Archive for category: Charity

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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

6 Poverty-Fighting Charities in El Salvador

Charities in El SalvadorAs of 2020, poverty affected 26% of El Salvador’s population. This issue of poverty arises from diverse factors, with limited access to education being a prominent one. According to the CIA factbook, more than 10% of those aged 15 and above lack basic reading and writing skills. This constraint hampers citizens’ ability to participate in the economy and secure higher-level jobs.

Additionally, crime poses a significant issue in El Salvador. In 2023, the nation recorded the world’s highest homicide rate at 52.02 murders per 100,000 residents. A major contributor to this alarming statistic is the widespread prevalence of gang activity and associated violence.

Amid these challenges, various charitable organizations are actively working to fight poverty in El Salvador. The dedicated efforts of these organizations are creating tangible positive changes within the country.

6 Poverty-Fighting Charities in El Salvador

  1. Food for the Poor – One of the charities working to end poverty in El Salvador is Food for the Poor. This nonprofit based in Florida works to provide food, shelter, medicine and other necessities to the impoverished in Latin America and the Caribbean. It has provided significant help to those struggling with hunger in El Salvador. In 2022, the charity provided 3,335 bags of rice, 4,781 packages of beans and other support items. Its goal was to feed 551,524 people, most of whom were elderly or children. In 2021, the organization revitalized 100 schools that educated more than 40,000 students in impoverished areas.
  2. The Salvadoran American Foundation – The Salvadoran American Foundation (SAF) was founded in 1983 in Miami, by a group passionate about helping the people of El Salvador. It works to improve the livelihood of those suffering from poverty in El Salvador. In addition, it strives to help every resident of the country secure their basic needs. SAF sponsored a program that facilitated the education of 1,200 children, focusing on teaching them English. Students engaged in five hours of weekly instruction to enhance their reading, writing and speaking skills in the language. Among the numerous success stories, one stands out: in 2022, SAF intervened to address rapid weight loss in an infant. By supplying the child’s mother with sufficient food and essential nutrients, the organization enabled her to provide adequate breastfeeding for the baby.
  3. Fundacion Educando – Another one of the charities working to end poverty in El Salvador is Fundación Educando (FESA). It has been operating in El Salvador for the past 20 years. The group works to transform the lives of youth through sports and education. Through the help of FESA, many of the youths it has instructed have made it to professional sports leagues such as the First Division of El Salvador for soccer and Major League Baseball.
  4. World Vision – The group’s primary objective is to enhance the lives of individuals in vulnerable situations, particularly children and their families. When emergencies like hurricanes or floods strike El Salvador, the organization swiftly engages in humanitarian responses, offering vital resources such as food, clean water and other essentials to those affected. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the group extended aid to more than 1 million people, distributing food and hygiene kits. Additionally, it highlights that 121,263 individuals have received assistance from its initiatives.
  5. COAR Peace Mission – The last one of the charities working to end poverty in El Salvador is COAR. Since 1980, COAR has been working to help children in El Salvador. It founded the COAR Children’s Village, where children who are unable to live with their families or have no family can reside. At these homes, children receive food and education and can participate in extracurricular activities such as dance and band. Currently, the school provides residence for more than 1,000 children, from kindergarteners to high schoolers.
  6. Americares – Americares is an organization that provides health care to vulnerable populations in El Salvador. Americares provides health services to those who cannot access the country’s health care programs. The organization opened the Americares Family Clinic, which provides low-cost medical aid for those on the eastern side of the country. The clinic sees almost 30,000 people every year.

In conclusion, despite the challenges El Salvador faces in eradicating poverty and crime, numerous organizations dedicated to addressing these issues demonstrate that progress is achievable. Positive transformations are actively taking place for many residents in El Salvador.

– Emma Glas
Photo: Wikimedia

5 Charities Operating in Vietnam

5 Charities Operating in VietnamIn the last decade, over 10 million people have escaped poverty in Vietnam. However, poverty in ethnic minority groups such as the La Hu and H’Mong remains rampant. Vietnam has yet to improve the quality of life for the more vulnerable groups of society and treat all citizens equally. The multi-dimensional poverty rate for ethnic minorities is 35.7% compared to the national multi-dimensional rate of around 9%. The poverty rate for La Hu and H’Mong is starkly higher at 84.9% and 82.9%. Fortunately, many charities operating in Vietnam are helping to bridge the inequality gap.

5 Charities Operating in Vietnam

  1. The Global Village Foundation (GVF) – The GVF was founded in 2000 by philanthropist and author Le Ly Hayslip. Their mission is to use humanitarian work to elevate the standard of life for people throughout rural Vietnam as well as Southeast Asia. Le Ly grew up in Xa Hoa Quy during the Vietnam War. She witnessed the devastation of the war, which impelled her to establish two organizations: the Global Village Foundation and East Meets West Foundation. Both organizations provide basic needs such as food, shelter, medical assistance and education to help rebuild Vietnam. The GVF is now one of the most prominent charities in Vietnam. They offer apprenticeship programs to help young people develop their leadership skills and create projects that help disadvantaged people around the world. They also offer school construction, school cultural exchange programs and disaster aid. Most recently, in June 2023, they celebrated their 30th anniversary by converting an abandoned high school building into the Village of Hope Orphanage in Danang.
  2. Action Aid – Vietnam has one of the largest female workforces in Asia. However, the rate of domestic violence and underage marriage is high. One in 10 girls are married under the age of 18. Established in 1989 as one of the most important international charities in Vietnam, Action Aid supports women and girls across the world. They educate local communities about women’s rights and hold girls’ clubs in schools, creating a safe space where girls can learn about their bodies. They empower girls to fight for their right to education and live free from violence. In 2015, Action Aid spoke with over 1,200 people living in Hoa Binh about childcare and household chores done solely by women that are taken for granted. Their COVID-19 response has also reached around 46,000 people in Vietnam.
  3. Children’s Hope in Action – Children’s Hope in Action (CHIA) is an NGO based in Hoi An and works within the wider Quang Nam province to help disadvantaged children. It was founded by Robyn Morley in 2006. In 2000, Morley volunteered at an orphanage for disadvantaged children. She met malnourished children who were often sent to an orphanage due to the low financial conditions of their families. She established CHIA to bridge the gap in the availability of aid and services for children.
  4. Little Rose Warm Shelter – In 1992, the Ho Chi Minh City Child Welfare Association established the Little Rose Warm Shelter (LRWS). More than 290,000 disadvantaged young people have been helped by the association. The LRWS is one of the few local charities in Vietnam that focuses on rehabilitating and providing aid for girls who are victims of sexual and domestic abuse in Ho Chi Minh City. The LRWS empowers young girls by providing education, job opportunities, therapy, health care facilities and shelter. They spread awareness on how to care for victims of abuse and prevent child abuse within community groups by collaborating with the local authorities. They use social enterprises to fund their services. The Little Rose Bakery sells scrumptious baked goods to continue helping young girls.
  5. Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation – In early 2003, the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation began to help children in crises all over Vietnam. Whether it is in the bustling city streets or the quiet rural areas, the Blue Dragon provides aid to adolescents who are victims of trafficking, homelessness, illness, drug abuse and sexual exploitation. In 2002, the Blue Dragon’s journey started when Michael Brosowski, an Australian teacher, began teaching English to a small group of children who were cleaning shoes to survive. By 2003, Brosowski, Pham Sy Chungi and their friends from university had established a residence for homeless children in Hanoi. Over the past 20 years, they have helped girls from forced marriages and brothels in China, opened a safe house for boys suffering from neglect and advocated to improve policies regarding child labor and safeguarding vulnerable children. Now, in 2023, more than 20,000 adolescents have been rescued across Vietnam.

All of these charities operating in Vietnam continue to work selflessly for vulnerable groups in society. They are actively driving Vietnam towards a brighter future and lowering the rate of poverty.

– Sharvi Rana
Photo: Unsplash

3 Organizations Making a Difference in the DRC

Organizations Making a Difference in the DRCThe Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is home to the fourth largest population in Africa, with nearly two-thirds of its people living on less than $2.15 a day. The DRC is among the least developed countries in the world. Following the two Congolese wars, nearly 62% of the Congolese, roughly 60 million people, live in poverty. Adding to its challenges, the DRC faces the fourth largest Internally Displaced People (IDP) crisis globally, with 6.3 million displaced people. These hardships stem from the ongoing conflict that has plagued the country since the 1990s.

Brief History of Conflict in the DRC

The conflict in the DRC has its roots in the Rwandan Genocide of 1994, which led to nearly 2 million Hutu refugees seeking refuge in Congo. In fear of retribution, Hutu extremists formed militias, while Tutsi militias emerged to counter their actions. The Tutsi-led government of Rwanda, after defeating the genocidal Rwandan government, became involved in what was then called the Republic of Zaire, later renamed the DRC. Rwandan troops and Tutsi militias based in the Congo invaded Zaire, sparking the first Congolese War in 1996. The conflict resulted in the victory of Rwandan troops and the Zairean opposition, with Laurent Kabila, the opposition leader, assuming the presidency of the newly renamed Democratic Republic of Congo.

Tensions between Rwanda and the DRC escalated, leading to the second Congolese War in 1998. Kaila aimed to reduce Rwandan control over his government by removing Tutsis from his administration and weakening Rwandan military influence in the eastern DRC. Although the war officially concluded in 2002, the conflict persisted until 2004. Since 1996, the eastern DRC has witnessed more than 6 million deaths to casualties from wars, clashes between ethnic and militant groups and activities of local armed factions. In light of these conditions, there are a number of organizations working to make a difference in the DRC.

3 Organizations Making a Difference in the DRC

  1. Concern Worldwide: Established in 1968 by John and Kay O’Laughlin-Kenndey, Concern Worldwide is a non-governmental organization dedicated to combating extreme poverty in the communities it serves. It has been actively working in the DRC since 1994, employing 300 individuals to implement emergency livelihood, agricultural and health programs nationwide. In 2022, Concern Worldwide provided essential support to more than 150,000 displaced individuals through emergency cash vouchers and food assistance. It also improved the lives of more than 350,000 individuals in rural areas and displacement sites by providing water, hygiene and sanitation services. Concern Worldwide addressed gender inequality by reaching 3,866 women and 2,714 men through gender training and sensitization held in local communities, along with 1,215 children through school workshops in 2022. 
  2. Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere (CARE): Founded in 1945 by Arthur Cuming Ringland and Wallace Campbell, CARE is a non-profit organization that aims to defeat poverty and achieve social justice. It operates in 111 countries and has been working in the DRC since 2002. CARE focuses on humanitarian response, women’s economic empowerment, sexual and reproductive health, food and nutrition security and climate resilience. In 2021, CARE reached more than 1 million individuals in the DRC, with the majority being women. 
  3. International Rescue Committee (IRC): Founded in 1933 by Albert Einstein, the IRC is a non-governmental organization that works in more than 40 crisis-affected countries. It provides health care, education and community empowerment while addressing gender inequality. Since 1996, the IRC has assisted 2,764,357 people in the DRC. It focuses on regions like Tanganyika, Kasai Central and North and South Kivu, providing emergency support, peace-building projects, training for health care and government workers, assistance to sexual assault survivors, reproductive services and ensuring girls’ enrollment in schools. In 2022, the IRC reached more than 32.9 million people and supported 3,137 health care facilities worldwide. 

Looking Ahead

Despite the ongoing conflicts, these organizations making a difference in the DRC are actively assisting a country grappling with the aftermath of war, political instability and economic decline. As millions of individuals struggle to meet their basic needs, are forcibly displaced and endure the hardships due to the ongoing conflict, these partnerships and the critical ongoing work by Concern Worldwide, CARE and the IRC serve to alleviate the impacts of war and poverty and improve the lives of the people in the DRC.

– Clara Swart
Photo: Flickr

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4 Charities Operating in Panama

Charities Operating in PanamaAccording to the World Bank, in 2022, 13.3% of the population in Panama lived under the poverty line of $6.85 per person per day. However, through the work of organizations, communities living in poverty receive aid. In particular, four charities operating in Panama are committed to improving the lives of the disadvantaged.

4 Charities Operating in Panama

  1. Fundación Calicanto. This community-based organization in Panama came about in 1994 to empower impoverished and disadvantaged women in Panama. The organization’s CAPTA program helps women become self-reliant and economically stable through professional and vocational training that will allow them to secure a job in the hospitality industry. The program also has a psychological development component that aims to improve the self-confidence and self-esteem of women. Considering that, in Panama, marginalized women in inner city slums lead around 50% of households and have, on average, four children by the young age of 25, the need for the CAPTA program is clear. At the heart of CAPTA lies its rigorous five-week “Foundation Cycle”  course, the cornerstone of women’s personal growth. Through this course, participants acquire essential life skills while cultivating a deep belief in their ability to shape their destinies. Thereafter, women move on to technical training at the Panama International School and Restaurant La Sexta. The staggering success of this program is apparent through the graduation of about 1,500 women, with an impressive 74% either securing permanent employment or advancing on to formal education.
  2. Enlaces. Enlaces is a Panama-based organization developed in 2010 to transform the lives of disadvantaged children and youth in Panama who aspire to make positive impacts in the world. Enlaces uses a three-pronged approach of “psychosocial care, artistic learning and pedagogical study programs” to help children reach their full potential. Many children and teenagers living in the neighborhoods around the Historic Center of Panama City face poverty and a lack of access to opportunities for economic and social growth. Their disadvantaged circumstances can result in a continuation of generational poverty. Enlaces aims to improve the futures of these children through a methodology that “combines dance, education and emotional development as preventive tools,” the GlobalGiving website highlights. Children in the program also have opportunities to secure scholarships for their education, both academic and artistic. Enlaces efforts teach integral life skills that shape the lives of about 400 children and adolescents (ages 4-17) annually.
  3. Asociación Panameña para el Planeamiento de la Familia. Founded in 1965, APLAFA aims to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged people in Panama through low-cost services offered in seven clinics located around Panama. In particular, its focus is sexual and reproductive health but its services also extend to pediatric and maternal care. These services play a pivotal role in addressing high-risk pregnancies and ultimately contribute to reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in Panama. Over the last decade, APLAFA has served almost 500,000 people through its clinic services and educational initiatives and has delivered more than 15,000 low-cost health services.
  4. Fundación Oír es Vivir. Founded in 2008, Fundación Oír es Vivir supports individuals with hearing impairments in Panama by providing auditory services and aids regardless of financial means and resources. This organization aids people living in poverty who cannot receive the necessary medical help due to financial barriers or other difficulties. The organization actively promotes detection and intervention programs for hearing-related issues among newborns, preschoolers and students. The organization helps the audiologically impaired live a higher quality of life. Ultimately, this initiative seeks to improve productivity levels and enhance quality of life through the provision of hearing aids. Fundación Oír es Vivir has given care to more than 30,000 people.

These four prominent charities operating in Panama profoundly impact individuals and communities confronted with various challenges. 

– Elizabeth Antenucci
Photo: Flickr

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Charities Operating in Antigua and Barbuda

Charities in Antigua and BarbudaAntigua and Barbuda, located within the West Indies, is renowned for its stunning white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Antigua is a hugely popular hub for tourism, making it one of the most economically successful nations in the Caribbean.

As of 2022, Antigua and Barbuda’s GDP per capita was less than $19,000 USD. UNICEF’s research reveals that 25% of adolescents aged 10-19 experience poverty across the islands. More recently, Antigua has seen a large increase in family poverty due to COVID-19, with UNICEF’s research highlighting a 29% increase in domestic poverty. UNICEF’s report showed that 600,000 people in the Eastern Caribbean lost their jobs, deeply impacting the already struggling nation. The islands of Antigua and Barbuda demonstrate resilience in the face of poverty, and various charities are working to transform the country’s circumstances. 

Charities Working Across Antigua and Barbuda

  1. UNICEF: UNICEF’s primary focus in eradicating poverty in Antigua and Barbuda is the well-being of local children. In 2021, UNICEF elevated the children’s agenda to the highest national level, extending its efforts across the Eastern Caribbean. Its Lifelong Learning program, with 157,700 children now enrolled in schools throughout the islands, tackles poverty through education. Formed by UNICEF, the LLP aims to support free education and improve access to learning in struggling nations. This has led Antigua to achieve a high score on the Global Remote Learning Readiness Index. UNICEF firmly believes in providing every child with equal opportunities to succeed in life, generating public funds to support their studies and overall welfare. Education reform is essential on the island and UNICEF’s work plays a crucial role in the nation’s development. In 2018-2019, only 27% of students passed five or more CSEC subjects, lower than the average passing rate among OECS Member States. 
  2. Pack for a Purpose: Pack for a Purpose operates globally, coordinating travelers to create a lasting impact in the countries they visit by bringing materials for local communities. Rebecca Rothney founded the program in 2009 with the vision of facilitating meaningful change during travelers’ journeys. In Antigua, Pack for a Purpose collaborates with the Sandals Foundation, providing essential support and supplies to local education facilities. This initiative significantly benefits the local community, positively influencing education throughout the island. So far, the program has facilitated the donation of more than 70,000 pounds of supplies, aiding thousands of children across the islands. Visitors to Antigua have generously contributed items like laptops, notebooks and markers, promoting literacy and fostering a positive learning experience for children in Antigua and beyond.
  3. Hesperian Health Guides: Hesperian Health Guides is a nonprofit organization that delivers free health information and education to communities facing challenges. Established in the early 1970s, it has now printed more than 3.5 million copies worldwide. HHG advocates for the right to health for every individual, creating easily accessible materials and translating them into 85 languages. Poverty remains a significant barrier to accessing health care, but access to advanced medical knowledge gives people a better chance to thrive. The organization continually develops innovative approaches to spread health awareness, including projects like ‘Helping Children Live with HIV’ and ‘The New Where There Is No Doctor,’ which have brought meaningful change to Antigua and Barbuda. According to recent statistics, HIV status testing and awareness was only at 7.3% in 2021. This highlights the role of ‘Helping Children Live with HIV’ in increasing awareness in Antigua and Barbuda. Since the country recorded its first case of HIV in 1985, the number of positive cases has expanded to more than 1,300 in 2020, highlighting the vulnerability of children to HIV worldwide. ‘The New Where There is No Doctor’ is a publication addressing health challenges, featuring updated information on treating diseases that significantly impact the world’s underserved populations.
  4. The Jermain Defoe Foundation: The Jermain Defoe Foundation is a U.K. charity that operates across all Caribbean islands. It was originally founded by the England footballer Jermain Defoe with the aim of supporting homeless and vulnerable children in his local village. The organization was founded in 2014 and does a huge amount of work toward poverty eradication throughout the islands. Some of its notable projects include organizing a football tournament to raise funds for underprivileged children, securing donations for hurricane relief in hurricane-prone Antigua, constructing a children’s home and organizing multiple Christmas shoebox appeals. The foundation’s accomplishments include raising up to £80,000 at a single Gala Dinner event, delivering donations to 178 students and raising more than £6,000 for children in St. Lucia, showcasing the significant impact of its work.
  5. Intervol: Intervol is a community volunteering charity based in the U.K. yet working in areas such as Antigua and Barbuda to support poverty reduction and education projects. More than a thousand student volunteers have taken part in these projects across the world, raising more than £250,000 of grant funding since 2003. By supporting the locals through health care, education, materials and clean water, the organization is able to make tangible change in Antigua and Barbuda.

Progress in health, education, relief and investment in the economy has seen Antigua transform over the past decade. As a small island in the Caribbean that is prone to hurricanes, Antigua is vulnerable to some of the factors that lead to poverty. However, these charities operating in Antigua and Barbuda continue to make efforts that aim to alleviate poverty and create equal opportunities in the country.  

– Gracie Gobat
Photo: Unsplash