Two Cambodian girls grin widely as they play

Celebrate World Children's Day

On 20th November, celebrate with us by raising children's voices

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20th November

World Children's Day was started by the UN General Assembly in 1954. Then called Universal Children's Day, it is used as a day to promote international togetherness and awareness among children worldwide, and improving children's welfare. The day also marks the signing of two important pieces of children's rights legislation; the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

As a child-focused organisation, World Vision supports this important day for children, and celebrates it with children and young people across the world.

Raising children's voices

An important reason for celebrating World Children's Day is to show children that their rights and their voices have value. We have been working for over 70 years to support the well-being and the rights of children around the world, encouraging parents and communities to protect children's rights, and teaching and empowering children to stand up on behalf of them.

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Celebrating World Children's Day around the world

A girl in Canada and a girl in Nepal put their hands together to show togetherness and love
Canadian and Nepalese girl celebrate together from afar to show togetherness and love in 2020
A marching band walks along the street in Timor-Leste to mark World Children's Day
In 2019, a city in Timore-Leste took their celebrations to the streets for World Children's Day
Two girls in Albania giggle as they hug and play together as they play on World Children's Day
In 2020, the village of Kolajakaj in Albania celebrated with games. 9-year-old Ilda (right) said, 'The children’s right to play is very important for me. To play make me feel happy,”
Poster of two children wearing masks next to a headline that says 'Let our voices be heard'
We supported an online event 'Let Our Voice Be Heard: A dialogue between children and government about the impact of COVID-19 on Asia’s most vulnerable girls and boys' for WCD 2020
Three boys giggle as they attempt to play a game with food on a wire in Cambodia
As part of a children's rights campaign to improve local authority accountability and attitude change in caregivers, this town in Cambodia put on a day of speeches and fun activities for WCD 2019.

Thanks to supporters like you, we have transformed the lives of more than 200 million vulnerable children living in the world’s toughest places.

The power of a child's voice

Every voice counts, and everyone's rights count. That's what we teach children, and we hope it makes an impact on their lives - and on the lives of others. Many children go on to become impressive advocates and leaders, like 13-year-old Nahomy. 

Nahomy lived with her grandparents on their farm in Honduras for six years after her father migrated for work. Through the World Vision sponsorship programme, Nahomy was able to take part in several trainings, especially on child protection. She drew on these lessons and the strength of her family’s love, to be a beacon of hope for others.

Nahomy
That’s how I got interested in running for youth mayor. There were three candidates – all girls – and I was the youngest.

Nahomy

Sponsored child

12-year-old town mayor and child protection activist in Honduras stands outside a house, wearing her mayoral sash and holding a book

She campaigned hard, and the work paid off -- she won twice as many votes as other candidates and at 13, she wears a sash signifying the office she holds as Youth Mayor for her area. Nahomy is a strong child rights advocate and community organiser. She faces difficult subjects head-on, campaigning against early marriage and teen pregnancy. When children drop out of school, she goes with the municipal child protection officer to talk to their parents and help them find solutions.

Nahomy's work is testament to the importance of raising children's awareness of their rights, and encouraging them to use their voices.

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Why sponsor a child with World Vision?

Our focus is on helping the most vulnerable children overcome poverty and experience fullness of life. We help children of all backgrounds, even in the most dangerous places, inspired by our Christian faith. Together we can protect children today, and empower them for tomorrow.

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