For a child, the journey of life should be one filled with limitless possibility and potential. But all too often, growing up in an environment filled with violence, abuse and exploitation can leave children staring down a bleak, difficult road.
The pandemic has not helped. As COVID-19 has cut off families from necessities and livelihoods, up to 85 million more boys and girls worldwide may be exposed to physical, sexual and/or emotional violence1, while 9 million additional children are at risk of being pushed into child labour by the end of 2022.2 The impact of COVID-19 will last long after the worst of the pandemic has passed.
Children who have endured things like violence, child labour and child marriage often find the path back to normalcy painful. But at World Vision, we know that there is always a way forward. We see it in stories like Anuradha’s:
Anuradha was just 13 when she was married off, and had to drop out of school when she got pregnant. Things changed when Anuradha started attending World Vision India programmes, including one on Maternal, Newborn and Child Health.
At a session on child rights, Anuradha learned about the right to education and was encouraged to continue her own. Her husband Krishna supported her in pursuing her dreams by helping her re-enrol. Anuradha also became a World Vision volunteer and personally stopped several child marriages as part of a local Child Protection Unit.
Anuradha is now a mum, an anti-child marriage advocate and a news host speaking out for child and women’s rights. She is also finishing her higher education and hopes to get an education degree. “Ever since I learned about my rights, I’ve left no stone unturned,” Anuradha reflects.
Anuradha used her experiences to become a voice for change. The work World Vision does in protecting children isn’t just about activities – it’s about building a community of people who will speak up for children, walk alongside them and keep them safe. It doesn’t take the world’s greatest minds to keep children safe – It just takes You and I. Are you ready to help children move forward?
The #RunForChildren is World Vision Malaysia’s annual 42-minute virtual run! From 15-31 May 2022, you can run, jog or walk for 42 minutes at any time, place or pace to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of children.
Why 42 minutes? That’s the number of rights in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). These rights lay out what a child needs to survive, grow, participate and reach their full potential. They apply equally to every child, regardless of ethnicity, gender or religion.
Each runner will be paired with a child from the communities World Vision is working in, and the child’s details will be printed on the runner’s bib! In this way, every step you take is for the child on your bib.
Are you ready to hit the starting line? Click below for more details and to sign up today! Together, we can help children experience a safe, secure childhood and move ahead in life.
1World Vision International, 2020
2UNICEF/International Labour Organization, 2021
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In 2022, 84.8% of donations collected were used for programmes that benefit children, families and communities in need.
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