Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2022

“The dignity of the human being is not only a fundamental right in itself but constitutes the basis of all other fundamental rights.”
– International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2022

group of boys in uniform with rucksacks smiling at camera

New students arriving at the school, July 2022

Dignity for all in practice

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2022 is focused on “Dignity for all in practice”. The most practical way any of us can give another person dignity, is to help ensure that they have a free and independent future, where a child can grow into an adult with the necessary skills to command their own future, and advocate for themselves and those around them.

Education as a practical step

There are small steps we can take towards a world where we can eradicate poverty and commit to protecting the people and the planet, so that everyone, equally, can live in peace, dignity and prosperity. We can make it possible by ensuring we support each other in our global community, starting with the education of a child.

group of young children in the Philippines

Dignity for all

Poverty affects the mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing of millions of people around the world and it robs them of dignity. It removes choice and agency, leaving people at the mercy of a life of deprivation, where trying to meet the most basic human needs is a daily struggle.

We cannot turn a blind eye to poverty and the very real and harmful effects it has on society. We strive to eradicate poverty and to ensure that every person has the dignity of choice over their own lives.

How we are fighting to eradicate poverty and give dignity

By giving a child a place at our schools, we not only address their immediate needs (food, clothing, shelter), but we meet their very real need for the skills and education essential for an independent and productive future. This gives a child dignity and the opportunity to full participate in society.

Teacher standing in front of a whiteboard

Clara teaching in Guatemala Zona 13

Long term solutions to poverty

Educating our children has a multiplier effect when they go on to support their siblings, parents, extended family and community members, helping them with access to nutrition, healthcare, and education. They lift generations out of poverty and create, for themselves, a better more sustainable future.

How our graduates support their families and communities

Our children finish school and find work. They are motivated to support their families. Kimberly graduated from our Philippine school in 2015 and now works as an Occupational Health officer and helps all four of her siblings and her parents. Besana graduated the same year, now works as a marine engineer and says “I help my brothers in anyway I can especially on their studies.”.

Clara, one of our graduates from Guatemala, reports that as a direct result of her education with us, she has been able to support 25 members of her family out of poverty. Not only has she supported her own family, but she has returned to our school as a teacher, to help other girls like her get the education they need to move forward to an independent life free from poverty. Education has transformed her life, allowing her to touch hundreds of lives and make a profoundly positive and lasting impact on others.

Four ladies standing in front of a doorway

Sharmin and her family, Tanzania 2022

Thinking about the long term

Our aim is to end poverty through education. By giving children tools and the education they need to get a good job, study further, and earn enough to support themselves and their families, we are giving them equal opportunity for a life of freedom, where they have choice and dignity.

A sustainable future

Free and fair education for the most vulnerable in our global society is a matter of justice. Supporting children into education helps us work towards a fairer and more just world, where the poor and vulnerable are given advocacy and hope.