Miriam Margolyes on the power of ActionAid child sponsorship
15 December 2017
Actress Miriam Margolyes has supported ActionAid for over 30 years. She visited our work in the occupied Palestinian territory and has seen first-hand the impact child sponsorship makes.
Miriam Margolyes: "Children are living in fear"
Two billion people live in countries affected by fragility, conflict, and violence. When a country is hit by conflict, those living in extreme poverty often suffer most.
In the occupied Palestinian territory, the ongoing conflict means basic services are scarce, including water, sanitation, and electricity.
Bombing, darkness and violence creates constant risk and fear. Exposed to shelling, fighting and dead bodies at such a young age, many children suffer from severe PTSD symptoms.
Getting to school is hard, often through debris, in the dark, and to sounds of gunfire. And girls are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence and exploitation.
How ActionAid child sponsorship helps
Through child sponsorship, ActionAid’s local staff and partners provide direct support to girls.
• We are providing rechargeable lights and street lighting so girls can do their homework during power cuts, and feel safe walking home in the dark.
• We are supporting psychosocial services and family centres to help children overcome trauma and PTSD symptoms.
• We give children backpacks, pens and pencils, so they can go to school.
Will you help bring hope for the future to girls at risk in the world’s toughest places?
Please join Miriam Margolyes, by becoming a child sponsor today.
