When it comes to children in crisis, the metrics below speak louder than words. The numbers are sobering. Tragic. But they’re also a summons to the church of Jesus Christ to rise on behalf of the next generation.
- Over half a billion children are struggling to survive on under $1 per day
(Poverty Reduction Begins with Children, UNICEF, 2000) - 250,000 children and young people are infected with HIV/AIDS every month
(State of the World’s Children, UNICEF, 2000) - It is estimated that 25 million children will have lost one or both parents to AIDS by 2010
(Children on the Brink 2002; USAID, UNICEF, UNAIDS) - 130 million children lack access to education
(State of the World’s Children, UNICEF, 1999) - 246 million children are child labourers
(Facts on Child Labour, International Labour Organization, 2003) - 8.4 million children are trapped in slavery, trafficking, debt bondage, prostitution, pornography and other illicit activities
(Facts on Child Labour, International Labour Organization, 2003) - 300,000 young people under 18 are exploited as child soldiers
(UN Office of the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, 2003) - 30,000 children die each day from preventable diseases
(www.worldhungeryear.org)
What Can you Do?
- Do justice, sponsor a child.
- Start a prayer group for children.
Facilitate a study group on children in crisis. Click here to view study guides
