Passport Out of Poverty: An opportunity to connect

UK Engagement Coordinator Hayley Still (THQ) talks to Salvationist about a new interactive resource that’s teaching children about the international challenges of poverty and injustice.

What is Passport Out of Poverty?

It’s an interactive small group session for children aged 7 to 11. It’s designed to help them learn more about how the Army is working with people around the world to overcome the challenges of poverty and injustice.

What happens in a session?

The session begins with a song or icebreaker game. It then unpacks what poverty and injustice mean and explores Bible verses that highlight God’s heart for global justice. These big ideas are made accessible and engaging through interactive games.

Children then journey through five story stations based on our international areas of work: anti-trafficking, clean water, emergency response, food security, and women and girls. At each stop, they collect a stamp in their passport.

After the story stations, children take part in creative activities chosen by the group leader. These might include making awareness bracelets, decorating biscuits, planting seeds or creating prayer bunting. The leader’s guide offers ideas as well as discussion prompts to inspire reflection.

How long does it take to complete a passport?

It’s designed to fit into a one-hour session, but leaders can adapt it to suit their group and timeframe. For example, the session could be spread over five weeks, focusing on one topic each time. The passport serves as a keepsake and reflection tool for the children to take home.

What’s needed to run a session?

Leaders will need the guide, story posters and one A6-size passport per child. These can be downloaded or ordered online. You’ll also need stamps or stickers, pens and pencils and materials for your chosen creative activities. It’s all outlined in the guide.

Who might find Passport Out of Poverty most useful?

The resource is ideal for Sunday schools, children’s clubs and holiday clubs. We hope that it will spark an interest in global justice issues for children. While it has been designed for children, it could also work beautifully in intergenerational settings too. We’d love to hear from leaders about how they’ve used the passport, as well as any ideas to make it even better!

Why is it important for children to learn about the Army’s international work?

Because we’re all connected, through our shared humanity and through The Salvation Army’s global family. Hopefully, Passport Out of Poverty not only gives people a chance to learn more but also an opportunity to feel connected. Learning about our international work helps children build empathy, understand others’ challenges and realise they can make a difference.

How could people get more involved in international projects?

Joining our mailing list is the best way to stay updated. We’d love young people to become advocates for The Salvation Army’s international work by sharing our projects, getting involved in campaigns and praying for our work.