Blog | World Vision International

Thursday, July 5, 2018 - 14:07 by Amanda Cupido

How a small packet saved the life of a young South Sudanese girl

Earlier this year, Juliana’s life was in danger.

She lives in South Sudan: a country that's celebrating its seven-year anniversary on July 9th, yet has people worried for their safety because of an ongoing conflict.

The instability has led to other risks in addition to violence; right now 1.1 million children under the age of 5 are acutely malnourished. Juliana was one of them.

Her mother, Grace, was worried she would die.

...

Violence, a form of education in Albania

By Ermenda, 16, Young Leader from Albania

I would like to share with you some very sad stories of Albanian children, which are true and also widespread throughout my country. I come from a village in one of the poorest regions of Albania and others call us “Maloke” which means people who live in mountains. But actually, it is used to describe us as "wild people." And you know what, it might be true, but not only for my village, nor my city. Many Albanian...

It only takes a spark to end violence against children in Africa

“It only takes a spark, to get the fire going…”

The words of this old hymn come to my mind every time I think of the number of children and families on the move.

I have often wondered whether the person that set the spark off – that triggered a conflict or escalated tensions in communities – had any idea how destructive that spark would be as it uproots families and children from their day to day routines, altering their futures forever.

Many children,...

Violence Against Children: We still have work to do, but every small step counts

By Suelv, aged 14, Young Leader from Albania

Hello, my name is Suelv, I am 14 years old from Albania. I live in the coastal city called Vlora. I want to talk about ending violence against children especially physical, psychological and verbal violence. I would like to emphasize the importance of child participation in making a change in children's lives and especially in empowering girls.

Ending violence against children

My friends...

The only ring on the mind of young girls should be from the school bell

Denisa, 15, is engaged to a 28-year-old man. It’s not her choice, it is her family’s pressure from her family.

“At first it was like a bomb”, says Denisa from Albania. “My family was trying to convince me. It was like my body was there but my head and heart wasn’t… I can’t believe that at this age I have to take such a decision for my life.”

Denisa’s friend...

Empowerment is needed to end violence against children

By Agnes, 23, Youth Activist from Uganda

Hello! I am Agnes from Uganda, I am a young leader, child advocate, peer educator and life skills trainer. I am going to talk about ending violence against girls and boys focusing mainly on child empowerment.

We must all start with identifying the most vulnerable children through training and raising awareness in our communities to endure no child is left behind. We need to eliminate all forms of violence...

My journey to hell and back: From child soldier to refugee to World Vision employee

By Angelo Mathuch, Faith and Development Coordinator, World Vision South Sudan

I have experienced and seen so much evil at an early age but I choose to focus on the good. I have been hurt but I am not destroyed.

Just like the Joseph’s story in the Bible, I have been through the crucible so my life can show the hand of God. With the horrifying journey that I have been through, in the...

Advocating for a world where no girls are victim of child marriage

By Meghla,18, Young Leader from Bangladesh

I am Meghla from Bangladesh. I am a member of the Child & Youth Forum of World Vision Bangladesh. I am very committed to advocating for an end to child marriage, particularly for the girls who are the victims of child marriage in my community.

In the area where I live, we conducted child-led research and found that 40 per cent of girls aged between 10 and 16 years old who get married before they are 18. This...

Together we can end bullying

By Benjamin, 14, Young Leader from Chile

My name is Benjamin, I am 14 years old and from Chile. I would like talking about bullying, which is a form of violence that we experience a lot in my school.

First, I want to ask you to close your eyes and remember the time when you were in school. Remember if you were a bully or, you saw bulling or you were a victim of bullying. Think how you felt at that...

Improving the customer service experience for children and communities

By Kathryn Taetzsch, Global Director, Humanitarian Partnerships & Cash Based Programming, World Vision International

A customer care hotline
You’re entitled to receive a service. You don’t. You call the customer care hotline you were helpfully provided with. How are you feeling at this stage? Angry? Let down? Frustrated? You’ve called the hotline, and you’re put on hold. You finally reach a human and explain your issue....