How charities help children in poverty
More than 356 million children around the world live in extreme poverty (World Economic Forum), struggling without access to food, clean water, safe shelter, healthcare or education.
For millions of children, poverty isn’t just about going without, it’s about facing daily risks to their health, safety and future. Even in Australia, the reality is stark. Close to 17% of children live below the poverty line (Australian Council of Social Service). That’s nearly one in five growing up without the basics they need to thrive.
Poverty limits a child’s potential. It increases their risk of abuse, neglect, chronic illness and exclusion from school. And the effects can last a lifetime. But this isn't inevitable. With the right support, the cycle can be broken.
What we do to help children live, learn and stay safe
Save the Children believes every child deserves a bright future. As Australia’s leading child rights organisation, we’ve worked for more than a century to ensure children everywhere survive, learn and are protected from harm.
We operate in117 countries, and when children are caught in a crisis, we respond fast. Within 72 hours, our local teams are delivering emergency aid (Save the Children Emergency Response), including food, clean water, healthcare, shelter and child protection.
Our impact doesn’t stop there. We create lasting change through education, psychosocial support and family reunification. We train teachers, support early learning, and help children recover from trauma. Our programs are child-centred, rights-based and proven to work.
In Australia, we support children and families whose rights are threatened in urban, rural and remote communities. Our Australian programs include:
- Safe accommodation for children and young mothers escaping violence,
- Early learning programs for children starting school behind,
- Family support services that help create stable, nurturing homes.
How your support changes children’s futures
When you support Save the Children, your donation goes further. Around 81% of funds go towards program expenditure (Save the Children Accountability), so your gift helps children where it’s needed most.
Your support provides life-saving aid, education, healthcare and protection. It helps children regain stability, return to school and look to the future with hope.
We know what works. We’ve seen communities recover and children thrive when given the right support at the right time. Together, we can create opportunities that last a lifetime.
Make a difference today
Ending child poverty starts with action. Whether it’s a one-off donation or ongoing regular support, you can help create lasting change.
Your gift supports vital initiatives both in Australia and around the world. Through our various programs, we’re able to respond rapidly to disasters and conflict, delivering essentials within hours and supporting communities for the long term.
How your donation can change a child’s life
Every child should have the chance to grow up safe, healthy and full of potential. Yet millions still face barriers no child should ever encounter. Child poverty is a global crisis, but it’s not a hopeless one.
Save the Children works tirelessly to reach children with the support they need. From housing and education to emergency relief and long-term development, we create real, lasting solutions. But we can’t do it without you.
Your support can change a child’s life. Donate today and help build a world where no child is held back by poverty.