2023 IN REVIEW: TOGETHER WE’RE BUILDING FUTURES

JANUARY Yesun-Erdene, 13, loves her animals. She was worried about them when a harsh winter hit Mongolia. Yesun-Erdene’s family are herders and lost many of the animals that are their livelihood. Save the Children was able to provide both cash transfers and animal feed, which allowed Yesun-Erdene’s family to make it through the winter.

FEBRUARY Brothers Munir, 14, and Khaled, 12, were terrified when a massive earthquake struck their home in Syria. They managed to escape, but their house and belongings were buried under rubble. The family had to move into a tent in a nearby village. Munir and Khaled received essential supplies and blankets to help them through a very difficult time.

MARCH Esther and her son Alexis have been living through challenging times in Haiti and money has been tight. Esther took Alexis to a Save the Children mother and baby club so he could be screened for malnutrition. At the club, they received therapeutic food and breastfeeding support. Esther loves the community spirit at the club, which she says makes her feel comfortable and encouraged as a new mother.

APRIL Nagi is a happy and cheeky little boy, but his world turned upside down when he had to flee violence in Sudan. His family found temporary accommodation, but didn’t have any of their belongings. Save the Children was able to help by supplying the family with essentials they needed, as well as creating a child-friendly space where Nagi could learn and play safely.

MAY Maha, 10, was out collecting firewood near her home in Yemen when she stepped on a landmine–and her life changed forever. Her injuries were so severe that she was rushed to a hospital where she needed urgent surgery. Save the Children paid for all her medical costs and provided ongoing psychosocial support. Maha is now back at school, where she loves drawing.

JUNE Climate change drastically affects First Nations children across Turtle Island (Canada). The National Reconciliation Program at Save the Children partnered with Kenora Chief’s Advisory to create the Mother Earth is Sick project. The project works with First Nation community members, including youth, to gain a better understanding of how climate change affects them and develop plans for climate emergencies.

JULY 15-year-old Lee-Roy understands the dangers of powerful weather events–strong cyclones damaged his home in Vanuatu. Now, Lee-Roy is doing everything he can to help his community combat the climate crisis. Supported by Save the Children, Lee-Roy is planting mangroves to protect his home.

AUGUST 17-year-old Olena was worried about her education when her school was destroyed during the war in Ukraine. Save the Children created a new safe place for the students to finish their studies. Before graduation, they visited their old school to take special yearbook photos that would remind them of the school where they had many happy memories.

SEPTEMBER The Foundations Consortium project strengthens adolescent girls’ empowerment regarding their sexual and reproductive health and rights in Mali, Niger, and Sierra Leone. Save the Children works with our partners to engage youth and community members in healthy conversations about gender, health, and sexuality.

OCTOBER In October, children’s lives were thrown into turmoil when violence escalated in Gaza and Israel. Through our partners and thanks to your support, Save the Children delivered lifesaving food and water, as well as medical, hygiene, and shelter supplies to support families across the region. We also joined global calls for a ceasefire to protect the lives of children living through the crisis.

NOVEMBER Millions of children are already facing the devastating impact of the climate emergency, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Supported by Save the Children, thousands of children like Asaad in Egypt have been mobilizing and making their voices heard on an issue that will directly affect their future, especially at events like the UN Climate Change Conference. It’s time for us to follow their lead and listen!

DECEMBER An estimated 153 million children faced food insecurity this year. That’s why Save the Children is working to help end the worst global hunger crisis in 40 years. With your support, we can help children experiencing malnutrition, like Partso in Afghanistan.