THE PARTNERSHIP.

Since 2016 Save the Children has worked in partnership with the LEGO Group and the LEGO Foundation to achieve Save the Children’s ambition – that all children survive are protected and learn.

Over the last decade, we have been collaboratively implementing more than 45 impactful programmes helping hundreds of thousands of children in 27 countries across the globe.

Together, we are committed to helping children thrive and reach their full potential through quality learning and wellbeing interventions incorporating play, playful approaches, and holistic development. 

Siska*, 13, in front of a park, smiling at the camera.

For Siska*, the idea of play is as simple as chatting with her friends at school, playing trivia games or puns. Dayinta Sekar Pinasthika / Save the Children

THE POWER OF PLAY.

About the LEGO Group.

The LEGO Group’s mission is to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow through the power of play. The LEGO System in Play, with its foundation in LEGO bricks, allows children and fans to build and rebuild anything they can imagine.

The LEGO Group was founded in Billund, Denmark in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen, its name derived from the two Danish words LEgGOdt, which mean “Play Well”. Today, the LEGO Group remains a family-owned company headquartered in Billund. However, its products are now sold in more than 130 countries worldwide.

For more information, click here.

About the LEGO Foundation

The LEGO Foundation aims to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow; a mission that it shares with the LEGO Group.

The LEGO Foundation is dedicated to building a future where learning through play empowers children to become creative, engaged, lifelong learners. Its work is about re-defining play and re-imagining learning. In collaboration with thought leaders, influencers, educators and parents the LEGO Foundation aims to equip, inspire and activate champions for play.

For more information, click here

a girl in Vietnam makes the 'peace sign'

Mai* actively provided her input into the overall design of the Girls Unstoppable programme by telling Save the Children about issues she faces in her daily life. Hoang Thi Tay Ninh / Save the Children

Learning through play.

With learning through play at its core, the partnership aims to strengthen children’s holistic development by:

  • Working in pre-schools, schools, and child friendly spaces
  • Supporting emergency responses to conflicts, the COVID-19 pandemic, and natural disasters
  • And advocating with governments, education institutions and caregivers on the transformative power of playful learning and play-based psychological support

GIRLS’ RIGHTS.

Recent research reveals that girls’ rights are still often denied.

Girls are often discouraged from being outspoken or ambitious, while boys are encouraged and rewarded for speaking up, according to Save the Children analysis from China, Indonesia, Mexico, and Vietnam, June 2023.

The analysis also shows that girls do more unpaid work in the home and are deprived of time to learn, play, and explore their creativity and build friendships.

Mai*, 11, Vietnam, is a proactive leader in her child led group, she said:

“I used to have stage fright when speaking in front of many people but now I no longer shy away from it. I can freely express myself and whenever I do that, I feel like I am shining”.

This is why the LEGO Group, the LEGO Foundation, and Save the Children are working to together to champion girls rights and have launched our 'Girls Unstoppable' campaign.

Girls Unstoppable.

On International Women’s Day 2024, the LEGO Group, the LEGO Foundation, and Save the Children launched ‘Girls Unstoppable’ - a new initiative providing girls with safe spaces to meet up, have fun, and campaign about issues which are important to them.

The programme will support over 10,000 girls aged between 10 and 13, in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Mexico to advocate for their rights and become “unstoppable” female leaders of the future.

To break gender barriers and cultural norms that inhibit girls, the global programme will indirectly reach over 330,000 girls, boys, caregivers, teachers and communities, while also indirectly reaching 2.2 million people via online activities.

‘Girls Unstoppable’ builds on a long-lasting partnership with a learning through play approach at its core. It aims to unleash girls’ potential, so they become an "unstoppable" force and able to make their voice heard on issues that matter to them.

Learn more about 'Girls Unstoppable'

Supported by the LEGO Group. Funded by the LEGO Foundation.

 

Learn about some of our other innovative and strategic partnerships.