Craig and Marc Kielburger -
Youth and Philanthropy

Had someone suggested ten years ago to Craig and Marc Kielburger that they would spend their lives empowering people to create positive social change, the brothers probably would have laughed.

Little did they know that one newspaper article would forever change their lives. One morning Craig saw this bold headline staring back at him from the newspaper: “BATTLED CHILD LABOR, BOY, 12, MURDERED.” Just twelve years old himself, he learned that hundreds of millions of children across the globe are forced to work in appalling conditions. One question came to mind: what could young people do to help?

This simple question challenged the Kielburger brothers to see the world and their place in it in a whole new light. Most important, it encouraged them to focus on opportunities instead of obstacles. This outlook led to the creation of Free The Children. While some adults remained skeptical about the idea of a youth-driven charity, young people were eager to get involved with an organization they could call their own.

Today, Free The Children is the world’s largest network of children helping children, with more than a million young people involved in educational programs in more than 45 countries. In connecting young people around the world, the organization provides the tools for youth to reach out to their less fortunate peers through education and fundraising campaigns. Through the efforts of youth and adult supporters, Free The Children has built more than 400 schools that provide education to more than 35,000 children every day, established alternative income programs benefiting more than 20,000 people, organized healthcare and community projects impacting more than 500,000 people, and helped more than 125,000 people by providing access to clean water and sanitation.

Of all the lessons the brothers have learned over the past decade, the most important lesson is that everyone has something valuable to contribute, whatever their interests, talents, and means. Although many people assume philanthropy involves large financial donations, the Kielburgers realized that even the smallest contribution helps, and that there are many ways to give besides giving money. For instance, anyone can learn about a social issue and work to raise awareness about it; anyone can take part in a fundraising campaign, or donate time, energy, and passion to a good cause.

People of all ages can get involved with Free The Children both at home and abroad. Through the Adopt-a-Village program, individuals, associations, and corporations can transform lives around the world through a holistic approach to community development that focuses on four areas: education, alternative income, healthcare, and water and sanitation. Each donor chooses what to give – whether that means buying a goat for a struggling family, stocking a medical clinic in an isolated community, or helping bring clean water to an entire village.

Free The Children’s school-building projects enable individuals to share the gift of education with underprivileged children in developing countries. Through fundraising to build a school with the Brick by Brick campaign, donors can expand the horizons of children who would not otherwise have access to schooling.

For those interested in a vacation with a difference, Free The Children’s partner organization, Leaders Today, offers volunteer trips to numerous destinations in the developing world throughout the year. Trips allow volunteers to hone their leadership and teamwork skills while working with communities to create a brighter future, all while having a great time. At home, volunteers can help spread the word by inviting one of Free The Children’s inspirational speakers to their school, workplace, faith group, or professional association.

Ultimately, true philanthropy does not depend on personal circumstances so much as a commitment to reaching out to others. It isn’t about waiting for the perfect time and place but finding the courage to do something, however small, right now. Through giving, it is possible to create a better world, one person, and one act of generosity at a time.

To learn more about Free The Children, children’s rights, education, child labor, war-affected children, child poverty, and ways to get involved, visit www.freethechildren.com.