What’s the most important thing a child has? It’s her brain. And yet, we’re not caring for children’s brains the way we care for their bodies.

In the earliest years of life, children’s brains can form 1,000 neural connections every second – connections that are the building blocks of a child’s future. But those connections can be interrupted if a child is poorly nourished and nurtured; if she isn’t stimulated properly; or if she isn’t protected from violence.

A child whose brain does not develop properly may not learn as well or earn as much – which translates into a diminished future for her and less sustainable growth for her society. So, we must invest in every aspect of early childhood development. In education, nutrition, and protection. The Beginning of Life inspires us to do all of this and more.