Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC)

Volunteer Opportunities: Yes

History

SPARC was founded in 1992 following a discussion between Anees Jillani and the then UNICEF Program Officer in Islamabad. For about three years, Anees Jillani supported all SPARC activities on his own. Later, UNICEF approached SPARC with its first funding wherein the Annual Project Plan of Action was signed. The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) was the first to support SPARC institutionally and enabled SPARC to set up offices in Islamabad. A hallmark publication of SPARC, The State of Pakistan’s Children, was supported by the Norwegian Agency for Development (NORAD). SDC also helped SPARC open offices in Peshawar and Lahore. In 1996, SPARC was asked by SACCS to organize the Global March against Child Labor in Pakistan. SPARC works on a broad range of child rights issues, addressing the overall system and policy frameworks. SPARC has consultative status with the United Nations ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council) and the United Nations Department of Public Information and has also partnered with the Defense for Children International (DCI). In 2003, SPARC received the United Nations Recognition Award in recognition of its work in highlighting the plight of children and for promoting children's rights in Pakistan.

Mission

To promote and protect the rights of children and to empower them through advocacy supported by research, awareness raising, service delivery and human and institutional development

Vision

A world in which children are valued and empowered with their rights promoted and protected