Armenia, located in the Caucasus region between Eastern Europe and Western Asia, possesses a rich cultural heritage and spirit. Despite many historical and contemporary challenges, numerous charities are actively working to bring relief to communities, solve pressing social issues and create sustainable development within the country. Here are five charities currently operating in Armenia, each playing a pivotal role in fostering a brighter future for the nation.
Armenian Relief Society (ARS)
Founded in 1910, ARS provides comprehensive humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations. It works to preserve Armenia’s rich culture and history. With a network of hundreds of thousands of dedicated volunteers and members, 220 chapters that operate in more than 27 regions, ARS is able to lead the charge on the front line in the battle against poverty.
Through a wide array of programs, including health care, education and social services, ARS empowers Armenian citizens to overcome adversity and build resilient communities. From orphanages and medical clinics to vocational training centers, ARS’s initiatives impact the lives of thousands, offering them pathways to a better future.
Children of Armenia Fund (COAF)
Dedicated to supporting the future of tomorrow, COAF focuses on promoting education, health care and socioeconomic empowerment. Through the construction of schools, renovation of health care facilities and implementation of educational programs, COAF empowers Armenian youth with the tools and resources necessary to thrive in today’s uncertain world. Through initiatives like the SMART Center, a hub for technology, arts and sports, COAF champions creativity, critical thinking and leadership skills, preparing the next generation of leaders in Armenia.
Fuller Center for Housing Armenia (FCHA)
A covenant partner of the umbrella organization, FCHA works to provide Armenians access to safe and affordable housing. Amid a major housing crisis, housing and shelter remain a pressing issue throughout Armenia today, particularly in rural areas. FCHA takes on this challenge by partnering with communities to build and renovate homes for families in need.
Through mobilizing volunteers, engaging local stakeholders and using sustainable building practices, FCHA not only provides shelter but also promotes community development and solidarity. Through its various housing initiatives, FCHA works to pave a path to stability and self-reliance while laying the foundation for brighter futures.
Tufenkian Foundation
Established in 1999, the Tufenkian Foundation remains committed to promoting social justice and cultural preservation in Armenia. The organization promotes initiatives that celebrate Armenia’s rich history while simultaneously empowering its people. From supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs to preserving historical landmarks and promoting environmental sustainability, the Tufenkian Foundation’s efforts encompass a wide variety of programs aimed at promoting inclusive growth and community.
Through investment in education, entrepreneurship and cultural preservation, the Tufenkian Foundation fosters a sense of pride and belonging amongst Armenians, further strengthening its people and communities.
Birthright Armenia
Founded in 2003, Birthright Armenia offers a unique opportunity for young Armenians from around the world to connect with their roots, contribute to community development and celebrate their cultural heritage. Through a variety of volunteer opportunities, internships, cultural immersion experiences and educational events, Birthright Armenia empowers Armenian youth across the world to make valuable contributions to Armenian society while furthering their understanding of the country’s culture and history. By creating connections and promoting a sense of belonging, the organization empowers a new generation of global citizens committed to the support and advancement of Armenia and its people.
Looking Ahead
Throughout Armenia and beyond, these five charities stand as pillars of development and progress. Through their devout dedication and support, these organizations exemplify the immense power of charity and collective action in creating positive change. As the country continues its journey toward a brighter future, these five charities operating in Armenia continue to empower individuals and communities to overcome challenges, create opportunities and shape a more inclusive and prosperous future.
– Benjamin DeMarais
Benjamin is based in Rogers, MN, USA and focuses on Business and Celebs for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Unsplash
Unlocking Economic Opportunities With Education in the Congo
Furthermore, inhospitable conditions are most acutely burdensome for women, who face gender discrimination, early marriage, poverty and food insecurity. Women with little or no educational attainment are even more vulnerable to experiencing these issues. Humanitarian organizations are investing in programs to make high-quality education more accessible throughout the Congo. These efforts are instrumental in the fight against gender inequality and extreme poverty.
Education in the Congo
For underprivileged Congolese children, tending to crop fields is more routine than sitting in classrooms reading and writing. Beginning in the ’80s, parents had to pay tuition fees to send their kids to school. Then, in 2019, a new policy waived the cost of attendance, enabling more than three million children to enroll. While higher rates of young people attending school is an encouraging sign of progress, the education system in the DRC needs to be equipped to accommodate the influx; classrooms are overcrowded and instructors are overwhelmed.
Education Cannot Wait
Education Cannot Wait (EWC), the global fund for education in less-resourced areas, has stepped in to aid the DRC. The nonprofit is addressing teacher shortages, supplying psychosocial support services and training for educators and instituting nutrition programs at school. As of August 2023, EWC has built or rehabilitated 343 classrooms and trained 2,425 teachers. The inclusivity and protection component of its mission has facilitated the distribution of more than 3,000 female hygiene kits to girls and supports the monitoring of school performance.
Other Initiatives Supporting Education in the Congo
Another organization dedicated to increasing the universal availability of education in the Congo is the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which has allocated $7.7 million toward improving classroom instruction. USAID works closely with faith groups, private institutions and international partners to provide greater academic resources for at-risk communities with low literacy rates and poor math scores. Its initiatives aim to equip schools with sufficient supplies like textbooks and higher-quality lessons in social and emotional skills, numeracy, soft and vocational skills and literacy.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), partnered with the French Development Agency (AFD), is also conducting a four-year teacher training project in the Congo. One of the guiding motivations behind the program is to boost the presence of women in the educational profession, which may make school environments more welcoming for girls.
Final Remark
Certainly, investing in the education and empowerment of young Congolese will yield significant benefits for the DRC. It will advance the country’s efforts to eliminate extreme poverty and build a more prosperous future for its citizens. Enhancing the availability and quality of educational resources is the crucial first step toward these overarching objectives.
– Natalie Kaufman
Photo: Wikipedia Commons
Agastya International Foundation: Sparking Curiosity via Science
A New Era of Learning
In the late ’90s, Ramji Raghavan returned to India with a vision to revolutionize education. Inspired by conversations with experts about the lack of hands-on learning in the Indian education system, he co-founded Agastya International Foundation in 1999. The mission was clear: to enhance government school curricula through innovative, hands-on methods. To make education accessible to all children regardless of their economic or social backgrounds. Agastya’s team, composed of dedicated teachers, scientists and volunteers, promotes inquiry and curiosity, aiming to transform lives through education.
Agastya’s approach to education is unique and impactful. The foundation uses inexpensive, everyday materials to create science experiments and models, enabling children to replicate them at home. This hands-on method not only demystifies science but also empowers children to think critically and creatively. Older students with a passion for science often become mentors, guiding younger children during large science fairs and ensuring that curiosity is met with answers.
Transforming Education: Impact and Vision
Since its inception, Agastya has positively influenced more than 300,000 teachers and 20 million students across more than 22 states in India. The foundation’s vision is to foster a nation of creators, tinkerers, solution-seekers and leaders who are humane and connected. With programs like teacher training, mobile science labs and science centers, Agastya addresses critical educational gaps through scalable, hands-on experiential learning.
The foundation’s flagship initiative, the Mobile Science Lab, features more than 80 low-cost experiments. It brings interactive science education to schools and makes learning enjoyable.
Agastya’s core programs are designed to spark curiosity through science, art and mathematics. These programs support both teachers and remedial students, all integrated within the Kuppam campus’s ecology classroom. Agastya fosters innovation to solve theoretical and practical problems, focusing on creating economical teaching methods and training teachers. Its diverse offerings include lab-on-a-bike, lab-in-a-box, lab-on-a-tab, media labs and a gifted children’s program. Additionally, night schools and extensive teacher training programs have further extended its reach and impact.
Scaling New Heights
Interest from the Indian Government and private donors has helped Agastya scale rapidly, reaching two million children annually. The foundation’s 170-acre campus in South India transformed from an arid wasteland into an ecological marvel and serves as a world-class center for learning, hosting more than 600 students daily. This campus supports Agastya’s innovative teaching methods, making it a beacon of hope and progress.
Conclusion
Agastya International Foundation stands as a testament to the power of innovative education. By transforming how scientific knowledge is acquired, Agastya is not just educating children but igniting a lifelong passion for learning and discovery. Through its programs, millions of underprivileged children have been given the tools to dream big and achieve remarkable academic and personal successes. As Agastya continues to expand its reach, the foundation’s vision of an enlightened, curious and innovative India moves closer to reality.
– Sandeep Kaur
Photo: Flickr
Solar Energy in Rural Kenya: A Pathway Out of Poverty
Solar energy presents a transformative solution in Kenya. It alleviates poverty by providing reliable electricity, promoting education and enabling various economic activities. Thus, solar energy initiatives in Kenya highlight the potential of renewable energy to drive sustainable development and improve living standards.
Solar Energy Initiatives in Kenya
One innovative approach that has made solar energy accessible to low-income households in Kenya is the pay-as-you-go (PAYG) model. This model allows users to pay for solar systems in small, manageable installments using mobile money platforms. The PAYG model reduces the upfront cost barrier, enabling more families to afford solar energy solutions.
Companies such as M-KOPA Solar are leading the change by providing these affordable solar home systems to rural households. M-KOPA Solar first launched its pay-as-you-go (PAYG) solar system in Kenya in 2010. These systems typically include solar panels, batteries and energy-efficient appliances, offering a sustainable and cost-effective source of electricity.
More than eight million households in Kenya spend a total of $1 billion on kerosene lamps for lighting, bringing the average to approximately $200 on lighting per household each year. With the introduction of M-KOPA’s PAYG solar systems, Kenyans now spend $200 for a one-time payment to receive electricity.
Impact on Education
Access to solar energy also has a profound impact on education in rural Kenya. Solar-powered schools can benefit from improved resources, such as the ability to use computers and the Internet. This access to technology enhances the learning experience and provides students with skills essential for the modern economy. Furthermore, with reliable lighting, students can study after dark, leading to better academic performance.
Economic Empowerment
Reliable electricity from solar energy enables various income-generating activities that were previously impossible or limited. For example, small businesses can extend their operating hours and farmers can use solar-powered irrigation systems to increase agricultural productivity. These opportunities contribute to higher incomes and improved livelihoods.
The solar energy sector itself also creates jobs, ranging from installation and maintenance of solar systems to sales and customer support. For instance, M-KOPA employs more than 1,000 people, the majority of whom are located in Kenya and the rest in Uganda. This contributes to economic growth, thus reducing poverty.
Moving Forward
Solar energy has the potential to significantly reduce rural poverty in Kenya by providing reliable electricity, promoting education and enabling economic activities. Through innovative models and sustained efforts, solar energy initiatives are transforming lives and contributing to sustainable development. Continued investment, supportive policies and community engagement are key to maximizing the impact of solar energy and ensuring a brighter future for rural Kenya.
– Jennifer Lee
Photo: Pexels
How Innovations for Poverty Action Is Helping Fight Poverty
Innovations for Poverty Action in Colombia
IPA first came to Colombia in 2010 and has since completed much research regarding poverty in the country. It has worked in various capacities, including education and migration. One of IPA’s major projects in Colombia, ConsultIPA, came from researching the effects of different programs and their impact on areas facing poverty.
ConsultIPA is an initiative that aims to help small, local nonprofit organizations develop programs. This branch of IPA works out of Colombia and provides support for these nonprofits in their commitment to the right monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) system. So far, ConsultIPA has helped multiple nonprofits start their foundations and implement working strategies. Two of the bigger nonprofits that IPA has helped are Fundación Iguaraya and Planeta Rural. Both of these organizations have impacted their local communities and led to bigger initiatives and practices.
Fundación Iguaraya focuses on sustainability in Colombia and promoting a greater quality of life for its residents. Its initial mission regarded local communities and their involvement in conservation efforts to achieve greater biodiversity. Over time, the mission has evolved into learning more about the local communities and how to best amplify their voices as it relates to the cultural heritage of the people. The initiative has also provided jobs, specifically as tour guides for people traveling to these local spots.
Planeta Rural has also developed into a very important organization in Colombia. The nonprofit works with young people in the rural countryside to provide help for those in need. Planeta Rural has established programs to help the more impoverished areas grow food and explore newer technologies in support of these areas.
IPA in Ethiopia
IPA has also started developing more programs in Ethiopia. Although the group does not have a base in the country, it has partnered with local groups to provide training and support for the Ethiopian people. One of its major programs has been helping the “ultra-poor” through a graduation process. The IPA took a sample group of 925 households and divided them in half: one group would receive the program’s benefits and one would not.
After the households were picked, the project was based on five components: an asset, a training program, a support program, a savings program and home visits. Each component provided the households with much-needed support and had long-lasting impacts on these homes. The impacts of this study have been overwhelming for these families. Exit surveys have shown that the families reported economic impacts, including better saving methods. Families also said that they had enough food daily after the program. Another benefit of this program has been an increase in revenue as more families have been able to find jobs and profit from the new livestock provided during the IPA program.
Looking Forward
IPA continues to provide increasing support for areas affected by poverty and will continue pursuing new evidence and results in the fight against poverty.
– Dorothy Howard
Photo: Pexels
Women’s Workforce Participation in Chile
Workforce Participation
In 2002, 74% of men and only 37% of women participated in the workforce. By 2023, statistics reveal that approximately 50% of women in Chile are working, either part-time or full-time. Although these numbers are encouraging, women’s workforce participation in Chile remains among the lowest in Latin America. Women in the workforce often face unequal opportunities compared to men. They are more likely to hold part-time positions, rarely occupy high-level leadership roles and typically earn less than their male colleagues. The World Bank notes that Chilean law does not require equal pay for work of equal value nor does it prohibit gender discrimination in accessing credit, which puts women at risk for financial insecurity.
Care Labor and Conjugal Society
The low rate of women’s workforce participation in Chile is largely due to the prevalence of a traditional household structure. In the majority of Chilean households, the husband earns wages and the wife takes care of domestic tasks. Women are expected to perform unpaid care labor: caring for children and elderly parents and cleaning and cooking for their families. Because they are burdened with the tasks of a domestic caretaker, women inevitably have little time to earn money — if they participate in the workforce at all, part-time positions are the only feasible option.
The default legal marital arrangement in Chile declares men as the head of the household and prevents women from making financial decisions without the permission of their husbands. According to The United States (U.S.) Department, in Chile “a husband has the right to administer joint property, including his wife’s property, without consultation or written permission from his wife, but a wife must demonstrate that her husband has granted his permission before she is permitted to make financial arrangements.” Consequently, women have almost no financial autonomy within their marriage, which puts them at risk for financial insecurity, particularly in the event of divorce or if their husbands refuse to allocate money toward women’s needs.
Women’s Rights Movement
In 2019, a wave of feminist protests spread throughout Chile, acting as a catalyst for change. Protestors called on the Chilean government to act on issues like income disparity, gender-based violence and the persistence of traditional gender roles. A 2023 survey revealed that 74% of the Chilean population recognized that women face inequality and discrimination. This percentage is higher than the global average, which suggests that the movement successfully raised awareness and focused national attention on women’s rights.
In response to the growing movement, the Chilean government passed the Comprehensive Violence Against Women Act in March of 2024. Historically, gender-based violence has caused women to quit their jobs or drop out of higher education. According to the World Bank, “the procedure established by [Chilean] law to investigate and punish [sexual assault] can oftentimes lack transparency and result in humiliation for victims, proving that it is virtually ineffective.” The 2024 Violence Against Women Act marks a hopeful turn toward more legal rights, less restrictive gender roles and greater society-wide respect for women.
Mujeres Emplea
Mujeres Emplea, an online platform created in collaboration with several global NGOs, including United Nations (U.N.) Women is a promising new initiative that provides excellent resources to Chilean women. The platform offers digital skills training, matches female candidates with employers and provides information about available childcare. A participant reflected, “In this world, more women are needed to join the workforce and these trainings are needed for our wellbeing, for our lives, for our families.” This platform provides invaluable resources, encourages women’s workforce participation in Chile and supports women in becoming economically autonomous.
Global Alliance for Care
The Chilean government is also a member of the Global Alliance for Care, which is the first global community that facilitates and fosters spaces for dialogue, analysis, exchange of experiences and learning about care, its recognition as a need, as work and as a right. The organization considers its mission central to accelerate the pace toward achieving women’s economic autonomy. Participation in this alliance raises awareness of the importance of women’s contributions to society and helps to emphasize the urgent need to reduce gender inequality.
Looking Ahead
Despite significant strides in reducing poverty among women in Chile, challenges in achieving gender equality persist. Legislative advancements, such as the 2024 Comprehensive Violence Against Women Act and initiatives like Mujeres Emplea, underscore ongoing efforts to improve women’s economic participation and autonomy. Chile’s involvement in the Global Alliance for Care highlights the commitment to recognizing and valuing women’s contributions. Continued focus on these ongoing issues could foster greater gender equality and enhance the economic prospects of women across the country.
– Maren Fossum-Wernick
Photo: Flickr
USAID Programs Push Yemen toward National Stability
Food Security
In Yemen, 17.6 million people face high levels of food and nutrition insecurity. USAID funding supports the efforts of the World Food Programme (WFP) and seven NGOs to provide food assistance across Yemen. The funding provides communities with U.S. and locally sourced commodities and cash vouchers for individuals without enough money to shop at local markets, according to a 2024 USAID fact sheet.
In October 2023, USAID contributed $10.1 million for ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) providing for 144,000 cases of treatment to severe and acute malnutrition.
Health
Years of conflict have left more than 30 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, yet 50%, of health facilities in Yemen are non-functioning or only partly functioning due to a lack of funds, medicines, supplies electricity, and equipment. USAID funding provides primary care and nutrition services to Yemen through static and mobile medical facilities. Additional funding equips health facilities with medical supplies and pharmaceuticals, according to a 2024 USAID fact sheet. USAID funding enabled the World Health Organization (WHO) to provide medical oxygen to more than 1 million patients at 25 hospitals in Yemen during 2021 and 2022.
Water Sanitation
Ongoing conflicts in Yemen increasingly destroy the country’s water and hygiene infrastructure. Now, Yemen faces one of the world’s worst water crises with 16 million people in urgent need of water sanitation and hygiene. With the help of USAID, an additional 1.8 million Yemenis have access to clean water and improved sanitation services in 2024. USAID funds the rehabilitation of water systems, improved sanitation services such as repaired sewage networks, and the installation of toilets and handwashing facilities in homes and health facilities.
Education
A lack of reliable school facilities and resources leaves millions of Yemeni children uneducated. USAID funding in Yemen reached 275,000 children across 676 formal and informal educational settings in 2024, according to the Yemen Country Profile. Aid funds teacher training, educational equipment, teaching materials, child protection, water sanitation and hygiene activities. Due to conflicts and natural disasters, USAID funds home learning programs to maintain education in communities battling school closures.
National Economy Support
USAID programs focus on strengthening the Yemeni economy hoping a stable national economy will increase overall stability in Yemen. USAID helped Yemen establish its first foreign exchange auctions, increasing transparency and stabilizing previously volatile exchange rates, while also supporting the implementation of 17 World Trade Organization (WTO) trade facilitation agreements. Additionally, USAID facilitated more than $2 million in export sales agreements. USAID works to strengthen economic institutions such as the Central Bank of Yemen.
Despite the severe humanitarian crisis and ongoing conflicts, the United States remains committed to providing crucial humanitarian support via USAID programs in Yemen. Through multi-faceted programs addressing food security, health, water and sanitation, education, and economic development, this assistance aims to alleviate suffering, build resilience, and support Yemen’s fragile transition towards stability. While challenges persist, this comprehensive approach demonstrates the international community’s dedication to helping Yemen overcome adversity and create a more promising future for its citizens.
– Lauren Thompson
Photo: Flickr
Elderly Poverty in Mauritius
Elderly Population in Mauritius
As of 2024, around 13.9% of the total population of Mauritius consists of people from the age group of 65 years and above, according to The World Factbook. The dependency ratio of a country is determined by the number of people who are currently not in the labor force, or those aged 0-14 years and 65 years and above and it stands at 40.7% in Mauritius. The elderly dependency ratio constitutes 17.3% of the total.
A matter of concern for Mauritius is that the dependency ratio has been increasing recently, which means an increase in the dependent population of the country. A decline in fertility rates from 2.3 in 1990 to 1.41 in 2021 and a recent “brain drain” could be some of the reasons for an increase in the elderly population.
According to the U.N., elderly poverty represents the percentage of people aged 65 or above whose income is lower than half the income that is available to a household to spend and save. Reasons for elderly poverty can be both income (reducing working hours and earning lower wages) as well as health-related.
Integrated Care for Elder People Approach
Every one in 10 old-age people in Mauritius are victims of elderly poverty. The number of elderly people who are prone to mental health issues like Alzheimer’s and Dementia is increasing day by day. To tackle this low-income and health situation, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has initialized an Integrated Care for Elder People Approach (ICOPE) plan to take a step towards ensuring that elderly people have access to proper health and well-being.
Development Context of the ICOPE involves understanding the challenges that older people face in terms of health care and social care and catering to these challenges. Strategic planning aims to improve the general health and well-being of older people by providing prioritized health services, according to WHO. The methodology and processes of the ICOPE aim to understand elderly health care by conducting various workshops.
The guiding principles propose that access to free health care for elderly people should be a right. These principles pose the relationship between human rights and elderly health care, thereby suggesting that elderly health care is a right as much as it is a necessity. The vision, mission and goal of this approach is to ensure that older people enjoy their rights alongside receiving proper integrated health care services.
Strategic Objectives
The strategic objectives are a set of goals that aim to improve elderly health care from the very base. From early screenings recognizing diseases in elderly people to integrated health care which involves the coming together of different social sectors to cater to all the needs of the elderly, the cover everything related to elderly health care. The objectives also focus on influencing legislation and policies to increase government funding for health care, according to WHO.
Poverty and health care are interrelated terms in the sense that good health leads to a better quality of life. Elderly poverty in Mauritius is being tackled through things like health care schemes for this very same reason. Organizations like the WHO are taking various steps to be able to ensure better standards of living for the country’s aging population.
– Adya Umesh
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Poverty and the Gender Wage Gap in Peru
Gender Inequality in Peru
Gender inequality in Peru originates from an adherence to traditional gender roles. Women are less likely to work full time for pay, for example, occupied instead with unpaid work such as household chores and child care. Women in Peru spend around 24 more hours per week on unpaid tasks than men, while men spend roughly 21 more hours per week on paid tasks than women. The prevalence of these gender roles affects economic participation and wages for women — the median full-time female worker in Peru earns 17% less than the median full-time male worker.
The labor force participation rate for women in Peru was 65.9% in 2023, compared with 79.5% for men. The effects of motherhood intensify this gap, with 41% of women in Peru stopping working after their first child, a percentage that remains after 10 years. Women with children often seek more flexible occupations such as part-time or informal jobs to accommodate their added responsibilities, according to the OECD. Traditional gender roles reinforce these effects of motherhood and may discourage the full-time participation of women in the workforce.
Bridging the Gap
Increasing the participation of women in the workforce could both strengthen efforts to reduce the gender wage gap in Peru and bolster the nation’s economy. Women represent a large portion of the population — their contributions to the workforce could help Peru’s formal economy grow, especially after COVID-19. Addressing this gap could be key to restoring and revitalizing the nation’s economy in the wake of the pandemic.
Education level is an important step towards achieving these goals. Women who graduated from upper secondary school and university have 80% and 90% labor market participation rates, respectively, while those with lower levels have under 50% participation, according to the OECD. Encouraging higher education could thus stimulate Peru’s economy by incorporating more people into the workforce, while simultaneously addressing gender inequality.
However, while reducing gender inequality in Peru still needs more work, education rates have increased for both genders in recent years. Rates of enrollment for boys and girls from pre-primary to upper secondary education are virtually the same, and illiteracy has essentially vanished among older teenagers of either sex, at a rate of about 0.5 percentage points. By contrast, among 60+ year-olds, women tend to be more frequently illiterate, with the gap between genders reaching roughly 18.7 percentage points, according to the OECD.
Encouraging higher education and economic participation among women could help bridge the gender wage gap in Peru — heightened labor participation and education provide girls with a stronger political voice and representation. Bridging this gap in itself could incentivize more women in Peru to work, including those in disadvantaged communities. Thus addressing gender inequality could gradually reduce the national poverty rate and bolster Peru’s economy.
Addressing Poverty and Gender Inequality in Peru
Organizations such as Peruvian Hearts, a nonprofit that focuses on educating girls and women in Peru, encourage the independence and economic participation of women. This organization’s PH Scholars program offers university scholarships and psychosocial support to disadvantaged girls to empower and educate women. It focuses specifically on girls from low-income families and has raised $666,072, as of June 2024, to address gender inequality and the interconnected problem of national poverty.
Globalteer’s Women’s Empowerment Project also aims to educate disadvantaged women in Peru and encourage their participation in the workforce. Concentrated in rural villages near Cusco, this project provides resources, financial backing, market knowledge and support to women in these areas to encourage economic independence and address poverty in Peru. This organization has currently raised $5,759, as of June 2024, to bridge Peru’s gender divide.
Peru has undoubtedly made significant progress in addressing gender inequality. However, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the gender wage gap can encourage more women to participate in the workforce and thus bolster Peru’s economy.
– Lana Swindle
Photo: Flickr
Saudi Arabia Sent Its 53rd Relief Plane for Gaza
Furthermore, as of May 21, 2024, only one-third of the 36 hospitals in Gaza still function, which impacts thousands of Gazans struggling with urgent health issues. As a result, countries such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and organizations such as the United Nations (U.N.) have utilized their resources to aid the people through food and medical assistance.
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center
On June 12, 2024, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief), delivered its 53rd relief plane for Gaza to help the people severely impacted by the fighting. KSRelief’s 53rd relief plane for Gaza contained food and medical supplies to alleviate the pain of the Gazans. The aircraft arrived at Egypt’s El-Arish International Airport to be transferred across the border to Gaza. This highlights the importance of international collaboration in providing aid to Gazans when the conflict has rendered humanitarian assistance almost impossible.
KSRelief’s 53rd relief aircraft for Gaza reflects Saudi Arabia’s consistent support for the people enduring pain and suffering in Gaza and Palestine as a whole. For example, on March 20, 2024, KSRelief announced that it provided $40 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to help with its life-saving operations in Gaza.
Furthermore, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia raised more than $100 million for Gaza and Palestine via its “Sahem” national portal, which allows Saudi citizens to donate money to support humanitarian aid. Saudi Arabia’s national and multilateral efforts to help Gaza and Palestine as a whole have been a beacon of hope for those severely impacted by the fighting.
International Organizations at the Forefront
International humanitarian organizations have also been working extensively to help the people in Gaza since the war started on October 7, 2023, despite the immense challenges facing them. For example, as of June 6, 2024, the WHO has supplied essential trauma emergency kits and kits for noncommunicable diseases and severe acute malnutrition to those most affected by the conflict.
In addition, in May 2024, the World Food Programme (WFP) provided food aid to more than a million people in Gaza and the West Bank despite reducing rations due to access constraints. This illustrates how international humanitarian organizations have been unwavering in their determination to help Gaza even as the fighting intensifies.
Humanitarian Aid andEnding the War in Gaza
Although people have been inundated with horrific stories about Gaza, there have also been many instances where countries such as Saudi Arabia and international organizations such as the WHO are working tirelessly to help the people and give them hope. KSRelief’s 53rd relief plane for Gaza shows how regional countries have been working hard not just to provide aid but to put an end to the war and hopefully bring peace to them and the entire Middle East.
On the other hand, the WFP’s courageous efforts to deliver food to Gaza despite access constraints show how even actors outside the region want to help end the fighting. This highlights how humanitarian aid is not just a short-term solution to this war but a tireless effort to bring lasting peace to people who endure pain daily.
– Abdullah Dowaihy
Photo: Flickr
5 Charities Operating in Armenia
Armenian Relief Society (ARS)
Founded in 1910, ARS provides comprehensive humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations. It works to preserve Armenia’s rich culture and history. With a network of hundreds of thousands of dedicated volunteers and members, 220 chapters that operate in more than 27 regions, ARS is able to lead the charge on the front line in the battle against poverty.
Through a wide array of programs, including health care, education and social services, ARS empowers Armenian citizens to overcome adversity and build resilient communities. From orphanages and medical clinics to vocational training centers, ARS’s initiatives impact the lives of thousands, offering them pathways to a better future.
Children of Armenia Fund (COAF)
Dedicated to supporting the future of tomorrow, COAF focuses on promoting education, health care and socioeconomic empowerment. Through the construction of schools, renovation of health care facilities and implementation of educational programs, COAF empowers Armenian youth with the tools and resources necessary to thrive in today’s uncertain world. Through initiatives like the SMART Center, a hub for technology, arts and sports, COAF champions creativity, critical thinking and leadership skills, preparing the next generation of leaders in Armenia.
Fuller Center for Housing Armenia (FCHA)
A covenant partner of the umbrella organization, FCHA works to provide Armenians access to safe and affordable housing. Amid a major housing crisis, housing and shelter remain a pressing issue throughout Armenia today, particularly in rural areas. FCHA takes on this challenge by partnering with communities to build and renovate homes for families in need.
Through mobilizing volunteers, engaging local stakeholders and using sustainable building practices, FCHA not only provides shelter but also promotes community development and solidarity. Through its various housing initiatives, FCHA works to pave a path to stability and self-reliance while laying the foundation for brighter futures.
Tufenkian Foundation
Established in 1999, the Tufenkian Foundation remains committed to promoting social justice and cultural preservation in Armenia. The organization promotes initiatives that celebrate Armenia’s rich history while simultaneously empowering its people. From supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs to preserving historical landmarks and promoting environmental sustainability, the Tufenkian Foundation’s efforts encompass a wide variety of programs aimed at promoting inclusive growth and community.
Through investment in education, entrepreneurship and cultural preservation, the Tufenkian Foundation fosters a sense of pride and belonging amongst Armenians, further strengthening its people and communities.
Birthright Armenia
Founded in 2003, Birthright Armenia offers a unique opportunity for young Armenians from around the world to connect with their roots, contribute to community development and celebrate their cultural heritage. Through a variety of volunteer opportunities, internships, cultural immersion experiences and educational events, Birthright Armenia empowers Armenian youth across the world to make valuable contributions to Armenian society while furthering their understanding of the country’s culture and history. By creating connections and promoting a sense of belonging, the organization empowers a new generation of global citizens committed to the support and advancement of Armenia and its people.
Looking Ahead
Throughout Armenia and beyond, these five charities stand as pillars of development and progress. Through their devout dedication and support, these organizations exemplify the immense power of charity and collective action in creating positive change. As the country continues its journey toward a brighter future, these five charities operating in Armenia continue to empower individuals and communities to overcome challenges, create opportunities and shape a more inclusive and prosperous future.
– Benjamin DeMarais
Photo: Unsplash