On the Frontlines of Poverty
The International Day of Families is held each year on May 15 to raise awareness about the many issues families face, including health care, education, violence, discrimination, and inequality.
In his message for the 2016 International Day of Families, then United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted "families are on the frontlines of our global efforts to realize the bold and inclusive 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development."
Sustainable Development and Families
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a global vision for ending poverty. Its goals, often called the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), recognize that strong families are essential to creating lasting change.
Families are especially tied to the first five SDGs:
End poverty in all its forms everywhere
End hunger achieve food security, and improve nutrition
Ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages
Ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Family-oriented laws, policies and programs help children grow into adults and help adults become valued and productive contributors to society, both economically and socially.
The Crucial Role of Families in Society
Families are the foundation of every community.
In a 2025 message for the Global Day of Parents, the United Nations Secretary‑General recognized the crucial role families have in social development:
“The family has the primary responsibility for the nurturing and protection of children, and for the transmission of values, social identity, and civic responsibility. It provides material and emotional support across the life course—from infancy to old age—and plays a critical role in resilience, inclusion, and human development.”
When families are strong, children are more likely to thrive physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
But poverty strains the vital role of families in society. It erodes stability and security, makes risky behaviors more likely, limits quality time together and cuts off access to support. In times of crisis, the support of a strong family becomes even more critical.
How Compassion Supports Families
Through our network of local church partners, Compassion walks alongside families to help them build a stable, loving environment for their children. Parents receive practical training and support from trusted leaders in their own community who know them well.
We help families by offering:
Parenting and marriage workshops
Hygiene and sanitation classes
Domestic violence and child abuse prevention seminars
Literacy assistance and training
Disease awareness and prevention classes
Support from a caring community of parents
When families are equipped with knowledge, resources, and hope, they can provide a safe and nurturing home where children can grow into the future God has planned for them.
