In 2022, while in grade 5, Malita (not a real name) was envious of her friends who could afford various snacks like biscuits, which she could not. In many rural areas, young girls like Malita face significant challenges such as poverty, limited access to education, lack of proper health services, and exposure to risky social environments. An older boy in her community offered her biscuits, but at a cost. Malita involved herself in unsafe sexual activities with him, the provider of the biscuits, which resulted in her becoming pregnant.

This article recounts an initiative led by World Vision and the Protection Cluster on the occasion of the Day of the African Child 2025 in North Kivu. The event brought together local authorities and humanitarian actors under the theme of planning and budgeting for children’s rights, within the context of a prolonged crisis. Discussions centred on emergency education, the fight against child exploitation, support for reintegration centres, and the need for reliable data to inform decisions. A powerful testimony from a young former street child strengthened the call for concrete action. World Vision concluded by emphasising that protecting childhood is an investment in peace and the future of the country.

Guided by compassion and purpose, World Vision Ghana remained committed in 2024 to uplifting vulnerable children. Through strong partnerships nationwide, we delivered transformative support.

Child-focused aid is shrinking despite rising global crises. Investing in children is urgent, smart, and essential for a stable, equitable future.

Celebrate the Youth Empowered Project's incredible impact! Explore inspiring stories and photos from our photobook unveiling event. Discover youth empowerment.

In the district of Mutarara, in Tete province-Mozambique, children are raising their voices against one of the most urgent and persistent threats to their health and development: malnutrition.

Child-led report highlights how school meal feedback improved attendance, learning, and accountability in four countries