Celebrating World Kindness Day 2024 with Save the Children

The Origins and History of World Kindness Day

In 1998, the World Kindness Movement launched World Kindness Day. The mission of the World Kindness Movement (WKM) is "to inspire individuals and connect nations to create a kinder world."

The World Kindness Movement was independent from any religious or cultural group and was started by when members gathered in Tokyo in 1997 for a conference on kindness. 

The Importance of Kindness in Child Development

Save the Children knows that early childhood development is an investment for life. That's why Save the Children's Early Childhood Development programs ensure that young children survive and thrive — that they are physically and emotionally healthy and intellectually curious — and school readiness programs prepare them for school success.

Studies have found that acts of kindness are linked to increased feelings of well-being. Kindness has also been shown to increase self-esteem, empathy and compassion, and improve mood. 

Save the Children's Commitment to Kindness

Acts of kindness start a ripple of change that can transform the lives of children, families and entire communities. 

Through Save the Children’s work – every second of every day – a hungry child is fed, a sick child gets care, a young mind is learning, a vulnerable child is protected or a family gains tools to overcome poverty.

Ideas for Celebrating World Kindness Day

There are so many ways to celebrate World Kindness Day, both big and small. If you'd like to make a meaningful impact in your community, our teams have offered 10 Ways to Help Others in to Your Community, including making a local donation, checking in on a neighbor, volunteering your time or advocating for a cause you care about.