In the spring of 2014, the kidnapping of close to 300 Nigerian schoolgirls ignited a wave of attention and outrage that spread throughout the world. Now, months later, most of the girls are still missing and much of the world has turned its focus to other issues. The World Day of Prayer and Action for Children offers an opportunity to remember the girls and their families and maintain hope for their safe release.

I am a lay Buddhist. I represent the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement of Sri Lanka which is by far the most widespread grassroots people’s organization which is engaged in integrated/holistic community development, peace building and reconciliation covering the entire country. The development philosophy of the Savodaya movement is based on Buddhist teachings and Gandhian principles but it works across all ethnic and religious communities in Sri Lanka.

Whether you celebrate the World Day on or around November 20 or you work on children’s issues throughout the year, we would like to hear from you how you try to give expression in and to celebration, worship, meditation, reflection that strengthens and supports your work and action.

New York, 11 December 2013 – The World Day of Prayer and Action for Children expanded its influence as it celebrated the sixth Day of Prayer on Universal Children’s Day on 20 November 2013. The World Day was the catalyst for 95 events – held in 51 countries in late November – which brought together secular and faith-based organizations to work to end violence against children.  

New York, 20 November 2013 – The World Day of Prayer and Action for Children is celebrating today its sixth annual World Day by bringing together secular and faith-based organizations to work to stop violence against children. Over 90 activities have been organized in at least 50 countries thus far.