THEIR HISTORY

“Change is within reach – if we have courage, determination, imagination and effective organisation” -Eglantyne Jebb-

The story of Save the Children is one of hope and deeply passionate and committed people, determined to make the world a better place for all their children.

It began with one woman who changed the world’s response to children in need.

19 May 1919:  Eglantyne Jebb launched a worldwide movement - the Save the Children Fund. She was driven by the belief that all children have the right to a healthy, happy and fulfilling life.

1923: Jebb drafted the first Declaration of the Rights of the Child - one of the central inspirations for the 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child which is also their foundation to continue Eglantyne Jebb’s work - long-term improvement of children’s lives and the realisation of their rights.

1944: Save the Children started their work in South Africa with children and their families in some of the most marginalised communities.

2013: A proudly South African entity was formed - Save the Children South Africa – to fight for local children’s rights. Save the Children South Africa became an official member of Save the Children International thanks to the merger of Save the Children Gauteng, Save the Children KwaZulu-Natal, Save the Children UK and Savethe Children Sweden.

THEY DO WHATEVER IT TAKES FOR CHILDREN

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In South Africa and around the world, they work every day to give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. When crisis strikes, and children are most vulnerable, they are always among the first to respond and the last to leave. They ensure children’s unique needs are met and their voices are heard. They deliver lasting results for millions of children, including those hardest to reach.

They do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.

THEIR CORE VALUES

• Accountability
• Ambition
• Collaboration
• Creativity
• Integrity 
• Ubuntu
• Passion
• Learning

Their five programme areas

1. Holistic Early Childhood Care and Development Programme: Giving young children under five a safe, stimulating and quality early living and learning environment.
2. Health and Nutrition Programme: Ensuring that no child under the age of five dies from preventable disease, and all children in South Africa will grow healthily and have long-term good health.
3. Education Programme: Improving education so every child in South Africa receives a quality basic education.
4. Child Protection Programme: Working to make sure all children in South Africa thrive in a safe environment free from violence.
5. Children’s Rights Governance Programme: Advocating so that all children will benefit from a strengthened child-rights system that advances and monitors the realisation of their rights.