“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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Action in Africa x World Villages Collaboration
In January, Action in Africa reached out to World Villages for Children in the UK for help for girls in their community in Nyaishozi, Tanzania. By March, we had received two young women into our Kiluvya Training Centre to start a six month training programme.
Dodoma Inauguration 2025
On 25 March 2025, a new and exciting chapter opened at Dodoma Boystown, Tanzania with the official opening of two new buildings.
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