Plan International has a new ambition for its work with all children, partners, and supporters during the next five years.
Together, Plan is taking action so that 100 million girls learn, lead, decide and thrive.
Learn:
Hanin, 14, fled her hometown in Syria to seek safety in Egypt.
“Everything changed in my life after I left Syria,” she said. “I miss my brother and sister, my home, and my friends.” Plan is providing classes and school materials for refugee children like Hanin, who have missed out on school because of conflict. She wants to be a doctor.
So that vulnerable children have the skills they need to succeed in life and work, Plan is working to ensure:
- Governments invest in more children completing secondary education.
- Children, especially girls, in conflict and emergency settings are educated in safety.
- Young people have the knowledge and opportunities to earn and manage money.
Lead:
Christiana escaped a marriage she was forced into when she was 16 and joined Plan’s Girl Power Project in Sierra Leone.
“I advocate for my friends because I do not want anyone to experience the same difficulties that I went through,” she said. “I pray to our government that they stop sexual violence in schools, child marriage, and teenage pregnancies. We have laws against this. Make sure they are put into practice.”
- Children and young people have a stronger voice.
- Decision-makers build ways for them to voice their opinions.
- Governments establish and enforce laws that advance their rights.
Decide:
Mayra’s voice helped cut through old arguments in Guatemala supporting child marriage. The legal age for marriage in her country is now 18.
“When I heard that they had approved the new law, I felt so much happiness because I had helped make it happen,” she said. “I collected signatures. I was part of a team of people who had brought about change. I felt so proud.”
So that children and young people, especially girls, have control over their own lives and bodies, Plan is working to ensure:
- Communities eliminate harmful practices like child marriage and female genital mutilation.
- Governments act for adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights.
- Young people get quality sexual health services and sex education.
- Young people play an active role in preventing sexual violence in emergencies.
Thrive:
“Girls are more vulnerable in my community,” said 18-year-old Larice from Brazil. “You can’t walk alone or you might get attacked like my sister did.” But she is determined the threat on the streets will not stop her from going to school. “I learn a lot and I take part in activities and projects run by Plan International Brazil,” she said. “I’m even part of the Girls Leadership Project, where I am speaking out about violence against girls and women and fighting for equality. I always feel safe when I get to school.” So that children and young people, especially girls, grow up cared for and free from violence and fear, Plan is working to ensure:
- They receive the care they need to be healthy, educated, and protected.
- Governments and communities work together to end violence.
- Governments prevent and respond to violence against children.
