and 6 siblings in a village that has no access to basic social services. She fetches water from a distant well daily and shares one sleeping mat with several siblings. She wishes to attend school soon.
Since its independence from Britain in 1962, Uganda has endured a military coup, followed by years of dictatorship, ongoing civil conflict and internal displacement. This has had a lasting effect on millions of Ugandans, who have been trapped in poverty for generations.
Poor nutrition, a lack of health facilities and a shortage of trained health staff in remote areas contribute to Uganda having high rates of childhood deaths.
Early Childhood Development: Ensure children get the best start in education and smoothly enter primary school, by renovating and building classrooms, and providing learning and play materials at early childhood development centres.
Water and Sanitation: Provide safe, clean drinking water to prevent children from waterborne diseases, which are some of the leading causes of deaths in children aged under five years old.
Health: Provide immunisations to children and provide families with HIV counselling & testing, antenatal care and education on how to identify and manage childhood illnesses.
Is a 11 year old boy
from Kenya
Spencer lives with his parents and siblings in a single room, without water or a toilet. They have little income for food and his community's water is not safe, placing his at risk of catching typhoid or cholera frequently.
Spencer lives with his parents and siblings in a single room, without water or a toilet. They have little income for food and his community's water is not safe, placing his at risk of catching typhoid or cholera frequently.
Despite Kenya being considered the economic and transportation hub of East Africa, poverty is still widespread across the country’s regional areas. Many of Kenya’s poorest people live in isolated communities, which are prone to climate change-driven droughts. Children, who make up more than half of the population, face serious risks that stem from a lack of food, clean water, and education.
Secondary school is a challenge for many people in remote communities. Many children are forced to leave before finishing high school, which severely affects their ability to find a good job and provide a stable future.
Education: Renovating classrooms and providing children with school uniforms and educational resources such as books.
Water and Sanitation: Keep children healthy and in school by providing sustainable local water sources.
Livelihoods: Reduce the burden on families in remote communities by providing income-generating activities to help parents pay for their children's education and wellbeing.
Is a 8 year old girl
from Kenya
Shallon lives with her family in a single, mud-walled room and lack reliable water access. Her parents are unskilled workers so can only work certain, low income jobs making it difficult to provide for Shallon.
Shallon lives with her family in a single, mud-walled room and lack reliable water access. Her parents are unskilled workers so can only work certain, low income jobs making it difficult to provide for Shallon.
Despite Kenya being considered the economic and transportation hub of East Africa, poverty is still widespread across the country’s regional areas. Many of Kenya’s poorest people live in isolated communities, which are prone to climate change-driven droughts. Children, who make up more than half of the population, face serious risks that stem from a lack of food, clean water, and education.
Lack of access to healthcare in rural areas and poor sanitation in urban zones accelerates the spread of preventable diseases. Girls are especially at risk of dropping out of school once they hit puberty. Often they cannot go to school because their parents cannot afford it, or they are forced to stay home and help look after their siblings.
Education: Renovating classrooms and providing girls with school uniforms and educational resources such as books so they can continue their education.
Livelihoods: Reduce the burden on families in remote communities by providing income-generating activities to help parents pay for their children's education and wellbeing.
Child rights: Ensure girls and the communities around them know what rights children have and how they should be treated.
Is a 4 year old girl
from Zambia
Rachael lives with her family on land where they practice farming. Unpredictable weather patterns have affected their crop yield and impacted their income. It is difficult for them to afford Rachael's basic needs.
Rachael lives with her family on land where they practice farming. Unpredictable weather patterns have affected their crop yield and impacted their income. It is difficult for them to afford Rachael's basic needs.
Three decades of oppressive rule following independence in 1964 contributed to Zambia becoming one of Africa’s poorest countries. In rural areas, four out of five people live in poverty. Zambia’s fortunes have improved recently, but decades of underinvestment mean the country is lagging behind in key areas and there is a lack of jobs and opportunities for people.
Many children in Zambia live in poverty and do not have access to adequate schools or health centres. Access to clean water is also a major problem in many communities. Zambia has an extremely high rates of childhood deaths, most of which are preventable.
Health: Provide growth monitoring services to prevent child malnutrition, vitamin supplements, deworming and vaccinations. Families also receive mosquito nets to ward off malaria.
Water and Sanitation: Provide clean water and hygiene lessons to communities to prevent childhood illnesses and child deaths.
Early Childhood Development: Ensure children get the best start in education and smoothly enter primary school, by providing learning and play materials at early childhood development centres.
Is a 5 year old girl
from Zambia
Susan lives on a small piece of land with her family, where they engage in traditional farming practices. Changing weather conditions have heavily impacted their crops, generating little income to afford Susan's basic needs.
Susan lives on a small piece of land with her family, where they engage in traditional farming practices. Changing weather conditions have heavily impacted their crops, generating little income to afford Susan's basic needs.
Three decades of oppressive rule following independence in 1964 contributed to Zambia becoming one of Africa’s poorest countries. In rural areas, four out of five people live in poverty. Zambia’s fortunes have improved recently, but decades of underinvestment mean the country is lagging behind in key areas and there is a lack of jobs and opportunities for people.
Many children in Zambia live in poverty and do not have access to adequate schools or health centres. Access to clean water is also a major problem in many communities. Zambia has an extremely high rates of childhood deaths, most of which are preventable.
Health: Provide growth monitoring services to prevent child malnutrition, vitamin supplements, deworming and vaccinations. Families also receive mosquito nets to ward off malaria.
Water and Sanitation: Provide clean water and hygiene lessons to communities to prevent childhood illnesses and child deaths.
Early Childhood Development: Ensure children get the best start in education and smoothly enter primary school, by providing learning and play materials at early childhood development centres.
Is a 9 year old boy
from Ethiopia
Mikiyas lives with his parents and two siblings in a small hut with no running water available. His father is a civil servant but struggles to provide for Mikiyas and his family with his small income.
Mikiyas lives with his parents and two siblings in a small hut with no running water available. His father is a civil servant but struggles to provide for Mikiyas and his family with his small income.
As Africa’s oldest independent country, Ethiopia has a long and proud history. In recent years, rural parts of Ethiopia have suffered from periodic droughts, which have put immense pressure on the country’s people. Ethiopia still ranks as one of the poorest countries in the world, and inadequate food and water supplies continue to contribute to high levels of child malnutrition and disease.
Education in Ethiopia has been severely stunted by three decades of food insecurity and civil war. The education system has improved since the regime changed in 1991, but it largely remains inadequate or simply inaccessible for most children. Class sizes are too large, and teachers are underpaid. Impoverished families are unable to pay for textbooks, school clothes and other necessities. Primary school attendance rates are low, about 80%.
Education: Improve their reading, writing and maths skills, while also keeping students interested in staying in school.
Livelihoods: Provide income-generating activities to reduce the burden on families and help children stay in school.
Child rights: Increase awareness of children's rights and help children become leaders in their communities.
Is a 7 year old girl
from Kenya
Winfridah lives with her parents and two siblings. Her parents are unskilled workers so cannot access stable employment. Their water source is contaminated frequently exposing Winfridah to disease.
Winfridah lives with her parents and two siblings. Her parents are unskilled workers so cannot access stable employment. Their water source is contaminated frequently exposing Winfridah to disease.
Despite Kenya being considered the economic and transportation hub of East Africa, poverty is still widespread across the country’s regional areas. Many of Kenya’s poorest people live in isolated communities, which are prone to climate change-driven droughts. Children, who make up more than half of the population, face serious risks that stem from a lack of food, clean water, and education.
Lack of access to healthcare in rural areas and poor sanitation in urban zones accelerates the spread of preventable diseases. Girls are especially at risk of dropping out of school once they hit puberty. Often they cannot go to school because their parents cannot afford it, or they are forced to stay home and help look after their siblings.
Education: Renovating classrooms and providing girls with school uniforms and educational resources such as books so they can continue their education.
Livelihoods: Reduce the burden on families in remote communities by providing income-generating activities to help parents pay for their children's education and wellbeing.
Child rights: Ensure girls and the communities around them know what rights children have and how they should be treated.
Is a 3 year old boy
from Indonesia
Sabda lives with his family in a small crowded house. His father works as a labourer but the meagre income he receives is not enough to cover adequate care, education and support Sabda’s basic needs.
Sabda lives with his family in a small crowded house. His father works as a labourer but the meagre income he receives is not enough to cover adequate care, education and support Sabda’s basic needs.
Indonesia has become one of the world’s major emerging economies, but it is still home to widespread poverty and inequality. There is a major gap between the experience of children in the regional and remote areas, where ChildFund works, and children in the main cities.
Children in remote areas are far less likely to access adequate school and health facilities, which exposes them to childhood illnesses and diminishes their ability to reach their potential.
More than 20 million people live below the world poverty line and Indonesia is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, which have a disproportionately negative impact on poor and marginalised communities.
Health: Help children thrive and avoid childhood illnesses by teaching families about healthy hygiene practices and how to make nutritious meals from locally-sourced foods.
Education: Put children on the best path for the future by improving early childhood education in remote communities.
Disaster Risk Reduction: Help communities keep children safe during emergencies by running disaster risk reduction projects in vulnerable areas.
Is a 7 year old boy
from Philippines
Klian lives with his mother, a hard-working teacher at the local school. They don't have access to running water so must fetch it from a distant well. Klian enjoys dancing and hopes to be a policeman one day.
Klian lives with his mother, a hard-working teacher at the local school. They don't have access to running water so must fetch it from a distant well. Klian enjoys dancing and hopes to be a policeman one day.
Rich in natural resources and home to world-renowned tourist destinations, the Philippines is hamstrung by corruption and highly vulnerable to life-threatening natural disasters such as typhoons, floods, landslides and volcanoes.
Many children live in poverty, especially in remote villages where there is limited acces to quality school and health clinics.
The Philippines has high rates of child labour. Most children working are employed working on farms, where they face terrible conditions on a daily basis.
Child Protection: Educating children and their communities about children's rights to ensure children are safe and protected.
Disaster Risk Reduction: Prevent tragedies during emergencies by training children in child-centred disaster risk reduction.
Education: Run programs that get children out of child labour and back into school.
Is a 3 year old girl
from Zambia
Janika lives with family on a small plot of farming land. Her parents' crops have been impacted by unpredictable weather, so their income fails to afford Janika's critical needs as an infant.
Janika lives with family on a small plot of farming land. Her parents' crops have been impacted by unpredictable weather, so their income fails to afford Janika's critical needs as an infant.
Three decades of oppressive rule following independence in 1964 contributed to Zambia becoming one of Africa’s poorest countries. In rural areas, four out of five people live in poverty. Zambia’s fortunes have improved recently, but decades of underinvestment mean the country is lagging behind in key areas and there is a lack of jobs and opportunities for people.
Many children in Zambia live in poverty and do not have access to adequate schools or health centres. Access to clean water is also a major problem in many communities. Zambia has an extremely high rates of childhood deaths, most of which are preventable.
Health: Provide growth monitoring services to prevent child malnutrition, vitamin supplements, deworming and vaccinations. Families also receive mosquito nets to ward off malaria.
Water and Sanitation: Provide clean water and hygiene lessons to communities to prevent childhood illnesses and child deaths.
Early Childhood Development: Ensure children get the best start in education and smoothly enter primary school, by providing learning and play materials at early childhood development centres.
Is a year old girl
from Uganda
Edrine lives with her family in a small house made from zinc and cement. Her father works as a farm laborer and struggles to provide her with basic living needs.
Edrine lives with her family in a small house made from zinc and cement. Her father works as a farm laborer and struggles to provide her with basic living needs.
Since its independence from Britain in 1962, Uganda has endured a military coup, followed by years of dictatorship, ongoing civil conflict and internal displacement. This has had a lasting effect on millions of Ugandans, who have been trapped in poverty for generations.
Many girls are forced to drop out of school. Early marriage and forced marriage are still practised in Uganda.
Health: Enrol children in annual medical checkups to prevent illnesses and promote healthy behaviours.
Livelihoods: Take the pressure off disadvantaged families by providing the skills and resources they need to start or grow a business, which will help them pay for their children's education and wellbeing.
Child Protection: Strengthen child protection in communities by bringing together parents, children, and social welfare officers to discuss children's rights and child protection issues, and develop local solutions.
Is a 8 year old boy
from Kenya
Benedict lives with his single mother and sister in a small rural area that lacks access to proper healthcare and educational facilities. His mother is the sole earner in the family but struggles to provide basic living needs for Benedict.
Benedict lives with his single mother and sister in a small rural area that lacks access to proper healthcare and educational facilities. His mother is the sole earner in the family but struggles to provide basic living needs for Benedict.
Despite Kenya being considered the economic and transportation hub of East Africa, poverty is still widespread across the country’s regional areas. Many of Kenya’s poorest people live in isolated communities, which are prone to climate change-driven droughts.
Children, who make up more than half of the population, face serious risks that stem from a lack of food, clean water, and education. Lack of access to healthcare in rural areas and poor sanitation in urban zones accelerates the spread of preventable diseases. Many children from remote communities are forced to drop out of school because their parents cannot afford it school fees or supplies.
Education: Renovating classrooms and providing children with school uniforms and educational resources such as books.
Water and Sanitation: Keep children healthy and in school by providing sustainable local water sources.
Livelihoods: Reduce the burden on families in remote communities by providing income-generating activities to help parents pay for their children's education and wellbeing.
Is a 8 year old girl
from Ethiopia
Rediet lives with her parents and two brothers in a small house in a community that has a high prevalence of disease due to unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation facilities. Her father’s income is not enough to provide Rediet with even her most basic needs.
Rediet lives with her parents and two brothers in a small house in a community that has a high prevalence of disease due to unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation facilities. Her father’s income is not enough to provide Rediet with even her most basic needs.
As Africa’s oldest independent country, Ethiopia has a long and proud history. In recent years, rural parts of Ethiopia have suffered from periodic droughts, which have put immense pressure on the country’s people. Ethiopia still ranks as one of the poorest countries in the world, and inadequate food and water supplies continue to contribute to high levels of child malnutrition and disease.
Education in Ethiopia has been severely stunted by three decades of food insecurity and civil war. Class sizes are too large, and teachers are underpaid. Impoverished families are unable to pay for textbooks, school clothes and other necessities. Girls face even more of a challenge than boys in Ethiopia when it comes to getting a proper education. Girls are expected to perform housekeeping duties on top of school, and marry young.
Women and Girls: Educate communities on the rights of women and girls, and improve child protection to provide safe, encouraging environments where girls can thrive.
Education: Help students improve their reading, writing and maths skills, while also keeping them interested in staying in school.
Livelihoods: Provide income-generating activities to reduce the burden on families and help girls stay in school.
Is a 7 year old boy
from Philippines
Rein lives with his family in a small tin hut, without running water. Rein collects water from a well for his family and likes to fish. He hopes to become a teacher someday.
Rein lives with his family in a small tin hut, without running water. Rein collects water from a well for his family and likes to fish. He hopes to become a teacher someday.
Rich in natural resources and home to world-renowned tourist destinations, the Philippines is hamstrung by corruption and highly vulnerable to life-threatening natural disasters such as typhoons, floods, landslides and volcanoes.
Many children live in poverty, especially in remote villages where there is limited acces to quality school and health clinics.
The Philippines has high rates of child labour. Most children working are employed working on farms, where they face terrible conditions on a daily basis.
Child Protection: Educating children and their communities about children's rights to ensure children are safe and protected.
Disaster Risk Reduction: Prevent tragedies during emergencies by training children in child-centred disaster risk reduction.
Education: Run programs that get children out of child labour and back into school.
Is a 3 year old boy
from Ethiopia
Befekadu lives with his family in a small house made from zinc and cement. His father works as a farm laborer and struggles to provide Befekadu with basic living needs.
Befekadu lives with his family in a small house made from zinc and cement. His father works as a farm laborer and struggles to provide Befekadu with basic living needs.
As Africa’s oldest independent country, Ethiopia has a long and proud history. In recent years, rural parts of Ethiopia have suffered from periodic droughts, which have put immense pressure on the country’s people. Ethiopia still ranks as one of the poorest countries in the world, and inadequate food and water supplies continue to contribute to high levels of child malnutrition and disease.
The health of mothers and newborns in Ethiopia is often at risk, since many women do not deliver in hospitals or receive adequate pre- and postnatal care. ChildFund’s programs encourage mothers to deliver at hospitals, and provide nutrition, sanitation and hygiene solutions to keep children healthy.
Maternal Support: Help mothers deliver at health facilities with skilled staff, reducing the high rates of infant mortality.
Health: Increase awareness about diseases that lead to child deaths, and provide solutions that can save lives.
Water and Sanitation: Provide safe water and education to help prevent the spread of diseases that are responsible for child deaths.
Is a 6 year old boy
from Ethiopia
Zelalem lives in a small hut with his parents and sibling in a community that lacks potable water, healthcare and education infrastructure. His father works as a farmer but struggles to provide Zelalem’s with basic living needs on minimal income.
Zelalem lives in a small hut with his parents and sibling in a community that lacks potable water, healthcare and education infrastructure. His father works as a farmer but struggles to provide Zelalem’s with basic living needs on minimal income.
As Africa’s oldest independent country, Ethiopia has a long and proud history. In recent years, rural parts of Ethiopia have suffered from periodic droughts, which have put immense pressure on the country’s people. Ethiopia still ranks as one of the poorest countries in the world, and inadequate food and water supplies continue to contribute to high levels of child malnutrition and disease.
Education in Ethiopia has been severely stunted by three decades of food insecurity and civil war. The education system has improved since the regime changed in 1991, but it largely remains inadequate or simply inaccessible for most children. Class sizes are too large, and teachers are underpaid. Impoverished families are unable to pay for textbooks, school clothes and other necessities. Primary school attendance rates are low, about 80%.
Education: Improve their reading, writing and maths skills, while also keeping students interested in staying in school.
Livelihoods: Provide income-generating activities to reduce the burden on families and help children stay in school.
Child rights: Increase awareness of children's rights and help children become leaders in their communities.
Is a 7 year old boy
from Zambia
Fedelis lives with his parents and three siblings in a grass thatched hut. His parents are farmers but their crop yield is too low to sell & consume themselves. They cannot afford the basic needs of Fedelis and his siblings.
Fedelis lives with his parents and three siblings in a grass thatched hut. His parents are farmers but their crop yield is too low to sell & consume themselves. They cannot afford the basic needs of Fedelis and his siblings.
Three decades of oppressive rule following independence in 1964 contributed to Zambia becoming one of Africa’s poorest countries. In rural areas, four out of five people live in poverty. Zambia’s fortunes have improved recently, but decades of underinvestment mean the country is lagging behind in key areas and there is a lack of jobs and opportunities for people.
Many schools and homes do not have access to clean drinking water, meaning children must walk long distances each day to get water, or drink unsafe water, which can lead to potentially fatal childhood illnesses.
Education: Provide learning resources, and renovate or build classrooms and other school facilities to ensure children can receive a quality education.
Water and Sanitation: Provide clean water and hygiene lessons to communities in remote communities to help children avoid childhood illnesses.
Livelihoods: Take the pressure off disadvantaged families by providing the skills and resources they need to earn more income, which can help them pay for their children's education and wellbeing.
Is a 5 year old boy
from Philippines
Zyke lives with his family in a remote village, their hut has no water or electricity and is in need of repair. His father works in construction but the single income does not afford Zyke and his family's daily needs.
Zyke lives with his family in a remote village, their hut has no water or electricity and is in need of repair. His father works in construction but the single income does not afford Zyke and his family's daily needs.
Rich in natural resources and home to world-renowned tourist destinations, the Philippines is hamstrung by corruption and highly vulnerable to life-threatening natural disasters such as typhoons, floods, landslides and volcanoes.
Many children live in poverty, especially in remote villages where there is limited access to quality school and health clinics.
According to the National Baseline Study on Violence Against Children in the Philippines, boys are more vulnerable to all forms of abuses than girls.
Health: Ensure all children have access to a healthy, nutritious diet and clean water.
Early Childhood Development: Provide children with the best start in education by improving learning materials, and renovating and building new classrooms in early childhood development centres.
Disaster Risk Reduction: Help communities keep children safe during emergencies by running disaster risk reduction projects in vulnerable areas.
Is a 7 year old boy
from Sri Lanka
Alvar lives with his parents in a small house in an isolated village. His parents mainly do small scale farming but struggle to provide Alvar with basic living needs with their meager income.
Alvar lives with his parents in a small house in an isolated village. His parents mainly do small scale farming but struggle to provide Alvar with basic living needs with their meager income.
Many communities in Sri Lanka are still overcoming the effects of the country’s 25-year civil conflict, which ended in 2009. In 2004, the India Ocean tsunami left 40,000 Sri Lankans dead and many more displaced.
Many families in remote communities survive on informal work, which is usually low-paid and has little security. Teachers in the communities where ChildFund works often have limited training, and classrooms are under-resourced.
Education: Provide training to teachers and implement activity-based lessons in classrooms, ensuring children have access to a quality education.
Child Protection: Educating children and their communities about children's rights nd how to identify and report child violence, to ensure children are safe and protected.
Disaster Risk Reduction: Help children prepare for emergencies and learn life-saving skills that will help their families if a disaster strikes.
Is a 9 year old boy
from Ethiopia
Girum lives with his parents and three siblings in a small hut with poor sanitation and limited access to water. Despite his father working as a labourer their income is not enough to afford even their most basic needs.
Girum lives with his parents and three siblings in a small hut with poor sanitation and limited access to water. Despite his father working as a labourer their income is not enough to afford even their most basic needs.
As Africa’s oldest independent country, Ethiopia has a long and proud history. In recent years, rural parts of Ethiopia have suffered from periodic droughts, which have put immense pressure on the country’s people. Ethiopia still ranks as one of the poorest countries in the world, and inadequate food and water supplies continue to contribute to high levels of child malnutrition and disease.
Education in Ethiopia has been severely stunted by three decades of food insecurity and civil war. The education system has improved since the regime changed in 1991, but it largely remains inadequate or simply inaccessible for most children. Class sizes are too large, and teachers are underpaid. Impoverished families are unable to pay for textbooks, school clothes and other necessities. Primary school attendance rates are low, about 80%.
Education: Improve their reading, writing and maths skills, while also keeping students interested in staying in school.
Livelihoods: Provide income-generating activities to reduce the burden on families and help children stay in school.
Child rights: Increase awareness of children's rights and help children become leaders in their communities.
Is a 6 year old boy
from Kenya
Lemerian lives with his parents and five siblings in small tin hut. His family keeps livestock to earn them a living but due to prolonged drought their income leaves them unable to afford basic necessities.
Lemerian lives with his parents and five siblings in small tin hut. His family keeps livestock to earn them a living but due to prolonged drought their income leaves them unable to afford basic necessities.
Despite Kenya being considered the economic and transportation hub of East Africa, poverty is still widespread across the country’s regional areas. Many of Kenya’s poorest people live in isolated communities, which are prone to climate change-driven droughts.
Children, who make up more than half of the population, face serious risks that stem from a lack of food, clean water, and education. Lack of access to healthcare in rural areas and poor sanitation in urban zones accelerates the spread of preventable diseases. Many children from remote communities are forced to drop out of school because their parents cannot afford it school fees or supplies.
Education: Renovating classrooms and providing children with school uniforms and educational resources such as books.
Water and Sanitation: Keep children healthy and in school by providing sustainable local water sources.
Livelihoods: Reduce the burden on families in remote communities by providing income-generating activities to help parents pay for their children's education and wellbeing.
Is a 7 year old boy
from Kenya
Laurent dreams of becoming a doctor when he grows up. He lives with two sisters and his parents in a small tin hut. Laurent's father is a fisherman but the income doesn't meet the family's basic needs.
Laurent dreams of becoming a doctor when he grows up. He lives with two sisters and his parents in a small tin hut. Laurent's father is a fisherman but the income doesn't meet the family's basic needs.
Despite Kenya being considered the economic and transportation hub of East Africa, poverty is still widespread across the country’s regional areas. Many of Kenya’s poorest people live in isolated communities, which are prone to climate change-driven droughts.
Children, who make up more than half of the population, face serious risks that stem from a lack of food, clean water, and education. Lack of access to healthcare in rural areas and poor sanitation in urban zones accelerates the spread of preventable diseases. Many children from remote communities are forced to drop out of school because their parents cannot afford it school fees or supplies.
Education: Renovating classrooms and providing children with school uniforms and educational resources such as books.
Water and Sanitation: Keep children healthy and in school by providing sustainable local water sources.
Livelihoods: Reduce the burden on families in remote communities by providing income-generating activities to help parents pay for their children's education and wellbeing.
Is a 4 year old girl
from Zambia
Tendai lives with her family on a small farm, she makes toys with her mother from clay and clothing scraps. Her parents farming income is unreliable due to changing weather, meaning they cannot afford Tendai's basic needs.
Tendai lives with her family on a small farm, she makes toys with her mother from clay and clothing scraps. Her parents farming income is unreliable due to changing weather, meaning they cannot afford Tendai's basic needs.
Three decades of oppressive rule following independence in 1964 contributed to Zambia becoming one of Africa’s poorest countries. In rural areas, four out of five people live in poverty. Zambia’s fortunes have improved recently, but decades of underinvestment mean the country is lagging behind in key areas and there is a lack of jobs and opportunities for people.
Many children in Zambia live in poverty and do not have access to adequate schools or health centres. Access to clean water is also a major problem in many communities. Zambia has an extremely high rates of childhood deaths, most of which are preventable.
Health: Provide growth monitoring services to prevent child malnutrition, vitamin supplements, deworming and vaccinations. Families also receive mosquito nets to ward off malaria.
Water and Sanitation: Provide clean water and hygiene lessons to communities to prevent childhood illnesses and child deaths.
Early Childhood Development: Ensure children get the best start in education and smoothly enter primary school, by providing learning and play materials at early childhood development centres.
Is a 7 year old girl
from Ethiopia
Yabsira lives with her parents and two sisters in a single rented room within a poorly developed neighbourhood. Yasbira doesn’t have access to clean, safe drinking water and the nearby health centre lacks basic equipment to help should she become sick.
Yabsira lives with her parents and two sisters in a single rented room within a poorly developed neighbourhood. Yasbira doesn’t have access to clean, safe drinking water and the nearby health centre lacks basic equipment to help should she become sick.
As Africa’s oldest independent country, Ethiopia has a long and proud history. In recent years, rural parts of Ethiopia have suffered from periodic droughts, which have put immense pressure on the country’s people. Ethiopia still ranks as one of the poorest countries in the world, and inadequate food and water supplies continue to contribute to high levels of child malnutrition and disease.
Education in Ethiopia has been severely stunted by three decades of food insecurity and civil war. Class sizes are too large, and teachers are underpaid. Impoverished families are unable to pay for textbooks, school clothes and other necessities. Girls face even more of a challenge than boys in Ethiopia when it comes to getting a proper education. Girls are expected to perform housekeeping duties on top of school, and marry young.
Women and Girls: Educate communities on the rights of women and girls, and improve child protection to provide safe, encouraging environments where girls can thrive.
Education: Help students improve their reading, writing and maths skills, while also keeping them interested in staying in school.
Livelihoods: Provide income-generating activities to reduce the burden on families and help girls stay in school.
Is a 9 year old girl
from Kenya
Maryvin lives with her mother and three brothers in a crowded single room. Their only water access is a contaminated communal tap. Her mother works several jobs but the income doesn’t support the family's basic needs.
Maryvin lives with her mother and three brothers in a crowded single room. Their only water access is a contaminated communal tap. Her mother works several jobs but the income doesn’t support the family's basic needs.
Despite Kenya being considered the economic and transportation hub of East Africa, poverty is still widespread across the country’s regional areas. Many of Kenya’s poorest people live in isolated communities, which are prone to climate change-driven droughts. Children, who make up more than half of the population, face serious risks that stem from a lack of food, clean water, and education.
Lack of access to healthcare in rural areas and poor sanitation in urban zones accelerates the spread of preventable diseases. Girls are especially at risk of dropping out of school once they hit puberty. Often they cannot go to school because their parents cannot afford it, or they are forced to stay home and help look after their siblings.
Education: Renovating classrooms and providing girls with school uniforms and educational resources such as books so they can continue their education.
Livelihoods: Reduce the burden on families in remote communities by providing income-generating activities to help parents pay for their children's education and wellbeing.
Child rights: Ensure girls and the communities around them know what rights children have and how they should be treated.
Is a 6 year old girl
from Kenya
Raissy lives with her parents in an overcrowded slum. The crowded conditions and lack of clean water access exposes them to many diseases. Her parents small income from trading doesn't afford them Raissy's basic needs.
Raissy lives with her parents in an overcrowded slum. The crowded conditions and lack of clean water access exposes them to many diseases. Her parents small income from trading doesn't afford them Raissy's basic needs.
Despite Kenya being considered the economic and transportation hub of East Africa, poverty is still widespread across the country’s regional areas. Many of Kenya’s poorest people live in isolated communities, which are prone to climate change-driven droughts. Children, who make up more than half of the population, face serious risks that stem from a lack of food, clean water, and education.
Lack of access to healthcare in rural areas and poor sanitation in urban zones accelerates the spread of preventable diseases. Girls are especially at risk of dropping out of school once they hit puberty. Often they cannot go to school because their parents cannot afford it, or they are forced to stay home and help look after their siblings.
Education: Renovating classrooms and providing girls with school uniforms and educational resources such as books so they can continue their education.
Livelihoods: Reduce the burden on families in remote communities by providing income-generating activities to help parents pay for their children's education and wellbeing.
Child rights: Ensure girls and the communities around them know what rights children have and how they should be treated.
Is a 5 year old boy
from Zambia
Luyando lives with his parents in a small village. He dreams of becoming a doctor when he grows up to help his community. Despite both parents labouring, their income falls short of affording Luyando's basic needs.
Luyando lives with his parents in a small village. He dreams of becoming a doctor when he grows up to help his community. Despite both parents labouring, their income falls short of affording Luyando's basic needs.
Three decades of oppressive rule following independence in 1964 contributed to Zambia becoming one of Africa’s poorest countries. In rural areas, four out of five people live in poverty. Zambia’s fortunes have improved recently, but decades of underinvestment mean the country is lagging behind in key areas and there is a lack of jobs and opportunities for people.
Many children in Zambia live in poverty and do not have access to adequate schools or health centres. Access to clean water is also a major problem in many communities. Zambia has an extremely high rates of childhood deaths, most of which are preventable.
Health: Provide growth monitoring services to prevent child malnutrition, vitamin supplements, deworming and vaccinations. Families also receive mosquito nets to ward off malaria.
Water and Sanitation: Provide clean water and hygiene lessons to communities to prevent childhood illnesses and child deaths.
Early Childhood Development: Ensure children get the best start in education and smoothly enter primary school, by providing learning and play materials at early childhood development centres.
Is a 5 year old boy
from Zambia
Stephan lives with his parents, in a small village. His parents struggle to provide for Stephan as they do not have a reliable income source. Stephan enjoys school and colouring.
Stephan lives with his parents, in a small village. His parents struggle to provide for Stephan as they do not have a reliable income source. Stephan enjoys school and colouring.
Three decades of oppressive rule following independence in 1964 contributed to Zambia becoming one of Africa’s poorest countries. In rural areas, four out of five people live in poverty. Zambia’s fortunes have improved recently, but decades of underinvestment mean the country is lagging behind in key areas and there is a lack of jobs and opportunities for people.
Many children in Zambia live in poverty and do not have access to adequate schools or health centres. Access to clean water is also a major problem in many communities. Zambia has an extremely high rates of childhood deaths, most of which are preventable.
Health: Provide growth monitoring services to prevent child malnutrition, vitamin supplements, deworming and vaccinations. Families also receive mosquito nets to ward off malaria.
Water and Sanitation: Provide clean water and hygiene lessons to communities to prevent childhood illnesses and child deaths.
Early Childhood Development: Ensure children get the best start in education and smoothly enter primary school, by providing learning and play materials at early childhood development centres.
Is a 7 year old girl
from Ethiopia
Meklit is a playful kindergarten student who lives with her parents and sister in a single small room. Her father is a labourer but his small income struggles to cover Meklit’s basic needs
Meklit is a playful kindergarten student who lives with her parents and sister in a single small room. Her father is a labourer but his small income struggles to cover Meklit’s basic needs
As Africa’s oldest independent country, Ethiopia has a long and proud history. In recent years, rural parts of Ethiopia have suffered from periodic droughts, which have put immense pressure on the country’s people. Ethiopia still ranks as one of the poorest countries in the world, and inadequate food and water supplies continue to contribute to high levels of child malnutrition and disease.
Education in Ethiopia has been severely stunted by three decades of food insecurity and civil war. Class sizes are too large, and teachers are underpaid. Impoverished families are unable to pay for textbooks, school clothes and other necessities. Girls face even more of a challenge than boys in Ethiopia when it comes to getting a proper education. Girls are expected to perform housekeeping duties on top of school, and marry young.
Women and Girls: Educate communities on the rights of women and girls, and improve child protection to provide safe, encouraging environments where girls can thrive.
Education: Help students improve their reading, writing and maths skills, while also keeping them interested in staying in school.
Livelihoods: Provide income-generating activities to reduce the burden on families and help girls stay in school.
Is a 5 year old boy
from Uganda
Wilfred lives with his parents on a small plot of land. His mother operates a roadside stall and earns a small income but its not enough for them to access education and health services. Wilfred enjoys drawing and wants to be an artist.
Wilfred lives with his parents on a small plot of land. His mother operates a roadside stall and earns a small income but its not enough for them to access education and health services. Wilfred enjoys drawing and wants to be an artist.
Since its independence from Britain in 1962, Uganda has endured a military coup, followed by years of dictatorship, ongoing civil conflict and internal displacement. This has had a lasting effect on millions of Ugandans, who have been trapped in poverty for generations.
Poor nutrition, a lack of health facilities and a shortage of trained health staff in remote areas contribute to Uganda having high rates of childhood deaths.
Early Childhood Development: Ensure children get the best start in education and smoothly enter primary school, by renovating and building classrooms, and providing learning and play materials at early childhood development centres.
Water and Sanitation: Provide safe, clean drinking water to prevent children from waterborne diseases, which are some of the leading causes of deaths in children aged under five years old.
Health: Provide immunisations to children and provide families with HIV counselling & testing, antenatal care and education on how to identify and manage childhood illnesses.
Is a 6 year old boy
from Indonesia
Satria lives with his parents and siblings in a small house. He dreams of becoming a policeman. Despite both parents working, the family has little income to support the provision of basic living items for Satria and his siblings.
Satria lives with his parents and siblings in a small house. He dreams of becoming a policeman. Despite both parents working, the family has little income to support the provision of basic living items for Satria and his siblings.
Indonesia has become one of the world’s major emerging economies, but it is still home to widespread poverty and inequality. There is a major gap between the experience of children in the regional and remote areas, where ChildFund works, and children in the main cities.
Children in remote areas are far less likely to access adequate school and health facilities, which exposes them to childhood illnesses and diminishes their ability to reach their potential. More than 20 million people live below the world poverty line and Indonesia is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, which have a disproportionately negative impact on poor and marginalised communities.
Health: Help children thrive and avoid childhood illnesses by teaching children about healthy hygiene practices.
Education: Provide education and life skills development in schools, at home and in the community to build the foundations for lifelong confidence and resilience. .
Disaster Risk Reduction: Help communities keep children safe during emergencies by running disaster risk reduction projects in vulnerable areas
Is a 6 year old girl
from Ethiopia
Mihiret lives with her parents in a small hut, her father collects a small income labouring but it is not enough to support the basic needs of Mihiret’s family.
Mihiret lives with her parents in a small hut, her father collects a small income labouring but it is not enough to support the basic needs of Mihiret’s family.
As Africa’s oldest independent country, Ethiopia has a long and proud history. In recent years, rural parts of Ethiopia have suffered from periodic droughts, which have put immense pressure on the country’s people. Ethiopia still ranks as one of the poorest countries in the world, and inadequate food and water supplies continue to contribute to high levels of child malnutrition and disease.
Education in Ethiopia has been severely stunted by three decades of food insecurity and civil war. Class sizes are too large, and teachers are underpaid. Impoverished families are unable to pay for textbooks, school clothes and other necessities. Girls face even more of a challenge than boys in Ethiopia when it comes to getting a proper education. Girls are expected to perform housekeeping duties on top of school, and marry young.
Women and Girls: Educate communities on the rights of women and girls, and improve child protection to provide safe, encouraging environments where girls can thrive.
Education: Help students improve their reading, writing and maths skills, while also keeping them interested in staying in school.
Livelihoods: Provide income-generating activities to reduce the burden on families and help girls stay in school.
Is a 3 year old girl
from Uganda
Rebecca lives with her parents and siblings in a small home. The changing climate has affected her parent's farm & crops so Rebecca's elder brother had to leave school to gain more income for the family & support her basic needs.
Rebecca lives with her parents and siblings in a small home. The changing climate has affected her parent's farm & crops so Rebecca's elder brother had to leave school to gain more income for the family & support her basic needs.
Since its independence from Britain in 1962, Uganda has endured a military coup, followed by years of dictatorship, ongoing civil conflict and internal displacement. This has had a lasting effect on millions of Ugandans, who have been trapped in poverty for generations.
Poor nutrition, a lack of health facilities and a shortage of trained health staff in remote areas contribute to Uganda having high rates of childhood deaths.
Early Childhood Development: Ensure children get the best start in education and smoothly enter primary school, by renovating and building classrooms, and providing learning and play materials at early childhood development centres.
Water and Sanitation: Provide safe, clean drinking water to prevent children from waterborne diseases, which are some of the leading causes of deaths in children aged under five years old.
Health: Provide immunisations to children and provide families with HIV counselling & testing, antenatal care and education on how to identify and manage childhood illnesses.
Is a 6 year old boy
from Uganda
Darlene lives wth his parents in a small isolated region that lacks access to proper healthcare and educational facilities. His father works as a laborer but struggles to provide him with basic living needs.
Darlene lives wth his parents in a small isolated region that lacks access to proper healthcare and educational facilities. His father works as a laborer but struggles to provide him with basic living needs.
Since its independence from Britain in 1962, Uganda has endured a military coup, followed by years of dictatorship, ongoing civil conflict and internal displacement. This has had a lasting effect on millions of Ugandans, who have been trapped in poverty for generations.
Many children in remote communities are unable to access quality education. A lack of water in many places means children have to walk long distances every day to collect water and bathe.
Education: Ensure children can receive a quality education by training teachers and providing children with access to extracurricular actitivities to build their skill sets.
Livelihoods: Take the pressure off disadvantaged families by providing the skills and resources they need to start or grow a business, which will help them pay for their children's education and wellbeing.
Water and Sanitation: Provide safe, clean drinking water to prevent children from waterborne diseases and help them develop to their full potential.
Is a 6 year old girl
from Uganda
Resty lives with her parents and two siblings in a traditional thatched hut, her father is a driver but earns too little to feed, dress and educate Resty and her siblings. She enjoys skipping and counting with her mum.
Resty lives with her parents and two siblings in a traditional thatched hut, her father is a driver but earns too little to feed, dress and educate Resty and her siblings. She enjoys skipping and counting with her mum.
Since its independence from Britain in 1962, Uganda has endured a military coup, followed by years of dictatorship, ongoing civil conflict and internal displacement. This has had a lasting effect on millions of Ugandans, who have been trapped in poverty for generations.
Girls in particular face opposition in getting a quality education, and reaching their potential. Many girls are forced to drop out of school early to help look after younger siblings or find work.
Education: Ensure children can receive a quality education by training teachers and providing children with access to extracurricular actitivities to build their skill sets.
Livelihoods: Take the pressure off disadvantaged families by providing the skills and resources they need to start or grow a business, which will help them pay for their children's education and wellbeing.
Water and Sanitation: Provide safe, clean drinking water to prevent children from waterborne diseases and help them develop to their full potential.
Is a 6 year old girl
from Kenya
Weddy lives in a mud hut with her brother and parents. Her parents grow several crops for income but the unreliable climate has strained their harvest. Weddy's parents cannot afford to support her and her brother's basic needs.
Weddy lives in a mud hut with her brother and parents. Her parents grow several crops for income but the unreliable climate has strained their harvest. Weddy's parents cannot afford to support her and her brother's basic needs.
Despite Kenya being considered the economic and transportation hub of East Africa, poverty is still widespread across the country’s regional areas. Many of Kenya’s poorest people live in isolated communities, which are prone to climate change-driven droughts. Children, who make up more than half of the population, face serious risks that stem from a lack of food, clean water, and education.
Lack of access to healthcare in rural areas and poor sanitation in urban zones accelerates the spread of preventable diseases. Girls are especially at risk of dropping out of school once they hit puberty. Often they cannot go to school because their parents cannot afford it, or they are forced to stay home and help look after their siblings.
Education: Renovating classrooms and providing girls with school uniforms and educational resources such as books so they can continue their education.
Livelihoods: Reduce the burden on families in remote communities by providing income-generating activities to help parents pay for their children's education and wellbeing.
Child rights: Ensure girls and the communities around them know what rights children have and how they should be treated.
Is a 9 year old boy
from Ethiopia
Mechal lives with his parents and 4 other siblings in a village which lacks adequate healthcare and educational facilities. His father is a farmer however his limited income means the family can barely afford to fulfill their basic needs.
Mechal lives with his parents and 4 other siblings in a village which lacks adequate healthcare and educational facilities. His father is a farmer however his limited income means the family can barely afford to fulfill their basic needs.
As Africa’s oldest independent country, Ethiopia has a long and proud history. In recent years, rural parts of Ethiopia have suffered from periodic droughts, which have put immense pressure on the country’s people. Ethiopia still ranks as one of the poorest countries in the world, and inadequate food and water supplies continue to contribute to high levels of child malnutrition and disease.
Education in Ethiopia has been severely stunted by three decades of food insecurity and civil war. The education system has improved since the regime changed in 1991, but it largely remains inadequate or simply inaccessible for most children. Class sizes are too large, and teachers are underpaid. Impoverished families are unable to pay for textbooks, school clothes and other necessities. Primary school attendance rates are low, about 80%.
Education: Improve their reading, writing and maths skills, while also keeping students interested in staying in school.
Livelihoods: Provide income-generating activities to reduce the burden on families and help children stay in school.
Child rights: Increase awareness of children's rights and help children become leaders in their communities.
Is a 8 year old boy
from Indonesia
Alger lives with his family in the mountains of East Indonesia. His family wish to provide him with adequate care & education but their limited income as farmers restricts them from affording these basic rights.
Alger lives with his family in the mountains of East Indonesia. His family wish to provide him with adequate care & education but their limited income as farmers restricts them from affording these basic rights.
Indonesia has become one of the world’s major emerging economies, but it is still home to widespread poverty and inequality. There is a major gap between the experience of children in the regional and remote areas, where ChildFund works, and children in the main cities.
Children in remote areas are far less likely to access adequate school and health facilities, which exposes them to childhood illnesses and diminishes their ability to reach their potential. More than 20 million people live below the world poverty line and Indonesia is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, which have a disproportionately negative impact on poor and marginalised communities.
Health: Help children thrive and avoid childhood illnesses by teaching children about healthy hygiene practices.
Education: Provide education and life skills development in schools, at home and in the community to build the foundations for lifelong confidence and resilience. .
Disaster Risk Reduction: Help communities keep children safe during emergencies by running disaster risk reduction projects in vulnerable areas
Is a 5 year old boy
from Uganda
Richard lives with his parents and two sisters in a grass thatched hut. His parents grow crops for consumption and income however poor weather conditions have impacted this and left them without sufficient means to support Richard and his sisters.
Richard lives with his parents and two sisters in a grass thatched hut. His parents grow crops for consumption and income however poor weather conditions have impacted this and left them without sufficient means to support Richard and his sisters.
Since its independence from Britain in 1962, Uganda has endured a military coup, followed by years of dictatorship, ongoing civil conflict and internal displacement. This has had a lasting effect on millions of Ugandans, who have been trapped in poverty for generations.
Poor nutrition, a lack of health facilities and a shortage of trained health staff in remote areas contribute to Uganda having high rates of childhood deaths.
Early Childhood Development: Ensure children get the best start in education and smoothly enter primary school, by renovating and building classrooms, and providing learning and play materials at early childhood development centres.
Water and Sanitation: Provide safe, clean drinking water to prevent children from waterborne diseases, which are some of the leading causes of deaths in children aged under five years old.
Health: Provide immunisations to children and provide families with HIV counselling & testing, antenatal care and education on how to identify and manage childhood illnesses.
Is a 9 year old boy
from Kenya
Leinka lives with his parents, two sisters and brother in a traditional hut made from sticks, grass and cow dung. His parents earn little income from their livestock and safe water is over a kilometre from home.
Leinka lives with his parents, two sisters and brother in a traditional hut made from sticks, grass and cow dung. His parents earn little income from their livestock and safe water is over a kilometre from home.
Despite Kenya being considered the economic and transportation hub of East Africa, poverty is still widespread across the country’s regional areas. Many of Kenya’s poorest people live in isolated communities, which are prone to climate change-driven droughts.
Children, who make up more than half of the population, face serious risks that stem from a lack of food, clean water, and education. Lack of access to healthcare in rural areas and poor sanitation in urban zones accelerates the spread of preventable diseases. Many children from remote communities are forced to drop out of school because their parents cannot afford it school fees or supplies.
Education: Renovating classrooms and providing children with school uniforms and educational resources such as books.
Water and Sanitation: Keep children healthy and in school by providing sustainable local water sources.
Livelihoods: Reduce the burden on families in remote communities by providing income-generating activities to help parents pay for their children's education and wellbeing.
Is a 7 year old boy
from Philippines
Rene lives with his parents and 7 other siblings in a bamboo and tin hut. His father is a baker and his mother is a house keeper but their income is not enough to meet the needs of Rene & his siblings.
Rene lives with his parents and 7 other siblings in a bamboo and tin hut. His father is a baker and his mother is a house keeper but their income is not enough to meet the needs of Rene & his siblings.
Rich in natural resources and home to world-renowned tourist destinations, the Philippines is hamstrung by corruption and highly vulnerable to life-threatening natural disasters such as typhoons, floods, landslides and volcanoes.
Many children live in poverty, especially in remote villages where there is limited acces to quality school and health clinics.
The Philippines has high rates of child labour. Most children working are employed working on farms, where they face terrible conditions on a daily basis.
Child Protection: Educating children and their communities about children's rights to ensure children are safe and protected.
Disaster Risk Reduction: Prevent tragedies during emergencies by training children in child-centred disaster risk reduction.
Education: Run programs that get children out of child labour and back into school.
Is a 7 year old boy
from Zambia
Angel lives in a remote fishing village with his parents. He is progressing well at the local school, however his parents struggle to afford his other basic needs with an unreliable income stream from fishing.
Angel lives in a remote fishing village with his parents. He is progressing well at the local school, however his parents struggle to afford his other basic needs with an unreliable income stream from fishing.
Three decades of oppressive rule following independence in 1964 contributed to Zambia becoming one of Africa’s poorest countries. In rural areas, four out of five people live in poverty. Zambia’s fortunes have improved recently, but decades of underinvestment mean the country is lagging behind in key areas and there is a lack of jobs and opportunities for people.
Many schools and homes do not have access to clean drinking water, meaning children must walk long distances each day to get water, or drink unsafe water, which can lead to potentially fatal childhood illnesses.
Education: Provide learning resources, and renovate or build classrooms and other school facilities to ensure children can receive a quality education.
Water and Sanitation: Provide clean water and hygiene lessons to communities in remote communities to help children avoid childhood illnesses.
Livelihoods: Take the pressure off disadvantaged families by providing the skills and resources they need to earn more income, which can help them pay for their children's education and wellbeing.
Is a 6 year old boy
from Ethiopia
Kalu lives with his parents and five siblings in a small, crowded house made from mud. Whilst both parents work, their meagre income means they struggle to afford basic living needs for Kalu and his siblings.
Kalu lives with his parents and five siblings in a small, crowded house made from mud. Whilst both parents work, their meagre income means they struggle to afford basic living needs for Kalu and his siblings.
As Africa’s oldest independent country, Ethiopia has a long and proud history. In recent years, rural parts of Ethiopia have suffered from periodic droughts, which have put immense pressure on the country’s people. Ethiopia still ranks as one of the poorest countries in the world, and inadequate food and water supplies continue to contribute to high levels of child malnutrition and disease.
Education in Ethiopia has been severely stunted by three decades of food insecurity and civil war. The education system has improved since the regime changed in 1991, but it largely remains inadequate or simply inaccessible for most children. Class sizes are too large, and teachers are underpaid. Impoverished families are unable to pay for textbooks, school clothes and other necessities. Primary school attendance rates are low, about 80%.
Education: Improve their reading, writing and maths skills, while also keeping students interested in staying in school.
Livelihoods: Provide income-generating activities to reduce the burden on families and help children stay in school.
Child rights: Increase awareness of children's rights and help children become leaders in their communities.
Is a 7 year old boy
from Zambia
Wilson lives with his parents and five siblings on a small subsistence farm. The crop yield is low due to poor weather conditions, meaning his parents often forgo his basic living needs as they are unaffordable.
Wilson lives with his parents and five siblings on a small subsistence farm. The crop yield is low due to poor weather conditions, meaning his parents often forgo his basic living needs as they are unaffordable.
Three decades of oppressive rule following independence in 1964 contributed to Zambia becoming one of Africa’s poorest countries. In rural areas, four out of five people live in poverty. Zambia’s fortunes have improved recently, but decades of underinvestment mean the country is lagging behind in key areas and there is a lack of jobs and opportunities for people.
Many schools and homes do not have access to clean drinking water, meaning children must walk long distances each day to get water, or drink unsafe water, which can lead to potentially fatal childhood illnesses.
Education: Provide learning resources, and renovate or build classrooms and other school facilities to ensure children can receive a quality education.
Water and Sanitation: Provide clean water and hygiene lessons to communities in remote communities to help children avoid childhood illnesses.
Livelihoods: Take the pressure off disadvantaged families by providing the skills and resources they need to earn more income, which can help them pay for their children's education and wellbeing.
Is a 5 year old girl
from Kenya
Shyleen lives with her brother and parents in a small mud hut, without access to water and proper sanitation. Her parent's work several jobs alongside farming but still their income falls short of supporting Shyleen's basic needs.
Shyleen lives with her brother and parents in a small mud hut, without access to water and proper sanitation. Her parent's work several jobs alongside farming but still their income falls short of supporting Shyleen's basic needs.
Despite Kenya being considered the economic and transportation hub of East Africa, poverty is still widespread across the country’s regional areas. Many of Kenya’s poorest people live in isolated communities, which are prone to climate change-driven droughts. Children, who make up more than half of the population, face serious risks that stem from a lack of food, clean water, and education.
Lack of access to healthcare in rural areas and poor sanitation in urban zones accelerates the spread of preventable diseases. Malaria is one of the nation’s biggest issues, and is a leading cause of death of children under five years old. While HIV infection rates have slowed recently, HIV and AIDS still impact millions of families.
Health: Provide immunisations, deworming, vitamin supplementations, growth monitoring, antenatal care, and hygiene education.
Water and Sanitation: Provide clean water to communities, reducing the risk of waterborne diseases, which are some of the leading causes of death in early childhood.
Education: Provide children with the best start in education by improving learning materials, and renovating and building new classrooms in early childhood development centres.
Is a 6 year old boy
from Kenya
Gabriel lives with his mother in a small wood and tin shelter, close to a dumping site. There is little income for food and they lack access to clean water, frequently exposing them to waterborne diseases.
Gabriel lives with his mother in a small wood and tin shelter, close to a dumping site. There is little income for food and they lack access to clean water, frequently exposing them to waterborne diseases.
Despite Kenya being considered the economic and transportation hub of East Africa, poverty is still widespread across the country’s regional areas. Many of Kenya’s poorest people live in isolated communities, which are prone to climate change-driven droughts.
Children, who make up more than half of the population, face serious risks that stem from a lack of food, clean water, and education. Lack of access to healthcare in rural areas and poor sanitation in urban zones accelerates the spread of preventable diseases. Many children from remote communities are forced to drop out of school because their parents cannot afford it school fees or supplies.
Education: Renovating classrooms and providing children with school uniforms and educational resources such as books.
Water and Sanitation: Keep children healthy and in school by providing sustainable local water sources.
Livelihoods: Reduce the burden on families in remote communities by providing income-generating activities to help parents pay for their children's education and wellbeing.
Is a 6 year old boy
from Kenya
Isaack with his parents in a traditional hut of thatched sticks and grass. His parents are farmers but unreliable weather conditions impact their yield and income. They are unable to support Isaack's needs adequately.
Isaack with his parents in a traditional hut of thatched sticks and grass. His parents are farmers but unreliable weather conditions impact their yield and income. They are unable to support Isaack's needs adequately.
Despite Kenya being considered the economic and transportation hub of East Africa, poverty is still widespread across the country’s regional areas. Many of Kenya’s poorest people live in isolated communities, which are prone to climate change-driven droughts.
Children, who make up more than half of the population, face serious risks that stem from a lack of food, clean water, and education. Lack of access to healthcare in rural areas and poor sanitation in urban zones accelerates the spread of preventable diseases. Many children from remote communities are forced to drop out of school because their parents cannot afford it school fees or supplies.
Education: Renovating classrooms and providing children with school uniforms and educational resources such as books.
Water and Sanitation: Keep children healthy and in school by providing sustainable local water sources.
Livelihoods: Reduce the burden on families in remote communities by providing income-generating activities to help parents pay for their children's education and wellbeing.
Is a 7 year old boy
from Ethiopia
Zenebe lives with his two brothers and parents in a small, poorly built hut that lacks access to running water and proper sanitation. Despite both parents working, their income doesn’t afford Zenebe & his siblings' basic needs.
Zenebe lives with his two brothers and parents in a small, poorly built hut that lacks access to running water and proper sanitation. Despite both parents working, their income doesn’t afford Zenebe & his siblings' basic needs.
As Africa’s oldest independent country, Ethiopia has a long and proud history. In recent years, rural parts of Ethiopia have suffered from periodic droughts, which have put immense pressure on the country’s people. Ethiopia still ranks as one of the poorest countries in the world, and inadequate food and water supplies continue to contribute to high levels of child malnutrition and disease.
Education in Ethiopia has been severely stunted by three decades of food insecurity and civil war. The education system has improved since the regime changed in 1991, but it largely remains inadequate or simply inaccessible for most children. Class sizes are too large, and teachers are underpaid. Impoverished families are unable to pay for textbooks, school clothes and other necessities. Primary school attendance rates are low, about 80%.
Education: Improve their reading, writing and maths skills, while also keeping students interested in staying in school.
Livelihoods: Provide income-generating activities to reduce the burden on families and help children stay in school.
Child rights: Increase awareness of children's rights and help children become leaders in their communities.
Is a 6 year old boy
from Uganda
Moses lives with his stepfather and grandmother in a traditional thatch wattle and mud hut. His family depends on their farming yield for food and income however changing weather patterns have
Moses lives with his stepfather and grandmother in a traditional thatch wattle and mud hut. His family depends on their farming yield for food and income however changing weather patterns have
Since its independence from Britain in 1962, Uganda has endured a military coup, followed by years of dictatorship, ongoing civil conflict and internal displacement. This has had a lasting effect on millions of Ugandans, who have been trapped in poverty for generations.
Many children in remote communities are unable to access quality education. A lack of water in many places means children have to walk long distances every day to collect water and bathe.
Education: Ensure children can receive a quality education by training teachers and providing children with access to extracurricular actitivities to build their skill sets.
Livelihoods: Take the pressure off disadvantaged families by providing the skills and resources they need to start or grow a business, which will help them pay for their children's education and wellbeing.
Water and Sanitation: Provide safe, clean drinking water to prevent children from waterborne diseases and help them develop to their full potential.
Is a 4 year old girl
from Philippines
Normida lives with her parents and 2 siblings in a hut without running water. Her father is often away for days as a fisherman. He earns a small, inconsistent income which sadly does not reliably support the basic needs of her family.
Normida lives with her parents and 2 siblings in a hut without running water. Her father is often away for days as a fisherman. He earns a small, inconsistent income which sadly does not reliably support the basic needs of her family.
Rich in natural resources and home to world-renowned tourist destinations, the Philippines is hamstrung by corruption and highly vulnerable to life-threatening natural disasters such as typhoons, floods, landslides and volcanoes. Many children live in poverty, especially in remote villages where there is limited acces to quality school and health clinics.
The Philippines has high rates of child labour. Most children working are employed working on farms, where they face terrible conditions on a daily basis.
Health: Ensure all children have access to a healthy, nutritious diet and clean water.
Early Childhood Development: Provide children with the best start in education by improving learning materials, and renovating and building new classrooms in early childhood development centres.
Disaster Risk Reduction: Help communities keep children safe during emergencies by running disaster risk reduction projects in vulnerable areas.
Is a 6 year old girl
from Kenya
Patricia lives with her single-parent mother in a single room, mud hut. They fetch water from a contaminated river, exposing them to typhoid and cholera. Patricia's mother weaves basics for a small wage, that doesn’t support Patricia's basic necessities.
Patricia lives with her single-parent mother in a single room, mud hut. They fetch water from a contaminated river, exposing them to typhoid and cholera. Patricia's mother weaves basics for a small wage, that doesn’t support Patricia's basic necessities.
Despite Kenya being considered the economic and transportation hub of East Africa, poverty is still widespread across the country’s regional areas. Many of Kenya’s poorest people live in isolated communities, which are prone to climate change-driven droughts. Children, who make up more than half of the population, face serious risks that stem from a lack of food, clean water, and education.
Lack of access to healthcare in rural areas and poor sanitation in urban zones accelerates the spread of preventable diseases. Girls are especially at risk of dropping out of school once they hit puberty. Often they cannot go to school because their parents cannot afford it, or they are forced to stay home and help look after their siblings.
Education: Renovating classrooms and providing girls with school uniforms and educational resources such as books so they can continue their education.
Livelihoods: Reduce the burden on families in remote communities by providing income-generating activities to help parents pay for their children's education and wellbeing.
Child rights: Ensure girls and the communities around them know what rights children have and how they should be treated.
Is a 6 year old girl
from Ethiopia
Sitotawas lives in a single parent household in a crowded neighbourhood where disease prevalence is high. Her mother works as a janitor but the meagre income she receives struggles to cover Sitotawas’ basic needs.
Sitotawas lives in a single parent household in a crowded neighbourhood where disease prevalence is high. Her mother works as a janitor but the meagre income she receives struggles to cover Sitotawas’ basic needs.
As Africa’s oldest independent country, Ethiopia has a long and proud history. In recent years, rural parts of Ethiopia have suffered from periodic droughts, which have put immense pressure on the country’s people. Ethiopia still ranks as one of the poorest countries in the world, and inadequate food and water supplies continue to contribute to high levels of child malnutrition and disease.
Education in Ethiopia has been severely stunted by three decades of food insecurity and civil war. Class sizes are too large, and teachers are underpaid. Impoverished families are unable to pay for textbooks, school clothes and other necessities. Girls face even more of a challenge than boys in Ethiopia when it comes to getting a proper education. Girls are expected to perform housekeeping duties on top of school, and marry young.
Women and Girls: Educate communities on the rights of women and girls, and improve child protection to provide safe, encouraging environments where girls can thrive.
Education: Help students improve their reading, writing and maths skills, while also keeping them interested in staying in school.
Livelihoods: Provide income-generating activities to reduce the burden on families and help girls stay in school.
Is a 5 year old girl
from Zambia
Rhodah lives with her parents on a small farm, the farm produce is always low earning them below $1USD daily so they cannot afford to adequately support Rhodah's health, nutrition and education needs.
Rhodah lives with her parents on a small farm, the farm produce is always low earning them below $1USD daily so they cannot afford to adequately support Rhodah's health, nutrition and education needs.
Three decades of oppressive rule following independence in 1964 contributed to Zambia becoming one of Africa’s poorest countries. In rural areas, four out of five people live in poverty. Zambia’s fortunes have improved recently, but decades of underinvestment mean the country is lagging behind in key areas and there is a lack of jobs and opportunities for people.
Many children in Zambia live in poverty and do not have access to adequate schools or health centres. Access to clean water is also a major problem in many communities. Zambia has an extremely high rates of childhood deaths, most of which are preventable.
Health: Provide growth monitoring services to prevent child malnutrition, vitamin supplements, deworming and vaccinations. Families also receive mosquito nets to ward off malaria.
Water and Sanitation: Provide clean water and hygiene lessons to communities to prevent childhood illnesses and child deaths.
Early Childhood Development: Ensure children get the best start in education and smoothly enter primary school, by providing learning and play materials at early childhood development centres.
Is a 5 year old girl
from Ethiopia
Meseret lives in a single parent household with her mother. Her community is affected by a lack of proper healthcare, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure. Meseret’s mother is a labourer but her small income does not cover their most basic needs.
Meseret lives in a single parent household with her mother. Her community is affected by a lack of proper healthcare, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure. Meseret’s mother is a labourer but her small income does not cover their most basic needs.
As Africa’s oldest independent country, Ethiopia has a long and proud history. In recent years, rural parts of Ethiopia have suffered from periodic droughts, which have put immense pressure on the country’s people. Ethiopia still ranks as one of the poorest countries in the world, and inadequate food and water supplies continue to contribute to high levels of child malnutrition and disease.
The health of mothers and newborns in Ethiopia is often at risk, since many women do not deliver in hospitals or receive adequate pre- and postnatal care. ChildFund’s programs encourage mothers to deliver at hospitals, and provide nutrition, sanitation and hygiene solutions to keep children healthy.
Maternal Support: Help mothers deliver at health facilities with skilled staff, reducing the high rates of infant mortality.
Health: Increase awareness about diseases that lead to child deaths, and provide solutions that can help save lives.
Water and Sanitation: Provide safe water and education to help prevent the spread of diseases that are responsible for child deaths.
Is a 8 year old girl
from Zambia
Mervis lives with her parents and attends the local school where she enjoys learning science. Her parents depend on farming for income but poor weather conditions have meant they often cannot pay for Mervis' basic living needs.
Mervis lives with her parents and attends the local school where she enjoys learning science. Her parents depend on farming for income but poor weather conditions have meant they often cannot pay for Mervis' basic living needs.
Three decades of oppressive rule following independence in 1964 contributed to Zambia becoming one of Africa’s poorest countries. In rural areas, four out of five people live in poverty. Zambia’s fortunes have improved recently, but decades of underinvestment mean the country is lagging behind in key areas and there is a lack of jobs and opportunities for people.
Girl, in particular, have limited opportunities in Zambia. Girls are less likely to finish school and are at risk of harmful practices such as forced marriage and early marriage.
Education: Provide learning resources, and renovate or build classrooms and other school facilities to ensure children can receive a quality education.
Water and Sanitation: Provide clean water and hygiene lessons to communities in remote communities to help children avoid childhood illnesses.
Livelihoods: Take the pressure off disadvantaged families by providing the skills and resources they need to earn more income, which can help them pay for their children's education and wellbeing.
Is a 8 year old girl
from Indonesia
Maria lives with her parents in a traditional house made of tree branches and straw. Maria's father earns a small wage driving however her mother cannot find work to supplement this income. Maria's parent struggle to provide the basic living necessities she needs to thrive.
Maria lives with her parents in a traditional house made of tree branches and straw. Maria's father earns a small wage driving however her mother cannot find work to supplement this income. Maria's parent struggle to provide the basic living necessities she needs to thrive.
Indonesia has become one of the world’s major emerging economies, but it is still home to widespread poverty and inequality. There is a major gap between the experience of children in the regional and remote areas, where ChildFund works, and children in the main cities.
Children in remote areas are far less likely to access adequate school and health facilities, which exposes them to childhood illnesses and diminishes their ability to reach their potential.
More than 20 million people live below the world poverty line and Indonesia is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, which have a disproportionately negative impact on poor and marginalised communities.
Health: Help children thrive and avoid childhood illnesses by teaching children about healthy hygiene practices.
Education: Provide education and life skills development in schools, at home and in the community to build the foundations for lifelong confidence and resilience.
Disaster Risk Reduction: Help communities keep children safe during emergencies by running disaster risk reduction projects in vulnerable areas
Is a 6 year old girl
from Philippines
Sophia lives with her parents and grandparents in a small thatched hut. They don't have running water so pay for it at a communal faucet. Her father brings home a small income but its not reliable in ensuring Sophia's basic needs are met.
Sophia lives with her parents and grandparents in a small thatched hut. They don't have running water so pay for it at a communal faucet. Her father brings home a small income but its not reliable in ensuring Sophia's basic needs are met.
Rich in natural resources and home to world-renowned tourist destinations, the Philippines is hamstrung by corruption and highly vulnerable to life-threatening natural disasters such as typhoons, floods, landslides and volcanoes. Many children live in poverty, especially in remote villages where there is limited acces to quality school and health clinics.
The Philippines has high rates of child labour. Most children working are employed working on farms, where they face terrible conditions on a daily basis.
Child Protection: Educating children and their communities about children's rights to ensure children are safe and protected.
Disaster Risk Reduction: Prevent tragedies during emergencies by training children in child-centred disaster risk reduction.
Education: Run programs that get children out of child labour and back into school.
Is a 4 year old boy
from Indonesia
Rendra lives with his parents in a basic hut made from adobe and brick. His father works as a labourer but due to inconsistent income, the family struggles to provide basic living needs for Rendra.
Rendra lives with his parents in a basic hut made from adobe and brick. His father works as a labourer but due to inconsistent income, the family struggles to provide basic living needs for Rendra.
Indonesia has become one of the world’s major emerging economies, but it is still home to widespread poverty and inequality. There is a major gap between the experience of children in the regional and remote areas, where ChildFund works, and children in the main cities.
Children in remote areas are far less likely to access adequate school and health facilities, which exposes them to childhood illnesses and diminishes their ability to reach their potential.
More than 20 million people live below the world poverty line and Indonesia is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, which have a disproportionately negative impact on poor and marginalised communities.
Health: Help children thrive and avoid childhood illnesses by teaching families about healthy hygiene practices and how to make nutritious meals from locally-sourced foods.
Education: Put children on the best path for the future by improving early childhood education in remote communities.
Disaster Risk Reduction: Help communities keep children safe during emergencies by running disaster risk reduction projects in vulnerable areas.
The survival, development and future of any child depends on their community. That’s why your sponsorship improves life for both your child and their whole community.
“Sponsorship pulled me from nowhere to being able to have a good life in Uganda. It was like a bridge – if that bridge had not been there I would not have been able to get to the other side”
As the future of children is ultimately linked to the situation in their community, ChildFund Australia sponsorship contributions are pooled with funds from other sponsors to help benefit all children and families in the community. This includes enrolled children who are awaiting a sponsor.
Sponsorship contributions help provide education, healthcare, food, safe drinking water, vocational training and income generation skills and child protection services for the child, family and community. The exact blend of program work depends on the needs and context of each individual community, so some or all programs may be active in your sponsored child’s area at any one time.
Active community participation and empowerment is encouraged within ChildFund project areas. Whilst children are at the centre of the locally developed initiatives, the emphasis is on encouraging self-help by providing families and communities with the means to reshape their future.
Many supporters describe visiting their sponsored child and their community overseas as one of the most enriching and memorable experiences of their life. It also provides you with the unique opportunity to see first-hand the enormous difference that your sponsorship contributions are making in your sponsored child’s community. ChildFund Australia can arrange for you to meet your sponsored child and family in their village. Please email visits@childfund.org.au or call Supporter Relations on 1800 023 600 at least three months ahead of your planned departure date so arrangements can be made.
Most children will graduate from the sponsorship program between the ages of 18 and 24. It is quite common for children to start school later (due to finances or availability of school in their community) so many young people are still finishing high school in their early twenties. Also, many youth remain sponsored while they are completing higher education or are actively involved in the program activities through livelihood and vocational programs, youth leadership and mentoring the younger sponsored children.
This is for a number of reasons; we have to undertake an Australian Federal Police Check and this can take up to 8-12 weeks to obtain. We also need to give the National Office enough time to make all the necessary arrangements with your sponsored child’s family for your visit.
Aside from graduating, children may also leave the sponsorship program earlier for other reasons, for example if their family moves away from the community to improve their economic situation, or if their family’s situation improves so significantly they no longer require support.
Your sponsored child’s community may also reach the point where they become self-supporting and no longer require help from ChildFund Australia. This is the ultimate goal for ChildFund and demonstrates that your sponsorship has truly helped to benefit your sponsored child and their entire community.
If there is a change to your sponsored child or their community’s circumstances, we will notify you as soon as possible and hope that you will continue to sponsor another child.
If you have any questions about child sponsorship, our Supporter Relations Team is more than happy to help! Please call us on 1800 023 600 or email webenquiries@childfund.org.au.
