Children in poverty mostly escape the severe symptoms of COVID-19, but they are destined to bear the greatest costs. From their family losing income and experiencing food scarcity, to falling even further behind in their education, the futures of children in poverty are under greater threat than ever before. The UN reports that this is quickly becoming a broader child-rights crisis, making the protection of children more crucial than ever.
Sponsorship gives children access to essential services that protect them from the effects of the crisis, and work to restore what was taken from them. You can help break their cycle of generational poverty.
While all of our children are very needy to be eligible for sponsorship, those with a ‘most needy’ red flag are facing the least stable living circumstances. The criteria to determine the ‘most needy’ flag are related to basic necessities, and include availability of electricity, clean water, sanitary conditions, sleeping accommodations and presence of parents.
COVID-19 isn’t stopping us from getting sponsored children access to essential resources and programs. Much like everyone else, we are finding creative ways to continue serving our communities. Local staff have formed task forces to target their efforts and are working closely with local government authorities, as well as local relief organizations to provide support where it’s needed most.
Children in poverty need your protection right now
100,000+
additional child deaths are predicted to occur in 2020.
Doctors are using telehealth to educate sponsored children and families on the coronavirus and equip them with resources to stay healthy through handwashing and other hygiene practices.
25%
of children under 5 are stunted due to poor nutrition.
Through the Emergency Community Fund, we provide immediate and direct food assistance to children and families in our communities who have lost income due to the crisis.
1.2 billion
children and youth are experiencing school closures.
Some of our programs are being delivered in new, innovative ways — such as job training webinars through Facebook live, and virtual tutoring in math and reading via WhatsApp.
3x
more likely to struggle with lasting depression and anxiety.
Through our resilience program, we provide children with tools to thrive despite the difficulties they’re up against. They learn calming techniques and creative ways to express themselves.
Child sponsorship connects two people — a sponsor with a generous heart and a child living in poverty.
From toddlerhood to young adulthood, our child sponsorship program equips kids with crucial life and job skills to break the cycle of poverty. For good.
1. A safe place, like 70+ community centers around the world
2. A caring team of local staff and volunteers
3. A path out of poverty through life-changing programs and services.
When you sponsor, we'll send you more info about your child, including a photo and a quick-start guide to child sponsorship. You'll also:
You can make changes to your monthly giving anytime. Please contact our Care Team to adjust, delay or cancel. And because we've made a commitment that we'll be a part of our kids' lives until they graduate, your sponsored child will continue to receive benefits from the program, and we will work to find a new sponsor as soon as possible.
Have questions or need some help? Good news: We’d love to talk with you!
Sorry we missed you!
Our live chat isn’t available right now (check out our hours below). But you can send us an email at children@children.org. Or you can check out our Frequently Asked Questions section to find a quick answer.
