Plan in Australia is part of Plan International, one of the world's largest children's development organisations. By being part of a global network we can have greater impact in addressing the global causes of poverty and transform the world for children.

 

A Global Force for Change

Plan works in 50 developing countries across Africa, Asia and the Americas where our programs equip communities with the tools and skills to overcome poverty. To support this work we raise funds in 21 countries, including Australia, where we serve as a link between sponsors, donors and children, families and the communities Plan works with. Plan's headquarters in the United Kingdom guide the network's overall efforts for children. 

 

Our Role in the Global Network

As an independent member organisation, Plan in Australia supports the global Plan network by:

• helping to fund, direct and deliver community development projects in collaboration with other Plan member organisations – thanks to our supporters through child sponsorship
• designing and delivering our own Priority Projects in Africa and Asia that match our experience and expertise
• responding to emergencies around the world and helping communities to better prepare for future crises.

 

Our Approach

Plan’s vision is of a world in which all children realise their full potential in societies that respect people’s  rights and dignity. Child Centred Community Development is a rights-based approach that translates this vision into the practice of international development.

Children are at the heart of everything we do. Our work focuses on children who are living in poverty, children who are excluded and marginalised, and children affected by conflict and disasters.

 

Our work is guided by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which spells out the human rights of all children. Listening to what children have to say about their rights and concerns is critical to our approach. We encourage them to take part in decisions that affect their lives, to speak out, and to have their voices heard.

We work from the perspective that all children hold equal rights, so protecting children from discrimination – including gender discrimination – is a key principle of Child Centred Community Development. We’re committed to working for, with, and on behalf of children to claim their rights and to hold duty bearers, such as governments, to account to respect these rights.

 

Child Centred Community Development principles at a glance:

1. Children are at the centre of everything we do
2. We’re guided by human rights and their principles
3. We champion child rights and hold duty bearers (including ourselves) to account
4. All children hold equal rights – we work to protect children from discrimination
5. We promote gender equality
6. Children are active participants in their own development

 

By applying these principles we can focus on long-term, sustainable, positive changes rather than just short-term interventions. This means we will not only have a great impact on today’s children but also the children of the future.

 

Our Work

» Long-Term Community Development

Our grassroots development projects address specific problems and issues in communities that contribute to ongoing poverty and affect children’s rights. Our work is designed to bring long-term, sustainable, positive change to communities.

 

» Campaigning and Advocacy

Our campaigning and advocacy work is about collective action to improve the lives of children. Plan campaigns raise awareness and support for people who are often disregarded or who have difficulty having their opinions heard.

 

» Disaster and Humanitarian Response

When Plan responds to emergencies, we work with governments, other agencies and local communities to ensure children and young people are protected and that their immediate and long-term needs are met. In addition to disaster relief, Plan has an ongoing partnership with the UN World Food Programme to provide food relief to communities across the developing world.