Save the Children

Save the Children logo (2016)

Save the Children is an international non-governmental organization that promotes children's rights, provides relief, and helps support children in developing countries. Founded in the United Kingdom in 1919 by Eglantyne Jebb and her sister Dorothy Buxton in response to the plight of children in war-torn Europe following World War I, Save the Children has grown to become a global force for children's welfare, operating in over 120 countries.

History

The foundation of Save the Children was inspired by the devastating effects of World War I on children in Europe. Eglantyne Jebb and Dorothy Buxton were deeply moved by the suffering and starvation faced by children, which led them to create the Save the Children Fund in London. Jebb was arrested for distributing leaflets that showed the dire situation of children in the blockaded Central Powers, but her trial garnered public sympathy and support for the cause. In 1923, Jebb drafted the first Declaration of the Rights of the Child, which was adopted by the League of Nations and later evolved into the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, a cornerstone of child rights today.

Mission and Work

Save the Children's mission is to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives. The organization focuses on issues such as child poverty, education, health, protection, and emergency response. It has been instrumental in responding to crises caused by war, natural disasters, and disease outbreaks, providing life-saving aid such as food, water, healthcare, and education to affected children and families.

Education

One of Save the Children's primary focuses is on improving access to quality education for all children, especially those in the most marginalized communities. The organization works to ensure that children can learn in a safe and supportive environment, providing the necessary resources and training for teachers, as well as advocating for education policies that benefit all children.

Health

Save the Children also works to improve the health and nutrition of children worldwide. It supports programs that aim to reduce child mortality by preventing and treating common childhood illnesses, promoting healthy practices, and ensuring that children and their mothers have access to nutritious food and effective healthcare.

Protection

Protecting children from harm is another critical area of Save the Children's work. The organization strives to ensure that children are safe from abuse, exploitation, and violence. It works to change harmful practices and policies, provide support to children in need, and promote social and legal reforms that protect children's rights.

Emergency Response

In times of crisis, whether due to conflict, natural disasters, or disease outbreaks, Save the Children is often among the first to respond. The organization provides critical assistance, including food, water, shelter, and medical care, while also working to ensure the long-term recovery and resilience of affected communities.

Impact and Challenges

Save the Children has made significant contributions to the improvement of children's lives around the world. However, the organization faces ongoing challenges, including political instability, funding constraints, and the complexities of working in diverse and sometimes hostile environments. Despite these challenges, Save the Children remains committed to its mission of ensuring that every child has the opportunity to survive, learn, and be protected.

See Also

• Child Rights
• Non-governmental Organization
• United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
• World War I