Early childhood experiences have a profound impact on brain development, which serves as the foundation for all subsequent learning, behaviour, and health outcomes. 80% of the brain develops in the first three years of life, but this development can be interrupted if a child is poorly nourished and nurtured, if she/he is not stimulated properly, or if she/he is not protected from violence. A UNICEF's report from 2022 found that only 25% of Palestinian children aged three to six years take part in early childhood education programmes. Additionally, a 2020 baseline study conducted by World Vision revealed that merely 62% of all Palestinian children under six years of age are on track developmentally in all domains.

World Vision's Early Childhood (ECD) programme aims to support mothers during pregnancy and continues to support children (along with their caregivers) until they reach the age of six so they achieve their full potential. The programme's goal is to promote children's development and improve their early learning abilities in secure and stimulating environments. This holistic ECD approach targets different age groups and is implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health. Moreover, World Vision assists these ministries in developing pertinent national policies and technical tools.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Social Development, and the Public Prosecution Office - Child Justice Division, World Vision implements a comprehensive child protection programme. Employing a system-based approach, our programme aims to strengthen the protective environment surrounding children, establishing circles of care and protection. Interventions focus on improving governmental policies and accountability, strengthening social services, catalysing behaviour and attitude change, and reinforcing child resilience.

Many communities in the occupied Palestinian territory endure violence, restrictions on movements, and fragility. Within these communities, children encounter significant obstacles in their pursuit of a consistent and secure education of high quality. World Vision’s approach ensures that all children in these communities have access to schools that are safe, child-friendly and equipped with learning material and water and sanitation facilities. We also work with the Ministry of Education and to provide Mental Health and Psychosocial Support to assist children in managing stress and coping with exposure to violence.

Palestinian children have many reasons to worry about their future due to poverty, restrictions on their freedom of movement, political uncertainty and violence. These concerns often lead them to feel hopelessness which may trigger antisocial behaviours, encourage school dropout and contribute to child marriage. World Vision is supporting 15,000 children in 75 after-school clubs (Makani clubs) for children focusing on Life Skills Learning to teach children critical skills such as how to manage emotions or make responsible decisions. World Vision also builds the resilience of adolescents through 46 IMPACT+ Clubs, which focus on leadership, active citizenship, employability, and social entrepreneurship.

Following October 2023, unprecedented level of violence, severe restrictions on movements and a widespread economic crisis severely affected communities in the West Bank. World Vision implemented an emergency response across the whole of the West Bank focusing on protection, food security, mental health, access to healthcare and access to safe education. Over the year, more than 433,000 people benefited from our humanitarian programmes. The response is continuing in 2025 with new components (such as catch-up classes and support to the creation of Stabilization Points to respond locally to emergencies) as the situation continues to worsen in the West Bank.

Child Sponsorship inspires communities, locally and globally, to consider the well-being of children, through life-enriching experiences with children and supporters, and their families and communities.