HRH The Princess Royal

A letter of tribute to Save the Children from HRH The Princess Royal, president, Save the Children

Looking back over the year, I realise yet again what a privilege it has been to witness Save the Children in action and to play a part in its work to build a better world for this and future generations.

Our founder, Eglantyne Jebb, was a woman of extraordinary vision who early on this century recognised that children are the first to suffer from poverty and war. She pledged to improve children's lives and defend their rights, not just in times of crisis but "by placing in their hands the means of saving themselves". Save the Children today remains true to that mission with a stronger than ever commitment to enabling children to fulfil their real potential and a special approach which recognises children have a contribution to make towards tackling those problems which most affect them.

Eglantyne Jebb, whose work led to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, would have been proud to see how far we have come in carrying forward her pioneering work. Yet, the past year has also shown how the work of Save the Children is needed more than ever before.

During our annual Save the Children Week, we highlighted the desperate plight of children caught up in the world's forgotten conflicts. In countries like Angola and Afghanistan millions continue to suffer years after the outbreak of war has hit the headlines.

As in the more recent emergencies in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, our work on the forgotten frontlines goes beyond emergency relief to painstaking efforts to reunite families torn apart by strife, and long-term partnerships with governments and grassroots organisations to develop sustainable services in health, education and social welfare. Back in Britain, I was fortunate to be able to meet with local parents, young people and agencies working together to bring practical solutions to the daily pressures faced by low income families on housing estates like St Mellons in South Wales. Here, with support from Save the children, the local community has developed an impressive range of amenities including nurseries and holiday play schemes.

None of this vital work would have been possible without the ongoing dedication of our supporters who volunteer their time and energy to run our branches and shops across the UK. It is they who, together with our supporters in industry and commerce, form the bedrock from which we work. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all sincerely for your most valuable contribution.

HRH The Princess Royal,
president,
Save the Children

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