Archive for category: Nonprofit Organizations and NGOs

Information and stories about nonprofit organizations and NGOs

, ,

Reducing Poverty in Ukraine: From Nonprofits to IKEA

Poverty in UkraineWith ongoing humanitarian threats and a national focus redirected toward wartime efforts following Russia’s illegal 2022 invasion, Ukraine is experiencing a rise in poverty.

Poverty in Ukraine

Despite recent negative trends, Ukraine’s national poverty decreased from 2016 through 2021, with poverty levels of 51.1% declining to 20.6%, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. With the help of sustained economic growth, increased income, improvements in the labor market and government policies, Ukraine ensured a reduction in poverty.

Once the war began in 2022, government policies and initiatives, including the Household Budget Surveys (HBS), were canceled because of disruptions and the need to consolidate funds. According to the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, the government implemented a program to modernize state statistical methods and initiatives, including the HBS, reinforcing Ukraine’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals through 2030.

With these and other poverty-reducing policies now on hold, continued international support and donations are imperative to help reduce poverty in Ukraine.

National Organizations Supplying Donations

  1. Razom for Ukraine. This is a nonprofit that uses international donations to reduce poverty in Ukraine and support those affected by the war. Its goals include delivering supplies to medics and civilians and promoting education and advocacy to build public support for international policies backing Ukraine. Donations have provided hygiene and first aid kits for families in war-devastated areas, supplies for field medics and repair kits for damaged homes. According to Razom for Ukraine, these items, together with broader support programs, help communities facing violence hold onto hope for a future with reduced poverty and recovery from the impact of Russia’s invasion. Razom for Ukraine partners with other nonprofits and organizations to deliver humanitarian aid across multiple sectors. One example is its collaboration with Building Ukraine Together, highlighted by CEO Dora Chomiak in an interview with Columbia University’s “Journal of International Affairs.” This partnership helps physically and figuratively rebuild households so Ukrainians can improve living conditions despite large-scale destruction. Through international donations, Razom for Ukraine reduces poverty by strengthening communities and expanding access to jobs and education.
  2. Nova Ukraine. Another nonprofit that sends international donations to reduce poverty in Ukraine and improve Ukrainians’ well-being is Nova Ukraine. Nova Ukraine shares similar goals with Razom for Ukraine, focusing on humanitarian aid and raising awareness. Its volunteers work on supplying resources and aid, running outreach programs and supporting refugee initiatives, with some volunteers based in Ukraine.Like Razom for Ukraine, Nova Ukraine partners with other organizations to extend aid to those in need. One such partnership is with UNICEF USA, which focuses on supporting children and families in Ukraine. Helping families directly and supporting children from devastated communities enables current and future generations to persevere. This creates stronger ties and a unified front in rebuilding Ukraine during and after the war.

IKEA’s Humanitarian Aid for Ukraine

IKEA, a Swedish furniture and home goods company, has taken steps, along with partners, to address the humanitarian issues that arise from the war. After Russia’s initial invasion in 2022, IKEA halted exports and imports to Russia and Belarus. Additionally, IKEA and its partners have donated millions of dollars to aid organizations, hoping to support services and individuals in Ukraine impacted by the war.

These donations also support medical organizations and allow medics and doctors in Ukraine to receive modern equipment, improving the country’s medical system. These supplies benefit civilians, enlisted military and members of international aid organizations near and at the frontlines, maintaining direct humanitarian aid for Ukraine.

Within IKEA, the Ingka Group, a retail partner, donated furniture, toys and other goods for displaced families and Ukrainians fleeing the nation at the start of the war. The donations were crucial for supplying UNICEF with the necessities of housing and caring for individuals and added humane relief for children. IKEA and its partners help reduce poverty in Ukraine by supporting organizations that assist refugees while creating and preserving jobs and livelihoods for Ukrainians in need.

– Avery Kachmarsky

Avery is based in Los Angeles, CA, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Arukah Network: Uplifting Communities Through Collaboration

Arukah NetworkIn the Himalayan Mountains of India during the early 2000s, community members worked passionately in small groups to cultivate community health and humanitarian programs. Some of their efforts were successful, but there was a problem: the groups usually worked in isolation. After noticing the need for a solution to boost the effectiveness of organizations through partnerships, Dr. Ted Lankester co-founded Arukah Network in 2004.

The Arukah Network Model

Arukah Network aims to help establish and nurture independent local groups or “Clusters” that collaborate to serve their communities by improving health and well-being. Clusters are teams of people with diverse skills and backgrounds from a common geographical or themed interest. Arukah Network’s broader organization creates and supports Clusters by connecting with, supporting, mentoring, training and encouraging local community leaders to equip them with tools to be advocates for their communities.

In effect, Cluster leaders educate and support local members by building relationships, mobilizing resources, developing support networks, conducting training and hosting events. Some groups have improved sanitation and maternal health, provided emergency aid, reduced sexual violence, increased disability inclusion and promoted community reconciliation.

A Different Kind of Aid

When nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) come into communities, they often decide what the people need and fund those projects, said Brian Wainana, Arukah Network’s Communications & Network Engagement Lead, in an interview with The Borgen Project. Because that approach rarely leads to sustainable solutions, Arukah Network chose a different method.

The organization believes communities know more about their needs and possible solutions than most outsiders. Therefore, Arukah’s aid model emphasizes the need for people to identify their challenges and devise solutions as a community. Due to this framework, Clusters can be self-sufficient and sustain operations through entrepreneurship, fundraising and sourcing grants. For instance, after the Ekari Cluster in Malawi created a farmer co-operative to restore community confidence and cultivate resources, the Cluster received $85,000 from a U.S. government grant in 2024.

The Arukah Network uses the Support and Stimulate, Appreciate, Learn and Transfer (SALT) approach to help transformative community conversations occur. SALT visits, where a team of people visit a community to speak with local people about their experiences, lead to discussions about ways to address relevant challenges in that region. “So, it’s much more than a way of working: it’s a way of thinking and being that values the strengths hidden within a neighborhood,” said Wainana.

A benefit of this model is that it allows civilians to collaborate with local governments, Wainana said. Arukah believes that the government’s primary responsibility is to support its citizenry’s health systems and public health priorities, along with preventative and curative care. In resource-poor areas, where government services are under strain, Clusters have worked to cultivate partnerships with their governments to amplify social safety institutions.

Arukah Network’s Multinational Operations

Arukah Network has 15 Cluster organizations throughout Tanzania, Zambia, Kenya, Rwanda, Malawi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and India. Each Cluster works in response to the health and humanitarian needs unique to that area.

Clusters in India work mainly to improve access to health care and advocate for disability inclusion. In contrast, the Cluster in Tanzania prioritizes human rights. Clusters in Kenya, Zambia, Malawi and Rwanda focus primarily on agriculture. Wainana said additional areas of interest to most Clusters include entrepreneurship, mental health, women’s empowerment and creative arts.

Arukah Network’s Crisis Response

A clear example of a Cluster group offering effective humanitarian support during times of need is the one operating in Goma, DRC. Although the Cluster in Goma was disempowered after the M23 rebel group captured the city in early 2025, Arukah Network members still stepped up. They supported 47 unaccompanied children in refugee camps each week and ran conflict awareness campaigns.

The Cluster in Goma is supporting child-led families who lost their parents in the war, training other groups on “the Arukah model of collaboration” and continuing a chicken-raising project that helps sustain the group, Wainana said. The group also raised funds to provide school supplies for orphans and food for older people. At one point, communication lines were cut and rebels were committing violence against civilians. “Despite safety concerns, the Cluster has kept going, seeking to help those around them,” said Wainana.

The Future of Arukah

After the Goma Cluster proved the impact of its training and community engagement, a new Cluster was launched more than 300 kilometers away in Uvira, DRC. The Uvira Cluster aims to support survivors of gender-based violence in the region. Arukah Network receives funding from yearly trust grants and monthly donations. However, due to decreased funding, Arukah Network’s ability to provide quick emergency relief funds to needy Clusters, such as the Goma Cluster, is affected.

“We think global priorities are shifting, hence the decrease in funding,” Wainana said. In addition, worldwide inflation results in higher bills and decreased people’s likelihood to donate to charity.

USAID officially ceased operations in July 2025, while the U.K. is reducing its aid output to focus on defense spending. These cuts are beginning to harm nonprofit humanitarian organizations like Arukah Network. Increased investments in global public health are necessary to sustain groups like Arukah Network and their ability to provide support to communities in need.

– Erin Hellhake

Erin is based in Old Bridge, NJ, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

, ,

Combating Poverty in Mexico

Combating Poverty in Mexico Mexico has seen a decline in poverty in recent years. At its peak, the rate reached 43.2% in 2016 but fell to 36.3% by 2022. These signs of progress show that the country is tackling poverty in a positive way. Yet, one problem is that the population living in extreme poverty has gone up in recent years, with additional factors like access to health care and education also rising. Many organizations have stepped up to address this issue, helping families in rural areas of Mexico gain access to clean water, education and health care.

Policies and Governmental Strategies

Recent efforts to combat poverty in Mexico focus on inclusive and sustainable growth, according to the World Bank. Its analysis shows several areas for improvement in long-term poverty reduction. The first is female employment. Increasing the employment rate for women in the workforce contributes to economic development for the country.

Rural development is also a key factor in combating poverty. Improving rural infrastructure, education and health care services is essential to address regional disparities. Additionally, social protection is another element the government can tackle to help improve the situation. Strengthening benefits with worker protections can make economic growth more inclusive. As the World Bank notes, “social assistance reforms can redesign some programs to increase their progressivity and sufficiency,” enhancing effectiveness in combating poverty.

An overlooked aspect of why poverty is so complex in Mexico is the major climate events across the country. According to the World Bank, about 33% of poverty in Mexico is correlated with severe weather events. Hurricanes, droughts and floods affect those living in vulnerable conditions, further worsening their situations. Investing in more resilient infrastructure, such as durable housing and clean water systems, is a priority.

Organizations Addressing Poverty in Mexico

Several nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are working to combat poverty in Mexico through multiple projects and initiatives. Esperanza Contigo focuses on children living in poverty, more specifically in rural areas. According to a report by the organization, more than 20 million children in Mexico live below the poverty line. This is due to reasons such as the minimum wage for a worker in Mexico being about $8.50 a day and rural schools being under-resourced, both of which fuel the cycle of poverty in the country.

Esperanza Contigo works to raise awareness, provide resources and advocate for change to improve the lives of children living in poverty. The organization has seen results in its work throughout Mexico, including helping abandoned children in the city of Tijuana. There, it provides foster care and offers shelter, education and health care programs. The organization states that “the best way to tackle child poverty is to be prepared.” 

CHOICE Humanitarian carries out locally led projects that address poverty in Mexico, mainly in rural areas. Its work includes increasing livestock and promoting agricultural sustainability. The organization helps families build stable food sources and income through efforts such as constructing wells and water filters. By doing so, CHOICE Humanitarian teaches communities the skills needed to continue these practices on their own. The organization’s activities support economic development, with the goal of combating poverty in this way.

In its 2024 annual report, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) outlined efforts to improve child nutrition, access to early childhood education and social inclusion. In cooperation with the Mexican government, UNICEF and the legislative branch are working to integrate child-centered initiatives into national planning. The organization has already reported progress in key areas such as nutrition, well-being and inclusion. 

Looking Ahead

Combating poverty in Mexico remains a challenge. It is not just one aspect that must be addressed, but multiple dimensions of poverty at the same time. This complexity has drawn many organizations to take part in tackling the problem. With projects underway to support people in need and with cooperation from the national government, Mexico is laying the groundwork for progress in combating poverty.

– Pablo Roque

Pablo is based in McAllen, TX, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Major Facts About Poverty in Okinawa

Poverty in OkinawaOkinawa is one of the largest islands within the Ryukyu island chain and the smallest prefecture in Japan. Formally known as the Ryukyu Kingdom, Okinawa is known internationally as an island travel destination and a Blue Zone area. A hidden struggle among Okinawan residents lies within the region’s rich culture and beautiful beaches. While Japan is considered a nation with high national well-being, poverty in Okinawa is 35%, twice the national average.

Single-Parent Household Ratios Are High

Contributing to poverty in Okinawa are single-parent or single-mother households. According to Professor Yanfei Zhou of Japan Women’s University from the documentary “The Ones Left Behind: The Plight of Single Mothers in Japan,” despite single-parent households having a high employment percentage of 85%, 48.3% of the households are in poverty.

In Okinawa, single-mother households are the majority, resulting in a 30% child poverty rate that is almost double the national average. Many of these single-mother households have to work two jobs, with their second being a hostess at nightclubs.

US Military Facilities Dominate Okinawa

Many of Okinawa’s poverty-related issues stem from Japan’s relationship with the U.S. military. After World War II and the devastating 1945 Battle of Okinawa, Japan allowed the U.S. to establish military facilities on the island, bases that remain in place today.

Due to the 1945 battle devastating Okinawa’s existing infrastructure and major agricultural fields being demolished for military facilities, the prefecture experienced major economic infrastructure development delays.

About half of all U.S. forces in Japan remain in Okinawa today, an island that makes up less than 0.6% of the country’s territory. The weak infrastructure on the island continues to contribute to the low employment rates and poverty in Okinawa.

Unemployment Rates Are High

According to e-Stat, Okinawa’s unemployment rate was 8.1% in 2023, the highest percentage among Japan’s prefectures. Many factors contribute to this, including limited infrastructure due to the U.S. military presence, dependence on a tourism industry with low wages and unstable work and low university enrollment among young people. The island’s geographic isolation from mainland Japan also worsens unemployment and poverty in Okinawa.

Okinawa Lacks Support From the Japanese Government

Although the Japanese government provides Okinawa with more than $2 billion in annual financial support, the relationship between Okinawan residents and the state remains complicated. Many oppose current plans to relocate the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station from Futenma to the coast of Henoko, reflecting longstanding resentment over the U.S. military presence.

Japan’s colonization of the former Ryukyu Kingdom and deep cultural differences between Okinawa and the mainland have also fueled tension. As a result, Okinawa is often viewed as neglected compared to other Japanese prefectures.

Organizations Providing Aid

While poverty in Okinawa stems from many factors, nonprofit organizations and local leaders continue to fight for change. HelpOki, a volunteer-based nonprofit founded in 2011, works to combat poverty by providing vital resources and support to those in need. To address food insecurity, the group established Okinawa’s first food bank and continues to supply essentials to homeless shelters, foster homes and other community organizations.

Organizations outside Okinawa are also working to fight poverty in the prefecture. Second Harvest Japan, the country’s first incorporated food bank, aims to build a nationwide food safety net. In 2020, in collaboration with Barclays, it launched the Usagamisore Project. The initiative provided food to 30,000 households in Okinawa during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to serve the community while expanding its reach to the greater Tokyo area.

Local leaders have also made slow but steady plans to make Okinawa more self-reliant. They aim to reduce poverty and unemployment rates while still addressing residents’ concerns with U.S. forces and their presence in Okinawa.

– Skylar Paxton

Skylar is based in Lake Forest, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

, , ,

Private Foundations Expanding Global Aid Amid USAID Cuts

Private Foundations Expanding Global Aid Amid USAID CutsIn early 2025, the new White House administration initiated sweeping changes to the United States (U.S.) foreign aid policy, placing a 90-day pause on all new obligations and disbursements from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This move, part of a broader effort to “reevaluate and realign” foreign assistance with American interests, has significantly reduced the federal government’s role in global development and has significantly decreased foreign assistance to countries across the world.

Concerns Over USAID Cuts

The administration’s budget proposal includes an $8.3 billion cut to foreign assistance, effectively dismantling large portions of USAID. These cuts have raised concerns among international development experts. Humanitarian organizations warn that the withdrawal of U.S. support could destabilize fragile economies and undo decades of progress in global health, education and poverty reduction. In the wake of these reductions, experts have noted that the following foundations are expanding global aid amid USAID cuts.

Private Foundations Expanding Global Aid

  • The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The Gates Foundation, already one of the largest private funders of global health initiatives, has increased its investments in vaccine distribution, agricultural development and maternal health. The foundation is increasing its notoriety, as Microsoft Co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates has set forth the largest philanthropic commitment in history, planning to raise $200 billion by 2045. The organization’s goals in global health and development aim to reduce health inequities by developing innovative tools and strategies to combat infectious diseases and leading causes of child mortality in developing countries. The organization, so far, has gained upwards of $8 billion in charitable support, with partners of the organization spanning 130 countries. 
  • The Rockefeller Foundation. Created by John D. Rockefeller in 1913, the Rockefeller Foundation has grown to be one of the largest philanthropic organizations in the U.S., investing more than $26 billion in philanthropic capital in the last century.  The organization’s three main areas of work globally are health, food and power.  The organization mostly aims to help people in the U.S., but also in areas such as Africa and Asia. By addressing health globally, the organization aims to increase health equity by centering on vulnerable communities, scaling cross-sector innovations, securing sustainable financing and aligning global partnerships and policies for lasting impact. For food prosperity, the Rockefeller Foundation supports innovative tools, smart policies and public procurement strategies that build a sustainable food system—one that values the environment, local economies and racial equity. The main sector the organization deals with is renewable energy and power. While working with the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), the Rockefeller Foundation introduced renewable energy in more than 80 nations, mostly in Africa and Asia, where access to electricity remains limited.
  • Open Society Foundations. Founded by George Soros, the Open Society Foundations (OSF) is one of the world’s largest philanthropic organizations, which has donated more than $32 billion to support its mission. In 2023 alone, it donated $1.7 billion in funding. OSF works worldwide to promote justice, human rights and democratic governance through various initiatives. Its philanthropic efforts extend across continents—including Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the U.S. The foundation grants thousands of dollars each year to individuals and organizations that share its values, emphasizing long-term partnerships, quick-response funding during government crises and strategic litigation. 
  • The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation is a major philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing global foundations through grants and long-term partnerships. Founded in 1966 by Bill and Flora Hewlett, the foundation supports initiatives that promote education, environmental sustainability, gender equity and democratic governance across the world.  Globally, it funds efforts to combat climate change, expand access to reproductive health and empower women economically, particularly in East and West Africa and Mexico. Indeed, in 2024 alone, the organization awarded $148.6 million in grants to promote gender equity and governance in these regions. Evidence-informed policymaking through governance is one of its strategies for increasing gender equity and this empowers policymakers to effectively use data and evidence in meeting the needs of citizens through organizations that work with the foundation. The foundation invests in strengthening civil society and inclusive governance, aiming to build effective communities and institutions. 

Looking Ahead

These foundations expanding global aid continue to play a crucial role in supporting foreign assistance, especially during periods of uncertainty in public funding. Indeed, their growing influence highlights the increasing role of private foundations in driving global aid efforts. As current funding evaluations wrap up, the trajectory of foreign assistance remains unclear. In the meantime, global development initiatives look set to increasingly rely on the strength and commitment of the philanthropic sector.

– Dylan Fly

Dylan is based in Detroit, MI, USA and focuses on Business and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

STEMINC Transforming STEM Education in Ghana

STEM Education in GhanaScience and technology shape everything from communication to combating disease and building resilient economies. Yet, in many parts of Ghana, access to quality Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education remains deeply unequal. Despite the government’s push to prioritize STEM through policies like the Education Strategic Plan (2018–2030) and the rollout of STEM-designated senior high schools, interest remains low. In 2023, only 9.4% of candidates from public basic schools in the Prestea Huni‑Valley Municipality opted for STEM-related programs in the BECE exam. These figures reveal a gap between policy and participation. 

The Significance of STEM

Around the globe, STEM fields are engines of innovation, economic growth and job creation. For developing countries like Ghana, investing in STEM is not just about keeping up with the digital age, it’s about tackling youth unemployment, improving health care, strengthening infrastructure and reducing poverty. According to the World Bank, enhancing STEM skills across Africa can power economic growth and innovation in sectors like green energy, climate resilience, cybersecurity and health systems.

The Ghanaian government has recognized this through recent policy reforms, including the construction of STEM-focused senior high schools and curriculum upgrades that integrate coding and robotics. However, access to quality STEM education is still a privilege, not a guarantee, especially for students in underserved and rural areas. According to Africa Education Watch, only 2% of deprived basic schools in Ghana have functioning ICT labs, compared to just 8% in better-endowed schools, severely limiting students’ ability to engage with STEM subjects.

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) 2023 Global Education Monitoring Report, only about 47% of primary schools, 50% of lower-secondary schools and 65% of upper-secondary schools in Sub‑Saharan Africa have internet access. This highlights significant gaps in basic Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure in the region. Even in urban areas, disparities persist along gender and socio-economic lines, with girls and low-income students often left behind.

The Role of STEMINC: Equity Through Innovation

Founded to address ongoing challenges, STEM Inclusion Ghana (STEMINC) is a nonprofit on a mission: to democratize STEM education for all Ghanaian students regardless of background, gender, or location. Through a growing number of projects, STEMINC offers hands-on training in coding, robotics and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. It provides teacher support and digital resources to build classroom capacity, hosts community workshops to demystify STEM and inspire student curiosity and runs gender-inclusive programs to ensure girls have equal opportunities to explore and succeed in STEM fields.

The organization’s model brings STEM to the student, rather than the student to STEM. Whether it’s hosting robotics competitions in underserved districts or providing offline coding kits for schools with no internet, STEMINC meets learners where they are. STEMINC staff emphasize that STEM initiatives can be life-changing for students who previously had no exposure to computing, many go on to build websites or code robots, illustrating real transformation

The Challenge Beneath the Progress

Despite the momentum so far, systemic barriers remain. According to the 2024 Africa Education Watch Policy Brief, just 13% of public junior high schools in Ghana have functional ICT facilities and many teachers still lack formal training in digital tools. Electricity access in schools remains below 50% in a deprived district. For students, a lack of role models, peer encouragement or even access to basic tools like calculators or computer labs can discourage continued STEM participation, especially for girls. Cultural expectations and economic pressures add another layer, making early dropout rates and career redirection common among even promising young learners.

Looking Ahead

“The African continent holds a huge potential to transform its education sector and labour market through science, technology and innovation. We need to unlock the potential of STEM education across Africa. And African girls represent the greatest untapped population to become the next generation of innovators,” said Stefania Giannini, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education.

According to UNESCO’s 2023 Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report on Technology in Education, equitable access to technology in schools is essential to progress toward SDG 4 and broader educational outcomes. Speaking at the Ghana Philanthropy Conference in 2023, the Country Director of the Global Volunteers Corps (GVC), Ms. Ackah, emphasized the need for grassroots efforts. “We believe that every action, no matter how small, can have a ripple effect, touching the lives of individuals and communities far beyond our immediate reach. When we volunteer, we become agents of change,” Ackah said.

– Dela Michel

Dela is based in Rockville, MD USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Stop TB Partnership Takes Action With RESPECT

Stop TB Partnership Takes Action With RESPECT Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that mostly affects the lungs. It spreads through the air when people with TB cough, sneeze or spit. TB is a preventable and curable disease. Only about a quarter of the world’s population is estimated to have TB bacteria. About 5% to 10% of people infected with TB will eventually get symptoms and contract TB disease. People who have the bacteria but are free of the disease cannot transmit it. Treatment usually involves the use of TB antibiotics, without which TB can be fatal.

Overview of Project RESPECT

The Stop TB Partnership, in collaboration with Unitaid, is leading the Reshaping People-Centric Empowered Community-led DR-TB Treatment (RESPECT). DR-TB refers to drug-resistant tuberculosis. The project focuses on mobilizing and strengthening the role of TB-affected communities and civil society to increase the demand for and uptake of DR-TB services and tools.

Community Engagement and Target Regions

RESPECT plans to use the Stop TB Partnership’s Challenge Facility for Civil Society (CFCS) to boost community engagement and demand for DR-TB services and tools in Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, India, Moldova and Pakistan. The project also supports national networks in advocating for budgets and policies, promoting literacy and stigma reduction initiatives and conducting community-led monitoring to enhance accountability. Other consortium partners will join the Stop TB Partnership’s efforts to advance this work at the country level.

Funding and Treatment Shift

The Stop TB Partnership will implement RESPECT alongside other programs as part of a $15.3 million investment from Unitaid to strengthen DR-TB action in 16 countries. The initiative aims to empower those most affected and increase demand for, address barriers to and improve access to new World Health Organization (WHO) treatment regimens for DR-TB. These new regimens replace older treatments that could last up to two years and required painful injections.

Goals and Impact

Project RESPECT seeks to have a transformative impact on DR-TB care by identifying and removing barriers to life-saving diagnosis and treatment. According to Dr. Philippe Duneton, Executive Director of Unitaid, “Too often, the latest innovations in drug-resistant TB testing and treatment do not reach populations that need them. Community networks can help us to reach beyond the health care system and drive demand, reduce stigma and ensure equitable access to the latest tools.” The project also aims to raise awareness and build the capacity of communities through community-led monitoring, training, advocacy and communication tools. These resources will ensure the creation of literacy and communication materials tailored for affected communities and local governments.

Looking Ahead

TB has a reputation as a contagious but curable disease. The Stop TB Partnership is working to reinforce this globally through RESPECT and other initiatives. DR-TB poses a serious public health threat in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and recent developments in DR-TB treatments have led to World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended regimens that can cut treatment time and costs in half. However, adoption of these new treatment regimens has been slow in many LMICs. Through RESPECT, Unitaid will implement mechanisms that drive demand and create solutions tailored to community needs. The project will also develop and share tools and resources to strengthen community engagement and improve the overall response to DR-TB. This approach aims to improve health outcomes and reduce TB-related stigma and discrimination and will be complemented by the Stop TB Partnership’s work in other countries.

– Abirame Shanthakumar

Abirame is based in Ontario, Canada and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

How NGOs Are Saving Refugee Education in Lebanon

How NGOs Are Saving Refugee Education in Lebanon Amid a deepening economic crisis, on-the-ground nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are leading a shift in refugee education in Lebanon. With nearly half of school-aged Syrian refugee children in Lebanon out of school and Palestinian refugees facing decades of underfunded educational infrastructure, organizations such as Basmeh & Zeitooneh, Save the Children and International Network for Aid Relief and Assistance (INARA) are working to expand access to education.

A Struggling System

Lebanon hosts one of the highest refugee per‐capita ratios in the world, with nearly 1.5 million Syrians and hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. Public schools remain overwhelmed and under-resourced. The “second shift” program designed for Syrian refugees has repeatedly suffered denial of access due to arbitrary closures, delayed enrollment and restrictive local policies. Host-country mandates like certifying prior education or having official residency documents block thousands from enrolling. In 2021, only about 40% of school-age Syrian refugees in Lebanon were in formal education, while nearly 200,000 had never attended school.

Grassroots Innovation: What NGOs Are Doing

By addressing the trauma and lived experiences of displaced children, NGOs are revolutionizing refugee education in Lebanon. Basmeh & Zeitooneh run community centers and offer nonformal education and psychological support for refugee children. Through holistic education, the organization combats child labour and early marriage. Save the Children reports that Lebanon hosts more than 660,000 school‑age Syrian refugees, with at least half out of school, launching a hybrid learning program by distributing tablets, running virtual classrooms and providing mental health resources.

INARA has provided rapid-response medical and mental health support to displaced children in Lebanon, and occasionally offers informal educational services as part of holistic care. These NGOs ensure that academic progress is never separated from emotional well-being — a critical consideration for trauma-exposed youth. They also highlight how grassroots innovation is reshaping refugee education in Lebanon, especially for those left out of formal systems. The impact of NGOs in Lebanon is far-reaching, demonstrating what inclusive, community-led education programs can look like worldwide.

Looking Ahead

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), refugee children who access education are more likely to avoid child labor, forced marriage and recruitment by armed groups. Hence, when refugee children are denied education, cycles of poverty and instability become entrenched, putting future generations at risk. But when they are given the tools to learn — through organizations that understand their specific needs — they have a chance not just to survive, but to thrive. Sustaining the progress so far will require continued support for grassroots solutions, collaboration with the Lebanese government to strengthen education policies and a shared commitment to protecting refugee education in Lebanon.

– Riddhi Sharma

Riddhi is based in Richmond, BC, Canada and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Amazon’s Water Replenishment Program in India

Amazon's Water Replenishment ProgramWith a population of more than 1.4 billion people, India is the most populous country in the world. This title also puts pressure on the country’s resources, such as clean and safe water. Water stress in India has left 35 million people without access to clean water and more than 600 million people, nearly half of the country, lack reliable plumbing. However, Amazon’s water replenishment program is working to change this. The e-commerce giant’s program is restoring water to several locations in India, including the Yamuna River watershed, Yamare Lake and Sai Reddy Lake, to combat water scarcity.

Restoring 400 Million Litres of Water to New Delhi

At its Water Dialogues event, Amazon announced plans to support water sustainability in India. The project in New Delhi is a partnership with Hasten Regeneration, a developer of ecosystem restoration projects, as well as Arpan Seva Sansthan, a sustainable development nonprofit and Clear Water Dynamics, a water engineering firm.

Amazon’s water replenishment program will focus on improving existing infrastructure, such as check dams, and constructing new water structures, such as recharge shafts and percolation pits. Amazon also plans to plant ample vegetation around these structures to prevent erosion and increase moisture in the surrounding soil. 

These improvements to New Delhi’s water infrastructure are expected to replenish 400 million litres annually to the Yamuna watershed. Amazon’s goal is to replenish more water than what the company uses in its Indian offices and fulfillment centers by 2027.

Rehabilitating Yamare Lake and Sai Reddy Lake

In addition to the project to restore the Yamuna Watershed, Amazon is also focusing its water conservation efforts in other areas of high water stress in India. The Yamare and Sai Reddy Lakes used to be reliable water sources for the surrounding communities. However, sediment buildup, urbanization, vegetation overgrowth and erosion have led to the diminished water storage capacity of the bodies of water and further strain on local water resources.

Amazon is teaming up with the environmental organization SayTrees to restore the lakes. Since January 2025, the partnership has been desilting the lakes, restoring embankments and repairing inlet and outlet structures. These projects aim to bring 270 million litres of water to Yamare Lake and 300 million litres to Sai Reddy Lake annually once completed.

Other Water Conservation Efforts by Amazon

In 2022, Amazon announced a project with WaterAid in Hyderabad and Andhra Pradesh with the goal of supplying the areas with a combined 640 million liters of water annually. In 2023, Amazon set out to secure consistent water supplies for farmers in Hyderabad by creating 100 new ponds across 12 villages, bringing almost 90 million liters of water to the area annually.

Amazon’s goal is to create “long-lasting, climate-resilient water and sanitation solutions” for communities in India. These water conservation efforts come alongside other initiatives such as reduced and recyclable shipping materials, investments in nature-based projects and switching to electric delivery vehicles. Amazon has pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and aims to help more than 1 million people in India access clean and safe water.

– Hannah Fruehstorfer

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

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Women-Led Groups Fighting To End Trafficking in Latin America

Trafficking in Latin AmericaJuly 30 is recognized as the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. Globally, an estimated 27 million people are victims of trafficking. While exact figures vary, reports show that trafficking rates in Latin America (44%) are higher than in regions like Asia and Europe.

Trafficking takes many forms, including forced labor, forced marriage, sexual exploitation and child exploitation. No region in the world is immune to trafficking. However, Mexico and other parts of Latin America face increasingly high and rising rates.

In response to this growing crisis, international collaboration is gaining momentum. Project Turquesa, a joint initiative by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and INTERPOL, brings together 16 countries to coordinate prosecuting human traffickers. New investigations are continuously launched until the projects end in September 2025. This combined effort has led to more than 200 criminal arrests, spanning dozens of countries and continents.

Alongside Turquesa, other key organizations are dedicating themselves to ending this inhumane crisis. Notably, six of the leading forces in the fight against trafficking are women-led. Here’s who they are:

CATW-Latin America and the Caribbean

Regional Director, Teresa Ulloa Ziáurriz, leads the Latin America and the Caribbean branch of the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW) organization, focusing on raising awareness and advocating for victims of trafficking. Besides her leading efforts at CATW-LAC, she is Mexico’s first female lawyer to defend women’s rights in court.

CATW-LAC not only focuses on advocacy but also on supporting surviving victims. This promotes expert leadership as victims who share their stories encourage awareness. In 2024, a survivors’ network addressed the Organization of American States General Assembly. This attendance advocates for perpetrator accountability.

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

Ghada Waly serves as the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna and as the Executive Director of UNODC. Since taking office, projects and reports represent a steady increase in awareness of trafficking in Latin America. Programs such as GLO.Act Women’s Network, MENTHOR, TRACK4TIP, STARSOM and others have been led by the UNODC.

The UNODC not only leads its projects but also collaborates with other organizations that share the goal of ending human trafficking. In 2024, the International Academy on Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling was launched as a joint effort between the University for Peace, INTERPOL and other partners. Following its success, plans are underway to expand the academy.

The Marcela Loaiza Foundation

Founded by Marcela Loaiza, this powerful foundation supports trafficking survivors and offers them a platform to share their stories. Established in 2011, the Marcela Loaiza Foundation is a philanthropic organization that has partnered with UNODC and other key leaders in the fight against human trafficking.

“I am a survivor who is passionate about making significant changes to provide services to ALL people who have been hurt by this modern-day slavery now called trafficking in persons,” stated Loaiza. The organization spreads awareness and allows law enforcement to study the tactics and ploys traffickers use. One notable project, Breaking the Silence, was led by Loaiza’s foundation to unite international forces and survivors on the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

Covenant House International

Carolyn Barker-Villena is Senior Vice President of Covenant House International’s Latin America division. The organization has a broad mission, supporting victims of human trafficking and other inhumane conditions. According to its 2024 impact report, Covenant House programs assisted more than 50,000 youth worldwide.

In Latin America, human trafficking data reveal that one in every two individuals at Covenant House has experienced trafficking. The organization offers long-term support through a strategic three-step model focused on prevention, intervention and restoration.

Together Women Rise

Co-founders Barbara Collins and Marsha Wallace launched this global movement to create an equal platform for women affected by injustice. Together Women Rise has contributed millions of dollars to support more than five million women worldwide for more than two decades. The organization provides active grants and strategic support to combat violence against women.

Through its Transformation Partnerships, Together Women Rise connects sister and brother organizations to address issues ranging from human trafficking in Latin America to economic equality in Asia. Some partnerships receive between $35,000 and $100,000 annually. One example is The Fuller Project, a newsroom reporting on gender inequality. Together Women Rise offers flexible funding focused on intervention strategies and driving systemic change.

International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Amy Pope is the first female Director-General of IOM. For more than 70 years, IOM has focused on those who are in vulnerable, inhumane crises. As a leading organization in counter-trafficking, it has impacted more than 100,000 victims worldwide.

Regional Director María Moita leads IOM’s Latin America and the Caribbean office, where targeted counter-trafficking strategies are actively implemented. IOM collaborates with key regional partners, including the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM), to strengthen prevention efforts and respond to trafficking operations. These joint initiatives continue to grow, leading to multiple plans and programs that contribute to the ongoing decline in trafficking across Latin America.

– Emma Rowan

Emma is based in Boston, MA, USA and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project..

Photo: Unsplash