ChildFund tailors its programs to fit the needs of infants, children and youth, which change as they grow. The youngest children require safe homes, good nutrition, loving care and physical, intellectual and emotional stimulation. School-aged children and youth have different needs as they learn to cope with the outside world and ultimately become productive, happy adults.
For children ages 5 and under, much of ChildFund’s work focuses on their early development, including working with parents and other caregivers to help them provide their infants and toddlers with the nutrition, health, safety and learning experiences they need. These early foundational years are the basis for all future development, and we work through local partner organizations to engage families and provide them with training and resources to help their children succeed.
As children grow and reach school age, ChildFund’s work shifts to help keep them enrolled in school (and protected from early marriage and child labor). Our aim is to encourage full educations, positive relationships with peers and adults, healthy problem-solving and civic and family participation. We also help children and young teens feel comfortable expressing themselves and advocating for their rights.
Finally, older teens and young adults in developing countries often face challenges in finding fulfilling, decently paid jobs, even if they have college degrees. Much of our work with youth is helping them prepare for their local job markets, either by gaining skills needed in the workplace or by starting their own businesses. ChildFund and its local partners also help young adults navigate relationships with friends, romantic partners and others so they can lead happy, healthy and independent lives.