Save the Children is a globally renowned non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting children’s rights, providing relief, and supporting children’s development in more than 120 countries around the world. Founded in 1919 by Eglantyne Jebb and her sister Dorothy Buxton in London, United Kingdom, Save the Children emerged in response to the dire humanitarian crisis faced by children in Europe after World War I. It was initially established as the International Save the Children Union, with the primary aim of aiding children affected by the devastation of war, famine, and disease.
Since its inception, Save the Children has expanded its scope and impact to address various challenges faced by children worldwide, including poverty, inequality, exploitation, and emergencies. The organization operates on the principle that every child deserves a healthy start in life, an education, and protection from harm. To achieve these goals, Save the Children implements a wide range of programs and initiatives focusing on health and nutrition, education, child protection, livelihoods, and humanitarian response.
Save the Children’s work is guided by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which outlines the fundamental rights of children, including the right to survival, development, protection, and participation. The organization advocates for the implementation of these rights at local, national, and international levels, working with governments, communities, and other stakeholders to create lasting change for children.
One of Save the Children’s core approaches is community-based programming, which emphasizes empowering communities to identify and address their own needs. Through partnerships with local organizations and community leaders, Save the Children engages directly with children and families, delivering essential services and building the capacity of communities to support their own development.
In addition to its field-based programs, Save the Children conducts research and advocacy to raise awareness of children’s issues and influence policy and practice at all levels. The organization produces reports, policy briefs, and other publications to highlight key challenges facing children and recommend evidence-based solutions. Through its advocacy efforts, Save the Children aims to hold governments and other actors accountable for upholding children’s rights and meeting their needs.
Save the Children’s emergency response work is particularly critical in times of crisis, such as natural disasters, conflicts, and epidemics. The organization provides lifesaving assistance to affected communities, including food, shelter, healthcare, and psychosocial support. Save the Children’s rapid response teams are deployed to disaster-affected areas to assess needs, deliver aid, and support recovery efforts, prioritizing the needs of children and vulnerable populations.
The organization also places a strong emphasis on education, recognizing it as a fundamental right and a key driver of social and economic development. Save the Children works to ensure that all children have access to quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances. This includes supporting formal schooling, as well as non-formal education programs for children who are out of school or at risk of dropping out.
Save the Children’s commitment to accountability and transparency is reflected in its rigorous monitoring and evaluation processes, which assess the impact of its programs and ensure accountability to donors, partners, and the communities it serves. The organization adheres to international humanitarian standards and codes of conduct, including the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) and the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Guidelines on Gender-based Violence in Emergencies.
As a global leader in child rights and humanitarian action, Save the Children continues to adapt and innovate in response to evolving challenges facing children worldwide. Whether responding to emergencies, advocating for policy change, or implementing community-based programs, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to create a world where every child can thrive, free from poverty, discrimination, and violence.
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Save the Children, founded in 1919 by Eglantyne Jebb, is the world’s leading independent organization for children, with its headquarters in London, United Kingdom. Since its inception, Save the Children has been at the forefront of advocating for children’s rights, providing essential services, and responding to emergencies globally. The organization’s work spans over 120 countries, reaching millions of children and their families each year.
Save the Children’s mission is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to survive, learn, and be protected. To achieve this mission, the organization operates a wide range of programs focusing on health and nutrition, education, child protection, livelihoods, and emergency response. These programs are designed to address the unique needs of children in different contexts, from urban slums to remote rural areas and areas affected by conflict or natural disasters.
In the realm of health and nutrition, Save the Children works to improve access to essential healthcare services for mothers and children, reduce child mortality rates, and combat malnutrition. The organization supports maternal and child health programs, including prenatal care, immunizations, and nutrition interventions, to ensure that children have a healthy start in life. Save the Children also addresses the underlying causes of malnutrition by promoting breastfeeding, providing micronutrient supplements, and supporting agricultural initiatives to improve food security.
Education is another cornerstone of Save the Children’s work, as the organization recognizes the transformative power of education in breaking the cycle of poverty and improving children’s future prospects. Save the Children supports formal education systems by building schools, training teachers, and providing educational materials. The organization also implements non-formal education programs for children who are out of school or have limited access to education due to factors such as poverty, conflict, or discrimination. These programs offer alternative learning opportunities, including catch-up classes, vocational training, and life skills education, to ensure that all children have the chance to learn and develop to their full potential.
Child protection is a fundamental aspect of Save the Children’s work, as the organization strives to create safe and supportive environments for children to grow and thrive. Save the Children works to prevent and respond to various forms of abuse, exploitation, and violence against children, including child labor, child marriage, trafficking, and sexual exploitation. The organization provides psychosocial support, legal assistance, and rehabilitation services to child survivors of violence, while also advocating for stronger legal frameworks and policies to protect children’s rights.
In the realm of livelihoods and economic empowerment, Save the Children supports families and communities to improve their economic resilience and reduce poverty. The organization implements livelihoods programs that provide training, resources, and access to financial services to help families generate income and become self-sufficient. Save the Children also promotes women’s economic empowerment, recognizing the crucial role that women play in supporting their families and communities.
Save the Children’s emergency response work is a critical component of its mandate, as the organization provides lifesaving assistance to children and families affected by disasters, conflicts, and other humanitarian crises. Save the Children’s emergency response teams are on the ground in crisis-affected areas, delivering essential supplies such as food, water, shelter, and medical care. The organization also prioritizes the protection of children in emergencies, providing safe spaces, child-friendly services, and psychosocial support to help children cope with the trauma of displacement and violence.
In addition to its field-based programs, Save the Children engages in research, advocacy, and policy development to advance children’s rights and influence decision-making at local, national, and international levels. The organization conducts research to generate evidence on key issues affecting children, such as child poverty, education disparities, and the impact of armed conflict on children’s lives. Save the Children uses this evidence to advocate for policy changes and investments that prioritize children’s needs and ensure their rights are upheld.
Save the Children also works in partnership with governments, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to build capacity, share knowledge, and mobilize resources for children’s development. Through collaborative initiatives and coalitions, Save the Children leverages the collective expertise and influence of diverse actors to drive positive change for children and communities worldwide.
As a leading voice for children’s rights and humanitarian action, Save the Children remains committed to its founding principles and continues to innovate and adapt to the evolving challenges facing children around the world. Whether responding to emergencies, advocating for policy change, or implementing community-based programs, Save the Children remains steadfast in its mission to create a world where every child can thrive, free from poverty, discrimination, and violence.