With his mother tragically passing away, and his father having been incarcerated, Dennis has had a difficult start to life at just 7 years of age. These circumstances, beyond his control, left him at risk of being placed into an institution in Kenya, potentially living out his childhood without the love of a family he could call his own. Jane, a local Children’s Officer, having recently been trained by Lumos, knew that immediate intervention was needed in Dennis’ life to protect his right to a family. Dennis’ life has now been transformed. #InternationalDayofFamilies Read more and support our work ➡️ wearelumos.org/kenya-foster-…

Lucia* currently lives in an institution in Colombia, and she dreams of having a family of her own. Her own life experience has driven her to be a passionate member of the @lumoscolombia Youth Participation Group, where she can meet with other young people and apply and develop her skills in advocating for herself and other children. We are fortunate to work with young people like Lucia, enabling them to be changemakers in their own lives. How we work with young people ➡️ ow.ly/mzqj50Z0Zxj *Name changed.

The children who sometimes need support are now the ones leading the change. ❤️ Meet Tatiana, a past member of the @lumoscolombia Youth Advisory Board, who is now using her experience to find her way in early adulthood. Full story ➡️ wearelumos.org/lumos-colombi… With thanks to @fundacionfrine.

Emoji’s were in full use in front of presidential candidates this past month! 🤪 Young members of the Lumos Colombia Youth Advisory Board met six candidates at a public event, where, in front of 400 attendees, they expressed their opinions, concerns, and needs to help transform the care system in the next government. 🤩 In the audience they were able to share, in real time, their responses to candidate discussions by holding up reaction emojis to make their feelings known. 🙂‍↕️ Lumos attended the event as a member of @Ninez_Ya coalition, the event organiser, made up of NGOs and networks that work together to ensure children’s rights are prioritised in public policy and government decisions. “Growing up in a family isn't a privilege, it’s a right. The challenge now is to ensure that what has been heard does not remain on the stage, but is turned into real action,” commented Rosario Del Rio, Country Director for Lumos Colombia. How we work with young people ➡️ ow.ly/92jz50Z1wF5

"Family is very important to me, because it makes you feel supported and gives you trust. All of it, really — it's beautiful to feel the love, the companionship. A hug means so much — it makes you feel supported, like they're there for you and they truly care about you. When you really need it, family means everything." - Ethan, @lumoscolombia Youth Advisory Board member. Our work with young people ➡️ ow.ly/91KH50YYUvb

Clara* is just one of the children @lumoscolombia is working with as a part of our initiative to involve young people in our work. Watch her message on what family means in her life. How we involve young people ➡️ wearelumos.org/what-we-do/in… *Name changed.

Lumos Kenya attended a special event for International Day of Families, where Kenya's Principal Secretary for Children's Services paid tribute to efforts to transform the care system for children across Kenya. Read the full story: wearelumos.org/lumos-kenya-c…

Have you ever considered volunteering at an orphanage? This podcast will make you think twice. ❌ On the ‘We Are Old, Get Over It!’ podcast, Lumos Senior Advocacy and Campaigns Officer, Aisling Ledwith, highlights how even the best intentions can lead to worse outcomes for children. Listen below ⬇️ ow.ly/jh6P50Z2cfx

Every family is different, but there is a thread that unites them. From these reflections by Lumos colleagues, can you see what that might be? How we support families ➡️ ow.ly/ONK750Z0XbU

If you were asked “What does family mean to you?”, what would you say? Whether you’ve experienced the care of parents, relatives, a foster family, adoption, or have formed a family of your own, we can all recognise that nothing can replace the love of a family. Winfred, works to change the lives of children on the ground every day as a Lumos Kenya Care Reform Regional Coordinator. So, to her, this question is personal, and her answer is from the heart. #InternationalDayofFamilies About Lumos ➡️ wearelumos.org/

"Family for me means the place where I can be myself without fear. It is the support that lifts me up when I fall and the calm that gives me the strength to move forward. It's not about perfection — it's about people who stay by your side, who accept you and understand you even without words.” -Anghelina, Lumos Moldova Youth Advisory Board member. How Lumos involves young people ➡️ow.ly/IXVb50YYMcl

This is it, the final call! ✨ If the Lumos Prize Draw has charmed the heart right out of you, now’s the moment to act. Join your fellow Harry Potter fans, Dame Shirley Bassey admirers and James Bond enthusiasts – and don’t miss your chance at the grand prize. 🏆 Enter now: ow.ly/mtBW50Z038I

If you’ve wanted to experience the magic of Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions – an Audible exclusive – now is your chance! 🏆 Enter the Lumos Prize Draw for your chance to win a complete audiobook set to enjoy yourself. Three sets are up for grabs, and up to five entries are available per person, so don’t miss out! 🌟 Enter today before close tomorrow, May 15th, 11.59BST: ow.ly/xOOA50YZnLB

The musical marvel, delectable diva, spectacular Singing Sorceress, Celestina Warbeck, won’t be waiting forever! Just three days remain in our Lumos Prize Draw! If you haven’t entered already, now is the time. Don’t be left wishing for a Time-Turner. Enter today – and if you choose to enter via donation, your support will help Lumos continue its work to ensure children can grow up in safe, loving families, building on the impact already reached with more than 280,000 children and young people. Enter now: ow.ly/ViWJ50YYa1I #HarryPotter #Lumos

Pledges and commitments are important, but they are only as meaningful as the progress behind them. One year on from the Global Disability Summit, Anouk Moser reflects on developments in the inclusion of children with disabilities, and their role in shaping child care reform. wearelumos.org/progress-must…

🌟Good news – The Lumos Prize Draw has been extended! If you haven't yet entered, you now have more time to support children around the world and enter for a chance to win a special Harry Potter prize. You now have until Friday, 15 May at 11:59 PM BST to submit your entry. ➡️ bit.ly/4fcX8Ns

Thanks to #UkraineHumanitarianFund, the KidsUp educational space set up in Lebedyn, front-line #Sumy Region, helps children catch up with war-related educational losses while sparking creativity. Ahead of #MothersDay, children crafted gifts for their closest ones: their moms.

“This magnificent performer – there's no one quite like her... the power and drama of her voice.” - The Guardian. Listen to a sample of “You Stole My Cauldron But You Can’t Have My Heart” by Dame Shirley Bassey from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets to experience why she’s one of the most celebrated voices of our time. ➡️ ow.ly/3HkS50YUY8l If you want a piece of the magic, enter the Lumos Prize Draw today for your chance to win the signed score from her powerful performance. ⬇️ ow.ly/P8J650YUY8n