Laughter as a sign of strength

Children have a unique resilience. Even in the most challenging of times, they find reasons to laugh. Their laughter is not just an expression of their lust for life, it is a sign of their strength and their need to be heard. That’s why we at Save the Children listen and make sure that laughter is never silenced.

Behind every child’s laugh, there are a thousand stories that are worth listening to. Let us work together to ensure that these voices continue to be heard – because the louder their laughter, the stronger their voices:

 

 

Even if the conditions might be different, the sound of play is the same the world over – be it in front of our pre-school centre in Bolivia or on a different continent. Because laughter is infectious, just like hope.

 

 

Sawasan and her sister have an unbelievable strength: they always find a reason to laugh, even when food is scarce. Their laughter even drowns out the hunger and is a symbol of hope. And yet this hope needs support.

Support before, during and after crises

In crisis situations, laughter is often quieter, but it can’t be allowed to fall silent. Children are particularly vulnerable when they are struck by catastrophes, be it through war, natural catastrophes or extreme poverty. In these moments, they need more than just emergency aid; they need long-term support that gives them hope and strengthens their resilience.

We must ensure that they can continue to laugh and retain their lust for life. Children’s laughter is a sign that they feel safe, that they can develop and that they emerge stronger from difficult situations. The louder their laughter, the stronger their voice. Let’s listen together! That’s why it is important for us at Save the Children to be by their side during every phase of a crisis and to give them what they need most: a future filled with laughter.

Before a crisis occurs, we make every effort to protect children and offer them a safe future. We provide them with necessary aid supplies, improve early warning systems and secure schools and houses so as to better protect them against catastrophes. It is our goal to ensure that, despite adverse circumstances, children can be children – because being a child is all about laughing. We ensure that this laughter is never silenced.

We are right there beside the children. We create safe places where they can learn, play and simply be children. Be it in our education programmes, through psychosocial support or in child-friendly spaces – we do everything possible to ensure that children can continue to laugh. The more we listen to them and encourage them to raise their voices, the more their laughter fills these spaces, becoming louder and merrier.

After our support, we leaving a lasting trace. We stay on site to help the children in the long term – through access to education, medical care and safe places where they can process their experiences. The children’s laughter becomes audible and remains a symbol of hope and strength. Thanks to your support, we create a future where children's laughter doesn't just return, but continues to be heard. Help us to let children laugh again – so that everyone can hear their laughter

Every child has the right to laugh, regardless of where they come from or what they have experienced. We are here to ensure that this right is never lost.

Adrian Förster CEO, Save the Children Switzerland

help now with your donation

Behind every child’s laugh, there are a hundred stories that are worth listening to. Let us work together to ensure that these voices continue to be heard – because the louder their laughter, the stronger their voices. Your donation will be used for all of our activities and deployed where disadvantaged children need it the most.