News & Views

Our progress for positive change in Paraguay is setting the stage for collaboration with governments and civil-society organizations around the world

If you’ve ever been to Paraguay, you might understand the feeling of community you experience from people in all corners of the country. I experienced this genuine welcome on my recent trip there a few days ago, but my eyes were also opened to one side of the country I couldn’t see.

I couldn’t see what happens behind closed doors. Jorge Méndez Rheineck, our country director in Paraguay, spoke frankly about the situation: “Violence against children in the home is a problem for too many. Worse, children suffer sexual abuse from adults they trust — relatives, family, friends and neighbours,” he said.

Read the final statement of the International Seminar "Participation of children and adolescents in the eradication of violence against children," held in Asunción, Paraguay on 30 May 2018. 

One in four schoolchildren were found to be lacking in free time or rest time, and only 1 out of 100 were able to enjoy a quality of life that was in tune with recommended standards, according to a survey conducted by ChildFund Korea last year in November and December.

Australia’s near-neighbour Papua New Guinea is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a mother and there are signs the country’s health crisis is getting worse, a report has found.

Women in PNG are 35 times more likely to die during pregnancy than women in Australia (1 in 120 in PNG compared to 1 in 8700 in Australia), according to an evaluation of maternal health by the aid agency ChildFund Australia.

The Ending Violence Against Children Taskforce commends Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) and Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX) for today introducing H. Res. 910, which calls for increasing and improving the United States Government’s efforts to end violence against children. Written with input by the Taskforce, the resolution condemns all forms of violence against children and youth globally – including physical, mental, and sexual violence, neglect, abuse, maltreatment and exploitation.

ChildFund International The Gambia has presented two 40 and 20 foot containers of ‘Toms Shoes’ to the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MOBSE) meant to enhance retention of students in school in the country’s Upper and Central River Regions. This is the 8th handing over of shoes to the Education Ministry.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony held at the ChildFund national office, the fund’s country director, Musukuta Komma said they have been collaborating with different donors such as Toms, Pearson and other individuals for the past years to support ChildFund The Gambia with education related gifts such as books, shoes, and other school materials.

“As a child protection and development agency, we strive to tackle underlying causes of deprivation, exclusion and vulnerability. This is why we partner with Gambia government to ensure the promotion and protection of children.”

Read the full article in "The Point."

FIROZABAD: They sat crouched for hours by a burner, inhaling toxic fumes while their deft fingers picked up and moulded the ends of glittering bangles.

No longer, though.

More than two months after Papua New Guinea’s strongest earthquake in almost a century, stranded survivors are turning to an unexpected lifeline: a small domestic violence hotline run by a non-governmental organisation [ChildFund].

Although the risks of violence against women rise after disasters, most callers aren’t women. They’re men reaching out for support, enquiring about how to obtain food, shelter, and other services, or fearful of violence that has broken out in some areas after tribal clashes.

ChildFund Australia recently conducted a poll that shows a majority of voters believe Australia has “an obligation” to continue to provide aid to poorer nations.

“We can afford to have a strong Australian aid program,” said Nigel Spence, CEO of ChildFund Australia.

Read the article in The Sydney Morning Herald.