It’s no secret that life as a refugee or displaced person is difficult. But for the 43 million children worldwide who have been displaced, these struggles are shaping their lives.
All around the world, children have had to flee war, violence, and tragedy in search of a new life with their families. Many of them have lost their parents, while others have been forced to grow up too quickly and been robbed of their childhoods.
Here’s a glimpse of how displaced and refugee children live around the world:
Venezuela
Countless Venezuelan children are struggling to survive as refugees
Millions of families have fled Venezuela to Colombia, Peru, or other surrounding countries in search of a better life. Refugees endure perilous journeys, and children frequently face hunger, the risk of disease, and chronic stress.
Many boys and girls who travel from Venezuela have to leave friends and family behind. After making a dangerous escape, they often live in refugee camps or impoverished communities.
In addition to the challenges that poverty brings, countless refugee children from Venezuela can’t attend school because their families can’t afford school supplies. And even when they can, schools have become overcrowded because of the influx of refugee families.
South Sudan
Displaced and refugee children from South Sudan have endured violence, hunger, and loss
An ongoing conflict in South Sudan has ravaged the country with violence, hunger, and disease. Nearly 2.4 million people, primarily women and children, have escaped to surrounding countries like Uganda for safety.
In many cases, children have witnessed or endured violent attacks and assaults. Some have seen their parents killed and must leave the country alone.
Once they reach Uganda, they face the threat of extreme poverty. Persistent drought and food insecurity mean countless boys and girls don’t have enough to eat, and many are living in dangerous conditions.
Ukraine
Many Ukrainian children have had to leave their homes in the midst of a violent war
As Ukraine enters its third year of war, over 10 million people are still displaced both within Ukraine and in surrounding countries. One-third of them are children. They’ve lost homes and loved ones. They’ve had their childhoods stolen from them. Now, they’re struggling to get through each day.
Many displaced and refugee children have also fallen behind in their education because they can’t go to school. Other boys and girls don’t have the essentials they need, including access to food, water, and medical care.
And with no end to the war in sight, countless Ukrainian children have no idea when they’ll be able to go home.
Syria & Jordan
Thousands of Syrian children have spent almost their entire lives away from their homeland
A 13-year-long civil war in Syria has driven millions of people out of their homes. Over 600,000 have fled to Jordan for safety and a chance at a better future. But life hasn’t gotten any easier for these refugees, especially children.
Around 85 percent of refugee children in Jordan currently live below the poverty line. Their families struggle to afford food, clothing, medical supplies, and other essentials.
Many Syrian refugee children also do not attend school. Cost, lack of space, and harassment drive many boys and girls to drop out. Without an education, refugee children will likely remain trapped in poverty, unable to pursue a better life for themselves or their loved ones.
For displaced and refugee children, life feels like it’s just one difficulty after another. And these aren’t the only countries where children’s lives have been affected by war and conflict — children from countries like Ukraine and Afghanistan face similar struggles every day. But you can transform a child’s life today.
When you give just $35, you’ll help provide a week’s worth of supplies like emergency food, clean water, and other critical aid for one displaced or refugee child from a high-conflict area. Your gift will help meet their immediate needs and give them hope for the future.
Your support will also be a powerful reminder of God’s love and provision.