Purpose

Foreword  •  Purpose  •  Structure  •  Essential Messages  •  Guide for Using Facts for Life   •  Glossary  •  For further information contact
 

Facts for Life aims to provide families and communities with the information they need to save and improve the lives of children. Parents, grandparents, other caregivers and young people can refer to this practical source of information for answers to their questions related to childbearing and getting children off to the best start in life. The challenge is to ensure that everyone knows and understands these facts and is motivated to put them into practice.

The messages contained in Facts for Life are based on the latest scientific findings by medical and child development experts around the world. These facts are presented in simple language so they can be understood and acted upon easily by people without a scientific background. Doing so can save lives.

The Facts for Life messages are also based on human rights, particularly the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

The messages empower people to fulfil the rights of their children. They also are aimed at enabling women, young people and children to exercise and speak out in favour of their rights.

Everyone can help communicate the Facts for Life messages — health workers, teachers, social workers, government officials, broadcasters, journalists, community workers, religious and political leaders, mothers, fathers, grandparents, other family members, friends, neighbours, students and people in all walks of life — young and old, men and women, and girls and boys.