The Challenge

All children have the right to the best possible start in life. This means having an adequate standard of living with access to education and healthcare, and regular nutritious meals to eat.

Children engage in play-based learning at a school in Bokeo Province, Laos.

Unfortunately more than 1 billion people still live in extreme poverty on less than US $1 a day. This is simply too little to provide adequately for proper growth and development. Many children in these circumstances go hungry and suffer malnutrition. Other children fail to receive the healthcare and support they need.

Buonluay, 5, takes part in a lesson at a Plan-supported pre-school in Bokeo Province, north-west Laos. Bounluay, 5, attends a Plan-supported pre-school in Bokeo Province, Laos.

What We're Doing

Our child development programs offer children aged 0–8 the best possible outcomes in terms of physical, social and emotional development as well as language and learning.

We work with families to make sure that children grow up happy,healthy and ready to learn. We also work with communities, schools and governments to help them support practice and policy for child development.

Early learning centres are set up to provide happy and productive environments that promote learning through play, and we work with schools so that children make an easy transition into formal learning.

A selection of our projects

You can support our projects in Asia and Africa and help communities break the cycle of poverty.

Helping Children Develop and Learn in Uganda

Joseph, 29, can now help his children read after taking part in parenting skills sessions in Uganda.

In Uganda, most children miss out on early childhood care and development services, particularly in rural areas. We're tackling this by providing thousands of boys and girls with the opportunity to be prepared for, and succeed at school.

  • Our early learning centres, staffed by trained caregivers, are helping children learn through play and activities.
  • Our special transition programs are helping 5 and 6-year-olds prepare for school.
  • Parenting groups, set up with our support, are equipping parents and guardians with the skills and knowledge to support their children's development.
  • Families are learning how to make educational toys for their children using local and traditional materials.

Improving Early Childhood Care in Indonesia

Few Indonesian children in poor rural areas attend preschool, and primary school dropout rates are high. Malnutrition, poor health and a lack of stimulation are also affecting children's development.

In partnership with parents, caregivers and government, we're making sure children are raised in nurturing and stimulating environments, and are healthy and prepared for school. Simple initiatives such as producing locally made play and learning materials, are supporting children's successful transition to primary school. We're also improving early learning centres and working with parenting groups so mothers and fathers can learn about effective parenting skills and child nutrition.

Children in a playground at a Plan-supported a kindergarten in Rembang, Indonesia.

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Please get in contact with Sani Dowa who will guide you through the process of individual project sponsorship.

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