After 75 years, here are some
things we know
We know that poverty is more
than just lack of material
assets — that it is a complex
experience involving not only
deprivation, but also social
exclusion and vulnerability. All
of these threaten children’s
development.
We know that children’s experience of poverty differs from that of adults and
changes as they grow from infancy through childhood and adolescence to young
adulthood. We know that children need support throughout their transitions from
one stage to the next. We know that at every age, children have unique gifts to
offer their communities.
We know that harmful policies and practices entrenched at local, national and
international levels often cause or perpetuate poverty. Alongside parents,
communities and government partners, ChildFund advocates for policies and
funding to change conditions and systems that harm children.
We know that children are most severely affected by disasters, and that such
disruptions occur more often in the developing world. ChildFund approaches
emergency response through the lens of child protection and supports
communities to become more resilient.
We know that a child’s earliest years are the most important — that during this
sensitive time, the foundations for a child’s future development are laid, and
disruptions have lifelong consequences.
We know that a child needs loving caregivers, health care, nutrition, clean
water and sanitation, education, opportunity and safety. If any one of these is
missing in a child’s life, his or her potential may remain out of reach. ChildFund
achieves its greatest impact by working to ensure all these elements are in
place, using evidence-based practices tailored to local needs and culture.
We know that a child’s well-being and protection require the support of family
and community. ChildFund works with community members — of all ages — to
create the protective environments children need.
We know that locally owned change is the most sustainable — that when
community members join hands to create an environment where children can
thrive, children do.
ChildFund mobilizes global relationships linking children, sponsors, parents,
teachers, community members, community leaders, local organizations, schools,
local and national governments, foundations, corporations and more.
Together, we make it possible for children to dream, achieve and
contribute — at every age.