Child Protection

Every girl and boy is a precious gift from God, and everyone should be protected and feel safe.

Every year, half of the world's children experience some form of violence, and children who live in extreme poverty are often the most at risk. World Vision has 75 years of experience working with communities, donors, partners, and governments to create opportunities for better futures for vulnerable children, even in the toughest places.

Because of our long-term presence in communities, we understand the unique dangers children face and can build the trust needed to work alongside children, their families, and local leaders to create safer environments for children.

Girls are hurt by harmful cultural norms and traditions, including child marriage and early pregnancy. Every year, 12 million girls are married before the age of 18. That's 22 girls every minute.
At least 200 million women and girls worldwide have endured female genital mutilation (FGM). That's more than the entire female population of the United States.
An estimated 1 billion children are affected by violence each year, with negative consequences that can last a lifetime.

We do this by:

Empowering children with knowledge of their rights and practical skills to protect themselves and one another.
Strengthening families with parenting skills and economic support so they can be the first line of protection for their children.
Mobilizing church leaders to leverage their influence in helping change behaviors and end harmful cultural norms and practices.
Influencing governments by working with local agencies to improve or implement child protection laws.

Our impact

Sustainable impact comes about when attitudes and behaviors are changed. Our decades of experience in child protection, and the trust brought about by our long-term presence in communities, allows us to address harmful cultural, social, and spiritual norms that condone and perpetuate exploitation, abuse, and violence. Since issues vary depending on context, we identify solutions by working with families, faith and local leaders, and children.

The dreams of vulnerable children in Kenya kept moving toward reality, thanks to your ongoing and faithful partnership. The Kenya Big Dream multi-sector program reached 1.4 million individuals over the life of the program, exceeding the program target.

Kenya Big Dream program highlights include:

Empowered children

Established child rights clubs in 60 schools, empowering 2,800 children, 51% girls, with the knowledge and freedom to challenge harmful social norms.

Addressed harmful practices

Trained 2,400 individuals on Alternative Rites of Passage, enabling girls to transition into womanhood without undergoing the trauma of Female Genital Mutilation.

Sandy Grubb

donor partner, Oregon (with her husband, Jeff)

“Through World Vision, I've been so fortunate to witness incredible social progress in Bangladesh, thanks to a generation of advocates fighting for justice and opportunity for children.”

Carla Hillard

donor partner, South Dakota (with her husband, Dave)

“World Vision addresses the issues that put children in harms way — from child labor, exploitation, gang violence, child marriage, and other forms of violence that robs them of their childhood.”

Every girl and boy is a precious gift from God, and everyone should be protected and feel safe.

2030 GOAL

The need

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Our response

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Our impact

Improved access to education

Empowered children

Addressed harmful practices

Video gallery

Our partners

Resources