Archive for category: NGOs

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The Changing Climate and Poverty in Fiji

Poverty in FijiFiji, long celebrated as a South Pacific paradise, now faces the growing threat of changing weather patterns, a crisis that endangers both its land and its citizens. With more than 75% of the population living along the coast and about half living below the national poverty line, many Fijians cannot afford the home adaptations or relocations needed to ensure their safety. This leaves impoverished communities especially vulnerable. 

Cyclone Winston: A Devastating Wake-Up Call

In 2016, Cyclone Winston, the most powerful cyclone ever recorded in the Southern Hemisphere, destroyed much of Fiji overnight. The storm claimed 44 lives, critically injured hundreds, and damaged 88 of the country’s 124 health facilities. With estimated economic losses of $1.3 billion, thousands were left homeless. As of 2025, many communities are still rebuilding homes, infrastructure and livelihoods.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts that damage caused by rising sea levels could cost Fiji an average of 1.8% of its GDP annually between 2020 and 2050. For many already living in poverty in Fiji, the economic efforts required for recovery remain a persistent challenge as these events become increasingly frequent.

The Borgen Project spoke with Grace Chang, the Fiji Partnership Manager at ThinkPacific, a social enterprise that collaborates with local partners to develop community initiatives. Chang said, “Many affected communities are still rebuilding infrastructure, homes and livelihoods. Cyclone Winston highlights the need for stronger disaster preparedness and resilience in vulnerable areas, which continues to shape recovery and support programs.”

Humanitarian Initiatives

The Fijian government and international organizations are working to address poverty while strengthening communities’ resilience to the changing climate. Cash transfer systems, anticipatory frameworks and mental health services have been established to help the nation’s poorest citizens recover from and prepare for future challenges.

To help vulnerable populations weather economic shocks after natural disasters, the Fijian government, alongside the International Finance Corporation (IFC), has begun piloting the parametric insurance program. This program is designed to ensure that low-income households in Fiji can afford to cover the costs of any damage caused during extreme weather events. The aim is for registered households to receive a cash payout directly to their bank accounts immediately after the disaster strikes so they can rebuild and recover swiftly from any damages. This rapid payout system ensures funds are readily available post-destruction, allowing for timely recovery.

Anticipatory Action Framework

In November 2023, the Fijian government, in partnership with the United Nations, introduced the Anticipatory Action Framework for Tropical Cyclones, relying on meteorological forecasts to predict a cyclone’s impact on vulnerable communities. A “trigger” mechanism has been designed to release pre-arranged funding, which will be made available promptly to humanitarian actors to ensure those most affected can access the resources they need.

When activated, the framework’s pre-planned interventions include:

  • Distributing safe shelter kits
  • Providing boat-strengthening kits to fishing communities
  • Pre-positioning educational materials for schools
  • Distributing food and cash to families facing impending storms

By acting before a storm strikes, the Anticipatory Action Framework ensures that vulnerable communities are not just responding to disaster but are protected and empowered to withstand it.

The Importance of Mental Health

Humanitarian aid organizations have also recognized that the physical rebuilding of Fiji must go hand in hand with emotional recovery, especially for those living in poverty who are least able to absorb the shocks of climate disasters. Cyclones devastate homes and livelihoods, leaving communities even more economically vulnerable than before.

Chang again stated, “The increasing frequency and severity of climate events have caused stress, anxiety and trauma, particularly for those who have lost homes, land or family members. Many community members face ongoing uncertainty about future disasters.”

For the poorest families, these stresses are compounded by financial insecurity. Lost crops, damaged fishing equipment and destroyed homes often mean they struggle to rebuild their lives. In response, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) such as Empower Pacific have been providing trauma counseling and psychological first aid to those who cannot afford private care. The Fiji Red Cross has also expanded its mental health and psychosocial support programs, emphasizing that true recovery must address both physical damage and emotional well-being.

A Beacon of Resilience and Hope

Despite all the devastation, there is hope for this island nation. Fiji shows that even in the face of incredible destruction, hope persists. The changing climate remains a growing threat, but with the support of humanitarian organizations and government efforts, it is never too late to help those living in poverty in Fiji.

– Niamh Trinder

Niamh is based in Leicester, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Smaller INGOs in Honduras and Beyond

Smaller INGOS in Honduras and BeyondWith the recent federal cuts to world aid funding in the United States (U.S.), smaller international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) have both felt the strain and shown a particular resiliency. Melanie Gibbons, who has worked with the Lutheran World Relief and merger company Corus for more than 20 years, has witnessed the benefits of smaller INGOs. She highlights how working locally, collaborating with other INGOs, operating on a smaller scale and maintaining the “nimble” qualities of a small organization can be an asset in the nonprofit sector.

Honduras’ Smaller INGOs and Tuition-Free School

In Honduras, just 38% of high school students graduate. At El Hogar, a tuition-free school supported by international aid, that number jumps to 92%. After years of work, helping with the world’s poorest countries, INGOs of all sizes have realized the importance of working locally in order to accomplish sustainable progress in a region, avoid unnecessary power struggles, honor the people that they are serving and get to root causes. And working locally often means working smaller. “And this is where the benefit of the larger organizations, working with the smaller organizations, is so good,” Gibbons says. “Because these smaller organizations who are right there in and their communities will know more quickly where needs are shifting, or what is most culturally appropriate or needed.” 

The Goal of Any Good Aid Organization

The goal of any good aid organization, Gibbons says, is to put themselves out of business. She lifts up the example of Splash International, an organization that provides water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in high need cities throughout the world. It plans to accomplish its implementation goals and close its doors in 30 years and it is on track to see that happen.  

“Those relationships are what will create the ability to scale later, to pivot quickly and to meet the right needs at the right time. So the relationships are crucial.” Fundraising is a matter of relationships, which are a matter of trust and working locally. Often, working more intimately creates relationships that can last for a long time and create generational change in different regions. Gibbons emphasized that fundraising ultimately comes down to relationships, with trust as the foundation.

In her view, smaller organizations that work locally and closely with communities are especially positioned to develop long-term bonds. Those connections, she noted, can create ripple effects that last for generations. At the same time, she acknowledged that smaller INGOs face challenges—such as limited visibility and resources—which makes collaboration with larger organizations essential for sustaining impact.

Building Trust Quicker

Smaller INGOs in Honduras and beyond are flexible in relational terms, as well. Able to form relationships and build trust more rapidly than larger organizations. An example of this is Splash International’s work in Addis Ababa. The organization started with government schools in implementing WASH solutions like water fountains, child-friendly toilets, and hand-washing stations. After implementing them in all of the government schools, with the help of the local government, it is scaling up and reaching out to the housing and business sectors in the region. “And this I would say that that gets back to the question of scale,” Gibbons said, “and how sometimes we underestimate the smaller organizations’ role in sector solutions. They have the ability to try new things and learn quickly at a smaller scale and then translate those learnings into larger investments that can be multiplied.”

Another benefit of smaller INGOs in Honduras and beyond is the collaboration that takes place among the organizations. “I think for the most part it’s a very supportive environment,” Gibbons said about the collaboration between small organizations. “Executive directors of small organizations know that they need each other. We’re always learning from each other and being supported.” Though sometimes they are vying for the same money from funders, “There’s more collaboration than competition,” Gibbons said. 

Having an Abundance Mindset is Crucial

Overall, one of the biggest assets of running, or working for, smaller INGOs is the ability to revamp the system in creative ways. Gibbons believes there’s enough out there to provide for the needs of the poorest and neediest in the world. “I really do, in my heart, believe that there’s enough for everyone, not only to survive but to thrive. The sector has some opportunities to be creative and think differently, and that’s exciting to be part of. I’m grateful to have the chance to be part of the solutions.” While she hurts for all who are hurting because of the budget cuts, she also sees a window for positive growth and change within the INGOs sector. 

Looking Ahead

Because of their ability to work locally, work collaboratively and work creatively, smaller INGOs in Honduras and beyond are making a big difference in providing important humanitarian aid to the world. The landscape of world aid is going through a shift, and smaller INGOs are providing relief where it is needed and working at a smaller scale and in a nimbler way to provide scalable solutions.

– Gregory Walker

Gregory is based in York, PA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Maya Pedal: Bikes Transforming Lives in Guatemala

maya pedalIn a small, rural and predominantly Indigenous town in Guatemala, one NGO has found a new way to generate electricity whilst keeping costs low and fitness levels high. Maya Pedal began in 1997 in San Andrés Itzapa, 50 kilometres from Guatemala City, and takes old bikes which have been donated from the US and Canada and either sells them or repurposes them into bicimaquinas (bike machines). Local people and businesses then use these machines as makeshift water pumps, corn degrainers and blenders, among other things.

The name refers to the significant Indigenous population in Guatemala, who are primarily of Mayan descent, whilst ‘pedal’ has the same meaning in English. Mayans made up just under half of the national population, but studies suggest they remain one of the poorest and most oppressed groups in the country.

Local Projects

Not only do the bicimaquinas save local people money, time and effort, they also help some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in the area by providing work and a sense of purpose.

Women for Development in Action is a local organization that enables women to grow their own aloe plants before using the bicimaquina as a blender and producing shampoo. As Ana María Guch explains, “First, we cut the aloe, then we take off the skin, cut it into little pieces and put it in the blender. Next, we pedal!” The profits they make from selling their shampoo go towards supporting their families and funding their reforestation project.

Another organisation, Women’s Group for AZUCENA, supports women as they produce their own animal feed by using the bicimaquina as a corn degrainer. Aside from their agricultural projects, the organisation also runs Spanish literacy classes for Indigenous women, giving them a better chance of integrating into society and improving their social mobility, Maya Pedal reports on its website.

Mario Juarez, Director of Maya Pedal, also explains the environmental benefits of creating the bicimaquinas: “I believe with what we do we contribute a little to reduce the damage that as human beings we do to the planet.”

International Impact

Maya Pedal has received international acclaim for its innovative bicimaquinas – as Carlos Enrique Marroquin, Head of Maya Pedal, outlines: “We do not have to do any advertising, because the machine speaks for itself – and as such, the NGO receives volunteer engineers, translators and bike mechanics from all over the world.”

It has also made its machine designs free and available to download anywhere in the world, so that anyone can access them and learn to build and use them themselves, creating a brighter, more environmentally friendly future for everyone, starting with the Maya community in San Andrés Itzapa.

– Elsa Tarring

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

Photo: Flickr

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Initiatives to Empower Ukrainian Women Through Entrepreneurship

Ukrainian WomenImpact Force is a women-founded Ukrainian nongovernmental organization (NGO) that supports vulnerable groups with skills and resources. It helps small and medium-sized businesses grow sustainably and advises government bodies on reforms that promote transparency and inclusion.

Its program, “Dream and Achieve,” launched in 2023, has recently finalized its second cohort. The initiative was created to empower Ukrainian women through entrepreneurship. It receives support from international organizations like U.N. Women and government institutions such as France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

Hope Amid Loss

Nina Levchuk and Olga Diakova are the co-leaders of the Dream and Achieve program on business development. The project emerged in response to the rising unemployment and the negative impact the Russian invasion had on women’s role in the economy. The program is designed to support those affected by war struggles, including internally displaced people, veterans and single mothers and to empower Ukrainian women through entrepreneurship.

The initiative offers a three-month training in digital marketing, socially responsible business models and strategies and personal mentorship. It also gives participants $1000 in financial assistance for their entrepreneurship initiatives.

Success Stories

The training and valuable insights have helped many women to take a bold step, whether launching a new business or reshaping the strategy of an existing one. Despite the different motivations, the program participants agree that Dream and Achieve has guided them to success.

  • Olena Vlasynevych is the wife of a veteran and also a yoga and meditation instructor. She founded Ashram Spokoiu to help women through stress and loss. Through the program, she refined her focus on women above 40 seeking harmony, strengthening her business vision. She’s expanding her offerings with new products, retreats and a solid online presence.
  • Anastasiia Filonenko created FILOCERA, a ceramics and sculpture brand that channels emotion through art. Her works decorate homes and restaurants, serving both domestic and therapeutic purposes. Thanks to Dream and Achieve, she relaunched her Etsy store and reached global customers.
  • Aliona Demchenko was relocated from Balky to Dnipro with her child. She launched Veseli Lystochky, a reusable notebook brand that combines learning and playing. They support children’s logic and memory development. After attending the Dream and Achieve program, she doubled her profits. She also gained skills in customer relationship management (CRM) and marketplaces. Now, her next goal is to open a child development center.

Impacts of the 2023 Cohort

The program received more than 1,000 applications, from which 80 women were selected. At the beginning of the program, 75% of the women hoped to acquire skills in using online platforms and e-commerce tools. By the end, 98% assured having improved their knowledge and skills in business management and the digital economy. Beyond training, the program came to be a boost to participants’ businesses. More than 32% reported an improvement in income and financial stability.

Many participants described the experience as inspirational and hope for more women to benefit from it. The initiative demonstrates a powerful truth: the first step in rebuilding a country needs people who dare to dream big.

– Sara Arias Saiz

Sara is based in Leipzig, Germany and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Venezuela’s Anti-NGO Law Looms: 2 Organizations Fighting Back

Venezuela’s Anti-NGO LawVenezuela is one of the most disadvantaged countries in the world, with poverty rates of more than 91%. Currently, there is an influx of Venezuelan immigrants seeking refuge in neighboring countries. According to the U.N., almost 8 million Venezuelans have left the country since 2014 due to “rampant violence,” along with “inflation, gang-warfare, soaring crime rates, …shortages of food, medicine and essential services.” With the amount of human rights concerns concentrated in the area, Venezuelan citizens are in desperate need of additional support. However, with the passing of the Law for the Control, Regularization, Operations and Financing of Non-Governmental and Related Organizations, informally known as Venezuela’s anti-NGO law, the government seems set on making it as difficult as possible for them to access the life-saving services provided by non-governmental organizations.

According to Amnesty International, “The approval of this law aims to keep Venezuelan civil society from continuing to stand alongside victims [of poverty, violent crime, et cetera] and providing assistance in ways that authorities are unable to.” In this time of uncertainty, it is more important than ever to support organizations that are challenging the country’s tyrannous government.

Hogar Bambi Venezuela

Founded in 1992, Hogar Bambi Venezuela focuses on providing care to children and youth misplaced from their families “due to abuse, mistreatment or economic hardship.” The organization organizes “temporary, substitute” homes for the children, then facilitates their return to their families – or the adoption process, if the first option is not feasible.

American-based organization Bambi International Foundation is a long-time supporter of Hogar Bambi Venezuela. It funds various projects to support the Venezuelan NGO in its mission to care for displaced minors.

One project it completed in recent years was the purchase of a private vehicle. Before purchasing the vehicle, staff members of Hogar Bambi were unable to transport all of the children to necessary medical appointments due to the unreliability of the Venezuelan public transportation system. The project helped Hogar Bambi transport the children for their medical appointments and necessary services such as cardiology, dermatology, laboratory, surgical examinations, etc.

Bambi International Foundation also facilitates the building and renovation of structures to house them. In 2020, it raised nearly $6,000 towards renovating and installing electricity in a building housing 36 displaced Venezuelan infants.

Currently, Bambi International Foundation is campaigning for a new cause – the Sports and Recreation for Children and Adolescents Deprived of a Family project. It is currently 40% of the way to completing its goal of raising $25,000 to provide at-risk Venezuelan youth with access to recreational activities such as team sports, swimming lessons and various outdoor adventures.

Fundacion Jacinto Convit

Inspired by the work and values of Doctor Jacinto Convit, Fundacion Jacinto Convit has been working for 13 years to make health services and education accessible throughout Venezuela. The organization funds “scientific research, healthcare programs, and educational and community projects, through a multidisciplinary team, to contribute to the well-being of the most vulnerable populations and to the country’s social development.”

Fundacion Jacinto Convit has made revolutionary strides in medicine, particularly in making cancer treatment more accessible. One project it currently has in development is ContiVax – an immunotherapy treatment that targets breast cancer. The treatment is currently being put through clinical trials throughout the Americas and Europe, and will hopefully prove to be a safe, effective, low-cost treatment option for patients who either can not afford or cannot access chemotherapy, or prefer an alternative for any reason.

In addition to ContiVax, the NGO  focuses on providing a “highly specialized free medical assistance service for the molecular diagnosis of malignant neoplastic diseases (such as leukemia and some solid tumors) and infectious diseases (mainly HIV)” through their Molecular Diagnostic Unit, hopefully contributing “to the improvement of mortality and morbidity rates in patients with some types of cancer.”

Fundacion Jacinto Convit also focuses on educating Venezuelan youth. One of its educational programs, Values Through Science, facilitates talks, lessons, film screenings, and educational activities at schools, conferences, and other community spaces. The project is intended to encourage Venezuelan youth to develop an interest in the sciences while promoting critical thought, curiosity, and teamwork.

Venezuela’s Anti-NGO Law: In Conclusion

Although the passing of Venezuela’s anti-NGO law seems intent on preventing the country’s needy from accessing the life-saving services that they require, the country’s NGOs are not giving up.

– Helena Birbrower

Helena is based in Davis, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Bakeries Ensure Food and Job Security in Ukraine

Food and Job security in UkraineSince the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, poverty has increased across the country. In 2023, 20% of previously employed Ukrainians lost their jobs and struggled to access food and essential services. Displaced individuals report that employment opportunities are critical for their return home. The conflict has driven a sharp rise in food insecurity, with more than 7 million Ukrainians facing moderate to severe levels of food scarcity. This includes 1.2 million children. Along the frontlines, the crisis is even more severe—up to 27% of households experience food insecurity at extreme levels. Good Bread and Bake for Ukraine are working to address both food access and employment, particularly for vulnerable populations in Ukraine’s most affected areas.

Good Bread

Good Bread operates along the frontlines to provide mentally disabled Ukrainians with job opportunities and skills training while distributing food to those in need. The organization bakes 1,500 loaves of bread daily, along with cupcakes and hot meals.

A number of its active projects include Food Fighters, which distributes meals to homeless communities in Kyiv and Suspended Cupcakes, which delivers 900-gram cupcakes to military personnel and individuals in neuropsychiatric institutions. These ongoing efforts provide both nutritional and emotional support in difficult times. Good Bread also prioritizes job training and stability. Individuals with mental disabilities gain long-term skills through employment in the charity’s kitchens. An initiative, Hang a Cupcake, has become a routine and empowering task for many of the program’s workers.

Since 2022, the organization has delivered about 800,000 loaves of bread, employed more than 70 individuals with disabilities and distributed more than 200 hot lunches per week. The cupcakes—often symbolic of dignity and care—have also reached those most in need of encouragement. Good Bread relies entirely on donations to fund its mission. Its dual focus on food and employment has supported resilience in communities facing the daily realities of war.

Bake for Ukraine

Bake for Ukraine focuses on supporting local bakeries and delivering free bread to vulnerable communities, while also preserving Ukraine’s traditional bread culture, particularly the hearth-baked Palyanytsya. The initiative was launched to prevent bakery closures caused by war-related economic shocks. Through donor support, Bake for Ukraine supplies bakeries with funds, equipment and ingredients tailored to each business’s specific needs. An early project helped build a bakery in the basement of a local church. Similar efforts continue currently.

The organization also established mobile bakeries across Ukraine, including repurposed 1960s Swiss Army vehicles. These mobile units supply remote and underserved areas with fresh, shelf-stable bread, even where infrastructure is limited. Felicity Spector, journalist and author of “Bread and War,” emphasized the impact of the initiative. “At a time when people rely upon both hope and normality, workers and volunteers are delivering bread to those most in need and ensuring stability and job security for bakers across the country.” Despite challenges in maintaining funding, she described Bake for Ukraine’s work as far-reaching and essential.

Food and Job Security in Ukraine

Bread holds deep cultural significance in Ukraine, from ceremonial loaves to its role in wartime symbolism. Palyanytsya has even lent its name to military equipment during the ongoing conflict. Good Bread and Bake for Ukraine not only addresses immediate needs but also preserves a vital part of Ukraine’s identity. Their work reflects a broader effort to protect food and job security in Ukraine. Furthermore, they sustain livelihoods, provide dignity and ensure stability as the country faces continued displacement and economic strain.

– Macy Hall

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

Photo: Flickr

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NGOs Supporting Palestinians Amid Conflict and Hardship

How NGOs Are Supporting Palestinians Amid Conflict and HardshipDecades of conflict and hardship have left millions of Palestinians in need of humanitarian assistance, with 3.3 million requiring aid in Gaza and the West Bank. Amid widespread poverty—nearly half of Palestinian families live below the poverty line—80% of Gazans depend on relief supplies to survive. In response, a network of international and local NGOs are supporting Palestinians by providing life-saving aid, fostering economic resilience and advocating for human rights to support Palestinian communities.

PRCS and the Red Cross

Amid conflict, medical teams and first responders work tirelessly to deliver critical care under fire. The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), in coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), has been treating the injured and distributing essential supplies despite extreme dangers. By early January 2024, PRCS teams in Gaza had treated about 15,000 injured people while also distributing food, water, blankets and medical supplies to displaced families seeking shelter in hospitals. However, these humanitarian efforts have come at a cost, with ambulances and medical staff frequently coming under attack.

The ICRC has reinforced PRCS’s efforts by delivering relief supplies to more than 1.8 million displaced Gazans and providing cash assistance to more than 110,000 vulnerable individuals. In the West Bank, the ICRC has implemented emergency cash grants for 910 families whose homes were destroyed while also improving water and sanitation systems that benefit many residents. Together, these joint emergency medical efforts have been a lifeline for Palestinian civilians, ensuring that those in the most dire conditions receive critical support.

Healing Hands: International Medical Aid in Gaza

Beyond emergency response teams, international medical NGOs are addressing urgent health care shortages and providing life-saving treatment for Palestinians. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), which has operated in Gaza for decades, continues to provide surgical and burns care despite hospitals sustaining severe damage.

Following an airstrike on a refugee camp in northern Gaza in 2023, MSF teams treated 50 wounded patients in a single day at Al-Awda Hospital. Over the year, MSF provided more than 107,000 outpatient consultations, conducted 3,670 surgeries and led 13,300 mental health sessions for patients recovering from PTSD and war-related trauma.

Similarly, Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) has led one of its biggest humanitarian responses to date. In 2024 alone, MAP provided medical aid and humanitarian support to nearly 1 million Palestinians in Gaza. Working with local hospitals, MAP dispatched dozens of truckloads of medical supplies, including 32 aid trucks since a January 2025 ceasefire. Additionally, emergency medical teams have performed more than 7,593 consultations and 1,587 surgeries for injured civilians.

MAP’s work has also included hospital rehabilitation efforts, setting up new surgical wards and field clinics, while screening 47,000 people for malnutrition to prevent famine. As conflict continues to strain Gaza’s fragile health care system, these NGOs play a crucial role in sustaining life-saving medical operations.

Essential Aid for Displaced Families

Beyond medical care, NGOs are supporting displaced Palestinians by ensuring they receive necessities such as food, clean water and shelter. Save the Children, which has been active in the occupied Palestinian territories since the 1970s, has reached more than 1 million people in Gaza through relief efforts across 50 locations. The organization has distributed drinking water, food parcels, hygiene kits and winter supplies while also establishing Child-Friendly Spaces to support children’s mental health.

Similarly, Oxfam has launched an extensive emergency response, overcoming severe logistical challenges to assist. Since October 2023, Oxfam and its local partners have assisted more than 262,000 people in Gaza, including 120,000 children. Its efforts include:

  • Delivering clean water to 120,000 people through desalination units and latrines
  • Providing food aid to 140,000 individuals, including fresh vegetables from remaining local farms
  • Distributing winter supplies, including blankets and warm clothing, to 42,000 displaced people
  • Supplying cash vouchers, allowing families to buy essentials as needed

Despite ongoing fuel shortages and security threats, these organizations continue to provide vital aid to families facing extreme hardship.

Building Long-Term Resilience

While immediate humanitarian relief is crucial, NGOs are also working to rebuild Palestinian livelihoods by fostering economic resilience. The ICRC has provided cash grants to nearly 2,800 vulnerable individuals in the West Bank, helping sustain livestock and agriculture in rural communities. These grants allow farming families to replace lost animals and continue producing food despite instability.

Oxfam has also been instrumental in supporting Palestinian entrepreneurship. In Gaza, Oxfam-backed programs have helped individuals like Aya Kishko, a carpenter who opened a workshop recycling scrap wood into furniture despite the blockade. With limited raw materials entering Gaza, her business—supported by Oxfam initiatives—not only generates income but also repurposes scarce resources, showcasing NGO-driven resilience efforts. By investing in local businesses and sustainable economic opportunities, these organizations are empowering Palestinians to rebuild their futures despite ongoing challenges.

Balancing Aid and Advocacy

From field hospitals to food distribution centers, the NGOs supporting Palestinians provide a range of humanitarian services to Palestinians facing crisis and recovery efforts. While emergency aid addresses immediate survival needs, development programs focus on supporting livelihoods and long-term stability. However, demand for assistance continues to exceed available resources and aid agencies face operational challenges, including security risks and restricted access. As the situation continues, NGOs play a significant role in addressing humanitarian needs and supporting ongoing recovery efforts.

– Leah Ishak

Leah is based in Exeter, Devon, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Little Lions: Reducing Poverty Through Education in Kibera

Little Lions: Reducing Poverty Through Education in KiberaKibera, one of the world’s largest slums, is home to more than 230,000 men, women and children on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya. Many households survive on less than $2 a day, struggling with a lack of infrastructure, waste management, plumbing and water access. The high cost of refrigeration prevents residents from safely storing food, contributing to malnutrition and health risks. Waste accumulates in the streets and waterways, placing additional strain on the community.

The Barriers to Education in Kibera

Extreme poverty limits access to education, leaving 60% of children without formal schooling. The few available classrooms are overcrowded, with student-teacher ratios reaching 100-to-1 due to insufficient infrastructure, staff and resources. Without intervention, many children miss out on opportunities to build a better future.

Providing a Safe and Nurturing Environment

Little Lions opened its first school on the outskirts of Kibera in 2019. Through generous contributions, the team created a safe learning space for 167 students and counting. The school provides more than just education—students participate in art classes, dance competitions and soccer tournaments, building confidence and teamwork. Technology is another crucial element of the curriculum. Donated computers and online tutoring tools help students develop digital literacy, an essential skill for future opportunities. Before focusing on academics, however, the school prioritizes basic needs. Children receive two hot meals daily, sometimes the only food they will have, as well as plumbed bathrooms with running water—a rare necessity in Kibera.

Little Lions: Breaking Barriers Through Education

Little Lions is working to change this reality by providing structured, high-quality education in Kibera. The program ensures that young residents gain knowledge, skills and resources to build prosperous futures. The initiative focuses on nutrition, modern learning methods, personalized care and emotional support to address the deeper challenges of poverty.

Tuju Otieno, Little Lions Project Director, leads a team of educators who understand the hardships of growing up in informal settlements. Many teachers and staff were once orphaned or raised in slums, giving them a deep connection to the students. Little Lions offers a holistic approach to learning, combining the British and Kenyan curriculums while integrating counseling, music and art therapy to help children process the realities of their environment.

Beyond the Classroom: Supporting the Community

Little Lions’ impact extends beyond the students. The school employs about 20 staff members, including kitchen workers, teachers and sanitation crews, reducing high unemployment rates in the area. Through a partnership with Penda Health, the school provides health screenings for students and their families, ensuring their overall well-being. Parents are also included in the initiative through financial literacy, entrepreneurship and positive parenting workshops. Strengthening families allows students to thrive both at school and at home, reinforcing their ability to succeed.

A Ripple Effect in Kibera

Since its launch, Little Lions has transformed the lives of many Kiberans. Students have gained confidence, curiosity and academic skills and many have gone on to pursue secondary education. As education access expands, economic opportunities increase, helping to break the cycle of poverty in the community. By investing in education, holistic care and community development, Little Lions aims to prove that sustainable change is possible, even in the most challenging environments.

– Sarah Lang

Sarah is based in Pittsburgh, PA, USA and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Flooding in Sri Lanka: Building Resilience

Flooding in Sri LankaSince 2019, poverty in Sri Lanka has surged, doubling to 25% by 2022. More than 2.5 million individuals now live below the poverty line. Severe flooding, especially in the Colombo region, displaces thousands annually and deepens the cycle of poverty. The projections for major flood events are even more concerning, as they suggest that 34,000 people could be pushed into poverty overnight, with approximately 1,000 of these individuals remaining in poverty a decade later. The latest Yala Monsoon season, which lasts from May to September, displaced communities, destroyed property and claimed lives, highlighting the growing severity of the issue. Addressing this crisis requires immediate, sustainable solutions that reduce poverty and mitigate seasonal floods. Without comprehensive action to combat flooding in Sri Lanka, the nation risks ongoing cycles of impoverishment, displacement and economic instability.

Building Colombo’s Flood Resilience

Colombo, situated within a river basin, faces regular flooding during the monsoon season. However, the city benefits from an extensive network of wetlands, which play a vital role in flood management by absorbing approximately 40% of floodwaters. Wetlands—areas of water-saturated land—serve as natural flood defenses by absorbing excess water and slowing down its flow, which mitigates flood intensity and associated damage. This natural buffer within Colombo helps alleviate the impacts of heavy rainfall and reduces the risks of flooding in Sri Lanka.

Urban expansion, however, has drastically reduced Colombo’s wetland areas, draining and infilling these ecosystems to accommodate growth. The World Bank revealed that Colombo’s wetlands had declined by about 40% over three decades. Wetlands like the Thalangama Wetland, just outside Colombo, suffer from degradation and misuse as dumping grounds. These direct and indirect effects of urbanization intensify Colombo’s vulnerability to flooding.

In response, the government, with support from the World Bank-funded Metro Colombo Urban Development Project, launched the Metro Colombo Wetland Management Strategy in 2016. This initiative prioritizes wetland restoration and integrates these ecosystems into urban planning to prevent further losses. These efforts led Colombo to become the first capital city to earn international Wetland City accreditation from the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 2018, which promotes international protection for its wetlands.

Today, Colombo’s wetlands receive stronger protection. According to BBC, efforts to rehabilitate degraded areas, including the Thalangama Wetland, have turned these spaces into biodiverse tourist attractions while maintaining their role as critical flood defenses. The government has also suspended all activities involving the filling or destruction of wetlands in 2018.

Looking Forward

Colombo has successfully revitalized its degraded wetlands, transforming garbage-filled areas into ecosystems that boost biodiversity and protect against flooding. Community-led cleanups and government initiatives, such as the 2016 Metro Colombo Wetland Management Strategy, have enhanced wetlands’ ability to boost environmental resilience and improve urban quality of life. The Ramsar accreditation has curbed further encroachment by raising awareness. However, rapid urban expansion still threatens these ecosystems, BBC reports. Sustained cooperation between residents, authorities, and organizations remains vital to safeguarding these wetlands, which are crucial to Colombo’s sustainability and flood defense.

Asian Development Bank (ADB) report emphasizes the rising frequency of El Niño events, which intensify monsoons and contribute to flooding in Sri Lanka. Restoring and protecting wetlands is just one of many essential steps to strengthen the country’s flood resilience.

– William Pickering

William is based in Nottingham, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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A New Chapter: Greenpeace in Kyiv

Greenpeace: A New Chapter in KyivGreenpeace has established its first office in Kyiv amid ongoing conflict, committing to support Ukraine’s green reconstruction. The environmental NGO links peace prospects with the country’s environmental rehabilitation, emphasizing that sustainable energy fosters a sustainable future. Natalia Gozak, office director of Greenpeace Ukraine, highlighted the importance of transitioning to green technologies during the office’s opening on Sept. 10.

Greenpeace Ukraine’s Mission and Challenges

In an interview with the New Humanitarian, Natalia outlined the three pillars of Greenpeace’s mission: The sustainable and green reconstruction of infrastructure. Incorporating solar panels, heat pumps and green technologies into regeneration projects is vital to the longevity of Ukraine’s recovery. The monitoring of nuclear sources and power plants, with particular focus on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is now occupied by Russian forces. The investigation into environmental crimes, such as the occupation of nuclear sites, threatens further environmental disasters. Nuclear energy sources could be weaponized as forms of warfare. 

Economic Implications and Political Scrutiny

The cost of Ukraine’s reconstruction being estimated by the World Bank to have grown to  $411 billion. It is now vital that such reconstruction projects have sustainable foundations as Gozak has pledged to be a role model for rebuilding devastated societies in as green a way as possible. Through advocating for the sustainable rehabilitation of Ukraine, Greenpeace has also exposed itself to political scrutiny and intimidation. The Russian Prosecutor General’s Office designated Greenpeace as ‘undesirable,’ interpreting its work as anti-Russian and threatening to the constitutional system and security of Russia.

Greenpeace Frameworks

Greenpeace is building on existing research and projects that advocate sustainable solutions to conflict. Guided by the European Union’s (EU’s) Green Deal, the Lugano Declaration on the Reconstruction of Ukraine committed to the rebuilding of infrastructure in alignment with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Ukrainian civil organizations are similarly creating conditions for a green recovery. Environmental NGOs such as Ecoclub Rivne and ro3kvit combine environmental policy with urban planning. The organizations have initiated projects that aim to place sustainability at the heart of reconstruction.

  • Ro3kvit. Ro3kvit was founded in March 2022 by a coalition of professors in response to the destruction caused by Russian military aggression. The knowledge and expertise of more than 100 academics have spawned green solutions to rebuilding Ukraine’s urban and rural areas. Studies on other postwar countries have informed their design methods. Projects such as ‘A vision for Mariupol: City strategy’ synthesize memory, identity and ecology in their environmental solutions. Working in partnership with Greenpeace, the project ‘Dnipro River Integrated Vision’ aims to optimize the green and economic potential of the Dnipro River. Indeed, Ro3kvit looks to a post-war future in its projects, creating urban plans that will outlast Russian military aggression. 
  • Ecoclub Rivne. Ecoclub Rivne has been working as an NGO for more than 20 years and links the sustainable development of society to the development of peace. Through linking sustainability to nonviolence and tolerance, it projects a post-war future for Ukraine that centers on green policy. Its recent Modernisation Partnership project aims to increase the efficiency of energy management in hospitals. This will be achieved by training specialists and disseminating this knowledge among managers. Alongside Greenpeace and other Ukrainian organizations, Ecoclub Rivne has sought solutions to the conflict through a focus on energy efficiency and sustainability.

Looking Ahead

The new presence of Greenpeace in Kyiv highlights a strong commitment to environmentally conscious recovery efforts in Ukraine. Through collaboration with local environmental groups, the focus remains on sustainable reconstruction, green energy initiatives and promoting long-term solutions. The efforts of Greenpeace in Kyiv represent a broader vision for rebuilding a resilient and environmentally secure Ukraine beyond the conflict.

– Lucy Tappin

Lucy is based in Oxford, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr