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World Childhood Foundation’s work is aimed at the most marginalized children, the ones most often ignored and forgotten. Childhood focuses especially on girls and the main target groups are street children, children living in institutions, young mothers and sexually abused children.

Childhood was founded in 1999 by Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden.

– I was Patron of the first World Congress against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) held in Stockholm and hosted by the Swedish government. My concern for children who are abused and who are suffering and in difficulty was deepened when, in connection with that Congress, I realized the magnitude of the problems involved. I then decided to become personally involved, said the Queen when Childhood was founded.

Our Co-Founders – 14 family foundations, private individuals and companies –  contributed to the Foundation’s initial capital. The return of this capital has covered the administrative costs, meaning that all donations received are fully used for the projects supported by Childhood. In addition to the Co-Founders, Childhood is supported by a group of Major Partners such as the Swedish companies Vattenfall, Volvo and ICA, and several other Sponsoring companies.

Today there are independent World Childhood Foundations also in Brazil, Germany and the United States. The cooperation between the different Foundations is and important part of the global management and opeartions, and all projects must be approved by the Swedish Board of Directors.

Childhood does not have any field personnel of its own but cooperates with local organizations working with children at risk. Childhood is presently supporting around 120 projects located in Brazil, China, Estonia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Russia, Sweden, South Africa, Thailand, Ukraine and USA.

– Our goal is quite simple: we want all children to have a chance for a happy childhood. By supporting projects aimed at street children, children living in institutions and sexually abused children, we seek to have impact on as many vulnerable children as we possibly can. By assisting especially girls and young mothers we aim to break the cycle of abuse and achieve this goal, says Childhood’s Secretary General, Mrs. Gunilla von Arbin.

USA

The Childhood USA foundation follows the charter of the global foundation in Sweden in that it has as its primary focus to raise awareness of children at risk for abuse and exploitation, and to create an environment away from harm and neglect.  The goal is to protect children from ongoing abuse by emphasizing prevention efforts to reduce the risk of future abuse; provide intervention strategies to stop ongoing abuse; and, promote education opportunities to teach methods and skills to promote a life free from abuse.