Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, in Official Instagram Post, Name Children International as One of 15 Inspiring ‘Forces for Change’

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (August 5, 2019) – Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, and her husband Prince Harry, today recognized Children International, the global humanitarian nonprofit that seeks to eradicate poverty, among 15 people or organizations worldwide that are inspiring and noteworthy as “Forces for Change.”

After recently celebrating 15 women as “Forces for Change” for their contributions to issues such as mental health, LGBTIAQ+ rights and diversity on a global scale, the Royal couple announced it would be continuing the tradition and asked Instagram followers to recommend “accounts to follow featuring people, organizations and causes that you find inspiring or noteworthy.” Children International was among the Instagram accounts unveiled today.

Children International helps more than 200,000 children in 10 countries find a path out of poverty with programs focused on health, education, empowerment through life skills development and employment. Many of Children International’s volunteer partners are mothers (some 9,000 strong) whose children participate in its programs in 67 community centers around the world.

“We are thrilled and honored that the Royal couple is recognizing Children International as a leading and inspiring force for change,” said Susana Eshleman, the organization’s president and CEO. “We hope our new turn in the spotlight will encourage people from all parts of the globe to join us and embrace our mission of creating a world without poverty, where every child, family and community is connected, productive and thriving. Thank you, Royal family, for raising awareness of work to create positive change in the world!”

The Sussexes’ Instagram account posted a collage of photos taken from nine of the 15 mission-driven efforts and wrote, “Many of you have suggested that we use this month as an opportunity to highlight lesser-known organisations and shine a light on those working hard behind the scenes that may not get the level of attention that they so rightly deserve.”

“These accounts showcase those persevering at the grassroots level, connecting our global community through a shared lens of giving back and helping one another,” the statement on Instagram continued. “We were so happy to learn about them and are now able to share them with you!”

In addition to Children International, the Sussex Royal’s “Forces for Change” organizations unveiled today were Blink Now, Rafiki Mwema, Beyond Blue, Art of Hope, Lion Guardians, Love the Oceans, Global Wellness Day, Earth Day Network, Tiny Tickers, Plan International UK, Pawsitive Change Program, Free Wheelchair Mission, Beescause and Waves For Change.

About Children International

Children International, based in Kansas City, Missouri, is a leader in the movement to eradicate poverty, helping more than 200,000 children in 10 countries find a path out of poverty. From toddler to young adulthood, the organization surrounds kids with a caring team, a safe place and a clear path out of poverty through programs focused on health, education, empowerment and employment. Its supporters are inspired as they see children radically change their lives and create a ripple effect that impacts families and communities for generations to come. For more information, go to children.org.

Media contact:

Dan Wilinsky
303-868-3807
dwilinsky@children.org