What Is Child Development?

Although Compassion works primarily through child sponsorship, our end goal isn’t just to get children sponsored — it’s to help children develop into thriving adults and followers of Jesus.

But what does that mean? Child development means caring for the whole child, not just pieces and parts, now and in the long-term. It means giving children the essentials they need for physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being so they can grow as God intended.

A child who is truly cared for has the health, strength and confidence they need to break free from the chains of poverty.

By caring for each child’s needs in this way, we fulfill our mission of releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name.
Image shows five children sitting on a concrete step and smiling for the camera.

Photo by: Sara Navarro

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Providing for a Child’s Right-Now and Long-Term Needs

At Compassion, child development begins with a commitment to the children and families we serve but goes beyond simply being involved in their lives. Release from poverty doesn’t happen overnight; it requires dedication and perseverance as children grow and face new challenges.

That’s why we care for each child’s right-now and long-term needs. Our child development program is dynamic, changing as a child’s needs change. For example, we deliver critical care in the form of nutrition and medical care while also providing opportunities for continued growth through education, vocational training and mentorship.

Care for All the Ways Poverty Impacts a Child’s Life

Poverty doesn’t just impact one part of a child’s life — it touches every part. For example, if a child is constantly and painfully hungry, it damages their body, but it also makes it hard for them to focus in school, preventing them from getting an education and gaining the skills they need to succeed.

And a child who’s overcome with preventable illness without medical care is unable to attend school and play with friends, hindering their social growth.

But through our child development program, we provide care that creates a ripple effect in a child’s life. For example, by providing nutrition, we help children grow and empower them to do well in school, setting them up for future success.

Image shows a group of children wearing blue school uniforms sitting on a concrete step and reading their schoolbooks.

Photo by: Gabriella Akpene Samaty

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What Does Compassion International Do to Care for Each Child?

We partner with local churches in impoverished communities throughout 29 countries. These churches run our child development centers and programs. Through the local church, every child we serve in these communities receives:

  • An introduction to the hope of the gospel.
  • Medical care.
  • Protection from abuse and exploitation.
  • Education.
  • Nutrition support.
  • Disaster relief.
  • Access to a loving and supportive community.
  • Confidence to participate in their own development and achieve a brighter future beyond poverty.

We offer this support to children by partnering with incredible people like you who say yes to sponsoring a child in need. You can learn more about child sponsorship below.

a young boy learning to finger paint
What Is Child Sponsorship?

Child sponsorship means donating monthly to a child in need. Find out more about sponsorship and its impact on a child’s life.


Learn More >

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Why Sponsor a Child With Compassion?

Child sponsorship changes lives. But why should you sponsor through Compassion? Learn what makes us different.

Learn Why >

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See the Impact of the Compassion Program

Since 1952, we’ve seen the impact of our program time and time again. And through the incredible results of a recent survey, you can too.

See Impact >