Archive for category: Charity

,

5 Charities Operating in Kenya

Charities Operating in KenyaBordering the Indian Ocean, Kenya is famous for its dramatic Great Rift Valley, expansive Savannah and inspiring annual migration of more than 2 million wildebeests. Located in East Africa, Kenya is home to 53 million people. While the nation has recently advanced to lower-middle-income status, two-thirds of its population still live in poverty, earning less than $3.20 daily. According to USAID, “70% of the nation is chronically vulnerable due to food insecurity and preventable diseases.” The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these effects, slowing economic growth within the country. Nonetheless, Kenya has made notable economic strides in recent years.

Between 2015 and 2019, Kenya experienced a 4.8% economic growth rate per year, reducing the percentage of people living on less than $2.15 per day from 36.5% to 27.2%. In light of these trends, the following charities operating in Kenya focus on poverty eradication by working with and empowering individuals to realize their full potential.

5 Charities Operating in Kenya

  1. Raising Futures Kenya: In an effort to break the cycle of poverty and allow youth to reach their potential, Raising Futures Kenya focuses on providing youth with free vocational training and business skills. The organization has served 2,500 students in the 21 years of its operation. Raising Futures Kenya serves approximately 900 students annually who receive healthy meals, menstrual hygiene packets and counseling tailored to meet each individual’s mental health needs. Raising Future’s Seed of Hope training programs offer students vocational training in motor mechanics, carpentry, hairdressing, catering and hospitality and more. Impressively, 90% of the program graduates gain employment, continue their education or establish businesses.
  2. Team Kenya: Deeply held traditional beliefs that boys are more deserving of an education than girls exist in Kenya, perpetuating challenges for young women to access quality education. Team Kenya works with communities that surround local primary schools to overcome the hurdles that avert girls from accessing education. The organization advocates for safe communities by offering education and training about girls’ rights. Team Kenya also teams up with girls who have experienced sexual violence and supports them in taking legal action. As stated on Team Kenya’s website, “Since 2008, Team Kenya has built a strong relationship with the community in Ndhiwa and Twende Pamoja. Together with Twende Pamoja, we have transformed the lives of over 80,000 people in Ndhiwa, including 25,000 young girls.”
  3. Tiba Foundation: Founded in 2004, Tiba Foundation supports grassroots initiatives run by local leaders who aim to improve the quality of life for rural Kenyans. In Swahili, the main spoken language throughout Kenya, “Matibabu” means treatment. Tiba is taken from this root word, as the foundation partners with the Matibabu Community Hospital. Tiba Foundation is a charity operating in Kenya that focuses on improving access to quality health care, education, innovative technology and female empowerment throughout the country. Its mission aims to create locally-led, sustainable solutions to the greatest issues facing the nation, by partnering with local organizations knowledgeable about these challenges. More than 48,000 individuals benefit from its level-4 hospital annually.
  4. Nuru Kenya: This organization works alongside farmers to improve their crop yield and management tactics, in an effort to lift farmers and their families out of poverty. The organization believes that change begins at a local level, hence it is 100% locally led. Since its beginnings in 2008, Nuru Kenya has assisted farmers in building and managing sustainable farmer cooperatives and has provided them access to participate in the regional and international markets. Farmers who work alongside Nuru Kenya have experienced a 70% increase in income, a 98% increase in crop yield and a 24% decrease in child mortality.
  5. S.A.F.E: This organization uses street-based arts-based community programs to bring about social change in local communities. Its mission is to solve some of Kenya’s most pressing issues through art and storytelling. Street-based performances, storytelling and film are used to address a multitude of local issues, allowing the audience to reflect on their own lives and the challenges they face. This strategic communication method educates and motivates the audience to make crucial steps toward community change. S.A.F.E was founded in 2001, at the height of the HIV pandemic in Kenya. Its outreach efforts made significant strides in HIV prevention through increased testing and awareness. S.A.F.E’s mission has expanded to tackle a wider range of sexual and reproductive health issues, including providing access to contraceptives and using its art to reduce the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. S.A.F.E also uses theater and film to tackle female genital mutilation, issues regarding water and sanitation, countering violent extremism and building resilience to environmental issues.

Looking Ahead

These five charities operating in Kenya substantially support citizens experiencing poverty throughout the nation. In addition to the organizations, several other charities and nonprofits are dedicated to eradicating poverty and empowering communities in Kenya. The work of these organizations continues to provide Kenyans with access to quality education and health care, and greater crop yield for farmers, supporting communities with the necessary toolkit to prosper.

– Sophia Loizos
Photo: Flickr

,

5 Charities Operating in Ecuador

Charities Operating in EcuadorEcuador, a country rich in culture and natural beauty, faces social and environmental challenges. The poverty rate is around 25% of the population, affecting more than 4 million Ecuadorians. This challenge demands collective efforts for positive change. At the heart of these endeavors are five impactful charities operating in Ecuador that have dedicated themselves to making a difference in the lives of Ecuadorian communities, all varying in their aims and methods.

1. The Awaken Foundation

The Awaken Foundation, founded in 2016, is the first of the five charities operating in Ecuador. It strives to create a culture of hope and awareness in Ecuadorian communities. The organization has a broad range of initiatives supporting the development of communities through education, mental and physical health and more. Its Mushuk Pakari Program works to support children from low-income and conflictive families and keep them out of child labor. About 7% of children in Ecuador are subject to child labor, and the number of children subjected to the worst forms of child labor, such as sexual trafficking and dangerous mining, is alarming. 

The Mushuk Pakari Program aims to provide children with two warm meals a day and moments of recreation and fun, where they have a chance to be kids. This program has been very successful in its endeavors. Of the 35 children registered in the program, 98% have reentered the educational system of Ecuador, and 100% are out of illegal child labor. The foundation hopes this program will grow to support many more children.

2. The COAGRO Foundation

Founded in 1998, the COAGRO Foundation is an organization dedicated to supporting the Andean communities of Northern Ecuador. In particular, they focus on women’s empowerment, recognizing their vital role in agriculture. Astonishingly, 61% of rural women in these communities work in the agricultural field; however, a staggering 86% of them do not receive pay. By working directly with the indigenous communities of the North, COAGRO can address these women’s unique needs and provide support. 

The foundation collaborates with four different women’s associations, including ‘Sumak Sisa,’ a group of 23 women. COAGRO is actively enhancing the quality of their pastures, recognizing that growing new pastures and plants adapted to their cows will significantly improve milk production. This support not only empowers women but also enhances the financial prospects of the entire agricultural community.

3. Casa Búho

Casa Búho is a project that fosters reading initiatives and book-centered activities for children. Established in the fishing town of Machalilla in Manabí, Ecuador, its focus is on encouraging early literacy. It believes that children who have exposure to reading at an early age are more likely to develop into critical thinkers in adulthood. Casa Búho aims to ensure as many children as possible have access to books, empowering them through the transformative influence of literature. 

Mi Tarde de Lectura (My Reading Afternoon) is the first program launched by Casa Búho. Collaborating with a cluster of schools in Machalilla, this initiative is tailored for elementary school children aged 6 to 12. The program has sessions that run after school and center around reading aloud to children.

4. Bee Farm Ecuador

Bee Farm Ecuador is an organization dedicated to conserving and protecting local bee populations. The bee farm is based in the Andes at the foot of El Corazon mountain. The farm is a place where families can gather and learn about the importance of beekeeping. Not only does the Bee Farm provide an eco-friendly area in which the bee population can thrive, but it also allows local communities to harvest honey without damaging hives. The farm also has educational projects for the well-being of indigenous women, which run all year round.

5. Ecuador Dice No Más

Ecuador Dice No Más (Ecuador Says No More) is an organization that is working in collaboration with UNICEF to combat sexual abuse against children. The campaign by the two organizations aims to encourage people to break their silence and unite communities to protect their children. They identified that the main problem when countering child abuse was that few speak out about their abuse. Of all the cases of sexual abuse, only 15% of them were declared. 

The campaign has mobilized many Ecuadorian celebrities to speak about the cause and raise awareness. These include the singers Mirella Cesa and Karla Kanora. By mobilizing people in these ways, Ecuador Dice No Más hopes to significantly reduce the number of cases of sexual abuse against children.

Looking Ahead

These five charities operating in Ecuador are sparking meaningful change. From empowering women in Andean communities to promoting early literacy and combating child sexual abuse, these initiatives reflect diverse approaches to addressing crucial issues. As these charities carve paths for positive transformation, they underscore the collective effort needed for a better, more equal Ecuador.

– Haniya Rahman
Photo: Flickr

,

5 Charities Operating in Ethiopia

Charities in EthiopiaEthiopia, the largest and most populated country in the Horn of Africa, has taken massive strides in poverty reduction over recent years, as well as having one of the fastest-growing economies in the region with an estimated growth of 6.4% last year. Despite this, it remains one of the poorest in its area. The most recent data available for Ethiopia states that 24% of the population still sits below the poverty line. Many Ethiopians suffering from poverty depend on charities and NGOs operating in Ethiopia to give them the support they need to live and thrive. Here are five charities operating in Ethiopia right now.

1. The Caleb Foundation — Save Life with Pennies

Located in Ethiopia’s bustling capital city, Addis Ababa, The Caleb Foundation — Save Life With Pennies is a nonprofit organization aiming to eradicate poverty through education while providing support for underprivileged families. 

Tenadam Alemu founded the charity in 2010 after her son sustained a life-threatening infection while hospitalized, leading her to realize the importance of helping children in need. While her son made a full recovery, Alemu said, “It was during this time that I realized a desperate mother who is crying out for help should never be put on hold.”

Save Life with Pennies provides many different programs in an effort to aid underprivileged citizens. One of its main focuses, however, is their daycare program, a free-of-charge service that provides care, education and food for up to 50 children a day. This allows single mothers to support their families without having to worry about childcare. The program has helped around 800 children since its start.

2. Splash

One of the charities operating in Ethiopia is Splash. The charity aims to provide support for children in urban poverty, especially regarding issues involving water, sanitation, hygiene and menstrual health. 

Their project in Ethiopia began in 2008 after observing the rapid population growth in Addis Ababa, which had tripled in size since 1970. Despite Ethiopia’s growing economy, Splash estimates that more than 80% of Addis’ population lives in slum districts with limited access to clean water. To combat this, Splash has aligned itself with existing government goals, all while aiming to reach its goal of providing help to 450,000 children in the most needed areas.

3. Fair Planet

While urban poverty is a big issue in Ethiopia, so, too, is poverty in the country’s more rural areas. Agriculture is a key component of Ethiopia’s economy and employs more than 60% of the population, meaning that many Ethiopians depend on this livelihood to avoid living in poverty. Based in several different areas of Ethiopia, Fair Planet is an NGO that fights poverty through improved agriculture. 

Their goal is to provide food security and economic opportunities for local farmers by providing better-quality vegetable seeds and training on how to grow them most effectively, all while ensuring there is minimal change to traditional farming practices.

The project launched in 2012 and has since provided seeds for 75,000 farmers, as well as training more than 2,000 lead farmers on how to best use them.

4. Facing Africa

Facing Africa is a charity made up of volunteer medical staff who are fighting the effects of noma in Africa.

Noma is a gangrenous infection that affects the face, mainly targeting children under the age of 6. Promoted by extreme poverty and malnutrition, the infection begins with ulcers in the mouth. At this early stage, it is treatable with mild antibiotics and nutritional rehabilitation. If left untreated, however, the ulcers progress to painful swelling in the cheeks or lips and eventual gangrene, leading to gaping holes developing in the face. It is estimated that the mortality of noma can reach up to an alarming 90%, due to most cases occurring in remote rural areas that have no medical facilities.

Facing Africa first visited Addis Ababa in 2007, where a team of surgeons, anesthetists and nurses spent two weeks carrying out various facial reconstruction surgeries on noma victims. Every year following, the charity has sent out two teams of volunteers every year, as well as securing a place for patients to receive pre- and post-op care within Ethiopia’s Cheshire Home, a facility that was previously used for polio victims. The charity has raised more than $6.3 million since its humble beginnings in 1988 and continues to use this money to help those suffering from noma.

5. Tearfund

Tearfund has been operating in Ethiopia since the 1970s, working with institutional donors, religious institutions and partner organizations to fight the extreme poverty occurring in Ethiopia. 

Its main focus is providing relief and development programs that are not only helpful but sustainable, too. Its goal is to equip and envision local organizations and churches with the materials and knowledge to start their own development projects, allowing them to tackle poverty for the community, by the community.

So far, Tearfund has given communities access to clean water, helped with conflict resolution, provided vocational education and advocated for a fairer future for all. Last year alone, Tearfund helped 1.6 million people through emergency response, and a further 1.3 million with their community development work.

Despite facing struggles such as civil war and difficult climates, Ethiopia has continuously improved its poverty rates in recent years. While there is a long way to go for many of its citizens, the important work these five charities operating in Ethiopia are doing, among many others, will continue to guide the country toward a future where everyone can survive and also thrive.

– Jodie Donovan
Photo: Flickr

, ,

5 Women-Focused Charities Operating in Somalia

Charities Operating in SomaliaWhen addressing women in Somalia, one should focus on the work occurring on the ground. The civil war — coupled with famines, droughts and floods — has left urgent matters on the back burner. Now, as the country is steadily finding its footing, the focal point is shifting towards more local and individual concerns that affect the society as a unit. There are a good handful of nonprofit organizations and charities operating in Somalia that center their work around women’s issues. Here are five women-focused charities operating in Somalia.

1. Action for Women and Children Concern (AWCC)

Action for Women and Children Centre is a nonprofit non-governmental and non-political grassroots organization that works specifically for women and children. Its motive is to empower women by providing and aiding in receiving basic education, primary health care, water hygiene and sanitation and the promotion of human rights.

This NGO is active in Somalia and has been since February 2017. It is youth-serving and youth-led. Its main strategy is to advance women’s rights and leadership and build and support local communities by encouraging human rights, justice, safety and security. 

Action for Women and Children Concern works across 100 countries with 80% of staff working within the communities they serve. It has been able to work directly and make a substantial difference within Somalia.

2. Somali Women’s Studies Centre (SWSC)

Somali Women’s Studies Centre is another non-governmental nonprofit organization that originated in Somalia in the year 2000. The organization follows the idea that through empowerment and assistance, women can get the support they need, which will in turn allow them to make positive alterations that will ultimately improve and strengthen their community. 

SWDC works to better the lives and conditions that women live in. It does this by first focusing on vulnerable groups of women. The SWDC carries out this mission by heightening the capacity of women to lobby and advocate for concerned parties, and finally promoting reconciliation and peace building. 

3. CARE

CARE is a charity that was established in Canada in 1946, but it was in the mid-1970s that the organization began to work on an international scale. The work in Somalia began in 1981. Its programs have covered water and sanitation, civil society and media development, primary school education, teacher training, adult literacy and vocational training, and much more. 

CARE also works specifically for women. On its website, it describes its mission as aiming to reduce the impact of emergencies on vulnerable communities, especially women and children. In 2022, CARE was able to reach 2,214,383 directly and 2,811,318 with 53% of the number being women and young girls.

4. Somali Women’s Development Centre (SWDC)

Somali Women’s Development Centre is an NGO that began in 2011. It aims to uplift and motivate Somali women to support Somali women in advocating for their rights. SWSC also does a lot of research and documents the problems that Somali women and girls face daily. 

The SWSC are based in Somalia, but they also have offices in Nairobi Kenya for the Somali women that live there. 

5. Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF)

The Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund first came to work in Somalia during the 2012 presidential election. Their primary focus is women. The WPHF recognizes that women in Somalia have always suffered disproportionality at the hands of Clan fights and extremist groups. With child-bride marriages and female genital mutilation, FGM women have had an unfair beginning to adult life. 

These women-focused charities operating in Somalia are doing substantial work to support and provide for the women that they cater to. The work that is done is reaching women and girls and is allowing them a new chance and opportunity to grow. 

– Sumaya Ali
Photo: Flickr

,

5 Charities Operating in Nicaragua

Charities Operating in NicaraguaThe nation of Nicaragua lies on the edge of Central America and is home to 6.8 million people. As of 2021, 12.5% of the population is classified as living below the poverty line. Given the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters, a deficit in vocational training opportunities and heavy economic reliance on temperamental agriculture, Nicaragua is one of the poorest nations in the region. As such, it receives aid from many charitable organizations in areas of developmental improvement, with the hope of the country establishing sustainable economic independence. Below is a selection of five charities operating Nicaragua.

5 Charities Operating in Nicaragua

  1. Christian Aid: Established in 1945, Christian Aid establishes programs throughout Nicaragua that focus on tackling the causes of poverty. The charity trains 400 hibiscus, coffee and cocoa producers in farm management and provides more resilient, non-native crop breeds that are resistant to the effects of the changing climate. Christian Aid also champions the ideals of equitable taxation and works in collaboration with municipal governments to reduce the risk of violence to the nation’s most vulnerable.
  2. Amos Trust: Working alongside the Council of Protestant Churches of Nicaragua (CEPAD) the Amos Trust aids in the development of stronger and more sustainable rural communities through leadership training. Eight active programs tackle community organization, food security, environmental protection, family leadership, pastoral leadership training, education, a radio station, international partnerships and refugee support. Through the Amos Trust, the necessary funding of these efforts is satisfied, so that more communities can be reached.
  3. The Nicaragua Project: The Nicaragua Project utilizes its membership of physicians and coordinators to promote health care projects and medical programs across some of the most remote areas of northern Nicaragua. Its focus is on supplementing existing community health centers, which are often far away, lack appropriately qualified staff or are too poorly stocked to effectively provide for the area. The Nicaragua Project has trained 14 care providers in order to improve general health care and donated to expand their reach and services. The Nicaragua Project also supports a day shelter for girls that provides free meals, education, tutoring and scholarships.
  4. World Vision: World Vision is an international children’s charity that builds sustainable development programs that focus on agricultural assistance, diversification of income opportunities and the provision of clean drinking water. World Vision’s child sponsorship connects donors with more than 500,000 Nicaraguan children, giving them access to the tools and infrastructure they need to be healthy.
  5. Escuela Adelante: Escuela Adelante is a bilingual school that aims to provide an international education that reflects the diversity of San Juan del Sur, on the southern coast of Nicaragua. Since 2014, qualified bilingual professionals and a Spanish-English curriculum have provided high-quality tutoring for up to 250 preschool and primary school children a year. Escuela Adelante is open to all students of all backgrounds, cultures, fluency and financial situations, and it accepts donations in an effort to keep education accessible to all.

Looking Ahead

The efforts of these five charities operating in Nicaragua over the past 10 years have helped improve the Nicaraguan economy, but more work needs to occur. Each of these five charities working in Nicaragua focuses on distinct paths to improving the standard of living across the country, including addressing poverty, development, medicine and education. These organizations continue their efforts with the support of donors. 

– Brandon Murphy
Photo: Flickr

,

3 Charities Operating in Italy

Charities Operating in ItalyAn estimated 22% of Italians are at risk of food poverty or food insecurity. Human Rights Watch states that “Exacerbating existing issues with social exclusion and equitable distribution of resources, the prices for groceries and unprocessed foods increased by 8.2% between June 2021 and June 2022.” Here are five charities operating in the country of Italy to fight poverty.

GCAP

 Among the charities operating in Italy is GCAP. Supported by many citizens, organizations, trade unions, movements of civil society and associations in Italy, the GCAP refers to their organizations as “the Italian expression of a broader global movement that has the objective of countering the mechanisms that generate poverty and inequality in the world, promoting the adoption of sustainable development policies respecting human rights, the dignity of every person, gender equality, social justice and the environment.” Since 2005, several mobilization activities and international campaigns have taken place to encourage political leaders to stand by their commitments to the country and eradicate poverty. 

Other issues raised during these movements include the environment, international conventions and human rights. Basing its vision on respect, dignity, equity and sustainability, here is what GCAP vows in its mission. “We want a world in which the economic system creates wealth for everyone and not just for the few; a world where governments, people and the private sector respect and take care of the planet to be habitable for us and future generations.”

Together with the other national coalitions, GCAP Italy supports all women and men in their battles to achieve greater justice and dignity, brings together the organizations of Italian Civil Society to dialogue with the institutions and intervenes in those processes that perpetuate poverty and social and economic uncertainty; defends and promotes fundamental human rights, gender equity, social justice and security necessary to guarantee universal dignity and peace.”

Caritas Italiana

Founded in 1971, Caritas Italiana is a pastoral organization of the Italian Bishops Conference. Supporting the most vulnerable people, the organization engages in many areas, including homelessness, immigration, mental health and old and new forms of poverty. They work within the Church to raise awareness on the issues surrounding charity — promoting the vitality of positive actions towards the poor. Not only does Caritas Italiana implement charitable actions to help those in need, but they also coordinate emergency responses in tragic disasters in Italy and abroad. 

Caritas Italiana is also focused on convincing civil institutions to support the community’s human rights through legislation. The organization conducts research projects related to the causes of poverty and produces analysis. Providing staff training, they emphasize the importance of awakening public opinion and offering helpful services to various groups and movements. The organization remarks that “The deep moral and spiritual principles of dignity, justice, solidarity and stewardship still guide Caritas today.”

EMERGENCY

Having treated more than 12.5 million people across 20 countries, EMERGENCY is an independent organization that provides free, high-quality medical care to victims of war, landmines and poverty — treating one patient every minute. Since 1994, EMERGENCY has promoted respect for human rights, solidarity and a culture of peace. They believe that it is a fundamental human right to receive health care. Their approach to this belief is based on three things — equality, quality and social responsibility. EMERGENCY remark when referencing social responsibility and the government that “Governments must make the health and wellbeing of their citizens a priority. They must set aside the human and economic resources necessary for this end. The health care services governments and humanitarian organizations provide must be free and available to all.” 

Since 2006, its work in Italy has received 533,947 consultations. The Italian Constitution states that “The Republic protects health as a fundamental right of the individual and in the interest of the community, and guarantees free treatment to the destitute.” However, due to poverty and the inability to navigate a complex health care system, many Italians will have this right overlooked. EMERGENCY’s Italy Programme strives to support vulnerable communities to receive the correct access to high-quality health care. Some of their positivity projects include providing medical assistance and psychosocial support to agricultural workers in Sicily. As well as implementing an information point for socio-medical counseling in Brescia and mobile clinics around Italy.

Despite the efforts of these charities operating in Italy to irradiate poverty in Italy, Istat revealed in its 2021 report that “At the individual level, there was also a significant increase in the incidence of relative poverty both in national average (which returned to the 2019 levels when it was 14.7%) and, in particular, in the Southern regions (from 22.6% in 2020 to 25.3% in 2021) and the Centre (from 8.9% in 2020 to 10.0% in 2021).”

– Katerina Petrou
Photo: Flickr  

,

5 of the Walt Disney Company’s Charitable Actions

Walt DisneyKnown for its iconic movies and world-famous parks, The Walt Disney Company is the second largest media company in the world. With over 12 parks across the world and world-renowned employees, Disney makes charity and giving back to the world a priority. In fact, The Walt Disney Company’s employees have volunteered for over three million hours since 2012. It is safe to say that Disney is extremely charitable, as it strives to “bring positive, meaningful, and measurable impacts to our communities around the world.” 

Feeding America

For the past 10 years, Walt Disney has paired up with Feeding America, a hunger relief organization that manages over 60,000 pantries across the United States. With hundreds of volunteers and countless hours sacrificed, Disney has allowed those in need access to more nutritious meals. Disney’s charity for the organization goes beyond this, though, and on top of volunteering the company made sure the food banks had what they needed to properly run and store food effectively. The company expanded the capacity of the food banks and provided more refrigeration, as keeping the donated food as fresh as possible is essential before providing it to others. 

Toy Drive

Children in poverty often are unable to receive toys during the holiday season due to low-income circumstances, but Toys For Tots is an organization that provides toys to children in need. The organization has donated over 652 million toys and has supported over 291 million children. Disney has partnered with the organization and sponsored Toys For Tots since 1947. 

First Book

First Book is an organization that prioritizes education for children in poverty. The organization provides books to classrooms and children and believes that all children should have equal access to quality education. Since Disney’s charity team made the decision to partner with First Book in 2000, the company has donated over 90 million books to the organization. The Walt Disney World refers to this specific donation as the “Magic of Storytelling,” as the company truly believes that storytelling can change the world. 

Leftovers

With the amount of food that the Disney Parks must provide, it’s hard for there to not be a great amount of waste produced. Instead of simply throwing out the leftovers, Disney donates its leftovers to those in need. Since March 2020, Walt Disney has donated over 2.1 million meals that came from Disney kitchens. Disneyland Paris, for example, has donated an additional 62 tons of leftover food to local grocery stores and disadvantaged families. 

Donations

As if all of Disney’s charities weren’t enough, the company makes donating money to these organizations a priority as well, on top of donating resources. In just the fiscal year of 2022 alone, The Walt Disney Company has donated $233 million to charities across the globe and $140 million to underrepresented communities.  

With a company as big as Walt Disney, it’s easy to become engrossed in the glamor and perks that wealth can offer. Disney has made staying humble a majority priority, as giving back to the world and donating to charities has proven to be at the top of their agenda for countless decades. 

– Ryan Balberman
Photo: Flickr

,

5 Charities Operating in Indonesia

Charities in IndonesiaIndonesia, a vibrant nation nestled in Southeast Asia, is home to a diverse population facing various challenges. Amidst the rich cultural tapestry, several charities tirelessly work to uplift communities, promote education, provide healthcare, and protect the environment. Here are five impactful charities operating in Indonesia, each contributing to the nation’s progress and improved welfare.

5 Charities Operating in Indonesia

  1. Kitabisa – Kitabisa is a fundraising platform founded by Alfatih Timur and Vikra Ijas and has revolutionized charitable giving in Indonesia through its innovative crowdfunding platform. Established in 2013, this online fundraising platform empowers individuals to contribute to various causes, ranging from disaster relief to educational initiatives. According to its website, over 6 million people have donated to the online fundraising platform, and total liabilities and net assets amounted to IDR 291.61 billion, or over $19 million, in 2020 alone. 
  2. Rumah Zakat – Rumah Zakat is a prominent humanitarian organization dedicated to tackling poverty and improving healthcare in Indonesia. Since its inception in 1998, the charity has been providing essential services, including medical aid, clean water access, and livelihood support, to disadvantaged communities. With over 200 humanitarian programs, Rumah Zakat has positively impacted the lives of over 42 million Indonesians. 
  3. Greeneration Indonesia – Greeneration Indonesia is at the forefront of environmental conservation and sustainability initiatives in Indonesia. Founded in 2011, Greeneration promotes eco-consciousness and undertakes various projects, such as waste management, tree planting, and environmental preservation education. To date, Greeneration Indonesia has engaged over 2 million individuals in its efforts to create a greener Indonesia. 
  4. Solemen – Solemen Indonesia is a remarkable charity that focuses on assisting individuals with disabilities and providing outreach to vulnerable communities. Established in 2009, the organization offers a range of services, including medical care, prosthetics, and education, to those in need. Solemen has touched the lives of over 20,000 people across Indonesia, especially in Bali, helping them lead more fulfilling and inclusive lives. 
  5. Priscilla Hall Memorial Foundation – The Priscilla Hall Memorial Foundation is committed to improving education and empowering the youth of Indonesia. Established in 2005, the charity provides scholarships and educational support to underprivileged students, enabling them to pursue their dreams and break the cycle of poverty. Through its efforts, the foundation has impacted the lives of over 5,000 students across the nation. 

Innovation for the Future

These five charities operating in Indonesia are beacons of hope and inspiration, exemplifying the positive impact that can be achieved through compassion, innovation, and determination. As they continue their noble missions in Indonesia, they invite individuals and corporations alike to join hands in creating a more equitable and prosperous future for all. 

– Kent Anderson
Photo: Unsplash

, ,

3 Humanitarian Organizations Addressing Global Poverty

Organizations Addressing Global PovertyWith the wide-ranging issues affecting people living in poverty, it seems appropriate to spotlight organizations helping alleviate some of those hardships for people and communities who suffer from food insecurity, poverty and mistreatment. According to the World Bank, in 2022, 648 million people, equating to about 8% of the global population, lived in poverty. Here are three humanitarian organizations addressing global poverty.

Oxfam International 

Founded in 1942 in the U.K. and true to its name, Oxfam International works worldwide with 4,100 partner organizations to provide specific assistance to 90 countries. Oxfam International has a more individual approach to fighting poverty, focusing more on the local communities and mobilizing the people in these communities to fight poverty. Because of this strategy and its extensive reach, Oxfam International helped 25 million people in 2022.

Whether it’s creating a water distribution system to bring drinking water to 50,000 displaced people in the Central African Republic or integrating women and young people into the labor market in Benin to help them better understand the role they can have in their country’s economic and cultural life, Oxfam International works all over the world to improve the lives and livelihoods of those that need it. Through beekeeping programs in Ethiopia, Oxfam is creating livelihood opportunities for disadvantaged women, allowing them to earn an income and break cycles of poverty.

The Organization for Poverty Alleviation and Development 

OPAD, founded in 2005 in Sweden, operates in many different ways to better the lives of those in need. OPAD benefits people in ways that go beyond food and water and include cultural and psychological support. The organization educates men and women on alcohol abuse and parenting in Kenya, integrates pathways for new refugees and migrant workers in Lithuania and addresses psychological issues among unemployed youth in Latvia, including educating them on intervention and prevention techniques. Overall, OPAD works to combat types of suffering that go beyond hunger and thirst.

OPAD works in numerous nations and creates programs designed to help address country-specific issues. For instance, Lusaka, Zambia suffers from issues related to extreme weather patterns, with random rainy seasons followed by intense periods of drought. About 90% of Zambia’s food is produced by farmers. OPAD helped Zambia improve its agriculture sector and provided food relief, which benefitted 70,000 people between 2019 and 2020. OPAD does not see communities in need as victims but as powerful agents of change.

Concern Worldwide

Though it only operates in 25 countries, that does not mean that Concern Worldwide has not accomplished much. Founded in Ireland in 1968, Concern Worldwide aims to address and tackle the causes of poverty and uses six focus areas. These areas include Livelihoods, Health and Nutrition, Education, Emergencies, Gender Equality and Climate and Environment. 

Through the above focus areas, Concern Worldwide narrows its goals for poverty reduction in a specific country and implements programs to help people achieve self-sufficiency and economic independence. For instance, the organization runs livelihood programs to help people establish strong livelihoods and income-generating activities so that communities can break cycles of poverty. “We do this through a wide variety of activities that range from climate-smart agriculture techniques in rural settings to technical skills training and small-business support in rural and urban settings,” the organization’s website explains.

Concern Worldwide’s livelihood programs reached more than 5.4 million people in 2022. The organization invested €33.1 million in these livelihood programs in 2022. In Malawi, a country with 5.4 million people suffering from food insecurity, Concern Worldwide reached 288,000 people with its food and nutritional security initiative.

Final Thoughts

The remarkable work carried out by these three influential humanitarian organizations plays a pivotal role in the relentless battle against the scourge of global poverty. Their tireless efforts and unwavering dedication have been instrumental in making a substantial impact on the lives of countless individuals affected by poverty worldwide.

– Dylan Hubbard
Photo: Flickr

,

A Close Look at Amigos Worldwide

Amigos WorldwideAmigos Worldwide is an important charity based in the United Kingdom working in rural Uganda to help combat poverty. The charity works to help Ugandans work their way out of poverty through an “integrated approach,” providing training, expanding opportunities for education and ensuring access to clean water. They work alongside existing leaders and local churches to develop an action plan to address the challenges in education, skills and clean water that local Ugandans have expressed as serious issues. The emphasis of Amigos Worldwide as a charity is on ensuring dignity, sustainability and hope among Ugandan families who have found themselves living in poverty. 

Amigos Worldwide places an important emphasis on providing Ugandans with practical and holistic life skills that enable communities to thrive and become self-sufficient. The charity estimates that their high-achieving, low-cost programs cost as little as £35 per family, per year, and that within three years, the vast majority of farmers that Amigos works with will be able to not only feed their households but still have a surplus to sell, providing their children and families with access to key educational and health resources. 

The Situation in Uganda 

With a population of over 45 million, 41.7% of Ugandans continue to live below the global poverty line in 2023, at less than $2.15 a day. The majority of Ugandan families are dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods, yet many do not possess sufficient skills in agriculture to be earning and providing for their families all year round. 

Almost half of Uganda’s population is under the age of 15, which represents one of the youngest populations in the world. Moreover, Uganda is also host to the largest population of refugees in Africa, with over one million people from neighboring countries, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, seeking asylum in Uganda. The country’s high youth and refugee population has put substantial pressure on educational provision for young people, as well as job opportunities. Almost half of all Ugandan children do not complete primary education, while the unemployment rate stands at 9.9% in rural areas, and 9.1% in urban areas. 

Many of the families Amigos Worldwide works with have been severely affected by the over 21-year-long civil conflict in Northern Uganda between the Lord Resistance Army and the Ugandan government, which caused immense levels of suffering and displacement for the people of Northern Uganda. Many have also been directly affected by the continuing HIV pandemic and its continuing associated stigma in Uganda, with around 1.6 million Ugandans living with HIV, 11% of which are children below the age of 15. 

Kira Farm Development Centre

One of the biggest successes that has come from the work of Amigos Worldwide in Uganda is the establishment of the Kira Farm Development Centre, located just outside Uganda’s capital, Kampala. Kira Farm was established in 2010, and each year around 40 vulnerable young Ugandans are invited to spend a year on the farm learning key vocational skills such as carpentry, tailoring, construction and hairdressing. They also learn innovative conservation farming techniques, as well as holistic life skills such as conflict resolution, health and hygiene. 

As Southgate Estates estimates, one of Kira Farm’s key sponsors, for every student trained at the development center, at least 12 people in their community will benefit from their new skills and knowledge. This is equivalent to almost 500 lives being impacted by the program each year. 

Other Successes 

In rural areas of Uganda where Amigos Worldwide has implemented their programs: 

  • 100% of farmers have at least doubled their crop yields.
  • Domestic violence rates have dropped 94% in farming communities.
  • Around half of families have reported a significant improvement in their health.
  • Every farmer has increased their crop profitability by at least a third. 

The work that Amigos Worldwide is doing in Uganda has thus clearly had an important impact on those Ugandans living in poverty who have received it. With the World Bank estimating that the poverty rate in Uganda is only set to decrease by 1% to 40.7% by 2025, the work of charities such as Amigos Worldwide will prove particularly important for poverty-stricken Ugandans in the coming years. 

– Eleanor Lomas
Photo: Unsplash