Poverty isn’t just a lack of income — it’s a denial of dignity, opportunity, and childhood itself. Across the world today, millions of children wake up without enough food, clean water, education, or safety. Behind every statistic lies a story: of a child forced to grow up too soon, a parent unable to provide, and a future cut short before it has a chance to begin.
At YOTF, we believe that no child should have to fight to survive. Yet the reality of global child poverty shows that millions still do.
The reality behind the numbers
According to reports from UNICEF and the World Bank, one in every five children globally lives in extreme poverty — surviving on less than US$2.15 a day.
In sub-Saharan Africa, nearly 40% of children live in such conditions, representing the highest rate of child poverty anywhere in the world. Regions like South Asia follow closely, where poverty and inequality continue to trap generations in cycles of hardship.
The causes are complex — from war and displacement to fragile economies, poor infrastructure, and lack of access to basic education. But the outcome is heartbreakingly simple: children going to bed hungry, missing school, and facing risks no child should endure.
How poverty impacts a child’s life
Child poverty doesn’t exist in isolation — it affects every part of a child’s development:
- Health: Malnutrition weakens immunity, leaving children vulnerable to disease. Many will not reach their fifth birthday.
- Education: Poverty keeps millions out of school. Children forced to work often lose the opportunity to learn and grow.
- Safety: Displacement and hardship push children into unsafe environments, from exploitative labor to early marriage and trafficking.
This cycle not only limits individual potential but also weakens entire communities — and with it, the world’s collective future.
Where YOTF stands
YOTF is committed to addressing both the immediate needs of families in crisis and the long-term solutions that break the cycle of poverty.
Through programs in Ukraine, Gaza, and local relief initiatives in Norway and Spain, we focus on delivering essentials — clothing, hygiene products, and aid — while building pathways toward stability and hope.
But child poverty is a global issue, and our mission extends beyond borders. We are expanding our efforts to regions where the need is greatest — including parts of Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, where millions of children face daily struggles to access food, shelter, and education.
A global responsibility
Ending child poverty is not the work of one organization — it’s a shared duty of humanity. It requires compassion, cooperation, and commitment from individuals, communities, and global leaders alike.
As UNICEF has stated, “Every child, no matter where they are born, deserves the chance to survive, learn, and reach their full potential.”
YOTF stands firmly behind that belief.
Together, we can help rewrite the story for millions of children — one filled with opportunity, security, and the right to a dignified life.
How you can help
Every action counts. Whether through donation, volunteering, or spreading awareness, you can help ensure that no child is left behind.
👉 Support our fight against child poverty today.
