Archive for category: Charity

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5 Charities Operating in Taiwan That Reflect Confucianism

Charities Operating in TaiwanAccording to the Bertelsmann Stiftung Country Report (2022), 7.36% of the Taiwanese population is relatively impoverished. In other words, the poverty rate in Taiwan is relatively low. The low rate may be due to Taiwan’s strict definition of poverty. However, there is a cultural significance that expresses the value of well-being in humanity. For example, many members of Taiwanese society follow Confucianism, a set of philosophies that honors community and compassion for those in suffering and facing difficult times. Culture could explain why there are many organized and well-funded charities operating in Taiwan.  

Hondao Senior Citizen’s Welfare Foundation

The first of the charities operating in Taiwan is the Hondao Senior Citizen’s Welfare Foundation, which prioritizes the senior citizen community that is either living alone or experiencing the mental and physical challenges that come with aging. As of 2025, 20% of the Taiwanese population is age 65 or older, making Taiwan a “super-aged society.” Hondao is a key charity operating in Taiwan, prioritizing the growing elderly population dilemma by providing an accessible support network and services to the numerous aging individuals. Since Hondao’s development in 1995, it has developed 40 programs for older people. Every year, the organization impacts the lives of at least 10,000 senior citizens. In 2021, the organization provided disability assistance and daycare to 265,587 elders.

Homeless Taiwan Association

The Homeless Taiwan Association began in 2011 with a group of social workers from multiple eastern Asian countries. This charity operating in Taiwan strives to change the way poverty and homelessness are addressed. The Homeless Taiwan Association primarily fights for policies that will provide housing for people experiencing homelessness. Currently, the organization has 21 bed housing in four locations. Every year, the association is able to make a lasting impact on 30 to 50 individuals experiencing homelessness.  

The nonprofit understands that receiving public homeless housing is a challenging task, which is why the Homeless Taiwan Association runs the Hidden Taipei program to change the stigma surrounding the homeless population. Hidden Taipei offers guided tours by people who have experienced homelessness or are currently homeless. It’s a win-win for the tour guide and tourist. Guides earn 60% of the tour’s cost and change lives by sharing their life stories, while tourists listen, reflect and take in the cityscapes.

The Ark Association

The Ark Association’s mission is to bring love and care to every corner of Taiwan. Founder (and current Chairperson) Winny Wen began her journey in service work and volunteerism by dedicating her time to long-term care facilities. In 2014, the Ark Association originated. Today, the Ark Association truly touches lives in every corner of Taiwan by assisting multiple vulnerable groups. It mobilizes youth volunteers to help marginalized families, people without housing, older adults and rural areas. 

Specifically, the Ark Association is developing bathing centers that offer hygiene education for the homeless and delivering hot meals to individuals with unstable housing. Furthermore, the Ark Association is expanding outside of Taiwan by taking on school building projects in Nangquien, Qinghai and Cambodia.

Taipei Women’s Rescue Foundation

In 1987, Taipei Women’s Rescue Foundation (TWRF) originated. Its original purpose was to protect and support women who were victims of prostitution to Japanese soldiers during WWII. Today, the organization continues to help those victims through legal counseling and therapy options. Now, TWRF has broadened its support to domestic violence victims and to human trafficking victims. 

In 2005, 600,000 to 800,000 people in Taiwan were trafficking victims, and of that number, 50% were minors. From that point onward, TWRF began training volunteers to rescue underage sex trafficked victims. Continuing, TWRF also advocated for victims by contributing to lobbying. The TWRF has accomplished developing the “Children’s Welfare Act” and the “Youth’s Sexual Transaction Prevention Act” in order to protect these victims. Today, Taiwan’s trafficking in Persons Report reveals that the trafficking victims has significantly lowered to 279, thanks to organizations such as TWRF.

The Taiwan Love and Hope International Charity

The Taiwan Love and Hope International Charity is dedicated to giving care to children with disabilities or special needs. The nonprofit offers a variety of resources for children with disadvantages to be raised in a safe, encouraging environment. According to the Taiwan Health and Welfare Report of 2023, 51,043 individuals between the ages of 0 – 17 have disability certificates. 

The Taiwan Love and Hope International Charity has a childcare development center that teaches music classes, gym activities, parent-child bonding activities and parent education lessons. Currently, the charity operates two group homes, a childcare center with therapy options and an emergency shelter that offers 24-hour access.

Looking Ahead

Charities operating in Taiwan are enriching lives one person at a time. These examples of charities demonstrate how Taiwanese culture is rooted in compassion. 

– Mireya Aguilar

Mireya is based in Layton, UT, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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How Christmas Shopping is Relieving Poverty

Christmas Shopping Is Relieving PovertyChristmas is famously known as the time for giving and generosity, with more than 40% of people admitting they are more likely to donate to charity at Christmas time. The season is also the busiest time of year for shopping, with Christmas supermarket sales hitting a record $17.36 billion in December 2024.

This correlation provides opportunities for charitable organizations to partner with supermarkets and popular outlets of Christmas spending. Here are a few examples of how Christmas shopping is relieving poverty:

One for One Schemes

These schemes, whereby an organization also does charitable work for every Christmas shopping item purchased, are highly effective at relieving poverty. This incentive encourages people to buy from these companies, especially during gift-giving seasons. The IKEA Foundation has run a particularly successful initiative called Soft Toys for Education throughout the Christmas period since 2003. It partners with UNICEF and Save the Children, two of the largest global organizations supporting children in poverty.

In this scheme, for every soft toy or children’s book purchased from the participating IKEA stores, the company donates $1.34 to education programs run by the partnered organizations. This is an excellent example of how Christmas shopping relieves poverty. This collaboration makes use of the spike in sales IKEA sees over Christmas.

It provides an additional incentive to buy typical Christmas presents like books and toys. Since starting this program, the IKEA Foundation has donated more than $50 million, which has helped support more than 11 million children.

Second-Hand Shopping

Due to factors such as rising cost-of-living, sustainability and environmental care, second-hand shopping is on the rise. Charity shops, such as OXFAM’s, see increased sales around Christmas, rising more than 40% the week before Christmas in 2022. These organizations rely on money spent in their shops to finance overseas programs and humanitarian work. Their shops sell ideal gifts or household items for Christmas, such as clothes, books, toys, decorations and furniture, for a fraction of the price they’d be sold for as new.

This makes second-hand shops an ideal and accessible option for Christmas shopping. The money raised from these will be spent on providing lifesaving emergency aid, supporting long-term projects to improve the quality of life and campaigning to address inequality. This means there is a significant moral incentive to buy second-hand materials.

Lush’s Charitable Efforts

Lush, a company well known for its charitable efforts and advocacy for human rights and environmental care, is one of the most ethical businesses demonstrating how Christmas shopping relieves poverty. Its sales rose significantly during this period, reaching more $40 million in December 2022.

One of the many charitable schemes Lush runs is called Charity Pot, the name of a moisturizing product that raises money for charity with every sale. All proceeds from Charity Pot products go to the Charity Pot Fund, which is then distributed as grants to nonprofit organizations. The Charity Pot has been sold in 42 countries, raising more than $65 million, which has been allocated to a wide range of causes.

These include more than 150 peace-building and anti-war initiatives, more than 800 campaigns supporting migrants and refugees and more than 250 projects supporting Indigenous peoples. These grants prioritize causes that aim to create sustainable and long-term systemic change.

The participating organizations are spread across the globe and are predominantly run by volunteers, making these grants incredibly impactful for their causes.

Checkout Donations

One of the easiest ways millions of people can help combat poverty during Christmas is by using the charity donation option at tills. Many shops reinforce this option or allocate the proceeds to specific charities over the holidays. It’s a convenient choice for most consumers, as the donation amount is usually just a few cents to round the total to the nearest dollar, often preventing unwanted change.

This method has proven to be an incredibly effective way of raising money for charity. For example, customers of The Body Shop have raised more than $460,000 for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) through donations at both online and in-store checkouts. These donations have supported the organization’s mission to save lives and build better futures for millions forced to flee their homes.

Final Remarks

There are many ways in which partnerships between charities and retailers are helping people in need, most of which involve schemes for donations. These rise around Christmas time due to the massive number of people participating in shopping and the emotional elements of Christmas that make people likely to feel generous. There is a large market for charity at this time of year, one that helps people immensely globally.

– Abigail Gadsden

Abigail is based in Kent, UK and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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How Auctions Are Relieving Poverty

Auctions Are Relieving PovertyAuctions, known for their high value and unique items, raise enormous amounts of money for charity. Their interesting items and celebrity involvement often attract attention, so more people are bidding and donating. Auctions are a successful way of raising money and relieving poverty, something many organizations get involved with.

Bonhams Books for Oxfam

Many auctions have been held by or for Oxfam, the most notable being the Bonhams book auction in Chelmsford in 2025. Here, donations of rare and old books were auctioned to raise more than 140,000. Several highly valued books contributed significantly: a rare Chinese bible was sold for more than $75,000, a first edition of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” raised more than $21,000 and a 17th-century manuscript prayer book raised above $13,000.

These items had originally been donated to various Oxfam shops across the U.K., many initially valued at only a few hundred dollars. With such extraordinary sums of money going toward the charity, this auction has significantly helped to relieve poverty. Oxfam works to provide clean water, sanitation and shelter in disaster zones. The organization has reached more than 10 million people across the world.

It operates in places such as Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Bangladesh and Sudan, with prospects to help those suffering from poverty. At any given time, the organization responds to more than 30 emergencies, meaning the humanitarian aid it provides is essential and lifesaving for those in dire situations.

Auctions for Madonna’s Raising Malawi

In 2016, Madonna presented an event titled “An Evening of Music, Art, Mischief and Performance” to raise money for her nonprofit organization, Raising Malawi. The event featured a live performance from her and other celebrities and a live art auction hosted by James Corden. The event occurred in Miami Beach and raised more than $7 million.

The items auctioned include Madonna’s iconic flapper dress designed by Jeremy Scott, a weeklong stay at Leonardo DiCaprio’s home in Palm Springs, a chair Madonna had performed with and various artworks. Celebrities also paid thousands to attend, collaborating to raise the impressive total.

This money was spent on the organization’s goal of building Malawi’s first paediatric surgery and intensive care unit. The unit was opened in 2017 and was named the Mercy James Institute of Paediatric Surgery and Intensive Care. As the country’s only paediatric surgery center, it has saved countless lives by providing free, accessible care for children. The institute also trains medical staff, strengthening Malawi’s health care system. Raising Malawi partners with organizations to ensure more than 1,000 orphans receive care.

The charity works to provide education and internships to equip children with training and tools for success and give them access to sports. This is an excellent example of how auctions relieve poverty, as we can see their direct impact on such a large scale. Madonna, one of the most well-known singers in the world, is the face of this project, which is a huge reason why the project is so successful. This shows the real impact celebrities can have when they use their influence for good.

Contemporary Art Auction for Temwa

This auction was held by a Bristol artist collective in 2021. More than 70 art pieces were auctioned, including two limited edition prints of Banksy’s work, donated by Massive Attack. These auctions raised more than $140,000 for the organizations that are relieving poverty. All funds raised went to the charities Temwa and Aid Box Community.

Temwa works to build self-reliant communities in northern Malawi through breaking poverty cycles. It aims to create sustainable and lasting change for vulnerable communities. The organization supplies the East African country with food, education and health security. Since its founding in 2003, Temwa has helped more than 13,000 people access clean water in their homes, planted more than 1.6 million trees and helped thousands of children with literacy skills.

The humanitarian organization Aid Box focuses on supporting asylum seekers and refugees. It provides a free shop where people can choose their clothes, toys and other personal items, which is funded by donations from the public. Aid Box’s mission emphasises that asylum seekers and refugees should be treated with dignity and respect, which is central to its work. It also provides trips and runs activity groups to encourage community and friendships. The large sums raised from this auction are helping the charities to relieve poverty.

Goodbids Auction for Save the Children

Save the Children has collaborated with Goodbids, a new fundraising platform, to auction exclusive prizes. In this auction, every bid is a donation, where the last bidder wins. This method tends to be more effective in raising money as people’s bids are still donated regardless of whether they win.

Prizes for the auction include Taylor Swift concert tickets with a trip to Amsterdam and a limited-edition “Mission Impossible” movie jacket signed by the infamous Guy Kawasaki. Goodbids has raised more than $70,000 across 14 auctions, supporting various charities.

Save the Children fights to protect children’s rights worldwide through political involvement, providing food security, education and improving children’s access to health care. This organization was the first global movement created for children and children’s rights.

These are just a few examples of how auctions are relieving poverty. Auctions provide excellent incentives that encourage both celebrities and regular people to bid. They are also a fundraising technique that can be done on any scale, from car washes to luxury holidays; any experience can be auctioned and help relieve poverty.

– Abigail Gadsden

Abigail is based in Kent, UK and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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How Catholic Organizations Work To Help Fight Poverty in Nigeria

Nigeria is one of the fastest-growing African countries with a rising population of more than 220 million people. It also has one of the world’s largest young populations. Nigeria has a large Catholic population of more than 35 million people.

Nigeria is a country that is rich with natural resources such as crude petroleum, natural gas, gold and fertilizers. However, while it may be the largest growing African nation, more than half of the population lives in poverty. The rural parts of Nigeria are the most affected.

More than 31 million people are affected by food insecurity in Nigeria. Diseases such as malaria and HIV/AIDS have been widespread in the country. Nigeria is ranked fourth in the world for the highest cases of HIV/AIDS, with more than two million cases. The country has more than 68 million cases of malaria.

Catholic organizations such as Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the Catholic Caritas Foundations of Nigeria (CCFN) work alongside the Catholic Church of Nigeria and international organizations to quell poverty. They continue adding resources to improve the livelihood of Nigerians and bring down cases of HIV/AIDS and malaria.

Nigeria’s Impoverished Population

Nigeria faces a longstanding issue with poverty. The widespread poverty problems derive from government corruption, food insecurity, lack of education, poor access to health care, displacement, homicides, economic instability and job insecurity. The World Bank reported that, “more than half of Nigerians (52.5%) are estimated to live in poverty in 2025.”

The youngest population, ranging from 14 to 65 years old, makes up more than 70% of Nigerians experiencing poverty. Many Nigerians are living below the poverty line on $2.15. In Nigeria and abroad, nonprofit organizations, religious groups and advocacy groups work to support Nigerians experiencing poverty and other socioeconomic issues.

Catholic Relief Services

CRS is a global humanitarian agency of the Catholic Church in the U.S., assisting vulnerable people worldwide. Throughout Africa, CRS focuses on three important areas: disaster relief, health and agriculture. Since 1960, the Catholic organization has worked alongside local Nigerian advocacy groups, faith-based communities and institutions to reduce poverty, viral diseases and instability in almost all 36 states.

CRS has been active in helping to provide stability and improve living conditions for Nigerians in rural regions. CRS created the Stabilization and Reconciliation in the Lake Chad Region (STaR) Project. The project aims to improve access to basic human resources such as water, health, markets, education and other important needs for more than 59,000 Nigerians throughout 90 communities.

The project would create economic opportunities and expand the people’s livelihood within the region. This program, funded by the KFW Development Bank, was created to help ” recover and build the resilience of vulnerable populations,” impacted by the Lake Chad Basin’s climate issues and living conditions. Vulnerable Nigerians, such as women, children and refugees, will receive the most aid from this project.

CRS continues to strengthen Nigeria’s health system by supporting programs such as the Global Fund Malaria Grant. This global public–private partnership works to reduce HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis (TB) worldwide. In Nigeria, the Catholic organization distributed “[more than] 75 million long-lasting insecticidal nets” to keep families, children and pregnant women secure and prevent contamination from mosquitoes with malaria. CRS has long supported malaria prevention methods and ways to reduce the disease in Nigeria’s households, communities, hospitals and clinics.

Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria

CCFN is a specialized agency formed by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) in September 2010. Its role is to assist with humanitarian aid and development in rural regions of Nigeria. CCFN collaborates with more than 300 faith-based organizations around Nigeria. This Catholic organization partners alongside CRS, working toward the same goals and projects to assist Nigerians in meeting their basic needs. The CCFN is part of the branch of Caritas Africa, which has branches throughout the continent.

CCFN started a program called the Management Information Project in March 2025. This project is funded by the Nigerian Humanitarian Fund and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA). The project aims to gather information on management services to support rural areas that need aid in the Nigerian states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa. The project targets food insecurity, water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH) and nutrition services.

– Gene A. Lambey, Jr.

Gene is based in Washington, DC, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Classrooms for Malawi: Poverty Alleviation Through Education

Classrooms for MalawiMalawi, located in Southeastern Africa, is considered one of the world’s most underserved countries. About 70% of the population lives on less than $2.15 per day; this figure is expected to increase to 71.3% soon.

The Borgen Project spoke with James Kelly, the current chair and a founding member of the Scotland-based charity Classrooms for Malawi. This charity has been operating since 2012 and its prime aim is alleviating poverty through education for the children of Malawi.

Education in Malawi

Primary school education became free in Malawi in 1994. Since then, an additional estimated 1.6 million children have been enrolled in schools. However, the funding for the additional classrooms needed to accommodate this enrollment increase has not matched the need. The lack of classroom space has been a factor in causing a high rate of children leaving education early.

Only 58% of primary school children in Malawi will finish the first four years of education and only 31% will make it to secondary school. Only 8% of students will complete their schooling entirely. From these statistics, girls make up 14.9%. Girls will often leave school during the vital years of their education due to numerous factors, including child marriages, teen pregnancies and the need to help with responsibilities at home.

About Classrooms for Malawi

Through renovating and building classrooms and other facilities and providing other forms of support, Classrooms for Malawi contributes to strengthening the country’s education system. These efforts align with the Malawi Government’s Agenda 2063 and the National Education Standards. The organization aims to expand access to quality education and create supportive learning environments that improve school retention rates.

It also works to achieve its goals by fostering sustainable partnerships between schools, groups and communities in the U.K. and those in Malawi. Kelly told The Borgen Project that the charity began as a group of friends united by a shared goal: to help address Malawi’s chronic shortage of classrooms, which had forced many children to learn under trees. The first group traveled to Malawi in June 2013, working in three locations—Misesa Primary School, Namulenga Girls Primary School and Mang’omba Primary School.

While preparing for that trip, the friends decided to formally establish the charity to ensure their support for Malawi would not be a one-off effort. Since that first visit, other groups have reached out to the charity to support its work, either by organizing trips to Malawi or by raising funds for Classrooms for Malawi’s projects and programs. When carrying out improvements, the charity hires local builders and purchases all materials within Malawi. This approach creates jobs for local communities and strengthens the local economy.

The Impact of Classrooms for Malawi

Since 2012, the charity has worked in 50 schools across 11 Districts in Malawi. These consist of 20 nurseries, 24 primary and six secondary schools. More than 36,000 children are now being educated daily in these 50 partner schools. They benefit from the many improvements the charity has provided to their educational environment.

Classrooms for Malawi’s work is guided by its Strategic Plan, which sets out the charity’s ambitions and actions. The plan is structured around nine pillars: Pillars 1–8 are drawn from the Malawi Government’s priorities for improving schools, while Pillar 9 is based on the Scotland Malawi Partnership’s framework for building sustainable partnerships.

The pillars include: providing safe, accessible and quality classrooms; improving water, sanitation and hygiene facilities; supplying adequate furniture and learning materials; encouraging the creation of school gardens; offsetting carbon emissions from the charity’s activities; ensuring daily school feeding programs; and fostering greater community involvement in education.

Building Lasting Classrooms in Malawi

Kelly explained that the charity aims to ensure all interventions are sustainable and well-supported. Structural improvements are carried out to a high standard to withstand Malawi’s harsh weather and to ensure the buildings last for many years.

Every project must be fully funded before it begins to guarantee completion. Each initiative is commissioned in full consultation with the local education department to align with existing school development plans. Once completed, the organization hands over the projects to the Education Department, strongly encouraging community ownership and care.

During his interview with The Borgen Project, Kelly shared an overview of one of the charity’s current projects. Classrooms for Malawi is converting a classroom at Nansomba Secondary School into a textile and design classroom. The renovation includes supplying materials and sewing machines, while the Education Department will appoint a new teacher so the subject can be added to the school’s curriculum.

This classroom will equip students with valuable life skills, such as using sewing machines to make and mend clothes. Importantly, it will also teach girls how to produce reusable sanitary pads, helping to improve hygiene and sanitation practices.

The Future

Speaking with Kelly, he noted that the challenges the charity faces in achieving its goals can at first seem insurmountable. Conditions in Malawi, such as funding shortages, high inflation, storm damage and fuel scarcity, are especially difficult for local schools and communities. His advice was not to let these ongoing challenges discourage people from supporting and helping their friends in Malawi.

Despite the challenges, the people of Malawi are renowned for their resilience and happy dispositions. They are welcoming and happy to share what they have. Malawi is known as “The Warm Heart of Africa.” It is also one of the most beautiful countries in the world and is a hidden gem for travelers.

– Katie Gray

Katie is based in Glasgow, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: James Kelly

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Instituto Charles do Bronx: Giving Back to the Favelas

Instituto Charles do BronxDays before UFC 274, Charles Oliveira da Silva, known to millions as “Do Bronx,” stepped on the scale ahead of his highly anticipated bout against Justin Gaethje. He needed to make the 155-pound limit for the lightweight division, a challenge that had plagued him throughout his career. Oliveira missed weight by half a pound, costing him his title.

The fight went ahead, but only Gaethje was eligible to claim the belt. The setback proved temporary. In Phoenix, Arizona, after being rocked early, Oliveira locked Gaethje in a chokehold to reclaim the championship. The crowd erupted, but the biggest reaction came from his home Protégées commentary team when Gaethje finally tapped out.

Growing Up in the Favelas

UFC 274 wasn’t the only pause in Do Bronx’s journey, which is marked by highs and lows. Growing up in the favelas of Brazil, Oliveira has become a symbol of resilience and a hometown hero. He earned his nickname, “Do Bronx,” from the area where he grew up in São Paulo, Brazil.

Oliveira also faced a major setback at age 7, when he was diagnosed with rheumatic fever and a heart murmur—conditions that doctors warned could leave him paraplegic. But with the support of his family, who sold snacks and cardboard to fund his training, Oliveira defied the odds. He started practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) at age 12. Da Silva would turn to BJJ to escape the violence and for a sense of community at home.

“That was my mother’s concern,” Oliveira said. “I lost friends to crime—unfortunately, some died, others are in prison. I still know people who live that life; they chose it. But thanks to my mother, I chose the right path. We chose the right side, all my family, my brothers.”

Even against doctors’ advice, Oliveira kept participating in activities despite his medical condition. In an interview with ESPN, Oliveira described continuing his BJJ journey despite his medical conditions: “If it is God’s will for me to die, then I will die,” he stated.

Oliveira continued to pursue what he loved, becoming an inspiration to the people of Brazil, the same community he would give back to at the peak of his career. He has become a catalyst for supporting communities and helping people in need around the world.

The Rise of Do Bronx

Oliveira’s UFC career began in 2010. Over the next decade, he would become one of the most decorated fighters in the sport, with 16 submission wins, 20 finishes and 20 performance bonuses. Oliveira’s early UFC career was far from smooth. Multiple losses and ongoing weight-cut issues stalled his progress. But then, everything clicked. Starting in 2018, he went on an 11-fight winning streak until 2022. The highlight of this streak came in 2021, when he claimed the vacant lightweight title with a victory over Michael Chandler.

Oliveira earned the nickname “Do Bronx” after his hometown in Brazil. The name translates to “from the Bronx” and is a mark of honor for someone who grew up in the Brazilian favelas. For him, “Do Bronx” became more than a nickname; it was a calling, a symbol of pride and a way to represent his community. “A kid who came from nothing, from the bottom, from the favelas, disparaged,” said Oliveira. “That’s what ‘Do Bronx’ means to me. A kid who came from the favela to win.”

Instituto Charles do Bronx

Despite global fame, Oliveira never forgot his roots. In 2012, he founded the Instituto Charles do Bronx in his hometown. The institute offers free jiu-jitsu classes, education and mentorship to underprivileged youth, many of whom face the same challenges he once did.

The institute has served more than 150 young people and continues to grow. In 2023, Oliveira expanded the facility to include sign language classes and academic tutoring. His efforts earned him the 2025 UFC Forrest Griffin Community Award, personally selected by UFC CEO Dana White.

“[Oliveira] is not only a great athlete, he’s an amazing role model who enjoys giving back to the community,” White said. “It’s an honor to present him with his award.” This isn’t the only way da Silva has given back to his community. A heartwarming moment unfolded in his hometown shortly after his UFC 256 victory. Da Silva returned to his hometown to distribute meal kits to residents, many of whom had been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“During this pandemic, y’all know several families struggled,” Oliveira tweeted. “Today, I had the opportunity of donating food to the Prainha community. If you can, please help those who need help. Small efforts can generate huge impacts. Give it a try.”

The Champ Will Forever Have a Name

Oliveira’s impact goes beyond charity and the Instituto Charles do Bronx. He’s currently the subject of a biopic in development by 405 Films, which will chronicle his rise from the favelas to UFC glory. In April 2025, he was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame for his fighting prowess and humanitarian work.

Now at 35 years old, coming off a knockout loss for the lightweight belt, Oliveira is preparing for another comeback fight at UFC Rio against Rafael Fiziev, a homecoming in a way for the only “Do Bronx.” Whether or not he reclaims the lightweight title before his career ends, Oliveira has already won something far greater: the hearts of his people and a legacy in giving back that will inspire generations.

– Dylan Fly

Dylan is based in Detroit, MI, USA and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Charities Operating in Namibia

Charities Operating in NamibiaNamibia, a country on the southwest coast of Africa that is known for its vast deserts and diverse wildlife, is also a nation working hard to overcome its socioeconomic challenges. Struggling with a high income inequality rate and limited access to health care and education services, these obstacles remain significant. A growing number of charities operating in Namibia are dedicated to implementing positive change: improving health care, supporting education and empowering vulnerable families.

Here are five charities operating in Namibia whose efforts address urgent needs and build a stronger foundation for a future defined by inclusion and opportunity.

Ombetja Yehinga Organization

HIV/AIDS is a viral disease that is particularly prevalent in southern Africa. In 2017, Namibia had approximately 185,000 people living with HIV, 9,000 of whom were children. In 2023, 3,300 Namibians aged 15 and above died of HIV. Ombetja Yehinga Organization (OYO) is an organization that uses both visual and performing arts to spread awareness among young people of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and other social problems.

These include domestic violence, rape and the abuse of drugs and alcohol. OYO communicates in a language that resonates with teenagers. The OYO Dance Troupe travels to schools and communities where the group performs and interacts with students. It also creates a safe space to answer questions and provides a specially trained youth councillor to handle particularly sensitive cases. By providing access to information, OYO empowers young people to make informed choices.

After School Program for Orphans and Vulnerable Children 

After School Program for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (ASPOVC) was founded in 2007 and focuses on providing structured and supervised support to enhance the physical, psychological and social well-being of vulnerable children. In 2021, the number of orphans and vulnerable children in the Ohangwena region of Namibia was recorded at 24,594. ASPOVC’s most recent project began in 2023 and aims to ensure better education for orphaned girls, many of whom are often deterred from full academic participation due to a lack of financial, material or psycho-social means.

So far, ASPOVC has provided 200 vulnerable young girls with hygiene products to minimize barriers to school attendance. It has further provided another 150 children with stationery and school uniforms.

Autism Association Namibia

Global misconceptions of autism can lead to stigma, social exclusion and late diagnosis or lack of diagnosis entirely. Autism Association Namibia (ANN) is an organization formed by parents, individuals on the autism spectrum and professionals dedicated to enhancing the well-being of persons with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) across Namibia. ANN’s core mission is advocacy and awareness: it sensitizes both the public and governmental bodies about the rights, needs and support systems essential for people with ASD.

It also trains parents and professionals in detecting ASD and effective assessment methods. Further, it aims to support infrastructure: the development of offices, resource centers and library services to support autism-related education and training. Filling critical gaps in awareness, services and support opens doors to acceptance, inclusion and respect for neurodiverse individuals.

Children’s Home Namibia

Children’s Home Namibia deeply believes that children are never responsible for the political or social conditions that can lead to adverse living conditions. Primarily based in the Katutura Township, this charity aims to help disadvantaged and abused children obtain a school education, a job and the opportunity to pursue higher education.

Many Namibian children face poverty, neglect or instability due to socioeconomic hardship and thus miss educational opportunities. By covering school fees, uniforms and related expenses, Children’s Home Namibia helps break the poverty cycle in Katutura and set young people on a path toward self-reliance and opportunity.

Men on the Side of the Road

As of 2024, 19.1% of Namibia’s total workforce was unemployed. Many of Namibia’s unemployed population did not have access to higher education and thus do not possess computer literacy. Men on the Side of the Road (MSR) aims to equip members of the organization to find employment by preparing and connecting them to opportunities. Though the percentage of individuals using the internet in Namibia has increased rapidly since 2016 (which was recorded at 31%), only 64% have access as of 2023.

As the current employment market has been digital (postings, applications and CVS are now all conducted online), MSR’s latest priority is offering unemployed Namibians access to digital literacy skills. The organization provides computers and internet access, allowing people to look for and apply to jobs they otherwise wouldn’t have access to. The long-term goal of MSR is to get Namibians into employment and thus help them rise out of poverty.

These five charities operating in Namibia exemplify how collective action can transform lives. These organizations foster long-term resilience and opportunity by filling critical education, health care and social support gaps. As these efforts continue to grow, they offer a reminder that meaningful change often begins at the grassroots and that with the right support, their work supports the vision of a more inclusive and equitable Namibia.

– Elysha Din

Elysha is based in Guildford, Surrey, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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IRFF UK: Combating Period Poverty in Africa

Period Poverty in AfricaPeriod poverty is a global issue affecting an estimated 500 million people worldwide. It is defined as when girls and women do not have access to menstrual products, water and basic sanitation, or have not been educated on menstrual health and hygiene. When denied these necessities, they are more likely to miss school and work, trapping them in a vicious cycle of inequality and poverty.

However, many organizations are committed to ending this issue, such as International Relief Friendship Foundation (IRFF) U.K., a charity focused on combating period poverty in Africa.

Period Poverty in Africa

Although period poverty affects girls and women around the world, it is particularly prevalent in Africa. One in 10 African girls misses school due to their periods and 10% of families are unable to afford safe and hygienic menstrual products. However, affordability is not the only cause of period poverty.

According to the U.N. Women, stigma and the subsequent lack of education around menstrual health are also significant drivers of period poverty. This is not only because, in some countries, the stigma around periods is so severe that those who are menstruating are restricted from certain places and isolated. It is also because many girls are unprepared and uneducated about menstruation. For example, in Egypt, 66% of girls had not been informed of menstruation before they got their first period.

IRFF UK

IRFF U.K., a charity established in 1980 to provide “education, relief and improved health support to disadvantaged people,” is now more firmly focused on improving education and combating period poverty in Africa. The charity works by providing assistance and funding to programs already working in Africa to eradicate period poverty and improve access to education for its 1,600 beneficiaries.

Since IRFF U.K. shifted its focus to period poverty in 2023, it has started supporting and establishing projects in three African countries: Ghana, Uganda and South Africa.

  • Ghana. IRFF U.K. built upon previous programs and established the production and distribution of inexpensive reusable pads. It distributed these pads to 570 girls, which has been crucial in keeping them in school, as without them they were missing up to five days each month.
  • South Africa. IRFF U.K. has supported the Walmer Angels’ program in consistently distributing pads to 170 schoolgirls. This, combined with menstrual health and hygiene education, has been crucial in lifting them out of period poverty.
  • Uganda. IRFF U.K. has focused on period poverty and education by building Destiny School in 2009. IRFF U.K. then worked with the head teacher to identify 180 girls from Destiny School and a neighboring school who would benefit from regular pad distribution and menstrual health education provided by trained medical professionals.

Looking Forward

IRFF U.K. has developed a sustainable and effective model for combating period poverty in Africa, allowing more girls to stay in school, breaking the cycle of inequality and poverty.

– Victoria Adrados

Victoria is based in London and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Casa Cornelia Law Center: Legal Representation to US Immigrants

Casa Cornelia Law CenterOver the past year, many U.S. immigrants have sought legal representation in response to the current federal administration’s immigration policies. Individuals with attorney representation have a far greater chance of securing legal relief than those without. For this reason, having an attorney to provide case assessment and legal support is crucial.

However, many people cannot afford private attorney fees. For instance, a deportation defense can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $15,000. This creates a problematic situation for vulnerable individuals and their families, as many immigrants do not have the economic means to pay for needed legal services and are forced to forego the opportunity to have an attorney defend them.

Casa Cornelia Law Center helps mitigate this challenge by providing legal support free of charge. The Borgen Project spoke with Casa Cornelia Communications Manager Pedro Anaya to gain further insight into the organization’s work.

Casa Cornelia’s Story

Located in San Diego, Casa Cornelia Law Center was founded in 1993 by Sister Ann M. Durst, a member of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus. Durst envisioned providing free legal services to victims of human and civil rights violations. Over time, the law center grew into an established nonprofit public interest law firm serving Southern California.

Casa Cornelia Law Center believes “justice with compassion is a human right—not a privilege.” Too often, justice becomes a privilege because of the high cost of legal representation. Casa Cornelia bridges this justice gap by providing all its services at no cost to clients.

The organization sustains its free services through donations from individuals and institutional grants. To further its impact, in addition to its dedicated staff, Casa Cornelia recruits, trains and mentors volunteer attorneys from the private bar and volunteer interpreters and translators from the community to expand its mission reach and maximize its limited resources.

Services and Impact

Casa Cornelia offers its services to help unaccompanied children, asylum seekers and victims of serious crimes. As an extension of its services and to further support its clients, the organization coordinates access through referrals to needed social services, such as psychological and medical resources, via a network of trusted agency connections.

In 2024, Casa Cornelia responded to nearly 3,000 diverse cases, helping people from 79 countries and in 55 languages. Around 48% of the cases were asylum seekers, 35% were unaccompanied children and 17% were survivors of violent crimes. It also has the support of 500 volunteers.

The center also supports volunteer training, trauma-informed aid for clients and the maintenance of legal staff.

Looking Ahead

Casa Cornelia Law Center has helped the indigent immigrant community in Southern California for more than 30 years. Through a free legal process, the charity makes justice more accessible for those who do not have the means to hire private counsel. As the needs increase, the law center will continue to pivot to meet the needs in the community.

– Andrea Roji

Andrea is based in San Diego, CA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Wear the Change: Thrifting to End Child Poverty

Thrifting to end child povertyThrifting might seem like a local choice, but its ripple effects can stretch across continents. The fashion trend of wearing vintage and secondhand clothes has caused thrifting to emerge as a style preference and a quiet revolution. Thrifting to end child poverty is done by reducing waste to create opportunities, promoting sustainability and supporting charitable models. The choice to wear secondhand clothes goes beyond the racks of good finds; it can be a powerful tool in the fight against poverty in underdeveloped countries.

Fashion can be more than self-expression; it can serve as a tool for social responsibility. Across continents, organizations are using donated clothes to fund programs that support children who lack essentials. These programs range from providing meals and school supplies to building shelters, health care and financing initiatives. When you choose to thrift, you’re saving money and investing in a better future for someone else.

From Closet to Community

Donating or purchasing clothing from thrift stores impacts people beyond your local community. In many underdeveloped countries, donated or unused clothes from thrift companies like Goodwill and America’s Thrift Stores are shipped overseas. These items are sold in local markets, offering affordable clothing options and supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs. Furthermore, this creates a cycle of economic empowerment that benefits entire communities.

Revenue from donated goods often supports medical centers and clinics as well. For example, America’s Thrift Stores partners with charities to support pediatric care and hospital services in countries with limited access to health care. Thrifting to end child poverty is a goal that can be reached by supporting the right organizations, those that frequently fund housing, disaster relief and educational programs.

These efforts help provide temporary shelters, housing assistance and resources for children affected by natural disasters or economic hardship.

Challenges and Opportunities

The secondhand clothing trade is not without its challenges. Indeed, some underdeveloped countries have raised concerns about the quality of imported clothes and their cultural impact. In East Africa, leaders have even considered banning imports due to fears that local textile industries could be undermined.

However, many organizations have listened and are working to address these concerns. Improvements in sanitation, sorting and distribution are helping ensure that donated clothes meet local needs and standards. Partnering with these communities fosters better communication and collaboration, ensuring that secondhand goods are supported and not replaced by local industries. Additionally, many thrift-based charities invest in education, helping children thrive long after wearing clothes.

Why It Matters

At the heart of this movement is a simple truth: every child deserves a chance. Whether it’s a warm coat, a roof over their head or a book in their hand, these essentials should be within reach. Thrifting is helping bridge a gap that recycles hope, not just clothes.

Thrifting to end child poverty is a movement that can be supported simply by shopping at the right store, helping children in underdeveloped countries get the support they deserve.

– Marissa Schoth

Marissa is based in Benton, LA, USA and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr