Community Centers Help Organization Design Programs to Help Build Paths Out of Poverty

Kansas City, MO, October 15, 2013 /3BL Media/ - The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (October 17) this year is focused on “working together toward a world without discrimination: building on the experience and knowledge of people in extreme poverty.” In areas of deep global poverty, access to food, resources, education and a sense of community pride are often missing, laying the foundation for a problematic future. Children International’s community centers – staffed with caring adults and offering constructive programs to children and youth – are designed to offset the traps of poverty. They are an integral part of the community, where staff can understand the issues in the community and develop programs designed to address the needs of the children in that community.

Addressing global poverty at the base element often begins with food. Children International’s feeding program in schools outside Lusaka, Zambia, is an example of this foundational intervention. The program addresses the problem of hunger and simultaneously encourages school attendance with much-needed midday meals.

Health is another foundational need. In 2012, Children International’s community center clinics performed nearly 400,000 medical checkups for impoverished children and more than 250,000 dental exams in impoverished communities where it is extremely difficult to see a doctor or dentist. Staff and the 8,000 local volunteers worldwide understand the needs of the children in those communities.

But changing the cycle of global poverty involves much more than these critical foundational elements. Children International’s president Jim Cook explains, “Changing the cycle of poverty is a complex process. Children International’s community centers provide a safe harbor in these communities in the developing world. We not only address the base needs, but also provide a safe place to go with caring adults and constructive activities. A place with clean running water and electricity; where they can see a doctor and dentist and receive nutritional assistance. A place where they can learn to use a computer and participate in supervised sports and join youth programs. They can also apply for scholarships to further their opportunities for success. Children International’s goal is to help children overcome the effects of poverty, support their education and prepare youth to contribute to society. The community centers are the focal point for understanding what we can do in providing those services--and they are key in helping us to address the issue of global poverty.”

Children International’s Youth Program results are detailed in the 2013 Youth Report.

About Children International
Children International prepares children and youth to escape the traps of poverty by supporting their critical needs, building resilience and engaging them in transformative activities. Children International accomplishes this by providing crucial benefits and compassionate care through easily accessible, modern community centers. Children International’s presence, programs and supporters have a positive impact on children, youth, families and communities; provide protection; encourage self-sufficiency; and serve as catalysts for change.

For more information about Children International visit www.children.org.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Christy Howard
Public Relations
Children International
Direct:  (816) 943-3730
Email:  choward@children.org

Click here to watch the video on Children International's YouTube Channel.