About Us

100 years of radical innovation for children

Save the Children is proud of its pioneering history.

Armed with ideas ahead of her time, Eglantyne Jebb wanted to make the rights and welfare of children something that everyone took responsibility for.

1919

Eglantyne Jebb founds Save the Children after getting arrested protesting the British blockade that led to starving children across Europe.

1923

Save the Children drafts the fundamental rights of every child

1924

This powerful statement was adopted by the League of Nations.

1939-1945

Save the Children organisations in neutral countries continued to work during WW2, often on behalf of sister organisations in countries directly affected by the war

1952

We arrive in Korea to aid children during the Korean War. Our work in Asia continues to this day.

1959

UN adopts the Declaration and establishes Universal Children's Day

1972

Multiple Save the Children country organisations formed the International Save the Children Alliance. We now work in 118 countries.

1989

UN ratifies the Convention on the Rights of the Child, cementing Save the Children's work and advocacy in international law.

2020

Save the Children launches the first Children's Impact Investment Fund.

By the time the world mobilised for international development in the 1960s, Save the Children had full medical and welfare teams in 17 countries and its work extended to 26 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and the West Indies.

Equally important as being in the vanguard is our dedication to listening to the voices of children in helping and determining their futures. We are not afraid to lead or listen to improve children’s lives.

Championing children’s rights was then a radical idea, and we will work with you to keep revolutionizing children’s welfare.

About Us