VULNERABLE CHILDREN FUND 2020 IMPACT REPORT
Grace: no longer a child bride... thanks to you! • Child marriages spike due to covid • Child protection committees vital • Your generosity keeps girls in school Because of you, Grace* was withdrawn from a forced marriage. “I dropped out school while in grade 8. I was 15 years old then and got married.” But the child protection committee in Grace’s area intervened... because your support made it possible. With the help of our Christian partners, children are actively involved in these committees. They learn about their rights to safety, education and how to take action against child marriages. In Grace’s case, members of the child protection committee visited her family. The child leaders convinced her parents of why Grace should leave the marriage and focus on her studies. Like so many others in Malawi, Grace’s family lives in poverty. It’s a constant struggle to get enough food, clothing, medication and education. Each day, there are 8 mouths to feed. This is the harsh reality for families like Grace’s. So,
marrying a girl off early means one less to feed and a dowry to ease poverty. Often families are unaware or don’t understand the risks for a child such as Grace. The danger of physical or sexual abuse. Or health issues and death in childbirth. And missing out on the education that could lift her from poverty. Covid has only made this situation worse. Child marriages are rising in many countries where families find already meagre incomes cut off due to the pandemic. But now, thanks to your generosity, Grace can look forward to a new future. “Now I am at home with my parents, expecting to go back to school after covid closure is over… I feel very happy!”
Grace and her family
Active and clever, Grace can now excel in her studies and follow her dream.
“I would like to see reduced early marriage in my community and I would like to continue with my education so that I can help my family.” In Grace’s community, the child protection committee has only recently started. It’s already made a big difference in Grace’s life and will continue to stand up for other vulnerable children... thanks to you! Your support of the Vulnerable Children Fund makes it possible for children to escape early marriage! *Names have been changed for privacy purposes
HUNDREDS OF GIRLS
903 CHILD RIGHTS’ GROUPS
saved from child marriages including 54 from Malawi and 28 from Nepal. They will not lose their childhoods thanks to you!
such as child protection committees and Child Clubs helped teach children about early marriage, child labour and other exploitative practices.