Celebrating Universal Children’s Day: How UKC4C transforms futures in Lebanon

Universal Children’s Day, observed annually on 20 November, is a global initiative that promotes children’s rights and enhances their welfare worldwide. This day commemorates the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989, underscoring the international commitment to children’s well-being.

We are deeply committed to these principles at UK Care for Children (UKC4C), focusing our efforts on supporting vulnerable children in Lebanon and Jordan. Our Child Sponsorship Programme plays a pivotal role in this mission, offering essential assistance to over 2,000 children annually across refugee camps in these regions.

Since the 1940s, the influx of Palestinian refugees into Lebanon and Jordan has placed immense pressure on both countries, exacerbating existing social and economic challenges. Palestinian and Syrian refugees often endure overcrowded and hazardous living conditions with limited access to vital services. This situation has been further strained by the arrival of approximately 1.5 million refugees fleeing the conflict in Syria.

UKC4C’s Response: The Child Sponsorship Programme

In response to these pressing needs, UKC4C’s Child Sponsorship Programme provides a financial lifeline to families during times of hardship and prolonged displacement. Through this program, we support over 2,000 children across Lebanon and Jordan’s refugee camps every year.

Beyond material support, the programme offers:

• Tailored Assistance: Customised support plans addressing each child’s unique needs.
• Healthcare Services: Access to medical care to ensure physical well-being.
• Emotional Support: Assistance for children traumatised by conflict and displacement.
• Educational Opportunities: Access to education and school supplies to foster learning.
• Vocational Training: Practical skills development in areas such as IT and languages.

Real Stories of Impact

The impact of our Child Sponsorship Programme is best illustrated through the stories of the children we support. Take, for example, Hakim, an 8-year-old boy living in a refugee camp. Through the support of his sponsor, Hakim can attend school and aspires to become a doctor to help others. He expresses heartfelt gratitude to his sponsor for enabling him to pursue his dreams.

On this Universal Children’s Day, we invite you to join us in making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable children. By sponsoring a child through UKC4C, you can provide essential support that empowers children to overcome adversity and build brighter futures.

Your contribution can provide:

• £25: A school kit with a bag, pens, pencils, and other school essentials.
• £25: Gifts for children, including toys and other festive items.
• £30: A pair of school uniforms.
• £250: A monthly university scholarship covering tuition fees.
• £300: Specialist educational support for students with special needs.

Invest in a child’s future today. Please visit our Child Sponsorship page to learn more about our programme and how you can get involved.