How international development can help lift children out of poverty.
Around the world, more that 400 million children are growing up in extreme poverty, not just without money, but without the basics they need to survive, learn and feel safe. Learn how global poverty affects children’s rights, and how international development organisations like Save the Children are working for change.
Global poverty is systemic, and children feel it first
Global poverty is shaped by systems such as unequal access to healthcare and education, discrimination, conflict, climate change, and policies that leave some communities behind. Children experience this most sharply because they depend on adults, services and institutions to uphold their rights.
Poverty gets in the way of children’s education
Poverty and education are closely linked. When families are struggling to meet basic needs, school fees, uniforms, transport or even the time to attend class can be out of reach. In emergencies, schools may be damaged or destroyed, and children can lose years of learning.
Education is also one of the most effective ways to address child poverty. It opens doors to future work, supports children’s wellbeing, and helps communities build a more equal future. Read more about children’s right to education.
Poverty compromises children’s health
For many children, the difference between life and death comes down to access to basic healthcare, yet health is a fundamental right of every child. Global poverty often means there are no nearby health clinics, not enough trained staff or essential medicines, limited access to clean water and sanitation, increased risk of disease, and poor nutrition. Read more about children’s right to healthcare.
Poverty limits children’s safety
Living in poverty can increase children’s exposure to violence, neglect and exploitation. When families are under pressure, children may be left without appropriate care, pushed into the workforce or early marriage, and can find themselves at greater risk during disasters and conflicts. Read more about children’s right to safety.
Child poverty is a global issue, including in Australia
When people think about global poverty, they often picture far-away places. But child poverty exists in high-income countries too. 17.7% of Australian children fall below the poverty line, experiencing poverty, hunger, social disadvantage and, in some cases, family violence.
How Save the Children tackles child poverty
Ending child poverty calls for long-term, evidence-based development that puts children’s rights at the centre.
Save the Children Australia works with girls, boys and their families across South-East and South-Central Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Pacific region, including here in Australia, to save children’s lives, fight for their rights and help them fulfil their potential.
Our education programming
Save the Children runs education programs around the world to help girls and boys access quality learning, in remote villages, refugee camps and communities recovering from disaster. Our work includes:
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Early learning: We establish and strengthen early childhood education so children gain strong literacy and numeracy skills from the start.
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Teacher support: We train and mentor teachers, and provide quality resources so children can learn in safe, engaging classrooms.
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Inclusive education: We consider the experiences of girls and children with disabilities in all our programs, because they are often excluded from the same education as other children.
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Education in emergencies: When crises disrupt schooling, we set up temporary learning centres and safe spaces so children can keep learning and playing.
Our health programming
Save the Children’s health programming focuses on ensuring all girls and boys grow up healthy, and on strengthening healthcare systems so they can reach the hardest-to-reach children. Our work includes:
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A low-cost primary healthcare model that has improved health and reduced mortality in many countries.
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Long-term support in places like Laos, where for more than 25 years we’ve worked with remote communities to provide essential medical equipment, support health workers and encourage better nutrition and care practices.
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A dedicated Emergency Health Unit for the Asia–Pacific region, transforming how we deliver frontline medical assistance to children and families in crises.
We also focus on the huge impact that clean water and good sanitation can have on community health, and on breaking down the gender barriers that prevent girls and women from accessing care.
Our child protection programming
Every child has the right to grow up safe, supported and free from abuse. That’s why child protection is integrated into all our work, because we are committed to protecting girls and boys from all forms of violence. Our work includes:
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Support for children who are neglected, abused, in institutional care, or on the move as refugees, migrants or trafficked children.
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A focus on children’s needs during emergencies, when they may be separated from their families or exposed to violence, child marriage or recruitment by armed groups.
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Work with governments to strengthen child protection systems and change policies that affect children’s lives.
Global poverty and child poverty are complex, systemic challenges, but they are not inevitable. When we invest in children’s health, education and protection through thoughtful international development, we help make their rights real in everyday life.
Support our work by donating today.
By supporting Save the Children’s work in Australia and around the world, you can help more children survive, learn and be protected, and grow up with the opportunities every child deserves.