In commemoration of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, Christian Children’s Fund invited children from all 31 of our National Offices to express how they define, experience, and feel about poverty through art. Through local drawing contests held within the communities, the primary goal was to develop child agency and voice by encouraging children to express themselves. Mainly, the children discussed how they could contribute to ending poverty in their communities and the world. Twenty offices submitted materials from nearly 200 children throughout our Christian Children’s Fund programs worldwide, and two pictures from CCF children were chosen as finalists in the UN Art Competition.

“This is an achievement not only for me but for many Zambian children who face poverty every day of their lives,” says Oscar, a twelve year-old Zambian boy living in Kafue. A finalist in the UN Art Competition, Oscar remarks that art is a means of expressing the way the Zambian people can eradicate poverty. Christian Children’s Fund has been working in Zambia since 1983 and currently assists approximately 715,000 children and family members. Zambia faces many problems including economic decline and food insecurity. Underlying these problems is the devastation caused by widespread poverty and the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Similar problems plague several countries in Africa, including Angola, Chad, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Kenya, Liberia, Mozambique, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Uganda, and since 1973, Christian Children’s Fund has assisted over 7.5 million children and families in these countries, and in 21 other countries throughout the world. CCF programming totaled $54 million in Africa in 2006 with sixty percent of those funds provided by sponsorship and the remaining from grant-based support, and 2.7 billion in services worldwide since its inception in 1938. CCF Africa focuses on community-based development, early childhood development, health, livelihood, and emergency response. By assisting communities in regaining peace, providing essential needs and services, and promoting change, CCF provides children with hope.

Drawing from experience, Oscar said that his drawing was centered on agriculture because many people in his community are faced with hunger. “Lack of food,” said Oscar, “forces some people to steal from their friends.” He adds that his drawing demonstrates how people can help contribute to ending poverty in Zambia through agriculture. “I just want to help my friends learn more about art. Through drawings, we can reach many people with our message.” And through his art and his message, the hope and ability of children to become agents of change is demonstrated.

“I can not describe the joy that I feel,” said Kathrina, and finalist living in the Philippines. Crisanto, also from the Philippines, “was speechless” upon finding out that his drawing was in the top 50. Through their art, these children are able to share their experiences with the world.