What makes children happy when they live in some of the world’s poorest and most marginalised communities?

The United Nations has celebrated International Day of Happiness every year since 2013 – to recognise the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world. 

Countries and organisations are working hard to ensure the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals – which aim to end poverty, reduce inequality, give quality education to everyone and protect our planet – will all lead to happier lives.

Two charities – Children on the Edge (which helps marginalised and forgotten children living on the edge of their societies) and World Vision (the largest international children’s charity) asked young people what makes them happy.

Some of them live in humanitarian emergencies or refugee camps – but despite their basic and often frightening circumstances, the children can still find things to smile about.

Here – in their own voices – they tell us what makes them happy.