Archive for category: Charity

Lebanon’s Humanitarian Efforts – 5 Charities Operating in Lebanon

Charities Operating in LebanonAccording to Human Rights Watch, 74% of the Lebanese population lives in income poverty, earning less than $14 per day. Lebanon is classified as a lower-middle-income country by the World Bank, with over half of the population living below the national poverty line in 2020 due to COVID-19 and other economic factors. Fortunately, a number of NGOs are working to lend a helping hand to those who need it the most. Here are five charities operating in Lebanon.

5 Charities Operating in Lebanon

  1. The Lebanese Red Cross – The Lebanese Red Cross is a nonprofit organization established in 1945 that focuses on helping those with concerns relating to conflict, social life and health by fundraising and hosting events. This NGO was recognized by the state of Lebanon in 1946 as a public nonprofit and as an essential part of the medical service of the Lebanese army. Each sphere of the country has its own establishment that collaborates with other sectors in order to create the plenary organization. This structure was made to ensure that all areas of the country had some sort of humanitarian presence. Due to its national success, the Lebanese Red Cross received major international recognition and was able to join both the International Red Cross organization as well as the Red Crescent Movement in 1947. The Lebanese Red Cross has over 7,000 volunteers all across the country who excel in their duties respecting the seven Fundamental Principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality. Respecting these principles has allowed this organization to accomplish many goals with regard to helping those living in poverty. A few of these achievements include fundraising thousands of dollars toward humanitarian aid, providing training for those in marginalized communities, as well as providing medical care to those in need in order to save many lives. For example, the Lebanese Red Cross responded to the major bomb in Beirut in August 2021 by rescuing and providing first aid to those injured. These teams of volunteers also distributed food, water, masks and other essentials to more than 80,000 people who were affected. This is one of the many ways that the Lebanese Red Cross has contributed to helping people.
  2. Beyond Association – Established in 2013, Beyond Association is a non-governmental organization in Lebanon that aims to promote humanitarian issues globally among different populations. Their mission is to raise awareness of humanitarian concerns, enhance human rights and empower individuals on a global scale. Beyond Association collaborates with national and international NGOs to develop programs addressing the needs of the world’s most vulnerable. This organization aims to achieve its goals by organizing fundraisers, projects and providing resources to those living in poverty. A substantial contribution that this NGO has made to the Lebanese community is their job hunt which consists of a list of open work for those who have trouble finding work for whatever reason. This initiative has helped many individuals get an income and thus, live above the poverty line. Another one of Beyond Association’s projects is its educational initiative toward COVID-19. After the spread of the deadly virus, this organization launched both in-person and online information sessions in order to spread awareness of COVID-19 and to help stop the spread. These initiatives were targeted toward teenagers and young adults as well as those who are immunocompromised. This initiative is known to have significantly improved the quality of life for Lebanese during the global pandemic. 
  3. Save the Children – Save the Children was a national organization aimed at providing the best possible life and upbringing for children around the world. This predominantly national organization transitioned to an international one in 2012 due to its high success rate in Lebanon. Save the Children uses rights-based approaches in order to increase children’s access to education, basic needs and opportunities. This organization is different from the rest as it places high importance on empowering civil society both during peaceful and turbulent times. Lebanon is the country with the highest number of Syrian refugees (especially children) relative to its population and Save the Children has recognized this and thus, has provided the country with an abundance of resources and care for these individuals. This NGO has responded to this spike in demand by ensuring that everyone in Lebanon – regardless of their socio-economic status receives access to basic human needs such as food, shelter and electricity. This organization is able to work on many different initiatives at a time due to its large size. One of these projects includes providing shelter for families who are not able to access any – with priority given to families with children. Save the Children will provide families living in unfinished houses with a conditional cash grant in order to upgrade and/or finish their shelters. This grant ensures that living conditions are adequate for families with growing children.
  4. Caritas Lebanon – Caritas Lebanon is an organization established in 1950 that aims to reduce poverty and the exclusion of people in different social settings. They focus on creating social, medical, economic, development and emergency programs in order to benefit marginalized communities across the world. Caritas is a Latin word for charity which is the main focus of this organization through its variety of fundraisers. This NGO is a member of Caritas Internationalists – one of the largest humanitarian networks in the world. Caritas Lebanon has worked toward eliminating poverty in Lebanon and all over the world by creating programs in relation to basic assistance, education, food security, health and shelter which have proved to be immensely beneficial to those in poverty. The organization also created numerous response programs in relation to the emergency crises that our world has faced thus far including COVID-19 and the influx of Syrian refugees.
  5. BASSMA- BASSMA is a humanitarian organization established in 2002 whose mission is to empower the world’s most disadvantaged people through the rehabilitation of poverty-stricken families, social assistance, the protection and social reintegration of abused individuals and poverty awareness through Civic Engagement and Community Service projects. So far, BASSMA’s efforts in reducing global poverty have been deemed successful through their program of rebuilding homes in Lebanon that have been destroyed. This has helped many individuals with the financial burden of such a task that would take years to reach. Their deep empathy and commitment to helping families in need have proven to have helped many Lebanese families in the past 20 years. BASSMA’s gift-giving project is another significant initiative, providing children living in poverty or unsuitable conditions with small gifts during the holidays.

In short, Lebanon, through its numerous national and international humanitarian organizations, has made a significant impact in addressing global poverty and aiding those facing humanitarian issues. These efforts have improved the lives of many individuals. The Borgen Project looks forward to witnessing further progress in the future.

– Jennah Kalaaji
Photo: Flickr

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Soccer Aid 2023: A Triumph of Sport, Philanthropy and Global Unity

soccer aidSoccer Aid 2023, held on June 11, was a monumental event that brought together the worlds of soccer and philanthropy in a spectacular display of sportsmanship and goodwill. Organized by UNICEF and powered by the passion of athletes, celebrities and fans, Soccer Aid helped to showcase extraordinary skills and contribute to a noble cause.  The accomplishments of this awe-inspiring event and the impact it had on the lives of children worldwide are notable.

Annual Charity Soccer Match

Soccer Aid is an annual charity soccer match that brings together a star-studded team of celebrities and soccer legends who play against each other to raise funds for UNICEF’s vital work in helping children around the world. UNICEF U.K. Ambassador Robbie Williams first initiated Soccer Aid in 2006 to raise funds for UNICEF’s global projects. Since then, Soccer Aid has become one of the most anticipated charitable sporting events globally, drawing millions of viewers and enthusiastic supporters.

The Accomplishments of Soccer Aid 2023

  1. Record-breaking Donations. Soccer Aid 2023 surpassed all previous records, raising an astounding amount of £14.6 million, thanks to the generous contributions of sponsors, donors and viewers worldwide. The funds will be channeled toward addressing critical issues affecting children, such as malnutrition, lack of education and access to clean water and sanitation. 
  2. Awareness and Advocacy. Beyond raising funds, Soccer Aid 2023 played a crucial role in spreading awareness about the challenges faced by vulnerable and impoverished children in various parts of the world, particularly those facing humanitarian crises. According to UNICEF, more than 1 billion children across the globe live in multidimensional poverty, suffering several deprivations at once. Through the power of the media and the personal influence of the participants, the event shed light on pressing issues and inspired millions to get involved in humanitarian efforts.
  3. Global Reach. Soccer Aid’s reach extended far beyond the stadium as the event broadcasted live in several countries, connecting people from diverse backgrounds and cultures with the common goal of helping children in need. The event had social media platforms abuzz with discussions, encouraging global conversations about the importance of both philanthropy and sportsmanship. 
  4. Impact on Children’s Lives. The funds raised from Soccer Aid 2023 will have a lasting impact on the lives of countless disadvantaged children. The funds will support UNICEF’s ongoing efforts to provide life-saving vaccinations, essential nutrition, access to quality education and protection from violence and exploitation, creating a brighter and more hopeful future for the next generation. 

Philanthropic Sporting

Soccer Aid 2023 was more than just a soccer match; it was a testament to the immense power of humanity when united for a common cause. Through the passion and dedication of soccer legends, celebrities and millions of supporters, the event achieved astounding donations, spreading awareness and making a positive impact on the lives of children worldwide. Soccer Aid continues to set an example of how sports and philanthropy can come together to bring about positive change, proving that unity and collaboration can change the lives of vulnerable children and help build a more equitable and compassionate world.

– Dunia Matta
Photo: Pixabay

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Top 5 Charities Operating in Iraq

Charities in IraqIraq has faced economic devastation, political corruption and violent conflicts for more than two decades. With more than 1 million displaced Iraqis, the country is in desperate need of support. Here are the top 5 charities operating in Iraq.

Top 5 Charities Operating in Iraq

  1. Save the Children: Since 1991, Save the Children has been a prominent nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting displaced children and families in Iraq. Their child protection programs have played a pivotal role in safeguarding and rehabilitating Iraqi children. Over 337,000 children facing perilous circumstances have benefited from their efforts, which include enhancing water supply, training educators and providing crucial psychosocial support.
  2. Caritas Iraq: Also known as the Brotherhood of Charities, Caritas provides food aid to the underprivileged in Iraq. The organization maintains social centers that offer medical care and food assistance to disadvantaged families. Since the ISIS attacks in 2014, it has helped nearly 400,000 Iraqis cope with hardships. Caritas currently provides more than 5,000 families monthly with psychological and social programs to support them through war trauma and displacement.
  3. Iraqi Children Foundation: The Iraq war and occupation by ISIS have had devastating consequences, especially for Iraqi children. Charities like the Iraqi Children Foundation focus on their well-being, particularly those who have endured abuse, neglect and exploitation. Through impactful programs like Hope Buses, medical care and social services, the foundation collaborates with trusted partners to provide immediate support and valuable mentorship. By 2021, it had helped and protected thousands of vulnerable children in poverty-ridden neighborhoods in Baghdad.
  4. Free Yezidi Foundation: After the Yezidi genocide in 2014, the Free Yezidi Foundation (FYF) emerged as a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting and assisting the Yezidi community. It empowers women to assume leadership roles, facilitate trauma healing and aid survivors in applying for reparations. Their commitment has provided invaluable support and resources to the Yezidi community on the path to recovery and empowerment.
  5. MADRE: MADRE is an international women’s rights organization that protects and empowers women facing threats from fundamentalist forces. MADRE supports women who have experienced abuse and terror through safety shelters and advocacy campaigns. It nurtures and empowers women, enabling them to assume leadership positions and contribute to shaping a world where marginalized women have a voice in policy and decision-making.

One Step at a Time

Despite the challenges, nonprofit organizations are making a tangible difference in Iraq. While eradicating poverty takes time, the collective efforts of these five charities are advancing the journey toward a brighter future for Iraqi citizens. The lasting effects of the war necessitate dedicated individuals committed to making a difference in the livelihoods of poverty-stricken communities in Iraq.

– Dunia Matta
Photo: Flickr

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10 Charitable Esport Events Committed to Reducing Poverty

Charitable Esport EventsWith the rise of video games came the rise of esports, where gamers compete with each other in a large variety of multiplayer games. Esports, like regular sports, has many tournaments and events with celebrities of the genre involved. It is also a popular avenue for charity fundraising and awareness. In particular, 10 charitable esport events hold with the goal of contributing toward ending global poverty and helping those in need.

10 Charitable Esport Events

  1. ATLUS hosted a 2022 charity tournament. An event referred to as the “Persona 4 Arena Ultimax Charity Sho-Down” occurred in 2022, where winning players donated sizable monetary winnings to the charity of their choice. The first prize winner won $10,000, which went to Dysautonomia International, and second place won $5,000, which went to the ALS Association. Dysautonomia International works to fundraise for research and raise awareness of autonomic nervous system disorders while empowering patients. ALS Association works to combat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disorder, in the U.S. but notably participates in global research of the disorder.
  2. Riot Games and Twitch teamed up for the Valorant charity stream. The three-day Valorant Spike Nations of Twitch event in 2020 had 10 European teams representing their countries competing to donate portions of the $10,000 prize pool to charities of their choosing. Claiming the biggest win, the Portugal team donated $37,614 to the Portuguese Food Bank to help alleviate hunger in the country.
  3.  A “Dota 2” event called WeSave! Charity Play to combat COVID-19. Hosted by WePlay!, the event had 24 teams and started with a $120,000 prize pool that grew as players gathered funds throughout the event. The prize pool money went to CEPI and GlobalGiving to support efforts in combating the impacts of COVID-19. CEPI brings together private, public and philanthropic sectors to assist in vaccine development while GlobalGiving is a platform that supports nonprofits by connecting them to donors.
  4. The $10 million FIFA 21 event to support COVID-19 vaccination. In 2021, Gamers Without Borders hosted an event with the popular football video game FIFA 21 where $1 million worth of charitable prize money went toward supporting the immunization efforts of GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, and UNICEF. GAVI has enabled the vaccinations of more than 981 million children, particularly in the world’s most disadvantaged nations. The second edition of the event had more elite players compete, which led to Gamers Without Borders donating $10 million to communities struggling to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is part of Gamers Without Borders plan to donate $30 million to humanitarian aid and stands as a notable example of how esport events support charitable causes.
  5. A “Dota 2” Showmatch helped support Ukraine. Popular players, such as ODPixel, participated in this event in September 2022 to help raise funds for Ukraine’s fundraising platform, United24. Fundraising through the platform is effective because “Ukraine itself knows best what is needed and can deliver aid directly, ” the United24 website says.
  6. Popular Twitch Streamer Ninja dabbled in charity during a 2018 “Fortnite” event. Hosted in Las Vegas, the Fortnite event gave money to fans, popular players and Ninja himself based on who won each match and how many people could take Ninja out. Ninja won one of nine matches and donated $2,500 to the Alzheimer’s Association.
  7. In 2023, Guild Esports partnered with U.K. blood cancer and blood disorder charity Anthony Nolan. The groups held a FIFA tournament to raise awareness of blood disorders and encourage people between the age of 16 and 24 to get involved in the cause by joining the stem cell register. Anthony Nolan has helped 1,350 patients receive stem cells from donors. The event is a notable example of how charitable esport events can make a difference by raising awareness.
  8. Gamers Without Borders 2022 “Rocket League” event. The event involved $2 million worth of prize winnings for charity. The third-place winner, SMPR Esports, openly announced its donation to the global child rights organization UNICEF.
  9. The 2023 AO Summer Smash event. The charitable gaming event involving Fortnite featured popular players such as Lazarbeam and Loserfruit and $50,000 worth of prize money for charitable causes. First place Loserfruit won $25,000 and donated it to GIVIT, which looks to support the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in Australia.
  10. Gamers Beat Cancer has launched a monthly “Rocket League” event. This event, starting in 2023, aims to raise awareness and funds for U.K. charity Gamers Beat Cancer. This is through the “Rocket League” event itself and the sale of a “special edition esports jersey” to raise awareness and funding. Gamers Beat Cancer donates video games and consoles to cancer patients and assists them with other important technology that can make their lives easier.

These charitable esport events highlight the significant role that the gaming community can play in reducing global poverty and improving the lives of those in need.

– Lachlan Griffiths
Photo: Flickr

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The Importance of Community-Led Projects in the Aid Sector

Community-Led Projects
The charity sector plays an important role in poverty reduction but its approaches have at times garnered criticism in terms of efficacy and reach. From Peace Direct, Third Sector and Non-Profit Quarterly comes a swelling of proposals to make charity work more effective, more democratic and more conscious. More specifically, community-led projects in the aid sector stand as a solution to strengthen aid efforts globally.

Issues in the Charity Sector

Decolonization academic Khadijah Diskin said at the BAME Fundraising Virtual Conference 2021 that the charity sector was “explicitly tied to the colonization of the Global South” and if “charities do not acknowledge their histories, they are likely to be repeated.”

A report published by Peace Direct and partners, including Adeso (African Development Solutions), Alliance for Peacebuilding and WCAPS (Women of Color Advancing Peace Security and Conflict Transformation) sheds further light on the issue.

The report published in 2021, titled “Time to Decolonise Aid,” claims that “power and resources remain dominated by, and between, certain organizations and relationships largely based in the Global North.” As a result, decision-making often ignores indigenous knowledge and experience. Instead, aid efforts are centered around “Western values and knowledge,” leading to misunderstanding and the reinforcement of old ways of perceiving the Global South as unknowledgeable and desperate.

From a purely practical standpoint, this makes the delivery of aid very difficult. It means extra people have to be employed to do a job that would otherwise be done by local people with intimate knowledge of the issues. Peace Direct closes the report with recommendations. NGOs are to adopt a “transitional mindset,” which puts in place targets for the “transfer of power and resources to local organizations.” Finally, NGOs are asked to “re-evaluate partnerships… so that they are more equitable and mutually accountable.”

Progress

Since the publishing of the “Time to Decolonise Aid” report, progress is invisible. The Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) is a global institution that boasts membership from the World Food Programme (WFP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights (OCHCR). The IASC organized the Grand Bargain Caucus on Funding for Localisation in March 2023, in response to criticisms of efficacy and reach in regard to the aid sector.

Those represented in the agreement included USAID, DG-ECHO, Denmark, OCHA, UNHCR, Save the Children, IFRC, A4EP and the Northwest Syria NGO forum. All agreed that localization, or community-led projects in the aid sector, stood as the solution. All present also agreed that a target of 25% of total spending by NGOs should go toward community-led projects. A roadmap formalizes this target and directs all to:

  • “Measure funding to Local and National Actors (LNAs)” only from what is channeled directly – one must not count indirect funding such as support costs or cash delivery toward the 25% goal.
  • “Report all funding to LNAs through publicly available platforms” – all information on provider, recipient and location is to be provided.
  • “Develop individual roadmaps for when and how [to reach] the 25% target” – organizations must present this at the next Annual Meeting in June 2023.

Targeting 25% of all budgets to community-led projects in the aid sector is a huge win for social justice. The signatories present have great reach and can provide the necessary capital to get genuinely transformative local action off the ground.

Impactful Community-Led Projects

Community-led projects are not only more ethically sound but they are also more effective. This is according to Sami Adler of Global Giving, an NGO that “actively work[s] to shift power toward [their] partners.” This is because, as the executive director of the Solidarity Foundation Shubha Chacko suggests, “emotional closeness, shared sentiments and beliefs and commonality in terms of background and experiences” all collide and contribute to impactful service.

The Solidarity Foundation

This is visible in the work of the Solidarity Foundation. The Solidarity Foundation is a registered trust based in India that supports sex workers and gender/sexual minorities. Sex workers in India face a multitude of issues that contribute to “extremely poor” conditions of life. Prostitution is legal, but there are multiple barriers to soliciting and brothel keeping. Labor laws do not safeguard sex workers and sex workers have no access to trade unions. As a result, abuse cannot be policed, pushing sex workers further into the shadows.

Instead of receiving protection, sex workers are subject to violent and moral policing that seeks to correct their “deviancy” rather than seeking to investigate the roots of their condition. Poverty is a “contextual factor” regarding sex work in India.

The Sarvojana Coalition

According to the Sarvojana Coalition, an NGO that supports sex workers in the region, poverty pushes as much as 68% of women into the trade. Solidarity Foundation supports these sex workers by hiring those who previously worked in the trade into outreach and leadership roles. The empathy that comes from a former sex worker means sex workers are more likely to seek help. Sex workers can expect no moral judgment or shaming. Rather, the organization shows them that they matter and that there are viable alternatives to sex work if they desire it. Crisis Management, for example, is a project that the Solidarity Foundation team organizes. It is a hub in the local area that “increases a sense of well-being and improves access to justice” by offering walk-in support in times of crisis.

The Solidarity Foundation highlights the importance of community-led projects in the aid sector. By allowing members of a particular to take the lead on projects, aid can improve in terms of both reach and efficacy.

– James Durbin
Photo: Flickr

Disasters Emergency Committee’s Relief Efforts to Help Ukraine

Relief Efforts in UkraineThe Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) is a group of U.K. charities that launches appeals for urgent funding to address humanitarian crises around the world. Through its Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, DEC charities aim to implement relief efforts to help Ukraine by meeting the basic needs of people in war-torn Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees in neighboring countries.

Consequences of the War

The war in Ukraine has led to the destruction of infrastructure, the dissolution of essential services, the separation of families and severe injuries and deaths. Because of these incitements, more than 7 million people have fled Ukraine, according to the British Red Cross Society.

According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, as of March 12, 2023, Ukraine has noted a total of 21,965 casualties, with 8,231 people killed and 13,734 people injured. Additionally, the country will require $411 billion to rebuild the country, according to the World Bank in March 2023.

A Collaborative Effort

The DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal has raised more than £400 million worth of funding to assist in Ukraine, Poland Moldova, Romania and Hungary, including £25 million matched by the British government, “making it the biggest charity donor to the Ukraine humanitarian response in the world,” the DEC website says.

In the initial three months of the response, the majority of the finances went toward helping people within Ukraine itself. In the first six months of the response, almost 50% of the funding went toward cash assistance for more than 338,000 people to meet their basic needs of survival.

Additionally, 17% of funding went toward securing warm meals and food packages for people.  Furthermore, 15% went toward health services for 71,000 people and mental health care for 37,000 people. The DEC’s work also includes safeguarding Ukrainians residing in bomb shelters and providing medical and mental health services.

The DEC’s local partners are helping across the borders of these countries, like Action Against Hunger, the British Red Cross and World Vision. The organization released a short video entitled “Never Alone,” created by a majority Ukrainian team and directed via remote camera. The video highlights the devastation and ruin brought about by Russia’s attack on Ukraine. “We cast Ukrainian people still living there – so that we could capture their resilience, their strength and their Ukrainian stoicism for all to see,” film director Rick Dodds said. The individuals in the short film are actors but they represent true stories of the victims of war assisted by DEC charities.

Helping Ukraine

According to Ukraine’s economy ministry projections, the country’s GDP will only grow by about 1% in 2023, illustrating the significant economic consequences of the war. The most tangible way to support the DEC in its relief efforts to help Ukraine is to donate. Individuals in the U.K. can do so physically by visiting any of the 11,500 Post Office branches in the U.K. There is also the option of donation via phone call or via the online website. Through the Disasters Emergency Committee and its relief efforts in Ukraine, Ukrainians in Ukraine and in neighboring countries can look to the possibility of a brighter future.

– Robin Kalellis
Photo: Flickr

5 Charities Operating in Jamaica

Charities Operating in JamaicaLimited health care resources including insufficient facilities and professionals, pose a significant challenge to Jamaica’s well-being. The economic aftershocks of COVID-19 resulted in an approximate 9% plunge in the country’s real GDP between 2019 and 2020. Further exacerbating the situation is the prevalence of food and water insecurity, where many communities face inconsistent access to clean water and affordable, nutritious food.

Fortunately, many organizations in Jamaica are actively engaged in the recovery process with poverty reduction initiatives. Highlighted below are five charities operating in Jamaica, all of which help to support the most vulnerable communities across the island.

5 Charities Operating in Jamaica

  1. Angels of Love Jamaica – A complex web of societal challenges such as outdated health care systems, prevalent violence and income inequalities closely connect to the deprivation of children in Jamaica. According to a 2017 report, Jamaica was among the countries that experienced the highest rates of child homicide in 2015, at a total of 13 per 100,000 population. On top of that, Jamaican children are also prone to HIV/SIDA, with around 10% of patients under 18 years of age. To address issues of physical and mental illnesses, Angels of Love Jamaica began its journey in 2009. This non-governmental organization focuses on improving the conditions of these children by providing critical services, including lifesaving treatments, health care provisions and educational assistance, among other supportive contributions. In 2017, 50 Jamaican children with cancer enrolled in the NGO’s programs for free medical examinations, weekly hospital visits, sorting prosthetics, financial support and more.
  2. ISSA Trust Foundation – Couples Resorts established the foundation in 2005. It strives to provide a system of prevention, promotion and community health improvements for the people of Jamaica. The Issa Trust Foundation also emphasizes its vision to improve the welfare of Jamaican children through a concentrated focus on pediatric health care and education. It undertakes a variety of proactive campaigns, such as hosting annual charity concerts and constructing children’s health care centers. Moreover, the Foundation facilitates the provision of essential medical equipment and services, all of which focus on enhancing the quality of life for the younger generation. Since its establishment, thousands of Jamaican children have been treated with care in Negril and Ocho Rios.
  3. Heart Foundation Jamaica – Cardiovascular disease is another prevalent contributor to mortality in Jamaica. In 2014, noncommunicable diseases resulted in 15,380 deaths, of which cardiovascular disease accounted for a substantial 6,504 cases. Out of cardiovascular conditions, cerebrovascular disease caused a total of 2,637 people’s lives. In response to these death rates, the Heart Foundation Jamaica aims to improve conditions by providing cardiovascular health research, training, treatment and promotion. For more than 50 years, the foundation has been raising awareness, generating necessary funding and orchestrating various events, from golf tournaments to marathon runs/walks. The Foundation’s goal is to reduce premature mortality from cardiovascular diseases in Jamaica by 25% in 2025.
  4. Food for the Poor – In 2020, the issue of food insecurity worsened in Jamaica, with 12.8% of the population reporting inadequate access to food in 2021. This figure doubled the projection that the United States Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service made in pre-COVID-19 times. On the other end, water scarcity has also been a problem for many Jamaican residents. Challenges surrounding water insecurity are primarily due to old and overwhelmed water systems. Some elements of which were established as far back as the 1800s and others in the 1960s, causing difficulties in meeting water demands of the population. Based in the U.S., Food for the Poor is “the largest charity organization in Jamaica.” Since 1982, it works with various organizations across the country, including churches, directly helping the poor. The organization has its own emergency relief aid programs that focus on helping people struggling with water, sanitation, health care, housing, agriculture and more. In January 2023, the organization provided around 1,000 food packages to people living in rural communities of Jamaica with the goal of “spread[ing] the joy of giving to those in need.”
  5. Jamaica Red Cross – Jamaica is no stranger to natural disasters, frequently facing various forms of environmental threats such as droughts, storms and floods. According to the World Bank, between 1980 and 2020, the country experienced an annual average of 20 storm events, seven instances of flooding and three periods of drought. The Jamaica Red Cross confronts the need for effective disaster management alongside many other supportive programs. From youth development and first aid training to restoring family links and equipment rental, the organization carries out a diverse portfolio of initiatives to improve the well-being of residents in Jamaica. The organization’s “Meals on Wheels” program provides approximately 100 Jamaican citizens per week with necessary food in and around Kingston.

These five charities operating in Jamaica play an essential role in addressing the country’s pressing issues from poverty and health care shortages to food and water insecurity. Along with many other organizations, charities in Jamaica are filling crucial gaps and offering hope to those in need. Through their dedicated work, such groups are not just providing immediate relief but are also working towards long-term, sustainable solutions that aim to reduce poverty and foster a more resilient nation.

– James Bao
Photo: Pixabay

5 Charities Operating in Papua New Guinea

Charities Operating in Papua New GuineaPapua New Guinea, located in the southwestern Pacific, faces numerous challenges due to poverty, with around 38% of the population living below the international extreme poverty line. Inequality is prevalent, as the rate of poverty in rural areas is disproportionately higher than in urban areas. This is especially significant, as around 87% of people in Papua New Guinea live in rural areas. Many are dependent on subsistence farming and have limited access to health care and education.

Political instability, dependency on unreliable subsistence agriculture, a lack of investment in new infrastructure and an increasing frequency of natural disasters exacerbate the issue of poverty. However, on the bright side, the following five charities operating in Papua New Guinea are working to address the issue of poverty.

5 Charities Operating in Papua New Guinea

  1. CARE: The organization has been operating in Papua New Guinea since 1989. Its primary aim is to reduce gender-based violence and increase opportunities for women. It also focuses on health care, education, agriculture and resource management. Many women, especially within rural areas, have almost no control over their property and the money they earn. This is alongside having little to no involvement in decision-making. In response to this, CARE works to help women in Papua New Guinea become more involved in making decisions to encourage equality. The nonprofit aims to reduce gender-based violence by working directly with communities and families. It targets issues with agriculture and health care by providing training in health and nutrition and in farming skills to increase crop diversity and production. It also provides access to non-formal education and grants which enable people to find new ways of earning income. In 2023, CARE has directly reached 174 million people in 111 countries through 1,631 projects.
  2. WaterAid: This organization began work in Papua New Guinea in 2012 with the aim of improving access to safe water and sanitation. About 4.9 million people don’t have access to clean water in Papua New Guinea, and this results in the spread of disease through contaminated water. About 825 children below age 5 die each year due to diarrhea. Women and girls are more likely to collect water for their families instead of attending school due to gender inequality. WaterAid is working with the government and local communities to fight this by emphasizing the importance of hygiene and helping to provide clean water sources and toilet facilities. Musangan Village benefitted from the installation of 11 taps, with locals participating in the planning and building. WaterAid is also working to increase hygiene by providing more toilets in Papua New Guinea to reduce the spread of disease. The availability of toilets in schools could increase the attendance of children, especially girls who may be absent due to their periods. In turn, this is likely to equip children to access better opportunities in the future.
  3. Save the Children: Save the Children has been working in Papua New Guinea since 1978 to ensure the protection and safety of children. Currently, health care and education services in the country do not meet the needs of children. Many are vulnerable to exploitation, violence and child labor. The fragile, ineffective health care system results in a high mortality rate of 57 deaths per 1,000 live births. Save the Children aims to secure the safety of children by working with governments and communities to implement programs that provide health care, education and protection. The increasing frequency of natural disasters in the islands as a result of climate change places many children at risk. Therefore, Save the Children also works to encourage resilience by helping communities prepare for disasters and improve their capacity to respond and recover more effectively. In the Pacific, Save the Children reached 211,566 people in five countries in 2020.
  4. Wantok Support Charity: This organization focuses on education, health care and climate change relief by supporting projects that target these issues. Climate change is leading to increased water and food insecurity. Also, rising sea levels could mean there is a need for relocation. Therefore, the charity supports projects which alleviate the threats climate change brings to Papua New Guinea. It also supports the government in achieving the aims set out in the National Health Plan from 2010. This is alongside supporting organizations that work to improve access and standards of education.
  5. The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF): UNICEF aims to increase safety for children in Papua New Guinea by providing access to education and health care services. Around 25% of children between ages 6 and 18 are not in school. Also, compared to boys, fewer girls have access to education. UNICEF supports education opportunities and promotes violence-free and positive learning environments. The organization also assists the government in preparing for the increasing prevalence of natural disasters and the impacts of climate change through safely built schools. UNICEF is improving access to health care by providing training for health care workers, vaccine storage and newborn care intervention to reduce the risk of diseases.

Looking Forward

In the face of pervasive poverty in Papua New Guinea, several charities are actively working to alleviate the challenges faced by the population. Organizations like CARE, WaterAid, Save the Children, Wantok Support Charity and UNICEF are making significant contributions in areas such as gender equality, water and sanitation, child protection, education and health care. Through dedicated efforts, these charities are helping to improve the lives of vulnerable children and communities, providing hope for a brighter future in Papua New Guinea.

– Isla Wright
Photo: Flickr

5 Charities Operating in Zimbabwe

Charities Operating in ZimbabweZimbabwe is a landlocked Southeast African country where poverty is prevalent. With 39.75% of the population living on less than $2.15 a day in 2019, Zimbabwe faces numerous challenges to overcoming poverty, including drought, famine, disease, corruption and civil conflict. A lack of investment in health care and education and a high dependency on low-yield agriculture that is susceptible to drought, pests and disease have exacerbated the situation. Extreme poverty also recently increased from 30% in 2017 to 42% in 2019, affecting over 6.6 million people. Fortunately, numerous charities operating in Zimbabwe are working to address these challenges and alleviate poverty.

5 Charities Operating in Zimbabwe

  1. The Beatrice Project: A U.K.-based charity established in 2015, the Beatrice Project aims “to provide sanitary protection and training to enable young girls to complete their schooling.” The project now provides 300 girls with vital sanitary protection, reducing gender-based inequality and improving access to education. Without projects like this in place, girls are forced to use unhygienic and uncomfortable materials, which can lead to absence from school and impact their future opportunities.
  2. Makomborero: Makomborero aims to improve lives in Zimbabwe through education, enabling people to change their futures by targeting one of the root causes of poverty. The charity takes a variety of approaches to achieve this aim. In addition to providing scholarships and other financial support to break barriers to education, it has built a mobile science laboratory that has been used by over 100 students, works to expand interest in education and increase standards of learning and provides small business training. Through these initiatives, Makomborero is creating opportunities in a country where unemployment was at 7.4% in 2019 while teaching people to generate and manage income using their available resources rather than relying on loans. Over the last 10 years, Makomborero has funded A-Level education for 195 students, supported 50 students through graduation from Zimbabwean universities and helped lift 67 families out of poverty with its entrepreneurial training.
  3. ActionAid: Since 1997, ActionAid has worked to reduce the impacts of poverty, drought and food shortages in Zimbabwe and provided emergency aid to over 44,000 people. After El Niño caused a devastating drought in 2016, Zimbabwe was rife with malnutrition and starvation: some four million people suffered from a lack of food and water. A persistent threat in Zimbabwe, droughts severely reduce crop production and livestock survival and contribute to food insecurity. Insufficient access to food and water leaves many children too weak to attend school, and women and girls must often wait hours to procure limited water resources. One way that ActionAid is helping is by establishing boreholes to provide communities with safe and long-term access to water. This is helping to reduce the spread of diseases like typhoid and cholera while ensuring that fewer children miss out on education due to lack of a basic resource. ActionAid also works to educate farmers on methods for increasing crop yields and provides loans to help families develop small businesses that will reduce their dependency on unreliable agriculture for income.
  4. Save the Children: Save the Children has provided humanitarian relief and sustainable solutions for combating poverty’s effects on children in Zimbabwe since 1983. Consistent with its larger global mission, the charity emphasizes improving Zimbabwean children’s health, safety and access to education to pave the way for a brighter future. In addition to long-term strategies like investing in education and health care, Save the Children provides emergency aid to help save lives and reduce the impact of disasters. For instance, the charity mitigated the 2018 cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe by instituting “a highly effective clean water, sanitation and hygiene program.”’ In 2022, Save the Children lifted 31,000 Zimbabwean children out of poverty, educated 82,000 and provided health care and nourishment for 54,000. Save the Children’s ongoing efforts are helping to ensure that children in Zimbabwe, and around the globe, have a fair chance at life.
  5. Love Zimbabwe: Love Zimbabwe operates in Zimbabwe and Wales, pairing the Wales community of Abergavenny with the Zimbabwe village of Chinamhora to provide targeted relief for those in need while promoting the benefits of fair trade. In addition to raising funds, working to improve education and providing aid for people in Chinamhora, the charity provides skills-based training aimed at equitable economic growth. It helps people in Chinamhora become more self-sufficient by encouraging them to make and sell arts and crafts, promoting their products, helping them start businesses and working to ensure that they receive fair prices. Love Zimbabwe is also working to improve hygiene and ensure reliable access to clean water in Chinamhora, and has established a community center that offers food, support, water and other vital necessities.

Looking Forward

Despite the numerous challenges that the country faces, these five charities operating in Zimbabwe are creating hope for a brighter future. Their work to reduce the impacts of poverty through both immediate aid and long-term initiatives are improving lives for current and future generations in Zimbabwe.

– Isla Wright
Photo: Flickr

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5 Charities Operating in Kazakhstan

Charities Operating in KazakhstanHuman Rights Watch (HRW) calls attention to major issues affecting low-income families and disabled children in Kazakhstan. While it is access to state benefits for the former, the latter face barriers that exclude them from education. Child-focused charities continue playing a crucial role in alleviating these issues and addressing the needs of those affected. Here are five charities operating in Kazakhstan, acting as agents of change. 

5 Charities Operating in Kazakhstan

  1. Niyet: Niyet is a private nonprofit organization working to improve the living conditions of all children experiencing adversity, including orphans, children with disabilities and children from impoverished families. In 2018, Kazakhstan had about 26,000 orphans and children living without parental supervision. Meeting child support needs can play a significant role in helping to prevent family separations. Sourced from a comprehensive database of underprivileged children, the recipients receive donations from Niyet in the form of cashless support or personalized certificates. Two implemented programs, Food Basket and Road to School, offer these certificates in exchange for food and school supplies at partnered markets and shops. Magnum Cash & Carry is one of the accessible partnered retail stores, with more than 50 outlets in the Almaty region of Kazakhstan.
  2. ITeachMe: This is a public charity and development center based in Almaty that fights for the labor rights of disabled and vulnerable people. Created in March 2020, the organization teaches digital skills to boost the employability of its beneficiaries and help them better integrate into society. ITeachMe helps in placing young, disadvantaged people on the path to better economic opportunities. With multiple programs and 45 professional courses, the organization asserts that 90% of its graduates go on to secure employment. It delivers its free ITeachMe Program 6.0 in Russian, Kazakh and sign language. Under expert supervision, the educational course delves into programming, project management and more. The OrleTECH Program comprises more than 150 video tutorials and is available to individuals between the ages of 18 and 40 who are interested in learning how to design websites or test software. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ITeachMe provided emergency assistance. Through the support of the U.S. Urgent Action Fund, ITeachMe provided humanitarian aid to 80 underserved people living in cities and rural areas and supplied “life-saving medicines” to 26 people. ITeachMe also provided legal and psychological counsel through chatbots and instant messaging apps, which continue to function to this day.
  3. Botashym: Botashym is an organization with a focus on medical aid. Established in 2017, its goal is to raise funds to aid orphans, children with cerebral palsy, disadvantaged families and veterans. It provides its services both inside and outside Almaty. Children up to 13 years of age make up the priority demographic for rehabilitation. Whatever the disability, Botsashym informs parents of the latest clinics or treatment methods. Botashym helps to raise the treatment costs for selected children by creating individual profiles with targeted fundraising goals. In 2022, the nonprofit raised enough money to rehabilitate 16 children with different diseases of varying severity. The organization does not require the family of beneficiaries to bear any costs. Through treatment, children can improve both mobility and speech. Botashym is currently developing an Orphans Assistance program.
  4. Kasietti Zhol Foundation. This Astana-based nonprofit offers free rehabilitation services. Kasietti Zhol’s mission is to provide high-quality rehabilitation for children with cerebral palsy without requiring overseas travel. To accomplish this, the organization holds a worldwide School of Mentors initiative and organizes seminars aimed at educating and training professionals, social workers and parents on the latest rehabilitation methods. As part of its Healthy Children Project, more than 1,000 children received comprehensive rehabilitation at no cost in 2021. The #KazakhstanDoGood project brings awareness to the lack of rehabilitation for disabled children. In 2021, Kazakhstan had only 40 medical rehabilitation centers that were equipped to treat children with disabilities. More than 26,000 children are living with cerebral palsy in the country, yet only 20% manage to access rehabilitation. Families below the poverty line struggle to find treatment and usually have to wait for openings. In some cases, parents opt to leave their children in orphanages. For this reason, Kasietti Zhol opened rehabilitation centers in nine orphanages in Kazakhstan. Four children with special needs found adoptive families after treatment. The #KazakstanDoGood project aims to open 14 rehabilitation centers for children with cerebral palsy. Kasietti Zhol’s president, Gulmira Abeldinova, disclosed that from October 2022 to January 2023, the charity’s rehabilitation center took in 183 children for free rehabilitation. In 2023, it will concentrate on developing ways to address neuro-orthopedic disorders in children.
  5. Dara Foundation: Dosaeva Gulnar Yesengeldinovna established the Dara Foundation with the aim of enhancing the quality of life for underprivileged children through the creation of more efficient support systems. The foundation seeks to provide better assistance to those in need. The Mentors program offers three levels of mentoring: individual, corporate and coaching. At the corporate level, 34 organizations partner with Dara Foundation to introduce at-risk youth to various professions and offer workshops, internships and scholarships. Currently, there are 15 cities in Kazakhstan hosting the Mentors program and more than 200 orphans have partnered with mentors since 2014. Today, 138 children have finished internships and higher education courses through the Dara Foundation and more than 100 children have received individual coaching.

Looking Ahead

Many Kazakh children and families still face hardships but ongoing efforts of charities operating in Kazakhstan and the government of Kazakhstan bode signs of better opportunities and progress for the young generation. The results so far are encouraging and paint a positive outlook for the future.

– Clare Calzada
Photo: Flickr