Each day, approximately 22,000 children die due to poverty (UNICEF) with most dying quietly and invisibly in the poorest villages. Young Lives works toward changing the impact of childhood poverty on children and their families in particular and on society in general.

The approach adopted by Young Lives, however, can be considered novel. By studying childhood poverty across several countries, the researchers work toward ending it in meaningful ways.

The international study involves 12,000 children in 4 countries, namely, Ethiopia, India, Peru and Vietnam over a 15-year duration. The researchers are affiliated with the Department of International Development at the University of Oxford with associates-cum-research and policy partners in the aforementioned countries.

The researchers look into the different aspects affecting children's lives from their families to their education, play and risks. Their findings will then be applied in the formulation of effective and efficient policies, programmes and plans for children in these countries and in the rest of the world, too.

Indeed, Young Lives researchers work toward a convergence of theory and applications - theory in the form of research and applications in the form of concrete solutions for the protection of the interests of children around the world. In time, childhood poverty and its adverse impact including high risks for malnutrition, neglect and abuse, and premature death can be reduced, if not eliminated.

The Young Lives research project is in line with the Millennium Development Goals and the Education For All commitment. The Millennium Development Goals includes, among others, the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger, the achievement of universal primary education, and the reduction of child mortality.

The Education For All commitment is a UNESCO-led global movement with the aim of meeting the learning needs of all children and adults. Both programmes are set to 2015.

The researchers use several methods, such as interviews, group work and case studies, to gather data and information from children as well as their parents, teachers and community leaders and representatives.