Children of all ages, nationalities, religions and cultures suffer from violence, exploitation and abuse. Those in the world’s poorest communities are especially vulnerable because they’re less likely to receive crucial support from adults. Children facing these issues are unable to exercise their other important rights — to food, shelter, adequate health services, education — which further impairs their development and perpetuates the cycle of poverty. With our local partners, Lake Region Development Program creates safe spaces where children feel nurtured and protected..

Children become more vulnerable during emergencies. Whenever disaster strikes — whether it’s an earthquake, drought, typhoon or other crisis — Lake Region Development Program’s emergency response and rehabilitation efforts focus on child protection and emotional support, in addition to traditional relief and aid. Lake Region Development Program’s signature Child-Centered Spaces are safe places for children to play, read and talk to trained adults about their losses. With psychosocial support, children can recover from trauma and just be children again.

Poor access to healthcare and low standards of health are dangerous issues facing children worldwide because they are particularly vulnerable to the effects of poor health, whether they stem from malnutrition, communicable diseases or birth defects. Investing in better healthcare in developing countries is vital to helping families break the cycle of poverty. ..

Poor access to education is one of the greatest issues facing children in poverty because a full education is a vital component to achieving potential. Education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty because of the uplifting effect it has on other aspects of society. Education stimulates economic growth, improves health, raises crop yields, reduces child marriage, lowers maternal and child deaths, and fights the spread of disease...

Children’s futures depend on their early years. They need loving caregivers and safe homes, intellectual stimulation, social and educational opportunities, good nutrition and health care. Without a stable, caring and supportive environment to grow up in, a child will not grow and develop properly. .

By emphasizing sustainable livelihoods, Lake Region Development Program and our partners strengthen families’ economic security and self-sufficiency. We help them start their own businesses or train for marketable careers with scholarships, startup funding, tools and education, which can lead to community-wide changes and opportunities. .