Founded in 1937, we are one of the world’s oldest and largest international development agencies, working in partnership with millions of people around the world to end global poverty. Not for profit, independent and inclusive of all faiths and cultures, we have only one agenda: to improve the lives of children. Plan works in 69 countries around the globe, including 50 developing countries across
Africa, Asia and the Americas. We give children, families and communities the tools they need to break the cycle of poverty and build sustainable solutions for improving their own lives. Plan is also the organization behind Because I am a Girl, a global initiative to end gender inequality, promote girls’ rights and lift millions of girls – and everyone around them – out of poverty. In 2012, our work impacted the lives of over 174 million people – including 83.9 million children – in over 90,100 communities around the world. Plan's vision is of a world in which all children realize their full potential in societies that respect people's rights and dignity. We are global in reach but grassroots in our approach. Of our 8,200 staff worldwide nearly 90 per cent are in the field, working hand-in-hand with local people to improve living conditions in over 90,100 of the world’s most marginalized communities. Our staff are highly-skilled professionals and most were born, or have deep roots, in the areas we serve, allowing us to customize plans with each community so that development can take root and succeed over the long run. Along with over 60,000 well-trained volunteers, Plan works with communities to build schools, educate teachers, dig wells, open health clinics, provide vocational training, innovate to improve crop yields, give people access to loans to start small businesses, and much more. We do whatever is needed to create an environment in which children, families and communities can thrive. On average, Plan works with communities for 10 to 12 years before we phase out successfully. During that time we help community members build the local capacity and skills needed to grow their community on their own for generations to come.
