Household Economic Security

Plan International works with communities to promote the economic rights of children. Households headed by women constitute the majority of marginalised families. Children living in these households are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, such as child labour and violence.

Economic Security-Global Problem

384 Million

Workers live on less than €1.25 per day

842 Million

Children are estimated to be malnourished

99 Million

Children under 5 are underweight

PLAN International IRELAND’S APPROACH- MAKING A LIVING, CREATING A LIVELIHOOD

The cornerstone of Plan International Ireland’s economic security model is through the provision of Village Savings and Loan Schemes (VSLAs).

They enable people people to access safe and affordable financial services and provide a crucial safety net for vulnerable families in times of food shortage or emergencies.

VSLAs comprise of about 25 local people who contribute a small amount to a central fund. Once they receive training, they then access loans to start up viable businesses and enterprises

Having access to affordable loans in time of emergencies and food shortages reduces dependency on loan sharks.

ECONOMIC SECURITY:OUR GOAL

Plan International supports young people to make informed choices about their work. We help them access the skills, knowledge and information they need to secure productive, decent work, and to access financial services. We work to ensure the inclusion of marginalised populations – especially women – so that they can take action to improve their lives.

€41,598,000

Invested in Economic Security Programmes

61,208

People Trained in Business and Vocational Skills

45,765

Agricultural Workers and Farmers Trained

"Thanks to Plan International's Micro-Credit scheme, now I can afford to send my children to school"

Pauline Sawadougou lives with her husband and 5 children in the village of Guegere, Burkina Faso. Pauline is determined to send all her children to school, no matter what sacrifices she has to make to achieve that, and until recently these sacrifices were often extreme.

Salamatou Benefits from a Village Saving and Loans Association