"Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.
– United States Committee for UNICEF July 25, 1963
- School children around the world have lost an estimated 1.8 trillion hours – and counting – of in-person learning since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns.
- As a result, young learners have been cut off from their education and the other vital benefits schools provide.
Every hour spent in school is valuable, and every child should be given the opportunity to return. Schools are critical for children's learning, safety, health, and well-being, and no effort should be spared to reopen them as countries return from academic break.
Our Three Pillars of Growth & Development For Children
MERCY has identified “Three Key Pillars of Growth and Development for Children: Education, Character, and Health”. By committing to children’s education, character, and health and well-being, the children are developing resilience and creating a better future for themselves and their communities. Additionally, supporting children’s recovery from the pandemic will have positive ripple effects on families and communities, creating a more stable and prosperous
society.
EDUCATION
75 million children around the world have their education disrupted by conflict or emergency
“The COVID 19 pandemic has the biggest threat to progress for children in our 75-year history” -UNICEF
CHARACTER DEVLEOPMENT
1 in 4 children worldwide experienced stunted growth and development due to poor nutrition, lack of stimulation, and inadequate learning opportunities
Study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018
HEALTH
370 million Children worldwide rely on school meals as their main source of nutrition
School closures during the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted access to these meals for many children. According to the World Food Programme, in 2021
MERCY’S RESPONSE – WHAT WE PLAN TO DO ABOUT IT
Bridging the Gap
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on children’s lives around the world. Children have experienced disruptions in their education, social lives, and physical and mental health. Furthermore, the pandemic has also exacerbated poverty and food insecurity, which can have long-lasting effects on children & health and well-being. MERCYWORLDWIDE is committed to bridging this gap in children’s lives as a result of the pandemic. MERCY is dedicating attention and resources to help children in vulnerable situations overcome these challenges.
Teaching Them How To Fish
At MERCY, we believe in the importance of teaching others “how to fish”, rather than giving those in need a fish, thus shaping the lives of future leaders who are compassionate, trustworthy, and reliable. At times, MERCY will provide the fish, the helping hand, which in turn will set in motion the opportunities that will lead to an improved and sustainable life for individuals. We anticipate that the transformation in these individuals will carry over to their families and communities. To that end, MERCY is opening the door by creating opportunities for children to grow in the areas of education, character development, and overall health and well-being. We invite you to join us, the MERCY Movement of Love and Compassion, in transforming lives, families, and communities, one person at a time.
MERCY is opening the door by creating opportunities for children to grow in the areas of education, character development, and overall health and well-being. We invite you to join us, the MERCY Movement of Love and Compassion, in transforming lives, families, and communities, one person at a time.