Protecting and fulfilling the rights of vulnerable children

Islamic Relief is deeply committed to ensuring the wellbeing, protection and fulfillment of children’s rights across the world. We believe that every child deserves a positive start in life. By supporting orphaned children affected by war, bereavement, poverty and ill-health, we offer them a chance at a brighter future.

To date, our Orphan Sponsorship Programme (OSP) has given more than 200,000 orphans and vulnerable children in 26 countries access to quality education and healthcare, nutritious food, safe environments and psychological support. We also invest in their long-term wellbeing, by enabling caregivers and local communities to work towards sustainable solutions to poverty and inequality.

In South Africa, our OSP – which is recognised as one of the best in its field – currently sponsors 1,150 orphans and vulnerable children, ensuring that they are cared for in safe and healthy environments.

Umgibe Farm: Women empowerment through access to livelihoods

Eighteen women in Pietermaritzburg – who are guardians to orphans and vulnerable children supported by IRSA’s Orphan Sponsorship Programme – were selected to participate in IRSA’s Copesville Alternative Livelihoods for Women initiative.

Through sustainable approaches to agriculture, this holistic project supports participants to grow their own food, which they can use to nourish their families and generate income.

Participants are also supported to ensure that their farming approaches are resilient to climate variability; are provided with essential resources for continuous production – including good quality locally-sourced seeds, water storage tanks and equipment; and have access to networking events and markets where they can promote and sell their produce.