Archive for category: Charity

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5 Charities Operating in Italy

Charities Operating In ItalyPoverty in Italy reached historical highs after the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a 2021 Istat report. The report found that more than 1.9 million households were living in absolute poverty and were unable to afford basic needs. The incidence of relative poverty, which accounts for those living below the average poverty line while being able to afford some necessities, also increased. About 2.9 million households, or 11% of the population, were living in relative poverty in 2021. To help combat the rise in poverty rates, these five charities operating in Italy are working to bring assistance to marginalized people in need.

Mission Bambini

In Italy, more than 1.4 million children live in poverty and 14.2% of them live in absolute poverty. Mission Bambini is an NGO that seeks “to give help to poor, sick, outcast, uneducated children.” Goffredo Modena, an engineer, founded the organization in Milan on January 18, 2000. During its first five years, Mission Bambini worked to set up its Children’s Heart program, which focuses on saving the lives of babies abroad born with heart conditions. From 2000 to 2005, the organization helped more than 20,000 receive medical treatments.

At the national level, Mission Bambini launched early childhood educational programs in 2006, providing services like study support, dropout prevention and school renovations. Thanks to the efforts of volunteers, more than 12,000 children obtained access to learning services at an early age.

Soleterre

Soleterre is also among the health care-oriented, non-profit charities operating in Italy. It seeks to support those not fortunate enough to be afforded a healthy life, regardless of age or provenance. Though Soleterre’s base is in Italy, it reached 23 developing countries to bring food relief programs to 30,000 people and other health care relief programs to 260,000 people.

Since 2002, Soleterre has been providing aid, in the Italian cities of Pavia and Taranto, to children and adolescent cancer patients. The organization focuses on providing economic, psychological and medical support to give children a chance to improve their diagnosis and possibly heal. Soleterre reached more than 21,000 children and 16 hospitals with cancer assistance programs.

Save the Children

Another charity operating in Italy that focuses on aiding young people is Save The Children. The foundation collects donations from Italians and supports developing programs for children in 62 countries. Save the Children’s campaigns focus on fighting malnutrition, ending wars and providing safe environments where children can thrive.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 5.2 million children died in 2019 from “mostly preventable and treatable causes.” Currently, Save the Children estimates that malnutrition threatens 13.6 million kids under the age of 5. To tackle this issue, the organization launched its “Emergenza Fame” (Famine Emergency) campaign to mobilize Italians by urging them to petition their government and donate to fund food programs in Somalia and India.

Intersos

Intersos was originally founded in 1992, to aid people who extreme poverty, war and other unfortunate circumstances affect. Since its inception, the organization has operated on an international level and brought emergency humanitarian intervention to 23 countries, providing medical care, shelter and basic necessary goods.

In 2011 Intersos launched the A28 Center in Rome, to provide nightly accommodations to young and unaccompanied minors traveling to Europe. In 2017, another center was established in Rome to supply medical aid to migrant women and children, as well as for Italian nationals. Most recently, Intersos worked in Ukraine to aid refugees by establishing psychological, medical assistance and protection resources.

Assistenza Nazionale Tumori (ANT)

The Assistenza Nazionale Tumori (ANT) or National Tumor Assitance originated in 1978 seeking to provide free medical home care to those who are suffering from tumors and unable to afford medical assistance. Over the years, the organization helped more than 155,000 ill people by engaging teams of doctors, nurses, nutritionists and more, to provide health care directly within households through dedicated therapies. Some of the additional services ANT provides include hygiene care, laundry services and transportation of patients to medical centers.

While ANT mainly provides support and infusion therapies, it runs a free mobile prevention center, dubbed the “Bus of Prevention,” equipped with oncological diagnostic tools. ANT’s programs in 11 out of 20 Italian regions can reach those facing tumor-related concerns, spanning the length of Italy’s famous booth-shaped territory.

Looking Ahead

As of 2023, 22% of the Italian population is living at risk of food poverty following the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. These five charities operating in Italy, and beyond, continue to tackle the problems affecting marginalized, young and non-national individuals to make sure they do not become a statistic.

– Francesco Luisi
Photo: Flickr

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Mercy Ships’ Campaign To Grow Africa’s Health Care System

Mercy ShipsThe campaign against poverty remains a battle of conviction for specific organizations. Such organizations are governed by faith and a subsequent determination to help those in need, irrespective of the cost. One such organization is Mercy Ships.

Mercy Ships’ Overview

Mercy Ships is a faith-based international development charity that sends hospital ships to some of the poorest countries in the world, delivering essential, accessible health care to people in desperate need. Following the principles of Jesus Christ, Mercy Ships serves as a movement to provide hope and healing to individuals suffering from disability, disfigurement and disease.

Maintaining its Christian values wherever its volunteers go, the initiative’s volunteers are driven by a desire to provide surgical treatment and improved health care to nations susceptible to conditions including HIV/Aids, TB and Malaria with limited means of combating such ailments. This is particularly prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa, where most countries the nonprofit partnered with reside.

Partnering With Host Countries

Mercy Ships estimates that in low-income and lower-middle-income countries, nine out of 10 people have no access to basic surgical care. For example, more than 69% of people in Sub-Saharan Africa live on less than £2 ($2.5) daily. Health care in these countries either doesn’t exist or is unaffordable to most of the population. To overcome this, the organization has established partnerships with each country it has lent its support to, addressing the needs of each nation.

Impact on Host Nations

During a 10-month stay in Guinea from 2018 to 2019, the faith-based program delivered 2,442 life-changing surgeries onboard its hospital ship, treated more than 7,937 patients at a land-based dental clinic and trained and mentored 1,254 local health care professionals. In Madagascar, the charity’s efforts from 2015 to 2016 contributed to 1,682 surgeries and 29,043 dental procedures. It also trained and mentored 1,546 health professionals.

Their flagship vessel, the Africa Mercy, the largest hospital ship in the world, was docked in Senegal in 2019. More than 400 volunteers were located on board to provide necessary treatment for conditions encompassing dental and eye problems, cleft lips and palates, tumors, club feet, childbirth injuries, burns and more. During the ship’s stay in the port of Dakar, the organization provided 1,407 surgeries aboard and treated more than 5,000 dental patients in its land-based facilities.

Katie’s Story

‘‘All the members on the ship are completely volunteers, from the ship captain to the deck hands, to the surgeons and catering staff. I worked as a scrub nurse, handing the surgical instruments to the surgeon and ensuring the procedures were sterile and safe. I worked 50 hours a week on average,’’ stated Katie Fletcher, a nurse employed by the National Health Service in England.

Fletcher discovered Mercy Ships and its cause when she was 18 years old and before she started training to become a nurse at a music festival. Sharing the organization’s Christian values, she soon felt compelled to apply her training and knowledge towards Mercy Ships and its life-changing work in 2023 during a two-week volunteer placement.

Her campaign began with a fundraiser, where she successfully raised £3,000 (nearly $4,000). She achieved this through a combination of quiz nights, raffles, a sponsored walk around the Gower Peninsular in South Wales and campaigning on behalf of the charity through avenues such as BBC Radio and newspapers. More than half of the funds went towards the charity. More than half of these funds were invested in medication and other logistics to perform the surgeries, contributing to the campaign’s overall success.

Katie envisages Mercy Ships and its local apprenticeships onboard the ship will make health tourism more sustainable by teaching the locals safe surgery techniques despite frequently traveling to new destinations after a certain period.

– Thomas Perry
Photo: Flickr

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How Video Game Streamers Are Making a Global Difference

Video Game Streamers

Over the last decade, the gaming industry has witnessed numerous charitable acts, whether initiated by game streamers, in-game purchases or gaming studios. Here are some of the most notable donations and acts, showing how charitable video game streamers are.

Carryminati (Ajay Nagar)

Carryminati is among the most popular gaming YouTubers, boasting a subscriber count of more than 40 million. He is mostly famous for his ability to make compelling gaming and roast videos with fresh humor. However, one of his recent acts of charity gave his long-term fans and new viewers a different reason to respect him.

On June 2, 2023, a tragic incident unfolded in Odisha, India, as three trains collided, resulting in the loss of 275 lives and leaving more than 1,100 individuals injured. In response to the situation, Carryminati conducted a live stream, raising more than £11,000 (almost $14,000), to which he contributed an additional £1,500 (approximately $2,000). Expressing deep sorrow over the tragic situation, he conveyed his thoughts and prayers for all those impacted. The goal of the fundraiser was to assist the families impacted by the incident.

PewDiePie (Felix Kjellberg)

PewDiePie, also known as Felix, has long been a prominent figure on YouTube. Rising swiftly through the ranks as a YouTuber specializing in horror gaming, he surpassed all competitors to claim the title of the most subscribed creator on the platform, a title he proudly held for more than six years. Although eventually dethroned by a music label company, PewDiePie showcased not only the magnitude of his subscriber base but also the generosity of his heart through frequent charitable acts and fundraising streams. His commitment illustrates the philanthropic spirit inherent in charitable video game streamers.

In 2016, Felix started a fundraising campaign for Charity: Water, a “nonprofit organization bringing clean and safe water to people around the world.” With the combined effort of his subscribers, he raised more than $445,000, surpassing his initial target of $250,000. Similarly, teaming up with Humble Bundle and his extensive subscriber base, he played a key role in generating a substantial sum of $630,000 for the Save the Children campaign. Over the years, Felix has actively participated in numerous charity initiatives, including those for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), (RED) and Child Rights for You (CRY), among others, contributing to a cumulative total of more than $3 million raised for various causes.

Ninja

In 2016, the French gaming charity stream, Z Event, took place from September 20 to 23. During this event, Ninja made a remarkable contribution by donating an astonishing €26,000 (about $29,000). This generous act aimed to propel the fundraising efforts beyond the already impressive sum of €3 million (approximately $3.24 million) for medical research and treatments. Ninja’s donations sparked a trend among his followers and supporters, motivating them to contribute, ultimately surpassing the initially set target for the event. Additionally, during the COVID-19 outbreak, Ninja drew inspiration from the charitable efforts of Ryan Reynolds and Jimmy Fallon. In response, he contributed $150,000 to support relief initiatives and encouraged others to stay positive and practice social distancing.

– Siddharth Thampi
Photo: Unsplash

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Tech Firms Take On Poverty

Tech FirmsOver the last three decades, technology has profoundly influenced our lives, with a handful of tech firms, notably Alphabet and Meta, attaining substantial profitability. These companies play a pivotal role in shaping the future through technological advancements. However, their philanthropic endeavors, aimed at contributing to a better future for all, often go underappreciated. These are examples of how the cornerstones of modern-age technology firms are alleviating poverty.

Alphabet (Google)

As the leading powerhouse in the search engine industry, according to Forbes, Google has established itself as the second-largest brand in the world while turning in $279 billion in revenue as of 2023. Google has been actively involved in philanthropic initiatives through Google.org, its charitable arm established in 2005. The organization has engaged in various poverty alleviation projects across the globe. Google.org has invested more than $250 million into closing educational gaps worldwide, especially in impoverished areas. This includes supplying technological resources to facilitate learning, a collaboration that extends to partnerships with entities like Khan Academy.

Furthermore, the organization has contributed to economic empowerment across countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa by supporting those who suffer from systematic barriers as small to medium-sized business owners. One of Google’s more recent contributions is a $5 million grant provided to underserved businesses worldwide during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Google.org is an example of how technology firms are alleviating poverty by supporting various communities. This support includes ensuring access to education and fostering financial stability, which helps to lift households out of poverty.

Meta

Recently rebranded from Facebook, Meta holds significant control over media consumption through platforms like Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp. The multinational technology company has expanded its philanthropic efforts through the founders, Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan. Having pledged to donate more than 99% of their fortune throughout their lifetime, estimated to be around $45 billion, the couple established the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) in 2015.

The initiative has become an important player in lobbying U.S. legislators, leveraging its substantial funding to address social issues on a global scale. Furthermore, it has given away more than $4.9 billion in grants to various nonprofit organizations globally, with a keen focus on medical research, which can positively contribute to impoverished communities across the globe by improving living standards.

CZI contributes significantly to the fight against poverty by making global venture investments in emerging companies. These investments aim to alleviate poverty through research and innovation, particularly in the discovery of new techniques to establish food security and ensure equal access to education on a global scale, leveraging the power of technology.

While it may be challenging to entirely separate the philanthropic motives of tech firms from their corporate social responsibility branding, potential tax breaks and other benefits, it is nonetheless encouraging to see these companies actively alleviating poverty through generous donations and efforts aimed at creating positive change.

– Matthew Fung
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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The Charity Fighting Poverty in Burundi

BurundiBurundi is currently one of the most impoverished countries in the world, with more than 87% of the population living off less than $2 per day. Additionally, more than half the population experiences chronic food insecurity. Labeled as “the hungriest country in the world,” many citizens actively seek to emigrate from this densely populated state. Economic challenges persist due to the nation’s reliance on agricultural exports in a land-poor state and the scarcity of employment opportunities for the rapidly growing population.

Poverty in Burundi

As one of the countries with the lowest Gross National Income Per Capita (GNI) globally, Burundi is grappling with a dire economic situation and a scarcity of essential provisions for survival. The pervasive poverty in Burundi poses a significant risk, potentially leading to a national catastrophe. Notwithstanding, the Great Lakes Outreach (GLO) considers this dire situation in Burundi as an opportunity and has embarked on initiatives to address poverty and reconstruct the nation from its foundation.

The Great Lakes Outreach functions as a collaborative partner with smaller organizations, aiming to bring about social and economic reform in Burundi. Its strategy involves investing in schools, skills development, knowledge enhancement and providing food provisions. The ultimate goal of the organization is to eliminate poverty in Burundi, providing the people of Burundi with a fair chance to flourish.

Stories of Reform

Claudine and Sofia, who were facing extreme poverty in Burundi, found support through the Greenland Alliance, a partner organization backed by the Great Lakes Outreach. With financial assistance, they were able to secure loans to initiate their respective businesses. Claudine now earns income through livestock, enabling her to care for her four younger siblings. Meanwhile, Sofia plans to establish a small shop using products and profits generated from her plants and livestock. Remarkably, both young women were loaned less than $25, yet the impact on their lives and their families has been substantial.

Through the support of the Great Lakes Outreach, the Greenland Alliance is transforming the lives of impoverished citizens. The organization is teaching them valuable business skills and how to manage money. This act goes beyond empowering women and promoting financial independence to helping Burundians escape extreme poverty, one small loan at a time.

Another Great Lakes Outreach partner, United Citizens for Change and Development, is actively contributing to the improvement of education in Burundi. In 2022 alone, the organization established nearly 60 university-accredited Bible schools, resulting in more than 4000 graduates in the last year. Many of the Great Lakes Outreach Partners have long-term goals of sustainability and self-sufficiency through education and employability development. However, while these are crucial for lifting the nation out of poverty, many Burundians are in immediate need of aid, simply just to survive.

One Cup a Day Program

Food security is a top priority for the Great Lakes Outreach and one of its partners, Youth with a Mission, has initiated the “One Cup a Day Program.” This program aims to give malnourished children a hearty meal of porridge each day. Beyond addressing their nutritional needs, the program also creates a space for these children to play, have fun and develop friendships.

Extreme poverty in Burundi contributes to food scarcity and insecurity, exacerbated by the limited nutritional value of the country’s primary agricultural exports, such as tea, coffee and bananas. Initiatives like the “One Cup a Day” program serve as a lifeline to families facing extreme poverty. With the support of the Great Lakes Outreach, more starving people in Burundi are receiving vital food assistance each day.

– Abigail Tidball
Photo: Flickr

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5 Charities in the United Arab Emirates

Charities in the United Arab EmiratesCharity holds a significant place in the culture of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). UAE society has a long-standing tradition of generosity and compassion toward those in need. The concept of charity, known as Zakat in Arabic, is deeply rooted in Islamic teachings, which emphasize the importance of giving to the less fortunate. This cultural value has led to the establishment of several charities and initiatives throughout the United Arab Emirates.

The development of charities in the United Arab Emirates can be traced back to the early days of the country’s formation. As the country underwent rapid modernization and economic growth, leaders recognized the importance of giving back to society. Over the years, charitable activities have evolved and expanded, driven by the UAE leadership’s vision to create a caring and inclusive society.

Dubai Cares

Dubai Cares is a well-known charity in the UAE, and its philanthropic efforts have gained praise and recognition worldwide. Established in 2007, it focuses on providing access to quality education for underprivileged children and young adults in 60 developing countries, including Bangladesh and the Maldives. 

Dubai Cares takes a comprehensive approach to addressing the education needs, understanding that promoting education involves more than just building schools and providing books. The organization also focuses on teacher training, vocational education and early childhood development programs. Not only has Dubai Cares built and renovated 2,172 schools, but it has also trained 22,370 teachers, established 3,157 Parent-Teacher Associations, created 489 libraries and distributed 1.3 million books written in local languages.

Emirates Red Crescent

Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) is dedicated to assisting individuals and communities in need. With its mission to alleviate poverty, provide relief and support sustainable development, ERC has made significant contributions to both local and international communities.

One of the main focuses of ERC is providing disaster relief aid. The organization plays an important role in responding quickly to natural disasters, conflicts and humanitarian crises worldwide. Through its logistical expertise and strong network, it has a long history of delivering food, water, shelter and medical aid to affected areas.

Another notable initiative is its commitment to eradicating poverty. Recognizing the importance of economic stability for individuals and communities, ERC implements regional poverty-alleviation programs, including vocational training programs and income-generating initiatives. In 15 years, ERC has spent nearly $3 billion toward poverty alleviation in 128 countries, helping over 228 million people.

Zakat Fund

The Zakat Fund is a remarkable organization dedicated to upholding the principles of Islamic philanthropy in the region. Established in 2003, the organization operates under the guidance of the government and has become one of the most prominent charities in the country. Zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam, requires every able Muslim to donate a proportion of their wealth to benefit the poor.

The Zakat Fund provides assistance to individuals and families struggling with basic needs such as food, shelter and health care. Additionally, it extends support to educational initiatives, giving underprivileged children access to quality education. Its “Our Youth – Our Responsibility – Our Zakat – Our Immunity” initiative enables local universities to provide financial aid to students facing economic hardship.

Beit Al Khair Society

The Beit Al Khair Society is one of the most important charities in the UAE and is dedicated to addressing social issues in the region. Established in 1989, this institution operates across the seven emirates of the UAE, aiming to alleviate poverty and provide humanitarian aid to the underprivileged. So far, they’ve helped a total of 27,454 families with over $7 million of aid.

Dubai Foundation for Women and Children

The Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC) supports women and children affected by gender-based violence. This organization stands as a beacon of hope for victims of abuse, offering shelter, counseling and educational programs to help rebuild lives. Over 10,000 people have connected with the foundation through several online platforms. 

DFWAC conducts various campaigns and workshops to educate individuals about the signs of abuse, its consequences and how to prevent it. By engaging with the public and fostering dialogue around this critical issue, DFWAC challenges existing misconceptions and societal attitudes that perpetuate violence against women and children.

Conclusion

Charities in the UAE demonstrate the nation’s commitment to philanthropy and societal progress. Built on a foundation of cultural heritage and Islamic principles, these organizations play an important role in alleviating social issues and driving sustainable development. With innovative approaches, strategic collaborations and a dedication to lasting impact, UAE charities are transforming lives both domestically and across the globe.

– Sara Hatab
Photo: Unsplash

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Spreading Joy With Shoe Boxes

Shoe BoxDuring times of crisis, children often find themselves in especially vulnerable situations. Worldwide, more than 330 million children are grappling with the harsh realities of poverty. These are not just economic struggles; these children lack essentials like clean water, food, shelter and health care – the very basics needed for their well-being.

This is where Team Hope steps in to make a difference. Collaborating with schools throughout Ireland, this initiative calls upon volunteers to bring joy by assembling and sending gift-filled shoeboxes to underprivileged children in Africa and Eastern Europe. These shoeboxes are a lifeline, delivering Christmas gifts that these children might otherwise never receive.

Each donated shoebox has the power to brighten the life of a single child, transforming not only their holiday season but also making a lasting impact on their families. It’s an effort that proves that even small acts of kindness can bring about meaningful change in the lives of vulnerable children.

Team Hope: The Shoe Boxes Appeal

Team Hope has a reputation for collaborating with primary and secondary schools across Ireland to spread joy each Christmas. Since 2010, Team Hope has sent at least 2.5 million shoe boxes to vulnerable children worldwide. In 2022, Ireland sent 173,563 shoe boxes to happy children in Romania, Ukraine, Malawi and Kenya. By sending clothes, hairbrushes, toothbrushes, soap and fun toys, the initiative makes a positive difference to every child’s life. These boxes undergo careful checks before they make their journey across the world. The boxes offer children important essentials and a delightful gift to bring happiness to every child’s life.

School Volunteers

A lot of the volunteers come from primary and secondary schools, as children work together to create the perfect gifts. Team Hope collaborates with teachers, students and parents from preschool through to third level in order to spread joy across the world. 

Teachers Ms. Lauren Scanlan and Mrs. Grace Cart explained that the appeal also helps Irish students learn about and understand poverty. Ms. Scanlon shares that she has worked with Team Hope for many years with the Shoe Box Appeal in primary schools around Waterford, and Mrs. Carty, who teaches in a primary school in County Galway, states that “the shoe boxes are great! Once the children start putting their boxes together they truly start to understand about poverty and the importance of giving.” She notes that “it gives the children a proper realization that not everyone in the world has what they have, and the children are eager to help and are excited at the idea of their present reaching a friend across the world and giving them a happy Christmas.”

The initiative not only helps those living in poverty, but it teaches children in Ireland that a little bit of kindness can go a long way.

Looking Ahead

Many of the shoeboxes for this appeal come from schools, but anyone can participate. The process is straightforward. After decorating and wrapping the shoebox, the volunteer selects the age group and gender of the recipient. They then choose a mix of practical and fun gifts to fill the box, ensuring the recipient has a special Christmas. Once the gifts are dispatched, people can track their destination on Team Hope’s website. This initiative has made a positive impact worldwide and continues to bring holiday cheer each Christmas season.

– Éadaoin O’Leary
Photo: Unsplash

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5 Charities Operating in Scotland 

Charities Operating in Scotland Poverty levels in Scotland have been in a state of flux for many years. From the late 1990s to the mid 2000s child poverty levels were stable until around 2013 when stability gave way to an increased number of people affected. There are more than 1 million people currently living in poverty in Scotland.

In 2017, the Scottish parliament unanimously voted for the Child Poverty Act hoping to set a goal of reducing relative child poverty in Scotland to no more than 10% and reducing absolute child poverty to no more than 5%. Now in 2023, the fight against poverty continues in Scotland, where several charities and independent organizations have taken to the frontlines to stand in defense of their disadvantaged countrymen. Here are 5 charities operating in Scotland.

Charities at Work in Scotland

  1. Smart Works – Established in 2013, Smart Works is a charity that supplies out-of-work women in Scotland with the means to re-enter the workforce and start on the road to an improved life. Smart Works not only supplies out-of-work women with the apparel they need to help secure employment, but they also offer career coaching for women struggling to land a job interview. According to Greater Govanhill, 71% of clients can find a job within a month of completing the program. Smart Works has helped more than 30,000 women across 11 centers throughout the U.K.
  2. Homeless Project Scotland – Colin McInnes and Fraser Riddell founded Homeless Project Scotland in 2019 and have provided more than 130,000 meals to the disadvantaged people of Scotland. The charity runs a soup kitchen as well as other services, including the deployment of street cycle teams who deliver food, water, clothing and other essentials to those in need.
  3. The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) Scotland – Founded in 1965, the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) is a voice supporting children suffering from the ravages of poverty. Since its foundation, CPAG has worked to secure futures for children and families in Scotland and the U.K. at large through lobbying and ensuring those who qualify for aid receive it without delay.
  4. The Robertson Trust – Elspeth, Agnes and Ethel Robertson founded the Robertson Trust in 1961, which has been contributing to and funding charities operating in Scotland for more than 60 years. The Robertson Trust identifies the two largest issues in Scotland to be poverty and trauma, the trust aims to tackle these issues by working directly with organizations receiving their support on the ground level. Since 1961, the Robertson Trust awarded more than £300 million to organizations across Scotland.
  5.  Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) – Joseph Rowntree started the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) more than a century ago in 1904 to provide quality-of-life improvements for the community around him. Currently, JRF makes donations to organizations battling poverty, researches solutions to poverty and lobbies for government reform on policies dealing with the alleviation of poverty for those affected by it in any capacity. JRF is assisting in taking action against poverty by funding organizations it believes to be making a difference, referring to these groups and businesses as “pathfinders.”

Wrap Up

With more than a million people still living in poverty in Scotland as of 2023, the Scottish government’s goal of seeing poverty levels reduced to or below 10% is a mounting challenge. However, the charities operating in Scotland and many more like them continue to wage a war on poverty. With the continued work and support from these organizations and the communities around them, there is growing hope for progress.

– Beau Sansom
Photo: Flickr

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The Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation: Alleviating Poverty in Cambodia

Poverty in CambodiaDespite the agricultural potential and beauties of Cambodia, the country’s people face hardships. Almost 18% of the population lived in extreme poverty in Cambodia in the year 2019. Furthermore, out of the total population, 45% are living moderately to severely food insecure.  Organizations are taking action to improve living conditions for Cambodia’s most impoverished.

The Maddox Jolie-Pitt (MJP) Foundation

The Maddox Jolie-Pitt (MJP) Foundation is an organization founded by Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt in 2003 that provides support to communities living in extreme poverty in Cambodia to improve living conditions and works to protect the environment. The foundation is named after Jolie’s first adopted son, Maddox Jolie-Pitt, whom she adopted from Cambodia in 2002. Angelina Jolie was in Cambodia filming the movie Tomb Raider when she had the idea for the foundation after being inspired by the resilience of the country’s people. The organization’s team consists of Cambodian people, most of whom live in the local villages and have an understanding of the issues of extreme poverty in Cambodia plaguing communities. The foundation has divided its poverty alleviation goal into six main focal areas.

Conservation

In Cambodia, deforestation is a pressing issue. The MJP Foundation identifies lack of resources as the main reason that illegal logging and poaching continues- and the project aims to educate and encourage locals to preserve the natural habitat. The foundation’s website highlights that “In partnership with the Battambang Forestry Administration and local authorities, MJP has established 11 Community Forestry schemes in 4 communes in Samlout District.” This includes four community-run nurseries. In 2017, the foundation planted “more than 10,000 new trees using the seedlings grown in the community nurseries,” the website says.

Agriculture

The foundation’s work also centers on strengthening agriculture in Cambodia. Due to the level of extreme poverty in Cambodia, access to nutritious food is an issue. The MJP Foundation provides practical training for farmers in order to ensure that they are able to make the best use of their land and livestock. This is extremely important due to the fact that 80% of the entire Cambodian population works in agriculture. By increasing yields and productivity, the MJP Foundation helps people to raise their incomes and feed their families.

Education

A huge focus of the MJP project is providing access to trained educators, facilities, and libraries. Gradually, the literacy rate in Cambodia has improved. According to the World Bank, the adult literacy rate (15 and older) rose from 67% in 1998 to 81% in 2015 and then 84% in 2022.

The foundation works with 82 Cambodian school teachers and 10 schools in hopes of substantial improvement. The project provides books for the community and has organized literacy classes and after-school programs to support literacy in Cambodia. It has also provided support for local school sports teams including uniforms and training for coaches. The project also created the Shiloh scholarship, which provides support for children in extreme need.

Women’s Empowerment

The MJP works to increase female involvement in sports, health care and education. Out of 16 MJP health care workers, seven are female, along with 38 females out of 85 educators. MJP founded the Women’s Prosperity Center. The purpose of the center is to organize women-led empowerment activities. The MJP gender coordinator works with more than 30 women in surrounding villages to promote ideas about women’s rights.

Economic Growth

MJP supports economic growth by providing financial assistance to fight against extreme poverty in Cambodia. The organization aims to encourage locals to manage their finances and learn to save.

Health

The MJP health project works to provide sanitation in schools and works with mothers and children on healthy habits, advice, and support. MJP runs two health care clinics out of Cambodia that assist an average of 11,000 people yearly. As part of their approach, the MJP Foundation built two pump wells in schools and incorporated water filters in seven. The MJP also spreads awareness in schools on the importance of proper hygiene.

A Look Ahead

The Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation aims to alleviate extreme poverty in Cambodia through a six-program approach. Through numerous partnerships in local communities and attention to the environment as well as availability of resources, the Jolie-Pitt foundation has provided relief for communities across Cambodia.

– Aubrey Acord
Photo: Flickr

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5 Charities Operating in Cambodia

Charities Operating in Cambodia
Cambodia is predominantly associated with the world’s largest religious monument, Angkor Wat, a bucket list tourist attraction for avid travelers in South East Asia. It is this tourism, along with garment exports, that has fueled Cambodia’s economic growth over the last 25 years. According to The World Bank, this growth measured at 7.7% between 1998 and 2019. This correlates with the country’s declining poverty rate, dropping from 36.7% in 2014 to 16.6% in 2022. While these facts are impressive, it is the Cambodian people and the charities supporting them that truly demonstrate this progress. 

Here are five charities operating in Cambodia to maintain and expand on Cambodia’s elimination of poverty and encourage its people’s movement into the upper-middle income class.

1. Tiny Toones

Among the first charities operating in Cambodia in this list is Tiny Toones. This unique Cambodian charity takes an alternative approach to poverty reduction, teaching Cambodian children the art of break-dancing to prevent gang involvement, exploitative labor and substance abuse. Tuy Sobil established Tiny Toones in 2005, hosting dance lessons in his home for local kids living on the streets. As interest grew, Sobil became more than just a dance teacher; introducing English and computing lessons as well as general guidance. Fully funded by donations and staffed by former students, this grassroots Cambodian charity sees more than 100 children through its doors every day. Its scholarship program provides opportunities for students to attend university—breaking family poverty cycles and enhancing employment prospects. Tiny Toones offers a creative community for children most vulnerable to impoverishment and continues to expand with donations, sponsorship and popularity. 

2. Chab Dai

With a focus on anti-slavery, the Cambodian charity, Chab Dai, operates on various levels to empower individuals to demand their human rights. About 58% of Cambodians are vulnerable to modern slavery and 83,000 people are currently victims of these conditions. Taking a collaborative approach, this organization covers educating and resource sharing, supporting community development, counseling, legal guidance and assisting local and national authorities with policy making. Chab Dai founded the Global Learning Community in 2012, an anti-trafficking movement that connects grassroots organizations through interactive conversation and comprehensive research. The 2022 Impact Report commemorated the participation of 43 countries in their network, as well as specific milestones in Cambodia. About 69 police officers completed training to respond to trafficking cases and 172 counselling sessions occurred. Chab Dai elevates voices and pools together resources for a future far removed from modern slavery. 

3. New Hope Cambodia

Beginning as a grassroots Cambodian charity and growing into an internationally recognized NGO, New Hope Cambodia has three main objectives including education, health care and community and crisis care support. The Cambodian government’s Identification of Poor Households Programme (IDPoor) recognizes households that require targeted services. New Hope Cambodia provides 600 children from such households with free schooling, breaking the poverty cycle by enhancing the futures of the children they care for and allowing parents the time to seek employment of their own. In July 2010, the New Hope Cambodia restaurant opened, teaching Khmers skills that would lead to more prosperous lives beyond the program. 

4. Globalteer’s Helping Hands School

More than 300 students are enrolled at Globalteer’s Helping Hands School in the rural village of Prasat Char. This organization supplements the existing education system in Cambodia; while a half day at school is free to those with uniform and stationary, many do not meet these requirements. Helping Hands offers supplies and funds the other half of the day to offer its students a complete learning experience. The ‘Helping Hands Champions’ charity, a collection of individuals and social enterprises who donate their time and money to expand the school and its wider community, mitigate costs. Help did by no means come to a halt with the COVID-19 pandemic, as Helping Hands delivered 1,440 food packs in 2021 while schools were closed, and continued to provide uniforms when they reopened. It is this optimistic outlook that is guaranteeing a brighter future for rural Cambodia. 

5. Daughters of Cambodia

Poverty and sex work often have close links, especially in developing countries like Cambodia. Growing up in poverty often means a lack of basic education, which subsequently leads to very few job prospects. The desperate need to support their families, or even to fend for themselves, can often lead young girls into the commercial sex industry, selling their bodies to stay alive. Daughters of Cambodia offers these girls a way out, providing jobs and recovery programs to support them in building new lives free from exploitation. In this case, girls initially receive training to sew and craft jewelry, with their products being sold in the Daughters of Cambodia store located in Phnom Penh. While not a shelter, this social enterprise operates to provide a safe space for these young girls to improve their quality of life, working through psychological trauma and reducing the risk of re-trafficking. 

Looking Ahead

Cambodia’s aim of becoming an upper-middle income economy by 2030 remains attainable, and it is organizations like these charities operating in Cambodia that create the backbone of a society capable of such progress. Those who these organizations help are the very individuals who will fuel the future economic landscape. Therefore, maintaining and expanding their success is vital for the country’s growth out of poverty.

– Connie Champain
Photo: Flickr