One in six children live in poverty worldwide. The children who come into our care have had a difficult early life. Many do not know their age or even their birthday. So, each August, on the 15th, we celebrate Every Child’s Birthday, giving every child in our schools a birthday celebration, with a party, cake and sometimes ice cream. For most, this will be their first ever birthday celebration. It is a chance for us to nurture them, build their confidence and give them new memories for the future. Help us bring joy to every child this August with the gift of a good education.
Give hope to every child
The Sisters of Mary offer hope to the most vulnerable people in the poorest communities through practical support, education, and training. In the Sisters of Mary programmes around the world, every child is given three meals a day, academic and vocational education and training, sporting activities, and pastoral support.
Every child finds friendship, security, love, and hope when they come to the Sisters of Mary.
Every Child’s Birthday
Be a part of bringing joy to every child in our programmes this 15th August and donate to give the gift of an education to a child in need. Your gift will support the cost of educating every child, as well as providing a small birthday gift, helping to give every child a bright future.
Sometimes it’s the smallest gift that means the most.
For 13-year-old Bernadette (right), it was a simple bottle of shampoo.
Growing up in a poor farming village in the Philippines, her family struggled to afford even basic necessities. “We had to share everything,” Bernadette remembers. “Even shampoo – we’d stretch one small packet for all seven of us.”
When she arrived at the Sisters of Mary school, she was welcomed with a small bag of personal essentials. Inside was something she had never had before: her very own bottle of shampoo.
“It brought tears to my eyes,” she said. “I felt loved for the first time.”
That small gift — a simple bottle of shampoo — became a symbol of dignity and hope. It reminded her that she mattered, and that someone truly cared.
Education is key to every child's success
The stories of these children are stories of hope and empowerment, showing how giving equal opportunity to children trapped in poverty can improve entire communities.
Children deserve a happy childhood
Every child deserves to feel confident, loved and to celebrate life’s milestones. This is why the 15th August is so special at our schools. Every Child’s Birthday is such an important day. For the first time they will be the centre of attention, they will enjoy a party with cake, candles and best of all, a personalised present.
Receiving a good education and three meals a day should not be so difficult. Impoverished families struggle to afford food and their youngest children suffer from malnutrition and stunted growth as a result. Help us provide these children with a life changing education and the tools for a brighter future. It costs just £12 for a gift for each of our children which includes some clothing for school, some art supplies or sports kit and a treat.
