Five Reasons to Feel Hopeful on Poverty Eradication Day

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed in the fight against global poverty, you’re definitely not alone. With the constant stream of media coverage highlighting the need in the world, it’s understandable to feel a bit daunted at times.

15 Oct, 2024

As we approach the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on 17 October, let’s explore the progress that’s been made and reflect on the reasons why we can remain hopeful and confident, even in the face of ongoing challenges.

Here are five reasons why we’re hopeful about ending poverty—and why your contribution matters!

1. Progress is real and we can build on it

It can be hard to see the progress amid the noise, but there’s encouraging news: when we look at long-term trends, real progress is happening. According to the UN, the number of people living in extreme poverty, defined as living on less than US$2.15 per day, reduced from over 2 billion in 1990 to around 700 million by 2020.

Over three decades, the world has made remarkable strides with more than 1 billion people moving out of extreme poverty. In fact, 25 countries halved their Multidimensional Poverty Index within just 15 years.

However, progress has slowed, and the COVID-19 pandemic caused the biggest setback in decades, pushing millions of people back into extreme poverty. Rising food costs, ongoing conflicts and climate issues have further compounded these challenges.

As a result, the UN estimates that 575 million people will still be living in extreme poverty by 2030.

But history shows us that with renewed effort and commitment, we can reverse these trends and continue the fight against poverty.

There are reasons to be optimistic, despite the setbacks.

Amid these statistics, there are powerful stories of resilience and hope. Each year, between 50,000 and 70,000 young people graduate from the Compassion Child Sponsorship Program, entering adulthood equipped with the skills, knowledge and hope to live a life free from poverty.

The fight to end poverty isn’t just possible—it’s happening right now, transforming lives and communities every day!

2. We don’t do this work alone

We are part of a global neighbourhood, releasing children from poverty together. We believe that God calls each of us to play a role in this mission.

Compassion Australia is connected to a network of 40 countries, partnering with more than 8,600 local churches to support over 2.3 million children worldwide.

Here in Australia, we are blessed to have the support of over 121,000 Australians who contribute through prayer, service and giving, making a significant impact on children and families. And our mission is further strengthened by over 300 incredible volunteers who generously give their time and energy.

With support from almost 1,000 Australian churches, we’re empowering the global Church to see more children released from poverty in Jesus’ name.

Each act of compassion and support—no matter how big or small—contributes to our powerful collective impact that transforms lives.

3. We have a strategic approach to growing our impact

In confronting the harsh realities of injustice, we feel a sense of urgency to bring about change. At Compassion Australia, we have set a bold strategic goal to reach at least 200,000 children by 2028.

To achieve this, we are expanding our fundraising efforts both in Australia and throughout Asia, creating more opportunities for supporters to be involved.

Last year, we took a significant step by launching fundraising in the Philippines, empowering Filipinos to help release Filipino children from poverty.

A core focus of our approach is youth empowerment. Through programs like ‘Poverty Stops with Me,’ we partner with schools to cultivate empathy, leadership and global awareness among the next generation.

As we’ve engaged with thousands of students across Australia this year, we have been incredibly inspired by their passion for justice. Angelina, a Year 10 student who mobilised her school to sponsor six children, beautifully said:

“Each kind gesture, each act of support, is like a stitch in the tapestry of compassion that we are collectively weaving.”

4. Compassion’s holistic child development model is making a difference

Poverty isn’t just a lack of financial resources—it affects emotional, spiritual and social well-being, often leaving people feeling hopeless and trapped in despair.

One of poverty’s most damaging effects is the way it robs people of opportunity, especially children, who become vulnerable to exploitation, such as child labour, trafficking and child marriage.

Compassion’s holistic child development model addresses these multi-faceted challenges.

Our local church partners nurture the physical, socio-emotional, cognitive and spiritual development of children, creating lasting transformation into adulthood that breaks the cycle of poverty. Children are loved, known and protected by staff who work closely with them and their families to provide tailored support. Children receive practical support and are cared for within a safe community that brings hope in Jesus’ name.

A recent study in the Dominican Republic found that 97% of Compassion graduates say they have been released from poverty, a testament to the long-term impact of our approach.

Dr Amy Pennar, Compassion’s Principal Research Analyst and expert in child development reflects:

“The findings of this study illustrate the powerful impact the local church and a sponsor can have on a child in poverty.”

Richmond Wandera’s inspiring story

Richmond Wandera is an inspiring example of this transformation. After his father was murdered, his mother struggled to support her six children and was forced to move into the Naguru slum in Uganda. Richmond’s childhood was filled with hunger, fear and hopelessness.

But through Compassion’s child development program, Richmond received healthcare, education, emotional support and the opportunity to hear the gospel. He was sponsored by Heather, a 15-year-old girl from the UK who saved up her babysitting money each month, empowering Richmond to dream of a better tomorrow.

He excelled academically and got the chance to study accounting at university with Compassion’s support. Inspired to bring hope to his community, his path changed later as he pursued pastoral ministry, completing a master's degree in theology and a PhD in leadership.

Richmond now leads the very church in Kampala that changed his life. With a heart to teach and serve, he founded the Pastors Discipleship Network, an organisation that equips and trains thousands of pastors across East Africa.

Richmond’s story is a testament to the profound impact of sponsorship and embodies the mission of Compassion: to release children from poverty in Jesus' name.

5. We are partnering with God in His restorative work

At the heart of our mission is the belief that we are not striving to solve injustice on our own—we are joining with God in His work of restoration and justice. He desires that every person, made in His image, lives free from poverty and flourishes as He intended.

Biblical justice calls us to join in His plan to heal a broken world, recognising that God is already at work, bringing wholeness and renewal.

“[Justice is the] complete reconciliation, a state of the fullest flourishing in every dimension—physical, emotional, social and spiritual—because all relationships are right, perfect and filled with joy.” —Tim Keller, Generous Justice

As we align with His purpose, we are freed from the overwhelming burden of trying to fix everything ourselves. Instead, we are invited to be part of something bigger, serving as the hands and feet of Jesus, bringing light and beauty into dark places.

So, let’s not grow weary in doing good or feel daunted by the challenges we see. Remember, every action we take contributes to the larger mission of reducing poverty.

Together, let's engage in this work with a clear sense of purpose, united as a global neighbourhood in partnership with God.

We would love you to join us in this mission! If you want to be involved in this life-changing work, you can partner with Compassion through volunteering, sponsoring a child, or donating.

Written by Bridget Hadfield, Compassion Australia