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Who We Are

Children on the Edge works hand-in-hand with communities to support some of the world’s most marginalised children. 

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For over 35 years we have co-created award-winning programmes that educate and protect children living in the most challenging environments.

We are currently supporting 15,500 children across Africa, Asia and Europe, resourcing protective, enriching environments where they can safely live, play, learn, and thrive.

OUR STORY 

Together with our CEO Rachel Bentley OBE, the late Dame Anita Roddick sparked the beginnings of Children on the Edge in 1990, in response to the Romanian Orphanage Crisis. At this time, they drove past the areas where agencies were already operating, up into remote villages where children were unreached.

To this day, you will find us on the edge, in the places where the cameras do not click, where many aid agencies do not venture and where children facing hardship and discrimination are simply overlooked.

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"
If you do things well, do them better. Be daring, be first, be different, be just.
"

Dame Anita Roddick

OUR APPROACH

Over 35 years of working to realise child rights in exceptionally challenging circumstances has taught us to be agile, to embrace risk and most importantly to listen. We work hand-in-hand with local communities, supporting them to create solutions and work towards independence and sustainability. We believe in Hope, Dignity, Justice, and Freedom of Expression. We reflect these values in everything we do and with everyone we work with. From the children we serve to our partners, staff, volunteers, and donors, each person is valued as an individual and treated with dignity. 

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OUR TEAM

Led by our CEO and cofounder, Rachel Bentley OBE, our small* team has a “can-do” culture that mirrors the approach used in the programmes we support.

Together with our international colleagues, we do whatever it takes to enable overlooked children to thrive. 

*not quite as small as the helpers in the photo

Meet our team

OUR PARTNERS

From our dynamic local partners based in the communities we support, to the amazing organisations who provide vital funds, we are proud to work with some incredible people who share our mission and values. 

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Building apprentices learning together in Ugandan refugee camp

OUR IMPACT

Currently our award-winning work directly supports over 15,500 children in some of the most difficult refugee situations, warzones and marginalised communities.

Over the years we have been part of changing national laws and co-creating many innovations that are replicated, scaled and shared to create lasting change.

Our Annual Reports

£8
EDUCATES A CHILD IN SAFE SPACE FOR A MONTH DONATE

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How We Help

We support local communities to provide education and protection for the world’s most marginalised children.

Five Reasons Why Being a Small Charity Makes a Big Difference

In the kind of work we do - supporting children in some of the toughest situations across the world - there are many benefits to being a small organisation. Here are five reasons why small is beautiful!

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