Defending childrens rights for 80 years
Inspired by children for 80 years
This year, we celebrate our 80th year! While a lot has happened in the last 80 years, our ethos has remained the same – to ensure no child is denied the right to a childhood.
Our story began in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War, when we helped displaced children fleeing conflict. Our founder, John-Langdon Davies, was the pioneer of child sponsorship – recruiting people to donate one shilling a day to provide a child with food and shelter. He also asked supporters to write letters and send photos to show their sponsored children that someone cared about them.
During that time, we have grown to become a global children’s charity that supports children in more than 51 countries. Our child sponsorship programme has also grown and we have more than 86,000 sponsors in the UK today. Take a look at a timeline of our history to see how we’ve been taking action for children’s rights for 80 years.
Our work is only possible thanks to our generous supporters who believe every child has the right to a life free from poverty and violence. Instead of thanking you ourselves, we thought we’d let our sponsored children explain the difference our sponsors are making. Here's what our sponsored children wrote to their sponsors:
I have received scholarship and stationeries through Plan. Now, I am able to express my views in front of the mass. I am able to continue my studies because of your kind support through Plan. So, I respect you as a God.
Krishna, Nepal
You are far away from me, but in my thoughts, my eyes don’t see you, but my heart feels you!
Omara, Nicaragua
You are like a meteor, bring people hopes and light. You are like the source of water when there is a drought, nurturing saplings which are growing up to tall trees. You are the kind and beautiful angel that the sun sent to us.
Li, China
We’re committed to acting for children’s rights until we’re no longer needed. Help us make an even bigger difference to the lives of children in the next 80 years.