Child poverty

Child poverty

Every child has the right to a good standard of living. 

Despite this, one in six children in the world still lives in extreme poverty. Climate change and armed conflict are increasing poverty in areas where the risk of falling into it is already higher. Poverty of the family affects a child’s physical and mental development. Poverty is also often related to discrimination – in different countries, both the laws and different traditions and prejudices are putting children in an unequal position with each other. Poverty typically accumulates in already vulnerable groups, such as ethnic and religious minorities, girls, people with disabilities and refugees. Poverty deprives too many children of their childhoods.  

Save the Children aims to prevent the risk factors of poverty, inequality and exclusion. In addition, we work to prevent the negative consequences of child poverty, such as malnutrition, child labor, and lack of education. We operate in programme countries where children are the most vulnerable of all and the threat of falling into child poverty is remarkable. We aim to reach the most vulnerable children, who are at risk of poverty due to a number of factors, such as geographical location, gender or health status.  

Our goal is to end extreme poverty once and for all.  

What is done in our programs?  

Preventing the side effects of poverty.  

We strive to get children out of child labor, guarantee the necessary level of nutrition and basic education. We want to secure a future full of possibilities for every child.  

Building child-sensitive social security systems.  

We build forms of support in which the child is always at the center. We strive to engage states and authorities in social security, where the rights of the child are always considered.

Ensuring access to social security.  

Together with the authorities and local communities, we are developing social security so that benefits and services reach the most vulnerable children. We produce social security strategies to make those in need aware of the forms of assistance.  

Supporting parenting.  

We provide parenting training that develops understanding of a child’s physical, social, and cognitive development. We raise awareness of gender equality, the rights of people with disabilities and the benefits of education. 

Read more about our programs regarding child poverty in our latest news. 

Reports and other publications