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NGOs I SUPPORT
My husband's and my philanthropic focus is on refugee issues, human rights and education for girls, predominantly in Africa supporting locally-led NGOs (in alphabetical order).
Click on the logos to access the NGO's website.
INTERNATIONAL NGOs
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
Through our detailed research and determined campaigning, we help fight abuses of human rights worldwide. We bring torturers to justice. Change oppressive laws. And free people jailed just for voicing their opinion.
ARISE
Arise is an anti-slavery NGO working across the world to protect communities from exploitation. We believe that local groups and their networks hold the key to ending slavery and human trafficking. We provide funding and training to frontline groups, build anti-slavery networks, commission relevant research, amplify frontline voices and advocate for change.
ASHOKA
Ashoka is an international organization that promotes social entrepreneurship by affiliating individual social entrepreneurs into the Ashoka organization. Their stated mission is "to shape a global, entrepreneurial, competitive citizen sector: one that allows social entrepreneurs to thrive and enables the world's citizens to think and act as changemakers"
BPEACE
Bpeace (the Business Council for Peace) is an international nonprofit coalition of courageous, committed, optimistic business leaders. We believe that the best hope for long-term peace in crisis-affected communities is more jobs and the economic empowerment of women. Bpeace’s business volunteers, we call them Skillanthropists, provide pro bono business advice on-site and remotely to small-business owners in El Salvador, Guatemala and the United States.
THE CARTER CENTER
The Carter Center is guided by the principles of our Founders, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. Founded, in partnership with Emory University, on a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering, the Center seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health. The Center believes that people can improve their own lives when provided with the necessary skills, knowledge, and access to resources. The Center emphasizes action and measurable results in the lives of the people it seeks to help. The Center values the courage to break new ground, fill vacuums, and address the most difficult problems in the most difficult situations. The Center recognizes that solving difficult problems requires careful analysis, relentless persistence, and the recognition that failure is an acceptable risk. The Center is non‐partisan and it seeks to work collaboratively with other organizations from the highest levels of government to local communities.
CENTER FOR REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS
The Center for Reproductive Rights uses the power of law to advance reproductive rights as fundamental human rights around the world.
THE CIRCLE
Founded by singer-songwriter and activist Annie Lennox in 2008, The Circle is a unique organization inspired by the notion that when women come together and organize, they can be a powerful force for change. We are a global network of women from all walks of life and all backgrounds who have something in common: the awareness that we still do not live in a world where women and girls have equal rights and equal opportunities. History shows us that when the collective power of women come together positive change can be achieved.
CRISIS ACTION
Crisis Action works with individuals and organisations from global civil society to protect civilians from armed conflict. We are a catalyst and convenor of joint action whose work behind the scenes enables coalitions to work quickly and effectively. As a coordinating body we seek no public profile or media spotlight; it is the voice of the coalition that matters.
FREEDOM FUND
We identify and invest in the most effective frontline efforts to eradicate modern slavery in the countries and sectors where it is most prevalent. Partnering with visionary investors, governments, anti-slavery organisations and those at risk of exploitation, we tackle the systems that allow slavery to persist and thrive.
THE FUND FOR GLOBAL HUMAN RIGHTS
The Fund for Global Human Rights equips grassroots activists with the financial and strategic support they need to improve lives, mobilize movements, and build a better future for their communities.
GIRLS NOT BRIDES
Girls Not Brides is a global network of more than 1,500 civil society organizations from over 100 countries committed to ending child marriage and ensuring girls can reach their full potential. Girls Not Brides was initiated in September 2011 by The Elders, a group of independent global leaders working together for peace and human rights. They wanted to focus attention on the harmful practices that hold girls and women back, and to encourage and empower others to build a world free from child marriage. Girls Not Brides is a global network of more than 1,500 civil society organizations from over 100 countries committed to ending child marriage and ensuring girls can reach their full potential.
GLOBAL WITNESS
Global Witness' goal is for a more sustainable, just and equal planet. They want climate-critical forests and biodiversity to thrive and fossil fuels to stay in the ground. They want corporations to respect the planet and human rights, governments to protect and listen to their citizens, and the online world to be free from misinformation and hate.
INSPIRING GIRLS
We believe that the real change for girls will come through the women who live in each country, and know the issues affecting the girls there. Therefore, our goal is for every country to implement the campaign locally: local women talking to local girls about the issues of concern in each country.
INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR RESEARCH ON WOMEN
ICRW is the world's premier research institute focused on tackling challenges facing women and girls worldwide. ICRW meets the world’s problems with proof. We conduct pioneering research that has illuminated our understanding of why child marriage still happens, and how to prevent it. We have contributed to a deeper understanding of how men and women make decisions around sex and family planning. And we have worked to improve conditions for women throughout a major corporate supply chain, from garment factory to retail floor.
IPAS
Women are essential to the well-being of their families and communities. Our work to promote their reproductive health and rights is central to global development and stability. We know that complex factors in a woman’s country, community and personal life all intersect and overlap to put her in control of making her own reproductive health choices—or to prevent her from doing so. That’s why our programs use a multifaceted approach that addresses reproductive health services, access to services and fulfillment of reproductive rights.
INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE (IRC)
The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future.
MSF: MÉDECINS SANS FRONTIÈRS/ DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) translates to Doctors without Borders. We provide medical assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare. Our teams are made up of tens of thousands of health professionals, logistic and administrative staff - bound together by our charter. Our actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of impartiality, independence and neutrality. We are a non-profit, self-governed, member-based organisation.
OBAMA FOUNDATION
Our mission is to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world. It oversees the creation of the Barack Obama Presidential Center, runs the My Brother's Keeper Alliance, a program Barack Obama began while he was President, and operates a scholarship program through the University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy.
ORCHID PROJECT
Orchid Project is an NGO catalysing the global movement to end female genital cutting (FGC). FGC is a human rights violation that harms the lives of girls, women and their communities. Orchid Project partners with pioneering grassroots organisations around the world, and share knowledge and best practice to accelerate change. Orchid Project also advocates among governments and global leaders to ensure work to end FGC is prioritised.
PLANNED PARENTHOOD
Planned Parenthood is a trusted health care provider, an informed educator, a passionate advocate, and a global partner helping similar organizations around the world. Planned Parenthood delivers vital reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of people worldwide.
SEARCH FOR COMMON GOOD
Our mission is to transform the way the world deals with conflict, away from adversarial approaches, toward cooperative solutions. Instead of tearing down an existing world, we focus on constructing a new one. We do this through a type of peacebuilding called conflict transformation. Meaning: we look to change the everyday interactions between groups of people in conflict, so they can work together to build up their community, choosing joint problem-solving over violence.
SHELTERBOX
ShelterBox teams work with disaster-hit families around the world, offering emergency shelter and other essential items to support them in rebuilding their lives. Every disaster is different and so is every community, so we spend time with those affected to make sure we can offer the right support at the right time to help them recover.
THOMSON REUTERS FOUNDATION
We are the corporate foundation of Thomson Reuters, the global news and information services company. As an independent charity, registered in the UK and the USA, we work to advance media freedom, foster more inclusive economies, and promote human rights. Through news, media development, free legal assistance and convening initiatives, we combine our unique services to drive systematic change.
WATERAID
WaterAid started in 1981 because no non-profit like us existed. We are determined to make clean water, reliable toilets and good hygiene normal for everyone, everywhere within a generation. Since March 2020 we have scaled up our work in 30+ countries to respond to the Coronavirus pandemic. This rapid-response work, building on our strong track record in providing critical water infrastructure, is how people can change their lives for good.
WOMEN'S LINK WORLDWIDE
Women's Link Worldwide is an international non-profit human rights organization working to ensure that gender equality is a reality around the world.
YUNUS SOCIAL BUSINESS
Yunus Social Business believes in the power of business to end poverty. Our work offers a dignified hand out of poverty to millions of people through Social Business - a model pioneered by our Co-Founder, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Prof. Muhammad Yunus.
NGOs WITH A FOCUS ON AFRICA
AFRICAN LEADERSHIP GROUP
Over time, this collective of AL institutions, programs, and products will transform a generation of young Africans into ethical and entrepreneurial leaders who can solve the complex challenges facing the continent. By shaping millions of these world changers, we can unlock investments to new businesses and social ventures, develop a culture of leadership and accountability, and create a better quality of life for generations to come.
AMREF
With headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, Amref Health Africa is the largest Africa-based healthcare nonprofit, serving millions of people every year across 35 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Amref Health Africa began on the continent as the Flying Doctors, bringing surgical services to remote communities using light aircraft. Our priorities have since expanded to strengthen health systems and train African health workers to respond to the continent’s most critical health challenges.
BUDUDA LEARNING CENTER
Bududa Learning Center teaches vocational skills to striving young adults, provides social services to orphaned children, and finances poor working women in their micro businesses. Living on the slopes of Mount Elgon in one of the poorest, most remote, and most beautiful areas of Uganda, the peasants of Bududa beckon us and you to be citizens of the world by helping them.
CHILDREN'S RADIO FOUNDATION
The Children’s Radio Foundation trains youth across Africa as radio reporters, giving them the tools and skills to make their voices heard. They ignite important conversations and gain leadership experience to last a lifetime. Speaking in local languages and in a youth-friendly style, they interview community members, host debates, and bring out local perspectives on the issues that are impacting their lives.
THE DALLAIRE INSTITUTE
The Dallaire Institute focuses on filling gaps in knowledge and practice to amplify current efforts by international organisations, non-governmental organisations, governments, legal experts and child protection advocates to prevent the recruitment and use of children as soldiers in an overall effort to better protect children.
JUSTICE DEFENDERS
Justice Defenders is a registered UK charity and U.S. nonprofit working in prison communities across Africa. Through legal education, training, and practice, Justice Defenders equips prisoners and prison officers to facilitate legal processes.
MOTHERS2MOTHERS
(m2m) ensures one of Africa’s greatest strengths—its women—are at the heart of our work to end AIDS, bring health and hope to families and communities, and create a thriving, healthy Africa. m2m is working towards the following United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): helping end the HIV/AIDS epidemic, ensuring good health, well-being, and decent work opportunities for everyone, and achieving gender equality by 2030.
NETWORK FOR AFRICA
Network for Africa UK is responsible for implementing our strategy and for the day-to-day management of our projects, including liaising with and reporting to the generous individuals and grant-makers who support our work. We find respected and innovative local community groups in Africa, and develop projects with them for which we seek suitable funders. We provide support for our local partners, while they help us adapt our approach to individual local needs.
NURTURING MINDS
The SEGA (Secondary Education for Girls Advancement) Girls’ School is a residential secondary school for bright, motivated Tanzanian girls who otherwise would be unable to attend school due to extreme poverty or hardship. Housing over 260 students, SEGA uses a holistic approach to education which includes an academically challenging Tanzanian curriculum, entrepreneurship development, and a comprehensive life skills and leadership program.
SAFE HANDS
SafeHands works to see a world where women and girls have the information and knowledge to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), whether it is access to contraception; safe motherhood and safe abortion; treatment for STIs and HIV; prevention of gender-based violence, including an end to female genital mutilation (FGM); an end to child marriage; or stigma-free menstruation.
SAMBURU GIRLS FOUNDATION
Samburu Girls Foundation, (SGF) is a Kenyan non-profit whose primary work is to rescue girls from child-marriage, beading and FGM. Over 1183 girls have been rescued and 326 are currently being sponsored in schools around the country.
SHOFCO
Shining Hope for Communities is a grassroots movement based in Nairobi, Kenya in urban slums providing services, community advocacy platforms, and education and leadership development for women and girls. SHOFCO serves more than 350,000 urban slum dwellers in 10 slums across three cities in Kenya.
THE STEPHEN LEWIS FOUNDATION
The Stephen Lewis Foundation was created with the express purpose of putting money directly in the hands of community-based organizations working on the frontlines of the AIDS pandemic in Africa. Since 2003, we have funded over 1700 initiatives, partnering with over 325 community-based organizations in the 15 countries that have been hardest hit by the AIDS pandemic in Africa.
WAGING PEACE
Waging Peace campaigns against human rights abuses in Sudan, where protracted conflicts and poor governance continue to blight the lives of citizens. We maintain our focus on Sudan even though international attention has moved on to other crises. But just because the outcry at the height of the genocide in Darfus has stopped, it doesn’t mean the suffering is over. We are committed to contributing to a Sudan that is at peace, that is diverse but inclusive, and that finally realises its potential as a beautiful country that has so much to offer the world.
NGOs WITH A FOCUS ON ASIA
AFGHANAID
Afghanaid is a British humanitarian and development organisation. For over thirty-five years, our dedicated personnel have worked with millions of deprived, excluded and vulnerable families in some of the poorest and most remote communities in Afghanistan. We build basic services, improve livelihoods, strengthen the rights of women and children, help communities protect against natural disasters and adapt to climate change, and respond to humanitarian emergencies.
KHOJ - SOCIETY FOR PEOPLE'S EDUCATION
Our mission is to work with the underserved communities, with a special focus on women and children, achieve major improvements in their lives. To this end, Khoj will work using innovative methodologies direct with the communities, and with local and international partners who share our vision, to create just and peaceful societies where the disadvantaged people, especially women and children, can exercise their fundamental rights.
NGOs WORKING IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
CITY HARVEST LONDON
City Harvest London was founded in 2014, by a small group of individuals who were aware that in one of the wealthiest cities in the world, there is also acute hunger. The founders also became aware that there was no transportation network to get the abundance of surplus food to the hungry.
THE HELEN BAMBER FOUNDATION
The Helen Bamber Foundation (HBF) is a human rights charity based in London which was founded by Helen Bamber in 2005. Our specialist team of therapists, doctors and legal experts hold an international reputation for providing therapeutic care, medical consultation, legal protection and practical support to survivors of human rights violations.
HELENA KENNEDY FOUNDATION
The Helena Kennedy Foundation exists to overcome social injustice by providing financial bursaries, mentoring and support to disadvantaged students from the further and adult education sectors, enabling them to complete their studies in higher education and move on successfully into employment.
KAA INTREPIDUS TRUST
The Trust was established to develop and fund activities that broaden the horizons of the 1200 pupils at Kensington Aldridge Academy, a diverse inner-city secondary school established in 2014 in London’s North Kensington. We do this through the development and funding of enrichment activities in sports, performing & creative arts, and life skills.
MOUSETRAP
Our mission is to increase young people’s access to the best of live theatre in London, particularly young people with limited resources, opportunities or support, and help them to engage creatively with that experience.
REFUGEES AT HOME
Refugees at Home is a UK charity which connects those with a spare room in their home to refugees and asylum seekers in need of somewhere to stay.
SAVING FACES
Saving Faces is the only charity in the UK dedicated to education to reduce the incidence of facial injuries, disorders and diseases including oral cancer. Despite our face’s importance to us, there is very little funding of research and we are one of the very few charities to research and treat facial disorders. We fund and lead research to improve the preventive strategies and treatment protocols for all diseases, disorders and disfigurement affecting the mouth and face.
NGOs WORKING IN THE UNITED STATES
EJI
The Equal Justice Initiative is committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, to challenging racial and economic injustice, and to protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society.
FACING HISTORY AND OURSELVES
By integrating the study of history, literature, and human behavior with ethical decision making and innovative teaching strategies, our program enables secondary school teachers to promote students’ historical understanding, critical thinking, and social-emotional learning. As students explore the complexities of history, and make connections to current events, they reflect on the choices they confront today and consider how they can make a difference.
NATIONAL SURVIVORS NETWORK
Our mission is to bring together a community of survivors of human trafficking by creating a platform for survivor-led advocacy, peer-to-peer mentorship, and empowerment that embraces all survivors, regardless of gender, age, nationality or type of trafficking experience.
SEEDS OF PEACE
Seeds of Peace is a peacebuilding and leadership development organization. Seeds of Peace focuses on personal transformation and then wider societal change. We equip exceptional youth and educators with the skills and relationships to work in solidarity across lines of difference to create more just and inclusive societies.
SURVIVOR'S INK
Survivor's Ink exists to raise awareness and to empower human trafficking victims by breaking the psychological chains of enslavement through beautifying, removing or covering their physical scars, markings and brandings that are constant reminders of a violent past.
© 2024, How to be an Amazing Volunteer Overseas
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