As governments ask millions to stay home and close schools and public spaces in order to contain the outbreak, children, especially the most vulnerable, will face increased risks of psychological distress, violence and social exclusion. 

After a trip with World Vision to Honduras in 2015, mother-daughter duo Monica and Carolyn embarked on a mission to bring ethically-crafted items to the Canadian market. 

16-year-old Martine is advocating for vulnerable children in the Democratic Republic of Congo, one of the world’s most dangerous places.

Assamoni, Morion and Hafcha - three teenagers in rural Bangladesh - are working to reduce preterm birth by ending child marriage.

Nesadin and his family escaped conflict in Sudan for a refugee camp in Kenya. But what does the future hold for a boy growing up on the run?

17-year-old Shames and her mother lost everything when they fled civil war in Syria. Now they live as refugees in the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon. She worries about her mother's health, and how they will make ends meet from day to day. One day she hopes to return to Syria and complete her education, but for now it's out of reach. 

Nine-year-old Shahid started working nights with his dad when his parents could no longer afford school fees. He's angry and scared about his future, but what choice does he have? 

Ten-year-old Raja was badly injured by a bomb during the battle for Mosul. She lost her left hand and is unable to walk. How will she overcome the physical and emotional scars of war? 

Amina is just two years old and severely malnourished. Her family lost everything in a drought that began long before she was born. Read her story.

Jehovanise, Rebecca and Diane fled conflict, malaria and flooding in Burundi. They lived in Tanzania for three years, but life in the refugee camp is hard. They've returned to Burundi seeking hope for a better future, but is it too soon? 

Even before her abduction, Agnes’ childhood had already been shaped by war. Millions of South Sudanese children endure chronic hunger in the chaos wrought by violent conflict. They’ve endured illness, gone without schooling, grown up in fear. 

 

Lionel became a soldier at age 11. He did it to stay alive. The soldiers who gunned down his terrified community members, killed is parents. Lionel was alone in the world. 

 

It was evening in Marie’s village in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Supper was finished. Families enjoyed the cool of the evening, lingering around the lantern, laughing and telling stories. Suddenly, gunfire pierced the night. And Marie’s life was split in two.  

 

Benesh was married at age 11 in exchange for a "bride price". Ongoing conflict and drought left her family with few options. Now at 14, she has a son and is pregnant with her second child. 

Being a kid should be magical, filled with wonder, adventure and fun. But for millions of children living in the world’s most dangerous places, childhood is often the first thing to go. 

In a community where gang violence is prevalent, a chicken coop gives youth a chance to dream of a better future. 

Get to know a few of our dedicated and devoted colleagues working on the front lines, often going above and beyond to serve the needs of the most vulnerable children, in some of the most challenging contexts.

Canadians might categorize child labour as something that happens in the dark corners of far off places, but the reality is, child labour remains a rampant issue today, both at home and abroad.
 

At its core, child marriage is a fundamental violation of human rights. Learn about how early marriage compromises a child’s development and opportunities in life.