Archive for category: Charity

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Treat People With Kindness: Harry Styles’ Recent Charitable Efforts

Treat people with kindnessIn a world often marked by self-interest, few figures stand out as beacons of compassion and change. However, the British singer and songwriter Harry Styles’ commitment to making a positive impact on the world has become as notable as his musical talents. Beyond his artistry, Styles has consistently demonstrated a profound dedication to philanthropy, embodying his personal mantra: “Treat people with kindness.” While Styles has a history of charitable efforts, his recent endeavors underscore the breadth of his commitment to creating a better world.

Responding to Crisis

In April 2020, amidst the global uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Harry Styles unveiled a gesture that resonated deeply with his “Treat people with kindness” ethos. He released a t-shirt featuring the message “Stay Home. Stay Safe. Protect Each Other.” on the front and “This T-shirt fights COVID-19. Treat people with kindness.” on the back. All proceeds from the shirt sales were directed to the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Fund. Styles aptly reminded his fans of the power of human connection during challenging times, urging those who could, to contribute and support the fight against the pandemic.

In that same year, Styles extended his support to the Black Lives Matter Movement, advocating for change and justice. He made significant donations to help post bail for arrested organizers and shared a resounding call to action: “Look inwards, educate yourself and others. LISTEN, READ, SHARE, DONATE and VOTE. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. BLACK LIVES MATTER.”

MusiCares Charity Relief Auctions

In a testament to his belief in the healing power of music, Styles donated a signed Gibson guitar to the MusiCares Charity Relief Auction in 2020, where it became one of the top-selling items at $28,125. MusiCares, a foundation that supports musicians in times of hardship, benefited from the proceeds. Styles’ dedication to fellow artists and the music community echoed his commitment to kindness and solidarity.

Styles continued his support through another MusiCares auction in 2022 by offering another signed guitar, along with a signed copy of his hit song ‘Watermelon Sugar’ and exclusive photos from its music video shoot. Through these contributions, Styles reinforced his dedication to fostering a resilient music industry.

Music as a Catalyst for Change

In 2022, Styles collaborated with Apple Music for a commercial. However, he agreed to participate on the condition that his payment for the ad would be entirely donated to the International Rescue Committee. This organization addresses global humanitarian crises, extending a helping hand to those affected by major conflicts and disasters. Styles’ decision exemplified his conviction that art and compassion should intertwine for the greater good.

Harry Styles’ benevolence extends to the heart of his music — his tour, “Love on Tour,” stands as both a celebration of his artistry and a platform for philanthropic action. Having raised over $6.5 million for various charitable causes, including but not limited to Save the Children, CARE and Rebuild Foundation, the tour serves as a testament to the communal spirit that Styles cultivates among his fans. At his final performance in 2023, Styles expressed gratitude for the atmosphere of togetherness his fans created, reaffirming the transformative power of music and kindness.

Harry Styles’ journey from a chart-topping artist to a champion of compassion exemplifies the potential for celebrities to wield their influence for good. His motto, “Treat people with kindness,” is more than just words — it’s a call to action that he embodies through his charitable efforts. Styles’ recent initiatives, coupled with his consistent past contributions, underscore his belief in the collective strength of humanity. In a world that often craves inspiration, Harry Styles serves as a shining example of how a simple message can spark meaningful change.

– Mari Caitlin Riggles
Photo: Flickr

4 Charities Operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Charities Operating in the Democratic Republic of the CongoBy 2030, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will have the second-highest number of people who are living in extreme poverty (on less than $2.15 per day) in the world. Because so many of the world’s extremely poor will be living in the DRC, poverty reduction efforts in the DRC are increasingly crucial.

Fortunately, although a great deal of work remains to be done, there are already charities doing excellent work to alleviate extreme poverty in the DRC. Here are the top four charities operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including their ratings by charity watch groups and the needs they are addressing. 

Doctors Without Borders

Severe conflict and instability have pervaded the DRC since the 1960s. This violence has created an overwhelming need for health care while simultaneously making it incredibly difficult for humanitarian organizations to operate safely in the area. Doctors Without Borders is leading the medical charge by operating in some of the most dangerous regions of the DRC and providing both physical and psychological care to the people in the war-torn eastern area of the country. They also provide other life-saving necessities (such as water and cooking kits) to people in the areas they are in. In 2022, Doctors Without Borders:

    • Was the first to respond to last year’s cholera outbreak in the DRC.  
    • Fought a measles flare-up and vaccinated two million children against measles.
    • Administered 2,116,500 outpatient consultations. 
    • Treated 757,800 malaria cases. 
    • Fought HIV, tuberculosis and malnutrition.

Doctors Without Borders has a 98% score on Charity Navigator and a Platinum status on GuideStar.

ABFEC/Action Kivu

The second of the four charities operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, ABFEC began with a single couple who live in the DRC. Nevertheless, it now transforms the lives of people affected by violence in the area. As it grew, Action Kivu was developed to support the important work that ABFEC is doing. ABFEC teaches local women entrepreneurial skills and sustainable agricultural techniques while educating the community about HIV/AIDs. Additionally, ABFEC established the Peace School, which teaches nonviolence and is open to disadvantaged children. Although this organization had humble beginnings, it is doing great work in the community.

Action Kivu by the numbers: 

  • More than 300 women have been provided with vocational education through ABFEC’s programs.
  • 100% of Peace School’s high school seniors in 2023 passed the national exam required for them to graduate, outpacing all other schools in the region.
  • 1,400 people were tested for HIV.

Action Kivu charity has a Charity Navigator rating of 97% and a GuideStar rating of Silver.

Eastern Congo Initiative

The Eastern Congo Initiative (ECI) is the third of the four charities operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The ECI addresses the DRC’s ongoing conflict by fighting to reform three areas of life: security, maternal and newborn care and economic opportunities within the DRC. If these issues are properly addressed, the DRC will be well on its way to becoming a stable state. The initiative focuses on advocacy work for the DRC within the U.S., with the goal of bringing the country’s unique issues to the forefront and the light. The ECI also attempts to bridge gaps in information about the DRC’s issues so that a lack of information will not reduce the help that the DRC receives. Further, it assists the people of the DRC by providing grants to local organizations so that they can make a difference in their communities. 

In 2021-2022, the Eastern Congo Initiative: 

  • Started five centers to legally support displaced people. 
  • Helped start two businesses in the DRC. 
  • Delivered emergency aid after Mt. Nyiragongo erupted.
  • Provided 58 million liters of clean water to people living in the DRC.

The Eastern Congo Initiative has a 97% Charity Navigator rating and a Gold rating on GuideStar.

The Panzi Foundation

Various armed groups that are fighting in the DRC consistently use rape as a weapon. The Panzi Foundation provides holistic care to the women affected by conflict-related rape in one hospital. This Congo-specific organization has been in operation since 1999, and its methodology has four main elements covering physical, social, economic and legal care. 

The Panzi Foundation’s impact by the numbers: 

  • 85,000 women have been treated by the hospital since it opened. 
  • 3,500 babies are delivered by the hospital per year. 
  • The Panzi hospital has a 99.1% live birth rate. 
  • Almost 500,000 people have been treated for non-specific health issues.  

The Panzi Foundation has a 92% rating on Charity Navigator and a Platinum rating on GuideStar.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo faces many challenges on the road to reducing its high levels of extreme poverty. However, because so many of the world’s poor are set to reside in the DRC by 2030, focusing on the DRC is critical to reducing global poverty. Doctors Without Borders, the Panzi Foundation, Eastern Congo Initiative and Action Kivu are four charities operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to fight poverty and its contributing factors in the DRC. There is still a lot of work to be done, but the organizations that are already in the DRC are doing fantastic work. 

– Abigail Leland 
Photo: Flickr

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Burna Boy’s History of Charity Work in Nigeria

Burna BoyRenowned Nigerian Afrobeats artist Burna Boy is actively contributing to the betterment of his homeland, Nigeria. In celebration of his 2021 Grammy win for Best Global Music Album with “Twice as Tall,” he generously provided food packages to 300 families in Rivers State, Nigeria.

Burna Boy is committed to addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges, including extreme poverty and issues of police brutality. He actively supports charitable endeavors, such as the Global Citizen’s Demand Equity campaign based in the United States (U.S.). Additionally, he has established the Project Protect fund, which focuses on assisting protesters wrongfully detained in cases of police brutality. Through these efforts, Burna Boy is making a significant impact on his country and advocating for positive change.

In reference to his charity work, Burna Boy also released his very own 16-minute documentary in December 2022 called “Whiskey” about the pollution and poverty affecting his Nigerian hometown of Port Harcourt that features interviews with locals about how crude oil waste has polluted the city’s water and its negative effects on the health of the local population and is in collaboration with the Nigerian charity Reach Every Available Communal Household (R.E.A.C.H.), which will donate all of its proceeds to help provide the community itself with food, clean water, medication and other necessities in general.

Burna Boy’s Comments on His Documentary

At a screening of the documentary “Whiskey” in December 2022, Burna Boy commented that the run-down way that the Nigerian area of Port Harcourt looks in the film is the same type of environment that people from where he is from live in every day of the year. Additionally, he also stated that he hopes the accompanying song he made for the film, titled “Whiskey,” which centers on the area’s problems with poverty and pollution, helps bring forth change and awareness relating to the area itself and other places around the world that are suffering from extreme poverty in general, such as other parts of Africa and the Caribbean.

Burna Boy’s Thoughts on Police Brutality in Nigeria

In response to the surge in incidents of police brutality in Nigeria in October 2020, which reignited calls for the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigerian police force, Burna Boy conveyed his stance on the matter via Twitter. He asserted that police brutality has been a persistent issue in Nigeria, resulting in harm and loss of life among its citizens. Burna Boy emphasized his commitment to leveraging his platform to advocate for his fellow countrymen, striving to bring about meaningful progress and change within his homeland.

What’s Next?

Burna Boy is still standing up for his country of Nigeria by combating its pollution, immense poverty and police brutality to lead the country down a path of progress.

– Deon Roberts
Photo: Flickr

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The USAID Budget for 2024

The USAID Budget for 2024
In March 2023, the President released a Fiscal Year 2024 Budget, reserving $63.1 billion for foreign aid, as well as $32 billion specifically for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The USAID Budget for 2024 is an important step up, with an increase of $3 billion, or roughly 10% from the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget. This allows the agency to further address the important development goals that it has set, bettering the lives of those globally and domestically.

The Budget

The USAID Budget for 2024 addresses a wide range of topics with regard to global poverty and quality of life. The largest portion of this budget is reserved for food security and humanitarian aid, $10.5 billion to address rising crises and natural disasters around the world as well as $1.11 billion to Feed the Future to address food insecurity throughout the world, specifically Ukraine.

With the war in Ukraine, more than 14 million families have had to flee their homes and cities from February 2022 to February 2023. This has had an increasingly detrimental effect on Ukraine’s economy, which shrunk by roughly 30% last year, forcing millions into food and economic insecurity. The USAID budget reserves an additional $522 million to address the food and economic insecurity in Ukraine. 

Additionally, the budget aims to address health insecurity, which is an important part of addressing global poverty, with $4.1 billion for USAID programs aimed at addressing health issues around the globe, where vaccines and prenatal care may be difficult to find. 

Implementation

This money is deployed in a variety of ways, and implementation is an important aspect of the USAID Budget for 2024. Feed the Future, which is administered by USAID, works to reduce food security in 20 countries throughout the world. In many of the world’s developing countries, agriculture is integral to food security as well as the economy, and resiliency is imperative to feed rural communities. Feed the Future’s efforts in Mali, where 80% of the country relies on agriculture in some form, including improving resiliency through supplying better seeds for farmers as well as improved water conservation, can make sure that farmers can continue to earn a living, feed their families and feed the community. These efforts have been extremely successful, and in 2021, more than 2 million children under 5 were helped through Feed the Future’s efforts in Mali.

Since the beginning of the war, USAID has spent more than $1.4 billion on humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian people. One of these ongoing efforts is the AGRI-Ukraine initiative. AGRI-Ukraine is meant to provide assistance to farmers, who may have difficulty growing, storing and transporting their crops due to the war. This will help maintain an important sector of the economy, as well as assist in feeding millions of Ukrainians. An additional, often overlooked, impact of the war is access to important, life-saving medications for Ukrainian citizens. USAID efforts have helped to ensure that Ukrainians still have access to those medicines. 

Outlook

USAID’s efforts throughout the world have been imperative in helping many efforts to eliminate global poverty. It has addressed food, health and economic insecurity throughout the world, ensuring that millions of the world’s poor have access to lifesaving medications, inventions and technologies. This helps to reduce poverty globally, while also working towards U.S. interests around the world. The USAID Budget for 2024 will ensure that these efforts are able to continue in full.

– John Rooney
Photo: Flickr

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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Poverty Reduction in South Africa

Poverty Reduction in South AfricaIn 2015, all United Nations (U.N.) members adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which outlines 17 Goals in an urgent call to action by all states. The primary focus was on poverty reduction, sustainability, hygiene education and quality education. In 2019, the South African government finalized the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2020-25, which includes a multidisciplinary approach to tackling poverty in South Africa through consultation with civil society, academia, the private sector and others.

No Poverty

Goal 1, No Poverty, is a priority for many nations because of its pressing nature. Goal 1 includes eradicating all extreme poverty, to ensure people are living on at least $1.25, the benchmark, per day. In South Africa, there has been concern, as elsewhere in the continent, that the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed more people into poverty and has created more inequality between the rich and the poor.

The World Bank estimates that poverty in South Africa was 63% in 2022, based on the upper-middle-income country poverty line. Severe electricity shortages caused by ‘power rationing’ by the government of up to nine hours per day have also impacted and halted the economy since many sectors such as IT, water and service delivery cannot function. Alongside this, South Africa’s history of Apartheid still lingers today through inequality and poverty. For example, the 2020 multidimensional poverty report by UNICEF revealed that Black children were almost seven times more likely to live in poverty.

Taking Action

The South African government has taken some steps toward poverty reduction in South Africa. In 2012, the government adopted Vision 2030, a National Development Plan (NDP) aiming to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030. In the NDP, 74% of the SDG targets are directly addressed, showing a good alignment of the plan in tackling poverty in South Africa.

Focus areas of the National Development Plan included poverty reduction in South Africa, alongside the creation of employment and sustainability. The government administered financial assistance to around 17 million people, including grants to pensions, child support, disability and more, within the NDP. Despite these attempts, poverty continues to persist.

The Intervention of Charity Organizations

Charities have also been extremely important in realizing and helping to implement the SDGs. The Borgen Project spoke with Iris Salemi, an International Intern for the charity Where Rainbows Meet, who spent a month working in South Africa and witnessing first-hand the impact of poverty. Where Rainbows Meet provides weekly computer, sewing, gardening and business lessons, alongside CV and child education workshops to increase the employability of young people in the Vrygrond area in Cape Town. Daily power cuts have hindered the ability of charities such as Where Rainbows Meet to carry out crucial work that impacts poverty reduction in South Africa. For example, charities cannot provide computers during power cuts, the kitchen is out of use and the education programs cannot happen without electrical power. For Iris, charities need more government support in order to fight unemployment in a community-based manner.

Other charities also operate and work to reduce poverty in South Africa with the SDGs in mind. These include Nkosi’s Haven, which supports HIV-infected mothers and children through residential and holistic care and provides education to affected communities. For example, it developed Nkosi’s Haven Village, a 2.5-acre plot of land south of Johannesburg that accommodates 22 mothers and 121 children. Operation Hunger also operates in the country and provides food parcels all over South Africa for the most vulnerable. While these are just a few examples, they show the meaningful and crucial ongoing work to address poverty-related issues in South Africa in line with the SDGs.

The Interlinkage of the SDGs

The connection and overlapping of the SDGs are extremely important in addressing multidimensional poverty. For example, quality education (Goal 4) is linked to reducing poverty (Goal 1), as is decent work (Goal 8) and reduced inequalities (Goal 10). Salemi outlined this during her work in the Vrygrond community, saying that “tackling youth education is, as I see it, the most effective way to fight poverty”.

In South Africa, the 2020 multidimensional poverty report revealed that, as of 2021, 50% of individuals aged 15 to 24 were without employment. In her research, Salemi discovered that many individuals grappled with issues related to self-confidence, belief in their abilities and a lack of understanding about what constitutes success. For instance, some young learners struggled to discern the value of education, while others found themselves drawn into negative influences such as gangs. Additional factors contributing to this predicament encompass subpar educational opportunities and skill development, insufficient career guidance within educational institutions and the financial burdens associated with job-seeking, particularly for those residing in rural regions.

Where Rainbows Meet set up workshops in order to help more young people realize their ambitions and see their own value. With better work opportunities and quality education, there is hope for achieving poverty reduction. The role of the government and the work local charities do are consequently imperative in helping South Africa achieve the SDGs.

Taytin’s Experience

The interlinkage of the SDGs is shown in the case of Taytin, whom Iris met during her internship. Coming from a family engaged in drugs and gangs, Taytin’s only option to avoid engagement in this was the street, where he, his brother and father spent all of Taytin’s childhood. Taytin went to Where Rainbows Meet and is now a computer teacher at the charity, and Iris states, “he has helped so many kids and so many adults find a brighter path.” This personal story allows one to observe the importance of achieving the SDGs, all of which influence each other.

Looking Ahead

The pursuit of the U.N.’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a complex and urgent task. Exacerbated by the pandemic, its historical inequalities and electricity shortages, South Africa faces challenges in reducing poverty. Charities have made meaningful and impactful strides toward addressing poverty-related issues, in line with the SDGs. In addressing poverty and implementing the framework necessary for its alleviation, South Africa can work toward meeting many of the other SDGs simultaneously, as underscored by the work of charities in the country.

– Rosie Lyons
Photo: Flickr

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3 Organizations Aiding People in Guatemala

Aiding People in GuatemalaSeveral organizations are aiding people in Guatemala through efforts that focus on health, water, sanitation, food, housing and education. These efforts are vital considering that “Simulations for 2019 suggest that about 54[%] of the population was below the poverty line, only slightly below the 55.4[%] in 2014, the last official poverty estimate,” according to the World Bank.

3 Organizations Making a Difference in Guatemala

  1. Many Hopes. This organization, established in Boston, equips disadvantaged children in several countries, including Guatemala, to become adults who can break cycles of poverty. Many Hopes partners with global leaders and other organizations to provide education, shelter and health care to vulnerable children. Currently, Many Hopes gives 22 abused and orphaned Guatemalan children a safe place to live. These vulnerable children are referred to the organization by “local community and government agencies that are part of a network who coordinate with local police,” the Many Hopes website says. The organization also runs an onsite elementary school that provides education to 160 disadvantaged Guatemalan children and also provides scholarships for college and opportunities for vocational training. According to the World Bank, Guatemala ranks in the top 10 for the highest under-5 child malnutrition rates globally, at a staggering 47%. In light of this, Many Hopes provides medical care and food to ensure the well-being and nutrition of young children in Guatemala. The children under the organization’s care receive holistic assistance that covers all areas of development, including mental and emotional well-being.
  2. Water For People. Water For People is an international nonprofit based in Denver and established in 1991. The organization constructs piped water supply systems and partners with governments to train communities to maintain these developments over time. The organization began working in Guatemala in 1997 in the disadvantaged state of El Quiché. In Guatemala, Water For People collaborates with the One Drop Foundation to use social art to promote safe water, sanitation and hygiene. The Water For People website interviewed Teresa, a water leader in one of the villages of El Quiché. “Many people came together to get us to the point of having water,” says Teresa. Teresa remembers walking half an hour to get water from a small well, which was often contaminated. Where rural access to basic water services is 44%, sometimes there is not enough water due to high demand. Teresa wanted more for her three daughters; she did not want them to undertake unsafe journeys on foot to collect water. Teresa began to advocate for the families in her small, forested town who had lived years without running water in their homes. It was all thanks to her outreach efforts that water inadequacy issues caught the eye of Water For People and the local government. Through the support of Water for People and the local government, the local community participated in building a water system that now benefits 200 people in the community.
  3. Cooperative for Education. Cooperative for Education, more commonly known as CoEd, partners locally with educators and families to break the cycle of poverty through high-quality educational opportunities. Established in the early 1990s, CoEd has served more than 278,000 Guatemalan students through its programs. This influential organization in Guatemala is aiding people in Guatemala by running sustainable programs that aim to bridge Guatemala’s educational gaps. Ninety percent of rural Guatemalan schools do not have access to textbooks; CoEd helps schools build financially self-sustaining textbook rental programs. Additionally, CoEd’s Spark Reading Program ensures children learn at double the rate of a traditional classroom. CoEd also offers a Computer Program as an opportunity for students to gain technological skills to enhance their future prospects considering that about  60% of entry-level jobs in Guatemala require computer skills. Ninety-five percent of graduates continue their education past high school or go on to find a job. In Guatemala where 90% of impoverished people cannot read or write, according to the CoEd website, 80% of participants of CoEd’s Rise Program find a job or continue their education beyond high school. And, more than 50% of these graduates also help their siblings out of poverty by funding their siblings’ education.

With missions surrounding health, water sanitation and education, Many Hopes, Water For People and CoEd are influential organizations aiding people in Guatemala by helping to break cycles of poverty.

– Rupinder Kaur
Photo: Unsplash

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5 Anti-Poverty Charities Operating in Colombia

Charities Operating in Colombia
Anti-poverty improving health care or the education system, or simply building infrastructure and low-cost housing for people living below the poverty line. The World Bank reports that 19.6 million (or roughly 39.3%) of the Colombian population lives below the national poverty line. 

This shows the importance of the nonprofit organizations working within the country; they contribute heavily to improving the Colombian way of life. Here are five charities operating in Colombia.

5 Anti-Poverty Charities Operating in Colombia

  1. Fundación OCMAES – The OCMAES foundation is a nonprofit working to improve academic standards and encourage academic pursuits domestically in Colombia. The organization operates on the principle that a “positive transformation of a country” is simply impossible without education; in its eyes, it is the key to breaking inequality. It helps realize this by offering renewable scholarships every six months and maintaining academic agreements with a host of universities and educational institutions within Colombia, including Rosario University and the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Bogotá. 
  2. Fundación Juanfe – “La Juanfe” is an organization working towards the betterment of children in many different parts of the Spanish-speaking world. In Colombia, it operates in the city of Cartagena. Primarily a health care organizer, the organization provides therapeutic care for young mothers and others below the poverty line. In 2023, it renewed its Inspira de la Juanfe program, a collaborative effort with JCT4 Education focused on teaching young individuals the power of social entrepreneurship and encouraging a passion for improving their communities. 
  3. Fundación Barco – The Fundación Antonio Restrepo Barco is an organization focused on those living in crisis areas. The foundation operates with the idea that those living in these areas are far more susceptible to social and poverty shortcomings. It operates directly with the government and international donors and maintains an investment portfolio to remain sustainable in the region. It helps to bring projects related to education, regional development and health care benefits to fruition. In the last year, it has been able to provide benefits to 48,816 students and to 286 individual educational institutions. 
  4. Fundación Niños de los Andes – The Children of the Andes Foundation is an organization dedicated to protecting the rights of children, especially those living on the streets and those living below the poverty line. The organization operates programs in five boarding schools hosting more than 1,510 children a year and provides direct access to educational and health care-related services in the region. It strives to impart to children that they have rights as citizens, and encourages them in their social, physical and mental development as they mature. 
  5. Federación Nacional de Cafeteros de Colombia (FNC) – An organization dedicated to improving the standard of life for rural Colombian coffee farmers, FNC institutes export standards and helps optimize production costs in the region. Beyond being apolitical and operating entirely as a nonprofit entity, the organization is also notable for being one of the largest rural non-governmental organizations in the world. 

Looking Ahead

The above anti-poverty charities operating in Colombia have all worked to eliminate poverty in numerous ways. Through their continued work, one can expect to see further improvements in education access, health care and more in Colombia.

– Marc Federici
Photo: Flickr

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5 Charities Operating in Taiwan

Charities Operating in Taiwan
Tensions between the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan have remained high since the Second World War. China continues to claim that Taiwan should be considered a part of its mainland by putting forward the “One China Policy.”

Taiwan also has a different method of measuring poverty. There is a relative poverty line, and the poverty threshold is different for every region. Only around 2% of the population is considered to be poor. However, income inequality is prevalent as more than 65% of workers earn a below-average salary in Taiwan. If a person’s income crosses even slightly above the poverty threshold for a particular area, then benefits and aid become scarce. Here are five charities operating in Taiwan that are helping both locally and internationally to rapidly decrease the rate of poverty.

Tzu Chi

Tzu Chi means “relieving suffering with compassion.” The compassion relief organization was founded in Hualien City in May 1996 by Dharma Master Cheng Yen. One of the Buddhist charities in Taiwan, Tzu Chi believes in healing spiritual poverty, by “spreading the essential values of love and compassion to all.” It has established grassroots volunteers across the world and has up to seven bases in the United Kingdom, including Cambridge, Edinburgh, Manchester and London.

Tzu Chi believes in “educating the rich to help the poor; inspiring the poor to realize their riches.” It spreads a message of universal love and encourages bringing out good in everyone. In February 2023, it fundraised and mobilized aid for the disastrous 7.8 magnitude earthquakes in Turkey. The charity provided warm blankets and food. The local Tzu Chi volunteers in Turkey also provided citizens with gift cards to buy supplies from supermarkets.

Garden of Hope

Garden of Hope is a charity that is fighting gender-based violence in Taiwan. It was established in 1986 by Angie Golmon, Liang-Wan Hui and a group of Christian missionaries. It was one of the first charities in Taiwan to help girls rehabilitate and heal from sexual abuse. It spreads the values of justice and love by actively preventing sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and domestic violence of children and women.

More than 68% of women to whom the charity has provided aid have significantly lowered the risk of being in a violent environment. About 76% of women have been aided to start work and become financially independent. More than 75% of children who are victims of domestic violence have been provided with therapy and feel that they can protect themselves better.

Ti Hwei

Ti Hwei is a charitable nursery that fosters orphans and underprivileged children by providing them with shelter and education. Tang Lesong founded the charity in 1980 using their own savings and loans from relatives to establish a sports welfare kindergarten. Lesong’s passion has encouraged more destitute families to reach out and ask for help.

Ti Hwei also launched a project called Kyobo Croner with the mission of helping children attain long-term placement in an establishment that can provide personal care, education and training services.

The Mustard Seed Mission

The Mustard Seed Mission believes that “the mustard seed can grow into a big tree and bear fruits for others under proper care.”

The Foundation offers initial funding for small startup projects initiated by churches globally. It aims to support these projects as a minority partner, providing financial assistance for a defined period while fostering self-sustainability and reliance on the local church.

The Foundation is one of the first registered welfare charities operating in Taiwan. It was established by the late missionary Lillian R. Dickson, often called the “Mother of Orphans” in Taiwan, after the Second World War. Initially, the organization provided medical clinics and vocational training. Now, the Foundation extends grants to churches and Christian organizations worldwide, particularly for new ministry endeavors encompassing outreach, discipleship and economic empowerment.

The ongoing “Sprout of Love!” project continues to help more than 5,000 disadvantaged children in Taiwan.

The Children Are Us Foundation

The Children Are Us Foundation is a charity focused on supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. It was established in June 1995 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan by parents of intellectually disabled individuals. The organization’s primary objective is to nurture and empower the untapped potential of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

The heartwarming and self-reliant reputation of Children Are Us has now become a significant symbol for intellectually disabled individuals in Taiwan. Notably, the Children Are Us bakery and restaurant have emerged as successful models of social enterprise in Taiwan, benefiting both the public and its employees.

All of these charities operating in Taiwan are actively shaping a brighter future for the country. Despite the misleading poverty rate measurements, such charities create positive change on a local level and will shape generations to come.

– Sharvi Rana
Photo: Pixabay

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4 Charities Operating in Sri Lanka

charities operating in Sri LankaAs of 2022, 2.5 million people in Sri Lanka are living in extreme poverty, surviving on less than $2.15 a day, according to the World Bank. Compounding the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sri Lanka is currently enduring a severe economic crisis that has worsened living conditions across the nation. Amid deteriorating social and economic conditions, countless charities operating in Sri Lanka are looking to improve the lives of the most vulnerable groups living in extreme poverty. In particular, there are four charities operating in Sri Lanka with the aim of helping the impoverished.

4 Charities Operating in Sri Lanka

  1. The Tarana Foundation. This charity operating in Sri Lanka was founded in 2018 with the aim of strengthening the “socio-economic norms of rural communities in Sri Lanka,” its website says. The Tarana Foundation’s work centers around five specific U.N. Sustainable Development Goals: water and sanitation, shelter, education, health care and environment. The organization has completed more than 60 projects with an impact on more than 12,000 children through more than 20 collaborations and partnerships. For example, School Project Bandarawela, occurring in March 2023, entailed the organization providing 1,447 students across 24 disadvantaged schools with school bags, stationery, shoe vouchers and sports equipment.
  2. Save the Children. This children’s organization has worked in Sri Lanka since 1974, holding children as the focus of humanitarian efforts. Save the Children works to improve the state of children’s education, health, rights and livelihood of children in poverty in Sri Lanka through several programs and initiatives. For instance, in terms of the overall health and nutrition of impoverished children in Sri Lanka, Save the Children is working with the Ministry of Health to improve the school feeding program in more than 1,000 schools across the country. The organization is also working to strengthen access to maternal, child care and nutrition services in Sri Lanka, especially for the most marginalized communities, such as people working in the plantation sector.
  3. The Tea Leaf Trust. Couple Yasmene Shah and Tim Pare founded the Tea Leaf Trust after visiting the Sri Lankan tea estates in 2007 and realizing the poor living conditions of tea estate communities. The tea industry is responsible for a large part of Sri Lanka’s exports and produces 340 million kilograms of tea per year, with 4% of the land covered by tea plantations, according to Sri Lanka’s Export Development Board. The industry employs 1 million people overall. Despite the fact that the tea industry is a thriving sector, tea plantation communities often live in poverty and endure exploitation in unsafe working conditions. The Tea Leaf Trust works to ensure the education of young people in tea estate communities so that they can move on to secure gainful employment and financial stability to lift their families out of poverty. The Tea Leaf Trust has ensured an education for nearly 40,000 young people and around 350,000 tea estate workers are supported by the organization’s alumni.
  4. The Asha Trust. This local charity operating in Sri Lanka works on the outskirts of Colombo, supporting children from impoverished households. At the charities’ venue, both educational and recreational classes are provided for the children and mothers can take part in sewing and cooking activities. The Asha Trust also accommodates children with disabilities and assists families with accessing disability-specific support. In July 2022, the organization launched the Family Food Challenge, calling for donations to continue providing food essentials to families in Sri Lanka amid inflation. Using these donations, the Asha Trust provided 800 food packs made up of rice, lentils, coconuts, soy meat, sugar and tea to families in need.

These charities operating in Sri Lanka provide support to the country’s most impoverished people amid the deteriorating conditions of the economic crisis.

– Jess Wilkinson
Photo: Flickr

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5 Charities Operating in Uzbekistan

Charities in UzbekistanUzbekistan has a population of 35 million citizens with nearly 17% of the population living below the national poverty line. Corruption and gender-based violence run rampant in the country with a lack of freedom of expression. Here are five charities in Uzbekistan that are actively guiding the country towards a better future.

5 Charities Operating in Uzbekistan

  1. The Rory Peck Trust – The Rory Peck Trust is an NGO dedicated to aiding freelance journalists and their families during challenging times across the globe. It was established two years after the death of Rory Peck, a brave freelance cameraman who died in a crossfire in Moscow. Peck was reporting Russia’s October coup during the Russian constitutional crises in 1993. The organization aims to elevate the visibility of journalists, safeguard their well-being and security and defend their freedom to report without constraints. One of the most innovative charities in Uzbekistan, they provide psychological support, monetary aid and safety training for journalists. The trust has supported more than 100 journalists reporting in Ukraine during the last 12 months of the Ukraine war. In 2019, at the Human Rights House Tbilisi in Georgia, the Trust partnered with the Justice for Journalists Foundation to provide safety training to Russian-speaking media professionals from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Belarus and Armenia. They also host the prestigious Rory Peck Awards annually, a celebration that honors the bravery and accomplishments of freelance journalists and filmmakers across the world.
  2. The Smile Train – The Smile Train empowers local medical professionals across the world by equipping them with the skills necessary to provide life-changing cleft care and free surgeries to patients who might otherwise not have access to such services. Out of all the charities in Uzbekistan, the Smile Train is the biggest cleft-focused NGO. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that children in need receive the best possible treatment for their condition. They have completed more than 4,000 surgeries in Uzbekistan.
  3. Anti-Slavery International – Anti-Slavery International is the world’s oldest international human rights organization. It was founded in 1839 by Thomas Clarkson, Thomas Fowell Buxton and several other abolitionists. It is not only one of the most important charities in Uzbekistan but the entire world. The organization supports the fundamental human right of freedom for everyone. Around 50 million people suffer from modern slavery around the world today. For 15 years, Anti-Slavery International, the Cotton Campaign, the Uzbek Forum for Human Rights and several other NGOs have been advocating with the United Nations and the International Labor Organization to stop forced and child labor in Uzbekistan. In 2021, the organization made a historic achievement by eliminating state-imposed forced labor in the Uzbek cotton harvest in the country. Uzbekistan has unlocked the potential to export cotton textiles to countries around the world. However, wider labor risks remain in the country. International companies need to be ethical and stop exploitation of Uzbekistan’s cotton textiles.
  4. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) – Médecins Sans Frontières is French for ‘Doctors Without Borders.’ It is a renowned international medical humanitarian organization committed to delivering high-quality medical care to individuals facing crises, regardless of their race, religion or political beliefs. Over 1 million patients are admitted to MSF clinics across the globe. MSF was established in France by a group of journalists and doctors during the beginning of the war and famine in the temporary state of Biafra in Nigeria in 1971. They extend their assistance to people affected by war, disease, natural and human-made disasters and those marginalized from access to health care in over 70 countries. In Uzbekistan, MSF primarily focuses on addressing the challenges posed by multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) patients. They introduced directly observed treatment (DOT) to combat the issue. This is an innovative approach that was invented using video links during lockdowns. Through this method, TB patients receive their treatment at home, with the guidance and supervision of a nurse virtually. By leveraging technology, MSF aims to ensure the continuity of TB treatment even during challenging circumstances.
  5. SOS Children’s Villages – SOS Children’s Villages is a prominent international NGO dedicated to providing essential support to children without parental care and families facing the risk of separation. One of the major charities in Uzbekistan, they provide support to vulnerable families and children during crisis situations, offer educational aid to teachers and children in the region and create loving and nurturing homes for children who have lost parental care. So far, they have brought up more than 170 children in the cities of Tashkent, Samarkand and Urgench. The organization was founded by six individuals: Hermann Gmeiner, Maria Hofer, Josef Jestl, Ludwig Kögel, Herbert Pfanner and Hedwig Weingartner in 1949 in Austria. Thousands of children had lost their families because of the Second World War. In the past 70 years, they have supported around 4 million young people with programs that are flexible and can be suited to different races, cultures and religions. The organization has roots in the capital of Tashkent in 2000. They are currently supporting around 150 adolescents in the city.

These charities in Uzbekistan endeavor to create a positive impact on the lives of the Uzbek people as well as international journalists and reporters.

– Sharvi Rana
Photo: Unsplash