Children International is dedicated to building better futures free of poverty for children around the world. Their programs are helping more than 200,000 children and their families break the cycle of generational poverty through education, job training, medical care, community support, and more. Learn about their impactful work here!
Can you tell me about your mission?
Children International connects people around the world in the fight to end poverty. We work in Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Mexico, the Philippines, Zambia, and the United States. In each of these countries, we have community centers, libraries, play areas, computer labs, medical and dental clinics, pharmacies, tutoring centers, sports programs, employment training programs, and more. Children International sites serve as safe spaces for youth to learn, have fun, and build a better future.
Can you explain the dangers of child marriage?
Poor women marry younger than their wealthier peers. It’s a dangerous reality. Families often view marriage as a way to secure a girl’s future, especially in communities with limited economic opportunities for women. The truth is, though, marrying off a girl typically creates more problems for her than it solves. Child marriage is a significant issue. 1 in 4 women worldwide was a child bride, and 1 in 7 girls in the developing world is married before age 15.
How does Children International help with youth unemployment?
Whether you live in Kolkata, LA, or somewhere in between, youth unemployment has a major impact on young lives. 74.5 million youth are unemployed, which is 2.7 youth for every 1 adult. 25% of youth are unemployed, and not enrolled in education or training. Youth unemployment can affect wages, health, and job satisfaction for 20 years. Children International has provided 17,025 scholarships for education and vocational training, 60% of which went to girls. 1,132 youth have graduated from Children International’s employment program to land jobs as chefs, nurses, police offices, restaurateurs, and more.
What progress has been made in terms of ending poverty?
There are half as many people living in poverty, meaning they live on less than $1.25 per day, now as there were 25 years ago. Primary school enrollment has increased by 8% globally, and has increased 20% in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Southern Asia, there are now 103 girls in school for every 100 boys. ⅔ of the global population has access to proper sanitation, including toilets or latrines, and 90% of the global population now has access to improved drinking water sources. We still have a long way to go, but global progress on poverty is steadily increasing with each passing year.
What does your sponsorship program entail?
You can help end poverty for good by sponsoring a child. With donations, we can help children get the health care, education, life skills, job-readiness training, and confidence they need to create lasting change in their lives and communities. Sponsoring a child costs $39 per month and supports our 67 community centers, local staff, and path out of poverty for a child. You can watch your sponsored child change and grow through letters, photos, and yearly updates. You have a personal connection to see how your gift affects the life of another person, and ca neve plan a visit to meet your child and tour their community center.