The war in Ukraine has captured the world’s attention, and that’s as it should be. The devastation is tragic, as people are forced to flee their homes seeking safety, protection and assistance. It’s been encouraging to see governments and ordinary citizens taking a real interest in Ukrainian refugees and giving generously to help them. However, there are many other refugees around the world in circumstances that are just as desperate.

Kenzho was just five years old when the pandemic happened in the Philippines. The young boy from the province of Aklan is already seven years old. As an only child, he spends most of his time playing with his friends. He also helps his mother with their house chores. To fully support Kenzho with his lessons, his mother Almira decided to quit her job to focus on tutoring her son and taking care of him during the pandemic. While being jobless, Almira depends on the two small businesses that she and her mother, Amy, started before the pandemic. With the help of World Vision’s Community Managed Savings and Credit Association programme, Almira has learned how to save and invest money in productive ventures.

No mother wants to see their child malnourished. But Asela had to. Amid climate change in Welikanda, Sri Lanka, hunger is stalking Asela’s three-year-old son Heshan. Her husband, Sampath, a daily wage labourer, is working long hours to put food on the table. Things got worse when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and work opportunities fell drastically.

If you are a child sponsor, you may wonder some days if the words you write in your letters to your sponsored child really sink in or if what you’re doing even makes a difference in their lives and their well-being. Michelle Loh had all these questions answered and more when she met her precious sponsored child from India.

“Water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink” This line, paraphrased from a poem, describes being surrounded by something yet not being able to benefit from it. For children and communities in need, this expression is often literal. Today, 785 million people still lack access to clean water...

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.