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Meg and Rose: A Small Business in South Africa Alleviating Poverty

Meg and Rose: A Small Business in South Africa Alleviating PovertyAccording to ASPEN Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE), small businesses are essential for the growth of the national economy in South Africa. The country’s high unemployment rates stand at 32.1% in 2024. However, ANDE suggests that a small business in South Africa can create jobs, bolster the economy and empower local communities. 

According to Trade and Industry Policy Strategies (TIPS), about 30% of employed people in South Africa work for a small business. These enterprises have become a significant source of income for many people from marginalized backgrounds. In post-Apartheid South Africa, small businesses face disadvantages compared to larger companies due to the lingering effects of Apartheid policies. Despite these challenges, many Black female South African entrepreneurs, a key demographic in small businesses, have spurred economic growth in South Africa.

Meg and Rose: A Family Enterprise

Meg and Rose, a family-run, female and Black-owned small business in South Africa, is creating positive change in its Cape Town community. Founded by three generations of women—grandmother Rosemary Solomons, mother and company president Meagan Van der Merwe and daughter Zoe Van der Merwe—the business began after a significant life change. When Meagan lost her job following Uber Eats’ acquisition of OrderTalk, a Cape Town-based tech company where she worked, she turned to crocheting, drawing and painting for joy and fulfillment.

Using her artistic skills along with her mother’s sewing expertise and her daughter’s social media management abilities, the trio started selling handmade crochet dolls, home decor and accessories on their Instagram page. Some of their unique products include a customizable hand-painted tote bag priced at 200 South African rands—approximately $10.65 or £8.51—and a crocheted “Melody the Mellow Bunny” doll for R700.

Community Engagement and Customer Relations

Each product from Meg and Rose requires hours of meticulous work, and the company creates every item with love. The Entrepreneurship and Empowerment in South Africa Program, through Boitshoko ke Phenyo Consulting, found that about 95% of the business’s orders come from women in the Cape Town area. As Cape Town residents themselves, Rosemary, Meagan and Zoe have developed and maintained strong relationships with their customers, who are often fellow community members. For instance, they stay in touch with customers, offering congratulations on new babies and checking to ensure that their products are both loved and well-used.

Nonprofit Work

Rosemary, Meagan and Zoe directly alleviate poverty in Cape Town through their nonprofit. They established Mike’s Helping Hands in honor of Rosemary’s late husband, Mike, who was known for his generosity and service to the community. This organization, funded entirely by donations and profits from Meg and Rose, initially aimed to distribute meal kits to those unable to afford food. Mike’s Helping Hands has since broadened its efforts, driven by its mission: “In kindness lies strength, leave no one behind.”

The business’s nonprofit initiative, Dream Day, also supports young impoverished South African women during significant events like prom and graduation by providing dresses at no cost and offering makeup and hair services for only R20. Recently, the organization collected used toys and clothing to distribute to children who lack these essentials. Rosemary, Meagan and Zoe have strengthened their community ties in the collective fight against poverty by encouraging their friends and neighbors to participate.

Inspiring Future Generations

Meg and Rose supports its Cape Town neighbors with hard work, respect and love through its business and ongoing initiatives. Moreover, with its influence as a small business in South Africa, Meg and Rose aim to continue promoting Black female entrepreneurship in the country.

– Estelle Lee

Estelle is based in Seattle, WA, USA and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Charities Operating in Guyana

Charities in GuyanaGuyana has made positive impacts in reducing poverty within the country; however, it was once one of the poorest in South America. Due to the discovery of oil production in 2019, Guyana’s GDP per capita is quickly increasing and the country could continue as one of the countries with the fastest economic growth as new oil production begins. The country is rich in natural resources and in addition to abundant rainforests and agricultural land, the country’s natural reserves also include gold and diamonds. Guyana’s proud decline in poverty shows a change from 60.9% of the country’s population living in poverty in 2006 to 48.4% in 2019, according to the World Bank. Accessibility to education and health care still needs improvements since COVID-19 additionally worsened conditions in these sectors. These five charities are operating in Guyana to make positive changes for the people living in Guyana.

Friends of Guyana (FROG)

In an interview with The Borgen Project, founder Scott Stadum shared more about Friends of Guyana. Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, Kati Ringer and Scott Stadum founded FROG in 2007. Their original idea was to give microgrants to Peace Corps Volunteers. They wanted to fund smaller projects in Guyana, which was not available when they started. Eventually, the organization extended microgrants to anyone who wanted to start a project in or about Guyana, Stadum explained. The charity also funds projects focusing on education and health. A notable project that FROG funded was a short film called ‘The Seawall’ which was filmed and directed by Guyanese-born Mason Richards. The movie went on to show at the Cannes Film Festival a decade later, Richard Mason is now the president and chairman of FROG.

The Guyana Foundation

Supriya Singh-Bodden founded The Guyana Foundation in 2013. The charity’s focus is to provide skills training and counseling to those in need in Guyana. The charity has worked on many projects and has remarkably collaborated with the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives to build an innovative bakery in Capoey costing $15 million. The charity teaches catering, business, sewing and IT skills which people can use to start micro-businesses. The Guyana Foundation also works to teach these skills to refugees from Venezuela who have migrated to Guyana. Additionally, it provided water and solar-panelled lights to towns and villages and essentials such as blankets and curtains to schools. The charity also provides support for farmers by providing wellness classes, private counseling and informative workshops.

Food for the Poor

Food for the Poor began its work in Guyana in 1991. The charity’s goal is to transform the lives of underprivileged citizens of Guyana. The charity has a religious background and works closely with churches. Food for the Poor has carried out multiple projects within Guyana, these projects have helped fund medical care for adults and children who do not have the funds to pay for non-life-threatening medical procedures. In 2022, the charity constructed 92 houses for families and provided shelter for 552 people. The homes were partially furnished and had access to clean water and facilities. Families who did not have access to electricity were also given solar panel systems. The charity has also provided hot meals, breakfast hampers, clothing, school supplies and assistance to schools.

Save Abee Foundation

Save Abee Foundation’s goal is to build centers around the whole of Guyana that provide education to children in poverty. Save Abee provides free education in math, computer technology and English. It also provides grants for scholarships so that children can continue further education. The charity not only provides vital education for Guyanese children but also provides remote medical care. In Guyana, it can take hours for people to travel to get medical, dental and vision care. Save Abee travels to people in need to provide them with the health care that they need.

On top of this, the charity provides food, clothing and toys to those in more unfortunate communities. The Borgen Project corresponded with the Save Abee Foundation’s founder, Sham Tilak, who was born in Berbice Guyana. Impressively, the Save Abee Foundation has helped an estimated 25,000 people, the founder explained. Sham Tilak founded the foundation in 2011 and the charity is still going strong. Save Abee Foundation’s tremendous efforts have not gone unnoticed, and it has many supporters backing its cause. Starbucks, which runs The Starbucks Foundation, opened its first store in Guyana, in 2023 and donated a grant of $10,000 to Save Abee Foundation. The grant will help the foundation reach its target of educating 200 Guyanese youths on computer technology skills.

Mothers’ Union

Mothers’ Union works with people globally, and it started its charity work in Guyana in 1926. The charity has 2,300 members supporting the organization’s generous operations in Guyana. Mothers’ Union provides child day centers and parenting programs, to support families and better their relationships. The organization provides food for families in need and nutrition programs, they also opened a community shop in Annai village.

Mothers’ Union works in some of the most indigenous parts of Guyana and has supplied reusable sanitary towels for girls and provided support to women and teenagers, both male and female. The charity also runs sewing centers, where it provides school uniforms and mosquito nets, which has improved the rates of diseases spread by mosquitoes. Mothers’ Union has a religious background, and it provides prison ministry and church communities. The charity also works to educate people on gender-based violence.

Wrap Up

These five charities operating in Guyana are only a few of many helping to end poverty for Guyanese people. Guyana has made extraordinary efforts to build itself up and make positive impacts for its nationals. Access to education has risen and Guyana attained 91% and 103% enrolment at nursery and primary school levels, according to the World Bank. The World Bank also reports that an estimated 76% of Guyanese people can access health care services. The organizations listed today are a few of many charities operating in Guyana to secure a better future for its citizens.

– Raquel Smith

Raquel is based in London, UK and focuses on Business and New Markets and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Spotlight on Danceaid

DanceaidDanceaid is a charity based in the United Kingdom (U.K.) that uses the energy of dance to transform the lives of children. Using dance-based activities, the charity raises funds to alleviate certain hardships that are often experienced by orphaned, poor and disabled children, both in the U.K. and abroad. The programs it runs focus on things such as food insecurity and education, with the aim of helping children in need reach their full potential.

Founded in 2009, Danceaid uses slogans such as “dance a little, live a little, save a life” and wants to get everyone involved, from “tiny tots to groovy grannies shaking a leg to make a difference.” DanceAid runs a whole range of dance-based events and activities to raise funds. For example, it runs dance competitions and shows, a “design your own medal hanger” scheme, triathlons and danceathons and has celebrity endorsement from JLS star Aston Merrygold.

The Main Aim of the Charity

The main aims of the charity are education and training, the prevention and relief of poverty, overseas aid and famine relief. It does this by providing finance, human resources, buildings, facilities, open space and aid services. The charity primarily operates throughout England and Wales, the Philippines, South Africa, Syria, Turkey and Ukraine.

Impacts

A key example of Danceaid’s work is in the city of Manila, the capital of the Philippines. In Manila, children are forced to live and work in the streets from as young as 3 years old and face serious problems such as food insecurity. In August 2013, Danceaid launched a “feeding program,” just after the city had been hit by monsoon floods, leaving the community without food. The charity currently feeds 100 children every day in Manila. A year later, in 2014, it launched a feeding and support program for Manila entitled Mama and Me. This program is for mothers who are so malnourished that they cannot produce breast milk and for babies who are malnourished, underweight and unwell.

Danceaid also runs projects in rural South Africa, with a focus on young people affected by HIV and AIDS. Its preschool for children aged 3 to 6 provides children with food, toys, books, education on topics such as colors, numbers and patterns and language education in both local languages and English. The charity also runs a drop-in center for affected families, which not only provides cooking utensils and food but also basic fuel to cook.

Also in South Africa, Danceaid currently runs a football program for 100 young boys, with under 13, under 15 and senior teams. The funds Danceaid raises get to put toward footballs, football boots, registration fees for players, transport to games and a healthy meal before engaging in the sport. Since Danceaid initiated this program, one of its players has subsequently been elevated to the South African Premiership, indicating its significant success.

– Eva McMonigle
Photo: Pexels

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5 Charities Operating in Laos

Charities Operating in LaosLaos, a country located in Southeast Asia with a GDP of $2,054 and 18.3% of the population living in poverty, ranks 115th out of 167th in the overall Prosperity Index. According to an article from Amnesty International, multiple areas pose a problem for the country’s human rights, including “economic, social and cultural rights.” However, here are five charities operating in Laos that are helping Laotian people have access to things that are easy to take for granted such as education, access to water and appropriate health care.

GreenHeart Foundation

GreenHeart Foundation is a humanitarian nonprofit organization that has made a “continuous pursuit to address issues of poverty, gender inequality, sex trafficking and unexploded bombs and promote creative expressions through the Preservation and Perpetuation, and Promotion of culture and arts in Asia.” Alongside USAID, the foundation has helped “establish and promote cottage weaving industries along with Consortium and the Lao Women’s Union.” The project provided various benefits to more than 533 weavers. GreenHeart Foundation has helped women express themselves through their artwork which is a part of their life through their traditional cultures. Expressing themselves through creativity can help these women get recognition in a country that’s struggling with social and economic rights.

The Asia Foundation

The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organization that focuses on improving lives and expanding opportunities across Asia and the Pacific. It plays an active role in working “with the Lao government to improve human rights and help communities manage the development and safeguard their natural environment.”

Natural resources account for more than a third of Laos’ total economic growth, which puts increased pressure on the environment. The Asia Foundation provided support to three villages in the Xe Bang Fai district and Khammouane province, helping the people “develop sustainable and economically viable wetland management plans.” Allowing people to use wetland resources can help them financially while also supporting “smallscale riverbank erosion protection measures,” according to The Asia Foundation.

Laos Educational Opportunities Trust (LEOT)

Established in 2006, Laos Education Opportunities Trust (LEOT) aims to “supplement local efforts and ensure students can access quality education and the skills they need to be successful in the future.” This includes community projects, scholarships and sponsorship programs that support children as students and work with isolated or rural villages to “improve the health and sanitation of families and communities.”  This has posed an equal opportunity for all children regardless of their social or economic status within their family households.

Laos Rehabilitation Foundation (LRF)

Laos Rehabilitation Foundation (LRF) is a nonprofit, nonreligious, and nonpolitical organization that aims to “provide medical services to Laotian people and surrounding communities with a greater focus on children and the poor.” LRF has had many accomplishments, including “providing items of personal hygiene and clothing to the children of Home of Light, a school for blind children” in Vientiane. LRF has also completed various construction projects for the country including building various health centers and schools to help provide children the best care that they deserve.

The World Health Organization (WHO)

The World Health Organization (WHO) has been “involved in supporting the development of health services and health systems in Laos since the country became a member of the organization in 1950.” WHO’s mission towards Laos is to “achieve the highest level of health for all health sector reforms and universal health coverage for the country by 2025.” Providing health care to all people living in both rural and urban areas could help the country improve its human rights and fight poverty.

It is through these five charities operating in Laos that Laos continues to receive help to better improve their country environmentally, economically and socially. Laos could potentially improve its human rights record through charities that have helped make a difference in providing better human rights.

– Nevin Guler
Photo: Unsplash

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5 Charities Operating in Bangladesh

Charities Operating in BangladeshBangladesh has made significant strides from poverty to becoming one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. The poverty rate has gone from 41.6% to 18.7% in the past decade. While improvements in health care and education are notable, many areas still lack essential resources. Bangladeshis living in poverty-stricken areas have inadequate access to healthcare, education and food, with about 25% of the country being food insecure.

In addition, Bangladesh has the fourth highest child marriage rate in the world, primarily affecting rural populations living in poverty. These populations often turn to child marriage as they are unable to provide for their daughters. Despite progress, disparities persist, leaving some regions underserved.

To address these challenges, several charities are actively working on the ground in Bangladesh. They aim to ensure equitable access to vital resources for all citizens. These organizations play a crucial role in bridging the gap and empowering communities through supporting health care, education and poverty alleviation. Here are five charities operating in Bangladesh:

Save the Children

Save the Children is a global nongovernmental organization (NGO) that stands as a vigilant guardian for children worldwide, committed to shielding them from potential harm. Operating in Bangladesh since 1970, its initiatives encompass essential programs such as health, education and protective measures.

Noteworthy achievements include spearheading the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) MaMoni Maternal Care Strengthening Project, a five-year program that began in 2018. It aimed to increase access to quality maternal and newborn health care and to reduce the maternal and neonatal mortality rate for marginalized communities.

Additionally, there’s the Reading Enhancement for Advancing Development (READ) project, a five-year program that took place from 2013 to 2018. This initiative provided training for teachers and reading materials for students, impacting more than one million learners. Moreover, Save the Children’s efforts extend to aiding Rohingya refugees residing in southeastern Bangladesh by building facilities such as toilets, health care centers and learning centers, exemplifying its unwavering commitment to the well-being and production of vulnerable children in the region.

Jaago Foundation

Jaago Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 2007 that is dedicated to empowering underprivileged individuals across Bangladesh, with a focus on education, youth development and women’s empowerment. Currently, its endeavors include blistering technological skills among students and expanding access to education through digital platforms.

In addition, it provides scholarships to women, ensuring they can pursue and continue their education, thus fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. Through its efforts, it has helped provide access to education to more than 3,500 students and engaged 16,000 children in reading initiatives. Through these initiatives, the Jaago Foundation is catalyzing transformative change and paving the way for a brighter future for all.

Thrive Global

Thrive Global has been on a mission to combat child hunger in Bangladesh by providing nutritious meals to schools. It has collaborated with local NGOs since 2012. USAID approximates that 25% of Bangladesh remains food insecure, including 36% of kids under 5 years of age. Children remain one of the most vulnerable populations to malnutrition.

Thrive Global’s targeted efforts are concentrated in underprivileged areas, particularly urban slums, where access to adequate nutrition is often scarce. Each day, it provides meals to about 2,100 students at 11 different schools across Bangladesh; 20 more schools are currently on the waiting list to receive daily meals.

Recently, Thrive Global has extended its reach to the Philippines, expanding its impactful initiatives beyond borders to address the pressing issue of childhood malnutrition in more communities. Through dedicated work, the nonprofit is sowing seeds of hope and nourishment for a brighter future for children in need.

Girls Not Brides

Another of the charities operating in Bangladesh is Girls Not Brides, an international organization that is at the forefront of the global movement to eradicate child marriages. Launched in Bangladesh in 2013, it focuses on nurturing youth leadership and empowering young activists, as well as advocating for increased investment in programs aimed at ending child marriage.

In 2017, the organization was involved in the technical revision of the Child Marriage Restrain Act, a law intended to make sure that girls under the age of 18 and boys under the age of 21 are protected from unlawful marriage. It continues to lobby the government for the enforcement of the act while simultaneously striving to raise public awareness throughout the country.

Girls Not Brides has reached nearly 50,000 girls across Bangladesh through its efforts to end child marriage. This nonprofit is driving meaningful change toward a future free from child marriage in Bangladesh and beyond.

Brackett Refugee Foundation

Brackett Refugee Education Fund is a nonprofit foundation established in 1997 and dedicated to providing education for refugees, particularly internally displaced children. It supports children in poverty-stricken regions by providing financial contributions so they can go to school. With a focus on Burma, Bangladesh, India and Thailand, it supports students at various levels, including to hundreds of university students, offering them a chance at a brighter future amid adversity.

In Bangladesh, the organization supports educational assistance to Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar through the Children on the Edge program, which sets up learning centers and digital initiatives. By focusing on providing access to education, it empowers these vulnerable populations to foster resilience and opportunities for a brighter future.

Looking Forward

Bangladesh’s progress in tackling poverty is evident, but challenges persist, particularly regarding regional disparities in access to essential resources. Charities operating in Bangladesh play a vital role in bridging these gaps and fostering a more equitable society. As Bangladesh continues to develop, ongoing efforts to address inequality are essential for ensuring that all citizens have the opportunity to thrive in the country’s evolving landscape.

– Adrita Quabili
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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5 Charities Operating in Costa Rica

charities operating in Costa RicaCosta Rica is the most popular Central American country for tourists. People come from around the world to see its beautiful rainforests and beaches. However, like much of Central America, Costa Rica struggles with poverty and inequality. The level of poverty in Costa Rica has been increasing over the past few years. The studies estimate that over the past five years, poverty levels have increased by 2.3 percentage points. Some studies even state that a quarter of all Costa Ricans could have been living in impoverished households, as of 2022. This increased level of poverty is making society more dangerous for everyone. The number of homicides went up 40% between 2022 and 2023. As the situation worsens, these five charities operating in Costa Rica are more vital than ever.

SOS Children’s Villages

Children are an at-risk group in Costa Rica. In 2020, UNICEF found that “nearly 32% of all children and adolescents live in monetary poverty, of which 12% live in extreme poverty.”

SOS Children’s Village is helping some of the most vulnerable kids in society right now who struggle with poverty, child labor and violence and has been doing it since 1972. Currently, 190 kids attend the organization’s schools and kindergartens and 300 live in its care. The organization also created the YouthLinks program. This digital platform “connects young people with mentors in the country.” The mentors teach employable skills and job market advice to young people.

Cruz Roja

Cruz Roja operates in Costa Rica and is a part of the international Red Cross community. The organization has more than 5,000 volunteers throughout the country and has responded to an incident every minute in 2023.

The organization provides key medical services to Costa Ricans and has a fleet of around 600 ambulances operating in 122 communities around the country. Cruz Roja is also ready to provide humanitarian assistance in cases of natural disasters and has specialized units prepared to provide support in different environments and situations.

Hope Partners International

Hope Partners is a Christian organization that operates in Costa Rica. Its goal is to break the cycle of poverty and improve the lives of young people there.

Recently, the organization opened its first purpose-built facility in the Pavas neighborhoods in the capital San Jose. Pavas is one of the most deprived areas in San Jose where only 20% of residents have a high school diploma. The new facility will impact the lives of over 600 kids and it will provide a hub for Hope Partners to deliver their food and education programs.

Rahab Foundation

The U.S. Department of State recognizes Costa Rica as a Tier 2 country regarding its efforts to eliminate human trafficking, stating that the country “does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so.”

Founded in 1997, the Rahab Foundation helps victims of human trafficking and the sex trade. It provides many different forms of help for the victims including job training, legal advice and psychological care. The foundation provides care and various classes to victims and their children. Women are also offered “offered vocational training in micro-enterprise administration, baking, sewing, jewelry making, quilting and cosmetology.”

Sex trade victims and their families often find themselves in the cycle of poverty. The Rahab Foundation helps these victims recover and create a healthy lifestyle for themselves and their children.

Hogar Siembra

As of 2023, Costa Rica registered more than “30,000 domestic violence complaints over the past four years, with an alarming 10,000 cases reported in 2023 alone.” Founded in 1983, Hogar Siembra is an organization providing shelter to girls aged 12 to 18 who have suffered from abuse or domestic violence.

The organization provides various kinds of training to these girls, teaching them simple habits such as hygiene and providing English language courses. It also provides regular therapy and mental health check-ups, alongside work opportunities and academic education, ensuring to prepare young girls for their adulthood.

Hogar Siembra allows young women to not be defined by their abuse. It is helping these victims restart their lives and create a prosperous future for themselves.

Costa Rica is struggling with poverty and its effects. The work of these five charities operating in Costa Rica is helping at-risk groups create a poverty-free future for themselves.

– Richard Sartor
Photo: Flickr

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5 Charities Operating in Romania

5 Charities Operating in RomaniaRomania, an Eastern European nation, has seen rapid economic growth since the 2000s, with a 3.8% annual GDP growth in 2024. However, before this surge, many Romanians faced poverty under Nicolae Ceaușescu’s Soviet regime from 1967 to 1989, following World War II. Ceaușescu banned abortion and contraceptives, claiming it would fuel economic growth. As a result, economic instability significantly affected childcare in the country. Consequently, many Romanian children ended up in state care or orphanages because their biological parents were unable to support them due to this policy. Currently, five charities are operating in Romania to ensure the well-being of every child, both in care and those living in impoverished families. Here are the five charities making significant impacts in Romania:

5 Charities Operating in Romania

  1. The Delia Foundation.  Founded in 2017, the Delia Foundation is a nonprofit organization named after Delia, an orphaned baby girl with significant limb limitations born in rural Romania. Laura Larkin, the foundation’s founder, encountered Delia while volunteering at a local orphanage. This experience motivated her to create the foundation to support children and orphans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Inspired by Delia’s story, the foundation dedicates itself to offering orphaned children the care and love they need, focusing on finding them the most suitable families.
  2. Care2Travel. Care2Travel, a volunteer organization, aims to inspire positive change by providing volunteers with memorable adventures in Romania, where they can help those in need. The organization’s vision is to create “a world where citizens are socially aware and motivated toward working for positive change.” In addition, Care2Travel strives to connect volunteers from different countries to promote the growth of an active civil society. It encourages collaboration across nationalities to make a tangible impact.
  3. Fundaƫia Inocenţi (Romanian Children’s Relief). Romanian Children’s Relief, a nonprofit organization, delivers tailored and professional support to children and their families. It believes “all children deserve a healthy and happy childhood” and works toward a future where no child’s potential is constrained by their background or disability. The organization aims for a society where parents, communities and authorities collaborate to support this ideal. Fundația Inocenți operates six programs in Romania, including socio-recreational activities, educational support, medical art therapy and psychoeducational resources.
  4. Te Aud Romania (TAR). Founded in 2014, Te Aud Romania (TAR) is a nongovernmental organization dedicated to supporting Romanian orphans and disadvantaged children. It provides educational tools and activities to keep them engaged and entertained. It has a particular focus on enhancing their communication skills. In addition, TAR uses sports to foster discipline, integrity, teamwork and honesty. This proves particularly beneficial for children who tend to isolate themselves. Moreover, by encouraging participation in sports, TAR helps these children open up, make new friends and promote their social and emotional development.
  5. Hope and Homes for Children. Since 1998, Hope and Homes for Children has dedicated itself to eliminating orphanages in Romania. The organization commits to building initiatives that reinforce family structures. This includes day centers, emergency reception centers, mother and baby units and community centers. It also develops alternative care options for children without parental support, such as foster care and small group homes. Through these efforts, Hope and Homes for Children have played a pivotal role in reforming the child protection system across Romania.

Looking Ahead

The efforts of these five charities operating in Romania signal a hopeful future for the country’s most vulnerable children. Through compassionate care, innovative programs and unwavering dedication, these organizations are not just addressing immediate needs but are also laying the groundwork for systemic change. Moreover, they continue to transform lives and challenge the status quo. Their collective impact promises to reshape Romania’s approach to childcare and family support, ensuring a brighter, more inclusive future for all children.

– Nevin Guler

Nevin is based in River Vale, NJ, USA and focuses on The Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Anno’s One Fine Day: Healing through the Arts

Healing Through the Arts: Anno’s Africa Supports Kenya's YouthArt therapy emerged as a formal discipline in the mid-20th century. It harnesses art’s healing power by enabling individuals to convey thoughts, emotions and experiences, including pain, in a nonverbal and indirect way. The Borgen Project interviewed Krysteen Savane, founder and director of Anno’s Africa One Fine Day. An Organization that strongly advocates for the therapeutic benefits of the arts in Kenya. Krysten Savane stated, “[Anno’s Africa is] a community-based organization… in which children and young people can explore their artistic abilities and learn about art to better understand themselves and the world in which they live.”

Poverty in Kenya

Rapid urbanization in Kenya has widened the gap between the upper and lower classes. According to the Academic Review of Humanities and Social Sciences (ARHUSS), 16% of the population lived below the national poverty line of $1.90 a day in 2021. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic hindered efforts to eliminate extreme poverty by 2020, with little change from the 17% level of extreme poverty. The World Bank does not foresee the elimination of poverty in Kenya by 2030.

Anno’s Africa Origin and One Fine Day

Founded in 2006 by Bee Gilbert in memory of her creative son Anno, Anno’s Africa focuses on empowering Kenyan youth through the arts. Intending to provide creative access similar to Anno’s upbringing, the U.K.-based organization, alongside the German charity One Fine Day—co-founded by Marie Steinmann and Tom Tykwer—merged in 2018 to enhance arts education in Nairobi’s informal settlements. In addition, Krysteen Savane has played a significant role in the organization’s outreach and impact from the start.

Empowering Through Creativity

Anno’s One Fine Day focuses on aiding children living in Kenya and Malawi’s slums. These children face poverty, leading to childhood mortality, illness, hunger and lack of education. The organization provides creative outlets for self-expression and discovering talents through courses in dance, art, drama, creative writing, music and circus skills.

Savane explains that in addition to its creative outlets, the program for young adults offers career-focused training in music production, fashion design, podcasting and digital skills. The organization collaborates with various groups to deliver these training sessions, equipping young adults for practical, creative careers in the real world.

Additionally, the organization established an Arts Centre in Kibera, Nairobi’s largest slum with a population exceeding 300,000. According to Savane, this center serves as a haven for more than 1,500 students weekly, offering them space to engage creatively. Moreover, regular showcases allow these students to present their work to family, friends and the broader community, celebrating their artistic achievements and learning experiences.

Transformative Power with Anno’s One Fine Day

Anno’s Africa One Fine Day stands as a testament to the transformative power of art, offering hope and new perspectives to Kenya’s youth amid the challenges of poverty. Through its diverse programs, the organization has not only nurtured artistic talent but has also facilitated emotional healing and personal growth. Moreover, the success stories of students advancing to secondary education on scholarships and making marks on international stages underscore the impactful role of arts education in unlocking potential. Looking ahead, the continued expansion and support for Anno’s Africa One Fine Day promise to empower even more children and young adults in Kenya, fostering a community where dreams are pursued and abilities are explored. This journey of creativity and care paves the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all involved.

– Sophia Lovell

Sophia is based in Chula Vista, CA, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Charities in Sudan

Charities in SudanThe United Nations (U.N.) now refers to the situation in Sudan as the “world’s largest human displacement crisis.” This is due to an ongoing civil war that Sudan’s armed forces and the paramilitary rapid support forces are fighting. Nearly eight million people have experienced displacement, with six million within Sudan and 1.5 million fleeing to neighboring countries. Nonetheless, here are five charities working to ease the plight of people in Sudan.

Save the Children

Save the Children, which has been operating in Sudan since 1983 and was founded by sisters Eglantyne Jebb and Dorothy Buxton, is dedicated to supporting communities in need. With a focus on delivering essential medical supplies and emergency trauma kits, Save the Children operates mobile health clinics within displaced camps. Additionally, it addresses malnutrition by distributing nutrition supplements to children in need. Recognizing the profound impact of psychological trauma on children, the organization also provides recreational activities and games to aid in their recovery. The nonprofit helped more than two million people, including 1.5 million children, in 2022. 

Islamic Relief

Islamic Relief, operating in Sudan since 1984 and founded by Dr. Hany El-Banna and some students from the University of Birmingham, is adamant about reducing the practice of Female genital mutilation (FGM) in Sudan. Despite facing formidable challenges due to ongoing conflict in the region, Islamic Relief remains committed to this cause.

Sudan’s struggle with FGM is pronounced, with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reporting an alarming statistic: 86.6% of women in the region have been subjected to this harmful practice. It’s frequently the harshest form of FGM that women are put through and young girls aged 5-9 years old often fall prey to this practice. 

The procedure is a breach of fundamental human rights. Therefore, it should be advocated against on a much larger scale than it is now, which is why the work of Islamic Relief is essential. Islamic Relief supports 26 health centers nationwide, providing health care and medicine access to 55,261 people. The nonprofit also offered food aid to 116,975 people. Further, it also provided shelter assistance to 2,395 people.  

Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

Doctors Without Borders, which has been present in Sudan since 1971 and founded by Max Recaimer and Bernard Kouchner, both volunteer doctors working with the International Committee of the Red Cross funding, operate in 11 of the 18 Sudanese states. “An estimated 11 million people in Sudan need urgent health assistance,” according to the World Health Organization. 

Since the conflict started in April 2023, the organization has donated medical equipment, fuel, oxygen, water tanks and other vital tools to hospitals and other health facilities in different parts of Sudan. MSF has successfully provided 586,800 outpatient appointments, delivered 350 tonnes of medical supplies and assisted in 1,950 births.

Muslim Aid

Muslim Aid, founded in 1985 by 17 Islamic organizations and operating in Sudan since 1991, works to improve the country’s overall state. In 2022, the organization prioritized several key areas to uplift communities across Sudan. Among these initiatives was a concerted effort to enhance access to education by supporting 2000 children. Additionally, the nonprofit supported economic empowerment, aiding in the restoration of independent businesses and offered regular child sponsorship starting from £30 ($38.17) per month. The country office for the charity is considered one of the “main partners of UNHCR in addressing asylum seekers from Eastern Sudan.” More than 100,000 people have been beneficially impacted by “key projects” set up by Muslim Aid.

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

Founded in 1859 by Henry Dunant, ICRC, a nonprofit organization, has been active in Sudan since 1978. In 2023, the ICRC provided essential household items to 20,700 individuals and facilitated 66,500 phone calls between separated family members. Furthermore, it assists farmers by providing seeds and tools and vaccinating pastoralist livestock against diseases. The organization also plays a pivotal role in facilitating the release of detainees. It offers them necessities like clothing and resources to aid in returning to their respective areas of origin.

Many more charities are operating in Sudan due to the intensity of the current conflict. These charities have been on the ground in Sudan for decades and continue to make a positive impact. 

– Uswah Khan
Photo: Pexels

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5 Charities Operating in Rwanda

Charities in RwandaRwanda has made significant progress in tackling poverty over the years, with five charities playing a vital role in contributing to poverty reduction efforts in the country. According to the World Bank, Rwanda’s poverty rate decreased from 75.2% to 53.5% from 2000 to 2013. In 2016, the poverty rate decreased to 52%. According to a survey, the top four causes of poverty were a shortage of land, soil deficiency, unforeseeable weather patterns and a shortage of farm animals.

In Rwanda, 45% of people depend on small-scale farming and there is a limited electricity supply, leading to women and children gathering water and firewood for multiple hours daily. However, there is more that needs to be done. Here are five charities operating in Rwanda that are tackling poverty. Of these charities, three focus on education in Rwanda because primary school children perform poorly on literacy and numerical tests.

Forward Africa Education Trust

The Forward Africa Education Trust aims to educate deprived children in Rwanda. This Trust focuses explicitly on the educational attainment among girls rather than boys and children who are orphans. The charity has many sessions focusing on various topics, such as conflict management, mental well-being and transferable skills. By completing these workshops, the children will improve their job prospects.

Under this Trust, six students gained exam grades, placing them in the top quadrant. Additionally, another 15 disadvantaged students continued in school and did not withdraw. The Trust provides academic qualifications and a road to higher education and employment for the youth in Rwanda. This will help people escape poverty and have a secure future.

Children like Christella are success stories. Her mother passed away in August 2018 and with her father being very unwell, her family had very little money. When Christella received funding from the Forward Africa Education Trust, she was able to finish school. Afterward, she wished to receive training to become a nurse to help his local area.

Education Development Trust

In 2001, the Education Development Trust began working with government officials to improve Rwanda’s education quality. This organization had implemented a five-year scheme called the “Building Learning Foundations.” This scheme aimed to improve all primary school children’s English and mathematics skills in Rwanda. This included training teachers to deliver English and mathematics lessons.

This scheme has been successful, given the statistics:

  • 90% of mathematics teachers were competent in 2023. In 2018, it was 27%.
  • 69% of English teachers were competent in 2023. In 2018, it was 22%.

Consequently, 59% of primary three school children were age-level competent in their English skills and 46% were competent in mathematics in 2023.

Solace Ministries

Solace Ministries is a Christian organization that supports people impacted by negative experiences. It aims to improve resilience and promote a feeling of belonging and inclusiveness. The initiative offers many programs, one of which is called the “Child-care and Development” program. This program aims to help children within the education system, from nursery school to higher education.

The drop-out level among students has been increasing in recent years in Rwanda. For example, the drop-out level among primary school children was 7.8% in 2018/2019. This increased to 9.5% in 2019/2020. To combat this problem, Solace Ministries offers free school fees to children from deprived backgrounds to avoid the poverty cycle. The organization provides $109.51 to primary school children and $273.76 to secondary school children per year.

Gardens for Health International

Founded by Julie Carney, Emma Clippinger and Dr. Emily Morell, the Gardens for Health International aims to eliminate malnourishment and promote thriving communities in Rwanda. The mission of this organization is to train Rwandan families with important facts, knowledge and agricultural strategies to ensure their nutritional requirements are met.

In 2020, 33% of children in Rwanda were deemed malnourished. To address this problem, the Gardens for Health International has expanded its coalition. In 2016, the nonprofit partnered with 675 organizations, which increased to 93,046 in 2020. As a result, 22,000 children and 4,300 families were fed, according to its 2022 impact brief. 

Health Builders

From 2015 to 2021, Rwanda witnessed an improvement in the survival rates of children. However, as of August 2023, Rwanda is off track in achieving its Sustainable Development Goal on the survival rates of children aged less than 5. Health Builders works with the Rwandan government to create and maintain effective health care services. This is so everyone has access to adequate medical care.

This organization has sufficient technology and equipment to provide timely medical care to Rwandans. As a result, the nonprofit has been able to:

  • Perform 5,900 sonograms yearly in Rwanda.
  • Provide access to clean water to 280,000 Rwandans. 

Rwanda has made great progress over the years. However, as mentioned, the poverty rate in Rwanda is still high, according to the World Bank. The efforts of these five charities operating in Rwanda have made significant differences. Altogether, this will promote a better future for Rwandans and the chance for the country to eliminate poverty. 

– James McAlinden
Photo: Unsplash