Archive for category: Charity

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Oxfam Vietnam: Assisting Rural Communities

Oxfam in VietnamVietnam has become one of the most significant developing countries in Southeast Asia. After decades of destructive war, the nation slowly started to recover economically. Between 1993 and 2014, 40 million individuals escaped poverty, with the poverty rate dropping from 60% to 14%. Despite a dramatic decrease in poverty levels, living in rural areas has not changed a lot.  The poverty threshold has also increased, from 700,000 VND to 1.5 million VND in rural areas and 900,000 VND to 2 million VND in urban areas.

Organizations recognize Vietnam’s discrepancy in the quality of life for rural versus urban communities. As such, many poverty alleviation initiatives focus on increasing rural welfare. Oxfam, the international non-governmental organization that works on combating poverty, has invested significantly in rural communities by securing better infrastructure, employment and social programming. As Oxfam’s mission is to create equitable societies across the globe, action taken not only addresses short term crises, but builds long term improvements.

Oxfam in Vietnam

The Secured Livelihoods and Resilient Communities Goal initiative seeks to provide greater income for minority and women’s groups, which often face discrimination. Additionally, Oxfam aims to provide infrastructure and enhance agricultural production. As agriculture is the core industry in rural communities, bolstering production capabilities not only improves economic output but also mitigates the potential effects of natural disasters.

Furthermore, to meet these goals, Oxfam acts as a bridge between the government, the private sector and rural communities. As an influential international organization, Oxfam looks out for the interests of rural communities by holding the government and the private sector accountable when developing policy and partnerships.

Oxfam proposed policies that benefit rural communities by focusing on inclusivity, accountability, and sustainability, all of which are currently lacking. These policies are implemented through plans such as the Nationally Determined Contributions, National Adaptation Plan and feminist perspectives. The policies facilitate economic growth and prevent labor from being taken advantage of. In addition, the introduction of feminist ideology as well as training women to take on leadership roles, bridges the gender gap.

Tran Nam Clean Tea Cooperative

So far, Oxfam Vietnam has delivered tangible results for the rural communities. With the help of Oxfam, the Tran Nam Clean Tea Cooperative transitioned from firewood and gas to utilizing green energy. Not only was production cleaner, but working conditions for laborers along with an increase in revenue.

On a smaller scale, Oxfam has also served as a launchpad for individuals in rural communities. Mai Thi Cam, who lived below the poverty line, faced significant challenges in caring for her family during the pandemic. Through Oxfam’s Resilience program in collaboration with New Zealand and the Red Cross, she started a livestock farm and learned to manage it through educational courses.

The Future

If poverty trends remain consistent, Vietnam’s living conditions could improve significantly, with greater financial security and more individuals moving up to the middle class. Organizations such as Oxfam play a critical role in ensuring development and welfare are accessible to all, especially rural communities. The continued service and investments from Oxfam and other NGOs need continued support from governments and organizations, foreign and domestic.

– Owen Wu

Owen is based in Westborough, MA, USA and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Kodak Black’s Philanthropy Prints a Brighter Future

Kodak Black's philanthropyKodak Black, an American rapper, might be best known for his rapping career, but when the mic is turned off, he’s on a mission to uplift those who come from the same struggles he did. Black’s impact reaches far beyond the music charts, from the streets of Pompano Beach where he was raised to the villages of Haiti where his roots run deep. Kodak Black’s philanthropy of donations and initiatives are leaving a legacy of giving far greater than his fame could.

From Struggle to Spotlight

Born and raised in the Florida Pompano Beach projects, Kodak Black faced poverty, crime and violence at an early age. Growing up, Black’s life was marked by instability and frequent run-ins with the law. However, Black turned to music to escape, express himself and earn an income. His first hit, “No Flockin,” dropped in 2014 and got his foot in the industry door, launching a career that would take him from local to global.

As the spotlight shone bright on him, he never lost sight of where he came from. The harsh realities of his upbringing shaped him and instilled a yearning to give back. Indeed, for Black, philanthropy isn’t a headline; it is a mission to help those in a place he once occupied.

Hydrating Haitians

Black’s parents are Haitian immigrants and his heritage has influenced his desire to help this community. Indeed, the struggles of the Haitian people are similar to those Black faced as a child. This connection influences him to help and his platform enables him.

In 2022, Black spent $50,000 to help hydrate Haiti, providing 35,000 bottles of clean water. Each bottle was labeled “last.” According to Black’s lawyer, Bradford Cohen, the label symbolized Kodak’s intention: “Kodak wants this to be the last time anyone in Haiti goes without water.”

The Mission Keeps Growing

Black’s impact doesn’t stop there, as he supports orphanages and food banks in Haiti. He even joined other artists for a benefit concert after the devastating earthquake that hit the country in 2021. His actions show he’s thinking globally, focused on helping people in places where poverty is extreme and resources are limited.

Black’s philanthropy stands out because of how direct and heartfelt it is. He doesn’t rely on big organizations or flashy campaigns. He sees a need and he steps in. This kind of hands-on giving shows that he’s not doing it for attention but because he truly cares.

A Legacy of Hope

Kodak Black’s philanthropy is building a legacy that goes far beyond music. Indeed, he’s showing that even someone who has faced pain and controversy can rise and become a force for good. His efforts in Haiti are just the beginning of what could become a powerful movement to fight poverty in struggling countries worldwide.

For Black, giving back isn’t just a project; it’s a way for him to help others the way he once needed to be helped. His impact on the people of Haiti shows his character and vow not to forget where he came from. Furthermore, Black’s help is more than just water or supplies. His efforts show that someone sees them, cares about them and is willing to fight for a better future.

– Marissa Schoth

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

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Angela Stress Ministries: Fighting Poverty Through Faith

Angela Stress MinistriesMission trips have long been a grassroots tool for addressing global poverty. While often rooted in faith, these trips go beyond preaching — they deliver food, health care, educational materials and emotional support to communities in need. According to GoEco, individuals or groups take mission trips, often organized by religious institutions, to do charitable work. Trips can vary in duration and involve groups participating in different activities in hopes of serving communities. Groups of volunteers, including Anita Davis from Chattaroy, West Virginia, affiliated with Angela Stress Ministries, often travel to Uganda for mission trips.

According to a GoFundMe page organized by Stress, which previously took donations to fund a mission trip to Uganda, she has organized multiple mission trips to Uganda, with at least three previous trips described as “very successful.” The page notes that her prior efforts have helped facilitate feeding efforts, shoe donations and spiritual outreach across orphanages and local churches, expanding on fighting poverty through faith in Uganda. The fundraiser emphasized the goal to empower orphaned children and children in need in Uganda through a Christ-centered environment that addresses both physical and spiritual needs.

According to the World Bank, as of 2019, the national poverty line was 20.3%, as estimated by the Uganda National Household Survey. The Borgen Project spoke with Davis, who said their mission was to raise money to buy food, supplies and school essentials in the area.

Pursuant Junior School in Bosawa

According to Davis, many children do not get to go to school and must pay for education. The ministry saw a need for education and started a Christian school for children to attend and help fight poverty through faith in Uganda. As of 2021, according to the World Bank, 9% of primary school-aged children in Uganda were not enrolled in school. Additionally, the cost per child for primary schooling was $104 in 2021, while 41% of people in Uganda lived on less than $2 per day, according to Opportunity International.

“Our biggest impact is the Pursuant School for the children,” Davis said. Through Angela Stress’ missionary donations, members built Pursuant Junior School in Bosawa and another school is under construction in Uganda.

According to a recent Facebook post, Pursuant Junior School Bosawa is now operational, with students referred to as “our babies” by Angela Stress. The post highlights ongoing classroom activities and the joy visible among young learners, showing tangible progress in a region previously lacking educational infrastructure. “Through the generosity of our donors, these young minds are empowered with education and surrounded by love, allowing them to see themselves as capable and deserving of bright futures,” Stress said in a Facebook post.

Building the Future

Davis mentioned that the new Pursuant Junior School in Uganda is under construction. According to Angela Stress’ Facebook Page, the founder of Angela Stress Ministries, efforts are underway to build a school in a region where children live in poverty. “We are creating a place where these children will be given more than just books and lessons,” Stress said in a Facebook post. “They will be given dignity, identity and a future.”

Stress said in a Facebook post that the building of this school will allow children who did not have access to education a safe space where they are “loved, taught and inspired to dream again.” She is currently taking donations for the construction of this school. According to Stress’s Facebook post, all donations go toward the needs of children in Uganda. “Together, we can transform lives one child, one classroom, one miracle at a time,” Stress said in a Facebook post.

Combating Hunger in Agricultural Communities

In many Ugandan households, according to the World Bank, the main source of income is agricultural income. Many residents depend on agriculture. According to Opportunity International, 76% of the Ugandan population resides in rural areas, where 73% are employed in agriculture. The World Bank reported that food inflation threatened food insecurity and impacted poverty in early 2025.

Emotional Support and Spiritual Growth

While the practical resources brought on mission trips, such as food and school supplies, help ease physical burdens, emotional care and presence also contribute to community well-being. “Mission trips are one of the biggest ways that we can help fight poverty,” Davis said. “It is a small step toward the future,” Davis said that despite challenging living conditions in Uganda, she hopes the ministries’ support will help instill love in children’s lives as they grow up and raise families. “We hope that giving these children love helps them realize people care about them,” Davis said..

Long-Term Vision and Faith-Driven Change

The impact of Angela Stress Ministries and other mission-led groups goes beyond short-term aid. By focusing on structural change, such as building schools and providing support, they aim to create a legacy that can outlast any single trip. For donors and volunteers, mission work can be a way to connect personal faith with tangible change.

– Clarissa Dean

Clarissa is based in Bowling Green, KY, USA and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Colton Dixon Uses Music To Fight Poverty and Inequality

Colton DixonDove Award-winning music artist Colton Dixon is using his voice and platform to spread hope and alleviate poverty. He’s partnering with organizations like Mercy Ships and Compassion International, making a difference, one step at a time.

Partnering With Mercy Ships To Bring Healing

In Dixon’s song “Build a Boat,” he partners with Mercy Ships to create the music video that shows the lives of two twins being changed and the boat Global Mercy being built. Dixon hopes to open more people’s minds to the idea that they are capable of doing anything.

Mercy Ships is a nonprofit organization that builds and operates hospital ships to deliver medical care to those without access. The charity addresses poverty by providing health care essentials and care services to some of the world’s most underserved communities. Operating in countries with limited health care infrastructure, Mercy Ships offers free surgical care and dental services, as well as medical training to local professionals in developing nations.

By delivering health care to impoverished communities and training local professionals, Mercy Ships helps alleviate suffering, improve health outcomes and enhance host countries’ capacity to provide medical care.

Championing Child Sponsorship With Compassion International

Dixon has also supported Compassion International through multiple tours and by spreading the word with his music. Compassion International is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to releasing children from poverty through child sponsorship and holistic care. During his “Build a Boat” tour, Dixon partnered with Compassion International and celebrated 1,000 sponsored children.

Compassion International combats poverty by partnering with local churches to deliver holistic child-centered support that spans nutrition education, health care, emotional care and spiritual guidance. Rooted in a Christ-centered mission, its model reaches more than 2.3 million children in 29 countries, helping them build resilience and fostering long-term community impact. By equipping children with resources and mentorship, the charity not only improves individual lives but also creates ripple effects of change as graduates return to uplift their communities.

Dixon has also made an impact in the fight against poverty by partnering with Compassion International through various tours, including “A Night with Colton Dixon,” set for this spring. His 2023 Love and Light tour also gave children in need the opportunity to be sponsored. These events not only featured inspiring music and personal stories but also encouraged the audience to give. This resulted in hundreds of lives being transformed. By combining entertainment with support for poverty, Dixon continues to use his platform to raise awareness.

Conclusion

Through heartfelt music, powerful partnerships and a commitment to uplifting those in need, Dixon proves that advocacy doesn’t require grand gestures. It starts with using your platform to inspire action by joining forces with organizations like Mercy Ships and Compassion International. He not only changes lives but empowers others to do the same. His journey reminds us that hope, compassion and purpose-driven art can truly shape a better world.

– Karisma Polly

Karisma is based in Sunrise, FL, USA and focuses on Global Health, Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Charities Operating in New Zealand

Charities Operating in New ZealandAcross New Zealand, communities are creating charities to help individuals and families living in challenging situations get by. New Zealand families are no strangers to hardship, as about 18% of children live in homes with very low incomes, specifically less than half of the typical income. From preserving food, medical kits, clothing, water and shelter to building better education programs, these charities operating in New Zealand have substantially grown in the path to ridding poverty.

Visionwest

Visionwest is one of many faith-led charities in New Zealand that address poverty and homelessness, support the elderly and ensure the young have hope for the future. It helps the nation by creating community housing, which includes long-term and transitional housing. The organization also contributes to the government‑backed Housing First Initiative. This program provides immediate housing and long-term support to tackle homelessness in Auckland and Canterbury.

The charity also fights food insecurity by providing services like the Pātaka Kai food bank and the Manaaki Kai social supermarket. Through these efforts, Visionwest has made a substantial impact:

  • 13,585 food parcels distributed
  • 7,312 clients are now living independently
  • 4,102 Well-being Center sessions
  • 1,709 financial mentoring sessions
  • 584 households with safe, affordable housing
  • 451 young people to achieve education and empowerment goals

Childfund

ChildFund New Zealand works in communities where political instability, conflict and violence impact the daily lives of children, youth and their families. This is one of the many essential child-centered charities operating in New Zealand. It uses a holistic approach by working alongside communities to deliver development programs that emphasize the outlook of children and youth. ChildFund has fought rising poverty by creating community water access points and providing hygiene training to keep families healthy.

In 2024 alone, the organization made an impact by reaching:

  • 263,026 people through development activities
  • 114 emergency food kits distributed
  • 89 meal kits provided
  • 55 education bundles delivered
  • 35 water purification units distributed

Auckland City Mission

Auckland City Mission is a charity that recognizes the cost-of-living crisis that has impacted many communities. With many only earning enough money to pay essential bills, there is often not much left for food. Auckland City Mission is among the charities operating in New Zealand that focus on bringing communities together, creating meaningful change and rising out of poverty. People in the community experience living in cars, inappropriate housing, mental health issues and struggling to feed their families.

Auckland City Mission has created HomeGround, its nine-story purpose-built facility that houses 80 apartments, health services and addiction recovery support. It has provided immediate housing relief and long-term support to those in hardship. Thanks to its efforts, the charity was able to provide:

  • 39,407 food parcels to families and individuals facing severe need
  • 19,826 health consultations to support community well-being
  • 484 admissions into its social detox program for individuals battling substance dependence

Kindness Collective

Kindness Collective is a charity that provides practical, community-led support through five nationwide programs. Since this is a community-driven organization, its work is varied and its approach is to go where the need and help matter most. Kindness Collective work includes packing pajamas, food boxes and planting potatoes weekly. The charity works like a match-making agency, linking those in need to people with more to give.

Donations have included food, bedding, clothing, baby items and toys. As a result of these contributions and ongoing efforts, the impact has been significant:

  • 69,534 people provided with essential items
  • 20,200 meals delivered through community events
  • 183,988 toiletries distributed

KiwiHarvest

KiwiHarvest is one of the many food-centered charities operating in New Zealand. Its mission is based on helping the population become food secure, ensuring everyone has access to enough nutritious food every day. More than 27% of New Zealand children live in households where food tends to run out. Each year, New Zealand wastes enough food to feed the entire Dunedin population, approximately 150 thousand people.

To fight these statistics, KiwiHarvest works with food businesses to rescue the good food that goes unsold. It also redistributes excess food to those who need it, while protecting the environment. Through all this hard work, KiwiHarvest saves 250,000 kilograms of food each month and redistributes it to those facing hunger.

Through its dedication, KiwiHarvest has created a transformative impact:

  • $18 million worth of food saved in 2024
  • 16.2 million kilograms of food rescued
  • 43,031,285 kilograms of CO₂-equivalent emissions prevented from entering the atmosphere

From rescuing food to distributing essential supplies and providing health support, these organizations drive real, measurable change. Their combined efforts meet urgent needs and build stronger, more resilient communities across New Zealand.

– Emily Herlehy

Emily Herlehy is based in Denton, Texas, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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3 Charities Operating in Hong Kong

Charities Operating in Hong KongHong Kong is located on the east bank of the Pearl River on the south coast of China. It is known for its dazzling city life, colorful traditions and financial centers. What might be less apparent, however, is the divide between the rich and the needy. In the first four months of 2024, the most impoverished earned 81.9 times less than the richest. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, poverty rates have risen significantly. Currently, 1.39 million people live in poverty in Hong Kong, most of whom are older adults.

These three charities operating in Hong Kong provide aid to the most vulnerable communities and aim to mobilize local society to offer them care and support.

Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden

Sir Horace and Lord Lawrence, two brothers, founded Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) in 1956. The idea sprouted after a surge of Chinese immigrants arrived in Hong Kong following the civil war at the end of 1946. Since many of these immigrants were farmers, the Kadoorie brothers provided them with training, guidance on how to plough their land and interest-free loans.

Its programs empower rural communities in Hong Kong and beyond to build income sources, improve food security and gain skills that promote long-term self-sufficiency and environmental resilience.

Hong Kong Family Link Mental Health Advocacy Association Limited

This organization was established in 2003 by Dr. Lee Cheng and Dr. Zhao Yulong to raise awareness about mental health in Hong Kong. In a society where stigma around mental illness remains widespread, the Hong Kong Family Link Mental Health Advocacy Association Limited works to combat discrimination and uphold the rights of people with mental health conditions.

The organization not only works to improve the lives of individuals with mental health conditions by providing access to education, employment and housing, but also offers medical care and vocational training to support their recovery from treatable illnesses.

In addition, it trains family members to actively participate in the care and recovery of their loved ones, empowering them to become part of the healing process. To further dismantle the stigma surrounding mental illness, the organization engages the broader community, partnering with volunteers, journalists, medical professionals and other organizations to raise awareness and foster collaboration.

Helping Hand

Helping Hand was founded after Bob Saunders, a former fishmonger, came across 120 elderly individuals who had been evicted from “caged homes” and abandoned on the streets with only their meager belongings. In response, he established Helping Hand in 1978 to support underprivileged older adults in Hong Kong, with a mission to ensure they live with dignity after years of hard work.

Since then, the organization has expanded its services across several locations, including Tai Wo Ping, Shun Lee Tsuen and Lai King. Helping Hand provides 1,000 beds across its care homes and serves more than 40,000 older adults in need each year. Its services include housing, rehabilitation, a holiday center, physical activities and training programs designed to enhance the well-being of elderly residents.

In 1984, the organization launched its signature Cookie Campaign. This highly successful fundraising initiative continues to support Helping Hand’s mission of caring for Hong Kong’s aging population.

Conclusion

Despite the efforts of these three charities operating in Hong Kong, there is much more to do to bridge the wealth gap, eliminate societal stigma and provide every HongKonger with a decent and dignified life. Funding, volunteer work and community mobilization are the key moving forward.

– Yasmine Belabed

Yasmine is based in Algeria and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Charities Benefitting Public Health in Trinidad and Tobago

Public Health in Trinidad and TobagoTrinidad and Tobago’s healthcare system is made up of both a federally-funded system and a private sector. As with most countries, the private sector of Trinidad and Tobago’s healthcare system grants people access to better hospitals and clinics, thus better care. However, the cost is not feasible for all Trinidadians and Tobagonians. Around 20% of Trinidad and Tobago’s population falls under the poverty line, and the few public healthcare facilities on the islands lack adequate supplies, ambulance services, and technology to provide high quality care.

The non-communicable diseases  heart disease is the leading cause of death in Trinidad and Tobago, accounting for 60% of deaths in the country. Other causes such as lupus and drowning are low, but they do still contribute to a chunk of the health issues in the country.

From providing civilian training on lifesaving techniques to providing mental health services, here are five charities that are aiming to bring better public health services to the 1.3 million citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.

1. The ADHD Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago

The ADHD Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago believes that behavioral health is just as important as physical health. The organization is benefiting public health in Trinidad and Tobago by providing the support and services that children and young adults with ADHD require to reach their full potential.

The foundation offers aid through many different avenues. It hosts training programs to educate parents of children with ADHD about the condition and give them strategies to better manage their child’s behavior. There are workshops for training teachers on identifying ADHD behaviors and creating an ADHD-friendly classroom environment, and for giving children self-management tools. The ADHD Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago also conducts research to ensure that its intervention techniques are effective and aims to provide low-cost counseling and testing for children with ADHD.

2. Arrhythmia Alliance 

Arrhythmia Alliance originated in 2004 with the goal to improve services for arrhythmias and other irregular heart rhythm disorders in the U.K. The organization comprises health care professionals, patients, caregivers and policy makers. In the past 20 years, Arrhythmia Alliance has expanded to more than 40 countries worldwide, including Trinidad and Tobago. 

Its mission is to “promote timely and effective diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias” by educating and bringing awareness to the heart disorder. Arrhythmia Alliance is a partner of World Heart Rhythm Week, which takes place annually during the first week of June, and advocates for enhanced heart rhythm care worldwide. It also sponsors the Know Your Pulse program, which educates the public on the importance of knowing how to take your own pulse to prevent medical emergencies such as strokes.

3. The Trinidad & Tobago Lifesaving Society

The Trinidad & Tobago Lifesaving Society (TTLS) falls under the Royal Life Saving Society. The organization, which is registered in the U.K., covers 31 Commonwealth countries and works to help communities in developing “lifesaving education initiatives and drowning prevention programmes.”

The Trinidad & Tobago Lifesaving Society branch formed in 1948. However, its original name was the Maracas Bay Lifeguard Club and it became known as the TTLS in 1976. The society trains lifeguards, lifesavers, military personnel, schools and public members. As of today, Trinidad and Tobago has more than 600 lifeguards who are actively involved in teaching, lifesaving and contributing to public health improvements in Trinidad and Tobago.

4. The Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society

The Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society’s (TTRCS) main mission is to provide ambulance services that are fully stocked with medical equipment and run by trained paramedics. These ambulances provide many services, including medical care, such as blood pressure and glucose testing, and transport to hospitals. The TTRCS also benefits public health in Trinidad and Tobago by teaching CPR and First Aid training to civilians in order to help people respond quickly and appropriately in emergency situations.

The TTRCS established the Henry Dunant Clinic in April 2021 with the purpose of bringing some relief to the overwhelmed healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic. The clinic aims to provide locals with free healthcare thanks to volunteer healthcare professionals.

5. The Voice of Lupus Foundation

The Voice of Lupus Foundation is a nonprofit that works to improve the lives of those lupus has impacted in Trinidad and Tobago. Its mission is to draw awareness to the often overlooked disease by advocating, educating the public and supporting patients and families who have Lupus has affected. Furthermore, through its advocacy efforts, The Voice of Lupus Foundation hopes to amplify the voices of Lupus patients and their families and help them receive access to care and support services.

Looking Ahead

Improving the health care system in Trinidad and Tobago will require a lot of work and committed efforts. However, these five highlighted charities have tackled different aspects of public health, from mental health to emergency response, to try and fill gaps that the government has left and build a healthier Trinidad and Tobago.

– Hannah Fruehstorfer

Hannah is based in Pittsburgh, PA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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The Effect of Louis Tomlinson’s Participation in Soccer Aid

Louis Tomlinson's participation in Soccer AidThousands of fans come together to watch a charity match called Soccer Aid each year. Professional soccer players and celebrities are on the match’s opposing sides. Amid the competitive spirit, these teams face off to raise both awareness and money for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Old Trafford Stadium hosted the annual Soccer Aid match on June 15, 2025, with several remarkable participants. In particular, the former “One Direction” star Louis Tomlinson’s participation in Soccer Aid rallied impressive support.

What is Soccer Aid?

Soccer Aid is an annual charity event that raises money for UNICEF, a U.N. agency that brings development and stability to children globally. The event represents what UNICEF strives for: “to protect play for every child.”

First, celebrities and athletes alike form two teams. One team’s participants are from England and the other team contains players from across the globe. Then, in the spirit of charity and competition, the two teams – England and World IX – face off. Over the years, notable participants such as Usain Bolt, David Beckham and “One Direction” members have taken to the field.

Thanks to the efforts of these participants, Soccer Aid has raised more than $121 million for UNICEF since 2006. This money, from ticket sales and generous donations, brings children out of poverty globally. Every match played brings more and more children access to health care, nutrition, education and emergency relief.

Louis Tomlinson’s Participation in Soccer Aid

Tomlinson has been a long-term supporter of the Soccer Aid program. This year, he took to the field wearing his lucky number, 28. Even without being a professional soccer player, the 90 minutes he spent playing right back attracted much attention to the cause. The singer’s touches on the ball caused the crowd’s cheers to become especially noticeable to those watching the match live.

Tomlinson’s participation in Soccer Aid doesn’t just exist in his effort on the field. He made great strides as an ambassador off the field as well. He used his significant influence on social media as a means to encourage the public to make donations. In one video, he illustrated the value of giving by comparing what $27 (20 pounds) could buy — either a takeaway pizza for children or 80 exercise books.

Beyond his involvement in Soccer Aid, Tomlinson has taken multiple steps to fight global poverty. He supported the ONE Campaign, which aims to end extreme poverty worldwide, backed a movement to tackle food poverty in U.K. schools and hosted a livestream concert to raise funds for a U.K.-based organization focused on food relief. Tomlinson is a long-time advocate for the impoverished community and his participation in the 2025 Soccer Aid match only reinforced that.

Funds Raised and Purpose

This year, the match raised more than $15 million. According to the nonprofit, the funds will provide “food, health care, safe spaces and crisis support around the world — all helping children grow up safe, healthy and able to play.” By delivering essential resources to thousands of children, Soccer Aid gives them something powerful: freedom. The freedom to play, to enjoy childhood and to grow into whoever they choose to be.

Moving Forward

UNICEF benefited greatly from Tomlinson’s participation in Soccer Aid and it hopes that this level of support from the general public continues. This match brings stability and hope to thousands of children worldwide every year. It helps minors escape from the depths of poverty and creates a brighter version of their future.

Soccer Aid aims to unite people under the shared love of soccer and use it to support impoverished children. Under this mission, thousands of children have lived better and escaped poverty.

– Caroline May

Caroline is based in Denver, CO, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Charities Operating in Tanzania

5 Charities Operating in TanzaniaTanzania is acknowledged for its rich national parks like Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti. However, beyond its scenic landscapes, many citizens face significant economic hardship. As populations increase, the poverty rates also increase. In 2011, about 12.3 million Tanzanians lived in vulnerable conditions. By 2018, that number rose to 14 million. Still, recent data reveal progress—Zanzibar, for instance, recorded a 4.7% drop in poverty from 30.4% in 2014–15 to 25.7% in 2019–20. Charitable organizations have played a vital role in building community resilience and expanding access to essential services.

5 Charities Operating in Tanzania

  1. Save the Children. A global humanitarian organization focused on protecting children’s rights and well-being. The charity has worked with the Tanzanian government for more than 100 years, first launching its programs in Zanzibar before expanding across the country. Its efforts prioritize nutrition services, educational access and child poverty reduction. In Tanzania, 27% of the population lacks adequate sanitation and housing, with 8% living in extreme poverty. Children represent a significant portion of this population, comprising 44.8% of those affected. Save the Children operates under three core goals: eliminating preventable child deaths, ensuring access to education and protecting children from violence. Since 2024, the program has enacted 122 policy reforms and responded to 112 emergencies.
  2. Plan International. Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organization that promotes health care, clean water access and child protection. Established in Tanzania in 1991, the organization now operates in eight regions and aims to eliminate child poverty by 2030 through policy reform and community empowerment. Plan International adheres to the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child, which affirms children’s right to security and care. Its long-term vision is to ensure all children, especially girls, have the opportunity to thrive.
  3. BAPS Charities. BAPS Charities provides essential services in health, education and nutrition. The BAPS clinic in Dar es Salaam is one of its most notable programs in Tanzania, offering free medical services to families. The clinic operates weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Services include lab work, treatment and food distribution. Children are given safe spaces and nourishment, such as water and snacks, contributing to a warm and welcoming environment.
  4. Zara Charity. Founded in 2009 by Zainab Ansell, Zara Charity is a nonprofit registered under the United Republic of Tanzania. It works to improve the lives of disadvantaged families through eco-tourism partnerships and educational support for women and orphans. Notable sponsors include Zita Tanzanian Wild Camps Ltd. and Tour Compass. Its key initiative is organizing volunteer cleanups on Mount Kilimanjaro to reduce environmental waste. Additionally, these activities provide residents, especially the underserved, with cleaner living conditions.
  5. Kupona Foundation. Kupona Foundation is a U.S.-based nonprofit that partners with the Comprehensive Community-Based Rehabilitation in Tanzania (CCBRT). The organization is dedicated to strengthening Tanzania’s health care systems. Kupona has raised $7 million to support medical treatment, training and infrastructure. Furthermore, with 87% of its funds directed to programming, the organization ensures financial accountability and sustainability. Kupona’s efforts help expand access to quality care while laying the foundation for long-term development.

Looking Ahead

Tanzania continues to make progress in reducing poverty, due to the efforts of local and international charitable organizations. These five charities exemplify how targeted interventions in health, education, environmental sustainability and child protection can transform communities. Indeed, as the nation pushes toward sustainable development, the work of these charities operating in Tanzania offers a roadmap for continued growth, resilience and hope.

– Janae Bayford

Janae is based in Centennial, CO, USA and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Charities Operating in Montenegro

Charities Operating in MontenegroA small, southeastern European country, Montenegro declared independence from Serbia on June 3, 2006. Native Montenegrins form only 41% of the population with Serbs, Bosnians, Albanians and Russians from neighboring countries forming the rest of the population. With a long Adriatic coastline boasting 72 km of beaches and well-preserved ancient towns, tourism remains a key industry, welcoming 2.1 million visitors in 2022. Other main sectors include steel, aluminium, agriculture and consumer goods. Despite the country’s success in various industries, poverty is a problem that five charities operating in Montenegro are attempting to address.

About Poverty in Montenegro

According to the 2023/2024 UN Human Development report, Montenegro retains its position as a country of very high human development for the seventh year in a row. Life expectancy, education and income have all seen significant growth, with the gross national income per capita increasing by 64.5% and the Human Development Index rising by 12.7% between 2003 and 2022. However, despite economic progress, income inequality and poverty persist ― particularly in northern and rural areas ― significantly impacting displaced persons, ethnic minorities and children in institutional care. As of 2022, 17.2% of Montenegro’s population live below the upper-middle-income poverty line of $6.85 per day. Children are particularly affected, with 28.4% at risk of poverty in 2022, a slight improvement from 30.5% in 2021.

To alleviate these issues related to poverty in Montenegro whilst meeting development goals, UNDP resident representative Ekaterina Paniklova stresses the importance of Montenegro focusing on sustainable development, social protection and promoting innovation. Charities play a crucial role in bridging the gap between development goals and vulnerable communities affected by poverty. Here are five charities operating in Montenegro aiming to support communities affected by poverty:

1. Pristanište Foundation

The first of the charities operating in Montenegro is The Pristanište Foundation. Founded in March 2022, The Pristanište Foundation is a volunteering community supporting Ukrainians and other displaced persons arriving in Montenegro. Its Sleep in Silence program provides free temporary accommodation in Budva, basic necessities, SIM cards and emergency financial assistance to groups seeking aid. The foundation has helped more than 1,800 individuals, including 426 children, and is the only house in Montenegro accepting persons with disabilities. Individuals aided by the foundation express feeling “as if [they] have been transported to another reality, which delights with incredible views, positive emotions, and sincere feelings.”

In addition to material aid, the program offers psychological support through consultations and group sessions, aimed at reducing stress and trauma, and promoting resilience. Led by volunteer professionals, including clinical psychologist and psychotherapist Anna Sergeeva, this initiative has supported nearly 200 individuals since its launch, and plans are currently underway to expand the service. By offering free accommodation, necessities and psychosocial support, the foundation not only addresses the immediate needs of displaced persons but also mitigates their risk of falling into poverty ― a reality many migrants face upon arrival in a new country.

2. Red Cross of Montenegro

Founded in 1875, the Red Cross of Montenegro is a voluntary humanitarian organization involved in disaster response, health care, social support and community development. It offers training and equipment for disaster preparedness, provides emergency aid, runs flood resilience programs in vulnerable areas like Zeta Municipality and maintains a tracing service to reunite families separated by disaster. 

The Red Cross Montenegro has been pivotal in supporting migrants, asylum seekers and refugees within the country. The organization provides them with food, clothing, hygiene kits, psychosocial care and help accessing health care through community centers near reception facilities, aiming to aid social and economic integration and prevent migrants falling into poverty. As of January 2023, the Red Cross of Montenegro directly supported 3,012 Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war, distributing 2,560 food parcels and hygiene kits and 1,580 sets of clothing, organizing 138 psychosocial support workshops and conducting 197 Montenegrin language classes.

Furthermore, the organization’s youth programs include academic support, peer-led education on topics like HIV/AIDS and intergenerational projects that foster community bonds. The organization also supports older adults and persons with disabilities through home care services and community programs.

Beyond ground-level activities, the Red Cross actively collaborates on national strategies around climate resilience and humanitarian innovation, aiming to integrate climate concerns into future disaster preparedness work. The organization’s Global Climate Resilience Program, designed to scale-up locally-led, climate-smart disaster risk reduction, is projected to reach 500 million people by 2027. These strategies are essential in Montenegro, where rural and low-income communities suffer the greatest impacts from floods, often exacerbating cycles of poverty.

3. FORS Montenegro

Founded in 2006, the Foundation for the Development of Northern Montenegro (FORS) works on regional development, environmental protection and civil society initiatives. Partnering with local authorities and institutions, it promotes environmental protection through sustainable agriculture, tourism and disaster risk reduction. 

One notable initiative that launched in April 2018 is Disaster do not know Borders, which aims to enhance disaster risk reduction capacities in Montenegro and Albania, with a particular focus on flood protection. The project, funded by the European Union through the Cross-Border Cooperation Program Montenegro-Albania 2014-2020, had a total budget of €483,538.35. Main activities within the project included equipment procurement, training emergency responders, updating databases on floods in the region of Shkodra Lake and running educational workshops for school children.

Over the two-year course of the initiative, more than 100 local protection and rescue personnel from Montenegro and Albania received training in flood response, swift water rescue, and Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping. Educational initiatives engaged more than 1,000 primary and secondary students in workshops and drawing competitions focused on flood risks and disaster preparedness. Such outreach not only raises awareness, but empowers youth in economically disadvantaged regions where poor infrastructure and limited services make recovery from natural disasters more difficult. Concluding in April 2020, the initiative reached approximately 30,000 citizens. 

4. Riznica Mladosti

Riznica Mladosti, established in 2010, supports the only orphanage in Montenegro, Djeciji Dom Mladost in Bljela. While the orphanage receives government funding, the charity enhances educational outcomes and life skills for children with special needs who cannot attend regular schools. 

Working closely with the orphanage’s staff, the organization provides one-to-one sessions with the children that promote academic development and emotional well-being. This project has seen not only a significant improvement in academic results for the children, but also improved self-sufficiency and ability to access employment when they leave the orphanage. In addition to education, activities like community bazaars help the children develop social and interpersonal skills. Significant improvements in academic results and emotional well-being are critical components in breaking the cycle of poverty for children growing up without stable family support or access to mainstream educational opportunities.

5. World Vision Montenegro

Originally founded as a relief project in 1998 following the Kosovo conflict, World Vision has evolved into a wide-reaching development agency in Montenegro, attending to the physical, social, psychological and financial needs of the poorest sectors of the Yugoslav population. Its primary goal is the sustained well-being of vulnerable children, addressing interconnected challenges like education, clean water, nutrition, disaster management, gender equality and social inclusion and urbanization. By investing in nutrition, clean water and financial inclusion, World Vision directly addresses some root causes of poverty.

As of 2023, an estimated 113,800 individuals have been reached worldwide through World Vision innovation projects. AgroInvest, a partner of World Vision, had loaned approximately $23,921,687 to 12,646 individuals as of 2011, allowing for radically increased milk production, cattle breeding and greenhouse maintenance to alleviate food insecurity. These loans enable low-income families to achieve self-sufficiency, especially in underdeveloped rural areas. Both World Vision and AgroInvest remain highly active in Montenegro to this day. 

Looking Forward

Despite its impressive development, Montenegro continues to face challenges such as regional inequality, social exclusion and vulnerability to changing weather patterns. These five charities operating in Montenegro  ― ranging from long-established institutions to grassroots initiatives ― offer targeted, community-based support that directly combats poverty, promotes inclusion and strengthens long-term resilience. As the country continues to grow, charities operating in Montenegro offer hope and practical support for a more equitable, inclusive and sustainable future. 

– Holly McArthur

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

Photo: Pixabay