Unique global survey shows that pollution and natural disasters are the top two environmental concerns of children across the world

Small Voices, Big Dreams survey hears the voices of the next generation

TORONTO, Nov. 19, 2012 /CNW/ - A new survey released today by Christian Children's Fund of Canada (CCFC) reveals a collective message among the 6,200 children surveyed across 47 countries: children are increasingly concerned about the health of the planet and have very real fears about pollution and natural disasters.

The third annual Small Voices, Big Dreams survey, launched on Universal Children's Day and commissioned by CCFC together with the ChildFund Alliance, shows that one-third of children globally cite pollution as the environmental problem they worry most about, while one-fifth are most concerned about natural disasters, such as drought, earthquakes and floods. Fifty-three per cent of Canadian children said they were most worried about pollution.

"This year, we asked children about their hopes, dreams and fears, as well as their thoughts on the environment, and they had a lot to say," said Mark Lukowski, CEO of the Christian Children's Fund of Canada. "Whether from urban Canada or rural Africa, it was meaningful to hear the voices of this next generation".

The survey notes interesting trends on how recent major events motivate children's fears. In Africa, where close to half the children have experienced major weather events such as drought, natural disasters are the biggest environmental worry for over a quarter of children, compared to the Americas where pollution is top of mind.

"When Canadian children were asked what they could do to help change the world, over half suggested tactics to prevent people from littering or causing pollution," said Lukowski. "When asked what they would do to improve the lives of children in their country, one in four said they would provide for children's basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter."

The report and the pressing environmental concerns of the children surveyed come as timely reminders as CCFC has just launched its Christmas Wish program in support of drought-ridden Burkina Faso.

"The Small Voices, Big Dreams survey has become an incredible resource for our organization as it allows us to learn from children in the communities where we work," said Lukowski. "Listening to the voices of children contributes to our understanding of how they view and experience the world and helps guide our priorities and programs. We are reminded that children can think beyond themselves and consider how their world can be improved."

Additional Survey Highlights Regarding Children's Hope and Dreams:

• Children in developing countries tend to dream of careers that will ensure the basic needs of their community are met in the future, with one in four citing people helping professions such as a teacher, social worker or healthcare professional.
• Children in developed countries indicated a higher desire for becoming professional athletes and entertainers than children in developing countries.
  

About the Small Voices, Big Dreams Survey
The survey was conducted with a total of 6,204 children in 47 countries with children aged 10 to 12. This included 36 developing nations in Africa, Asia and the Americas, as well as 11 developed countries. To see the survey, visit Small Voices Big Dreams.

About Christian Children's Fund of Canada
For more than 50 years, Christian Children's Fund of Canada (CCFC) has helped children and families of all faiths break the cycle of extreme poverty around the world. CCFC is a member of ChildFund Alliance, a network of 12 child development organizations whose work encompasses more than 16 million children and their families in 58 countries. Visit www.ccfcanada.ca.

CCFC provides support for children in the drought-affected areas of Burkina Faso through its child sponsorship program,  which provides for basic needs and instills hope for a better future. To find out more, visit www.ccfcanada.ca/wish.

SOURCE: Christian Children's Fund of Canada

For more information, additional survey highlights, or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Ryley Murray       
Edelman Canada      
416-849-2511       
[email protected]     

Tricia Soltys
Edelman Canada
416-509-0955
[email protected]