Compassion’s individual holistic child development model is designed to help the most vulnerable and marginalised children on our planet grow up to become thriving followers of Jesus who are positively influencing their world. We have been involved in individual child development for 70 years. Our work over the past six decades has shown us that working with children is a highly effective way of changing communities. That’s because changed people inevitably change their circumstances. Many of the children our local church partners support grow up to become positive influences in their own communities.

Community development is important and our programs do address the external circumstances of poverty. These community development initiatives take place through Critical Needs and include activities such as providing clean water and sanitation facilities, infrastructure and disaster relief. However, Compassion's development approach is primarily focused on the transformation of individual children from the inside out, recognising the God-given value and unique potential of each individual child. Our programs are therefore tailored to meet the specific needs of individual children through all stages of their development.

Find out more about:

• The Child Sponsorship Program

• Critical Needs

• Compassion’s holistic child development model