Jared |
Utah
|
Almost three years ago I was deployed to Afghanistan with the Utah Army National Guard. Although I am in an attack helicopter unit, I was fortunate to spend much of my time helping with and documenting humanitarian aid efforts, (I am also an aspiring filmmaker). I had the awesome experience of visiting a remote village and meeting some of the most wonderful and humble people that have ever crossed my path.
Upon returning home, along with fellow veterans who were deployed with me, we wanted to continue helping the people of this beautiful nation. The country has been torn apart by war, many children have become orphans. It is estimated that there are over 2 million orphans in Afghanistan. We decided to create a non-profit, The Afghanistan Orphanage Project (TAO Project), to try and build one of the largest orphanages in Afghanistan. We've already been able to facilitate life-changing surgeries for some village children and have distributed over 200 tons of humanitarian aid supplies.
Our goal is an immense challenge, but after spending a year in Afghanistan, and seeing how much they need our help, we are committed to this cause. Helping children is one of the best ways to ensure a brighter and more peaceful future for our world.
>> for more: www.taoproject.org |
Victoria |
Georgia
|
I have started a foundation for women battling HIV/AIDS which means a lot to me. It wasn't an easy thing to start, but in my heart I knew it was what I wanted to do. I wanted to help the women who mattered the most, why? Women are the ones who will carry the future and without women we have no future. Currently I am putting together an event that will help raise items for not only women, but for families with HIV/AIDS. The items that I found out that are very much needed are clean sheets, baby pampers, baby bottles, blankets for adults and children, tooth brushes, hair brushes, combs, and the list goes on. I plan to have this event starting off in Georgia first, Florida second, and ending in New York. This event will either take place January or February 2008. To help raise money for the foundation, I am working on a World AIDS Day 2008 CD/MIXTAPE. All songs that will appear on the CD will all be donated from the artists, producers, and song writers.
>> for more: www.tearsforhopefoundation.com |
Samantha |
New York
|
I am the Volunteer Coordinator for Sisters of Rwanda, a non profit organization committed to freeing women and children from sex slavery and gender base violence. Joseph Ayienga, pastor from Kenya and Jared Miller humanitarian and partner in The Incubator Group, a private equity firm out of Nashville, Tennessee USA, realized the tremendous opportunity to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS, extreme poverty, and combat the issues of sexual abuse with reach out to women in the sex slave industry. Mr. Ayienga and Mr. Miller sat down with 23 former sex slaves in March of 2006 and created what is now Sisters of Rwanda. The women created this project and they still govern it today. We are committed to keeping this dynamic in our organization and continually empowering the women to create their own futures.
>> for more: www.sistersofrwanda.org |
Robert |
Canada
|
A photo-documentary project of www.ontheground.ca, and www.blueearth.org, called "Personalizing the World Health Crisis"
By living among and forming intimate friendships with the diseased and disenfranchised people, this project aims to humanize the crisis by putting faces and personalities on the overwhelming statistics.
>> for more: www.robertsemeniuk.com/worldhealth.html |
James |
Cambodia
|
During a recent trip to Cambodia, I visited a small NGO called "The Centre for Children's Happiness", the name precisely describes what it is. It houses, feeds, cares for and teaches basic education and language skills to orphans who were formerly working at a landfill on the outskirts of town. Many of the orphans at the center have lost parents to AIDS, landmines, drugs or prostitution. With nowhere to turn and no social safety programs in country, they end up living on the streets. Before coming to the center their lives were governed by a fear of violence, fear of not having enough food and fear of having no future. The children are then extremely vulnerable to various physical and mental illnesses, drug addiction, prostitution and other forms of exploitation. The man who started the center is also an orphan of the Pol Pot regime; he wears his love for these children all over his face and feels "They are learning to become independent, responsible, self-reliant, skillful people. They are learning to become tomorrow's adults, people who can contribute to society."
>> for more: www.cchcambodia.org |
Sandip |
India
|
I was amazed when I saw them playing chess. Vani has been working with them for last 9 years and everyday since then, she said, it has been a different experience for her to see their activities. They all were full of life. They can be called in different names like Chandrasekhar, subba rao, vishal or anil, but they all are special to us. As a whole, we call them "Samarthanam". Samarthanam is a commitment towards life. It is a commitment to the cause of education of the people who are visually and physically challenged.Set up by three visually impaired friends named Mahantesh, Paul Mudda and Nagesh in the year 1997, Samarthanam is also inspired by their vision and mission to help the visually challenged to get access to higher education and prove themselves in this high competitive society. Over the years the Organization has grown both in numbers and in activities. It has come to include students who are physically challenged and are also from economically weaker sections of society.
>> for more: www.pbase.com/sandipd/samarthanam |
SAKANTA RUNNING WOLF |
WORLD
|
Global Peace Global Healing has been dream in my heart and spirit for seven years and was born this year.
Global Peace Global Healing is a place for all of us; for seven billion people, animals, our earth,all our relations. A website portal for Human Rights, Animal Welfare; for Social, Political, Environmental, Spiritual,and Psychological Healing Ways.
Global Peace Global Healing is now one thousand plus, growing daily. KIVA, AfroReggae, War Dance, Amnesty International, Physicians Without Borders, Street Children/Youth, Micro Loans, Fair Trade, Pachamama, Ending Extreme Poverty, Dalai Lama, Positive Conscious Music ++++. Resources, Articles, Books, Videos, Music,Photos, Projects.
>> for more: www.MySpace.com/Sakanta |
anna |
USA
|
EduCongo is a non-profit organization committed to enriching the lives of underprivileged children by providing them with quality and functional education to help them become successful contributors to the development of their community.
EduCongo was started by two brothers and global citizens Lou and Yenga Radja. Growing up in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lou and Yenga have seen first hand the overwhelming thirst and hunger for learning that lives in millions of underprivileged Congolese children. Now living in the United States (in Portland, OR), the two brothers started EduCongo's to get the global community involved in supporting their education efforts to restore hope for Congolese children.
EduCongo's sponsored school, La Découverte, is located in the rural area of Kisanga, outside Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo. Led by its founder, Dr. Pierre Radja (the father of the two brothers), La Découverte opened its doors in 2002 to the delight of the entire Kisanga community.
>> for more: annatroupe.com |
Peter |
USA
|
Dear U2, (ONE, RED and AFRICA)
My name is Peter Boyd.
I caught your show in San Jose, California. What a great show. You asked for our creativity for Africa. Well, i've been busy. As a patented inventor and former world-class windsurfer I have been planning a very powerful event for the ONE campaign called "GIANT." This involves windsurfing from Africa to America with a tentative launch date set for March 15, 2008. This is not one of those big 14 foot cabin windsurfers they have used in the past. This is a series of speed boards with specially designed sails that can fly 40-feet-plus in the air off waves and can handle 80-feet-plus open ocean waves, all this with your permission to carry ONE/RED logos all over the boards and sails. I have found a yacht equipped with a helicopter for filming on the east coast as a chase boat. I do not have the yacht secured for the crossing yet as there may be a better vessel. I have been windsurfing for over 30 years, sailed in 2 hurricanes, Iniki and Iwa in Hawaii, and I trained on Maui for 18 years. I believe it is possible to send live feeds to the ONE campaign website so people can really get energized, and of course numerous media coverage outlets. Myspace website is www.myspace.com/waterhammocks or my main site www.waterhammocks.com. On my space there is video of myself windsurfing from an MTV show, and the video above shows how dramatic the event will look like on the open ocean. I am currently training in the frigid coastal waters in Northern California. I hope you find this as a great opportunity to raise the bar of what one person can do.
>> for more: www.myspace.com/waterhammocks |
Jill |
Colorado
|
In 1995, a small group of children in Uttar Pradesh gathered in the shade of a lone tree, eager to learn to read. At the time, very few children in their village attended school; most adults regarded education as an interruption in the hand-to-mouth cycle that characterizes most Indian villages. Despite the caste system’s label of “untouchable,” one willing teacher traveled an uneven road daily to offer these children a new kind of identity, gift-wrapped in literacy.
For 12 years now, through partnership with the Dalit Freedom Network, Jayan George has led the village into a new world of opportunity as the literacy program developed into an accredited school that currently enrolls 425 students. Literacy empowers Dalit children to overcome the unjust social system; essential skills, like English fluency, ensure that this generation of “untouchables” will be the first to compete for admission to university and good jobs. For this village, the road to freedom started under a shade tree.
>> for more: dalitnetwork.org/ |
prabhat |
India
|
Kabadi Bazaar is the red light area of Meerut. My visit to Kabadi Bazaar was to understand the need of children who are living in brothels, the psyche of their mothers and the reality of efforts by Sankalp, an NGO, to bring them into the mainstream of society.
Small children of the brothel are the main concern of Mrs. Atul Sharma, coordinator of Sankalp, as she is trying hard to convince them for schooling. Adolescent girls look confused rather than depressed, because they can now understand what happens around them.
>> for more: viewfinder-prabhat.blogspot.com/ |
Giuliano |
Italy
|
Indialquadrato. One word is not enough to describe the experience of a man who transformed his life into a dream. A path which is walked every year, leading to the heart of the Indian continent.
This photographic reportage tells a story of encounters among cultures and religions, where all diversities left aside, to bring hope to those who have nothing, but can make you feel part of their lives with a simple look.
30 years ago, the story of Giorgio Kriegsch began. In Puri, India, 500 km from Calcutta, Giorgio met Sister Amelia Sbrissa and Father Marian Zelazek, trying to find an Italian family who would look after seven local children. From seven, they have now become 700.
Ever since, music has become an instrument for Giorgio to help those in need, and contributed to the construction of a leper colony, which now hosts 400 families. Every year, Giorgio travels to Orissa to bring the proceeds he has collected with his concerts of Indian traditional music, held in Europe and throughout the world.
>> for more: www.kappalab.net/indialquadrato |
Abram |
Honduras
|
I volunteer for the Association for a More Just Society in Honduras. I'm inspired daily by stories of courageous justice-seekers aided by AJS.
One of them is 15-year-old Laura*. Two years ago and just blocks from her home, she was attacked and raped by three gang members. They threatened to kill Laura and her family if they called the police.
Laura was emotionally traumatized, and she and her family were filled with fear knowing her attackers still roamed the neighborhood and that the under-equipped, sometimes corrupt police were unlikely to help.
Then Laura's family got in touch with an AJS-supported center providing legal and psychological services at just a symbolic cost.
A psychologist on staff helped Laura heal emotionally. An AJS-supported legal and investigative team helped Laura get protected witness status. Her testimony led to the arrest and trial of her attackers.
For Laura, fear and injustice have been replaced by justice and hope.
*Name changed for privacy and security.
>> for more: www.ajs-us.org |
John |
Minnesota
|
Where ever you look there is good happening. If you choose to see it. When a Minnesota business man found out about five abandoned and orphaned kids in El Salvador with misaligned eyes he decided to help. With the help of a non-profit organization, a congresswoman, numerous host families, a hospital, a pediatrician, a surgeon, nurses and donors - they changed the lives of these children through corrective eye surgery. More info should be sought in NEED Issue 2.
>> for more: www.abernathyphoto.com |
Misengabo-Esperance |
New York
|
Founded in 1973, in Bamako, Mali, the I.N.A.M (Institute National des Aveugles du Mali [National Institute of the Blind of Mali]) is an educational and a rehabilitation center for young blind and visually impaired people.
I.N.A.M originally opened with one class of six pupils ages 6 to 8. Today, it counts 15 classrooms and a total of approximately 110 semi-border and border students from ages 6 through 20.
Education in the 1st cycle (Elementary school) is strictly reserved for blind and visually impaired children. In addition to general studies, Braille reading, writing and counting are taught.
During the 2nd cycle (Junior High), in order to facilitate social rehabilitation for the children with visual deficiencies, the school has recently welcomed non-blind pupils. The program there is standard for all. In addition to those two scholarly establishments, the I.N.A.M offers a Braille formation for children and adults who became blind during their schooling and professional life.
Despite lacking school supplies and, for the most part, studying and living in unsanitary conditions, the students of the I.N.A.M certainly do not lack ambition and drive. Many dream of becoming lawyers, doctors or even artists someday. A dream not impossible to realize but a non stop struggle given the fact that neither the government nor associations like Les Paris-Bamako, the music Festival that has raised funds for the I.N.A.M each year since 2004, can provide for all materialistic, medical and pedagogic needs of the institute.
>> for more: www.mekapuadi.com |
manuel |
usa |
On May 3rd, without sanctions or the use of force, and amidst growing concern over the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, EMERGENCY officially launched its regional Africa program. The focal point of EMERGENCY’s regional program is the Salam Center for Cardiac Surgery located just south of Khartoum. The center provides free, high quality surgical care and will be linked to EMERGENCY pediatric clinics throughout Sudan and in the capital cities of the bordering countries.
EMERGENCY deciding to intervene after a recent report from the World Health Organization revealed that cardiac pathologies are the second leading cause of death in children in Africa. Dr. Ralph Bolman, Chief of Cardiac Surgery from the Harvard School of Medicine, when speaking on EMERGENCY’s efforts in Sudan said, “The Salam center will become a unique example of how to do something excellent in extremely unfavorable conditions. It will shape a new generation of African heart surgeons.” 17 operations were successfully completed in the Salam Center between April 19th and the inauguration day of May 3rd and there are already hundreds of people on the waiting list. Annually, EMERGENCY’s regional African program will be able to perform 1,500 cardiac surgeries in the Salam Center and treat more than 234,000 children in the pediatric clinics. EMERGENCY’s pediatric clinics will also provide immunization and health education programs throughout the region. The Salam Center is also an eco-friendly architectural marvel. Just days before the official opening of the center the most violent sand storm of the past 10 years struck. Thanks to a unique architectural design within the center, open-heart surgery was still conducted. In addition, a system of “solar cooling” saves the hospital more than 300 kilos of diesel fuel each day.
EMERGENCY’s mission is to provide medical, surgical and rehabilitative care in war torn areas and to promote a culture of peace, solidarity and respect for human rights. In just 13 short years, EMERGENCY has been able to treat more than 2.4 million people completely free of charge.
>> for more: www.emergencyusa.org |
Melissa |
CA |
How often do you hear about a small business with 10 employees donating over one million dollars to charity in the course of running a viable business? That is exactly what San Fernando Valley independent record label Hopeless/Sub City has done since launching its philanthropic label Sub City.
To commemorate this milestone, Hopeless/Sub City Records is hosting a celebration on August 26th, 2007 at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, CA. The event, to be attended by fans, local politicians, and business leaders, will feature award presentations along with performances by Hopeless/Sub City artists Amber Pacific and All Time Low, as well as a special performance by students of Project MuszEd, the benefiting charity for this special event.
"Sub City set the bar for all small companies that think they first need to make millions before they can make an impact on social change. From day one Sub City has supported charities with a portion of every dollar going to worthy causes."
says Reese Butler, founder of the Kristin Brooks Hope Center, operator of 1-877-YOUTHLINE, and the Take Action Tour beneficiary for the last 5 Tours.
The Sub City mission statement aims to have an impact that goes beyond music, by subsidizing non-profit organizations while spreading social awareness.
>> for more: www.subcity.net |
Kelly |
Ohio |
*Stopping AIDS Begins With You*
Working with The AIDS Support Organization in Mbale, Uganda to provide support and love to orphans and vulnerable children...
>> for more: blog.case.edu/kellio |
Zhao |
China |
When I first met V she had just turned sixteen. She was from a Southwestern city in China. Her parents were divorced and she lived with her mother. V’s boyfriend, Little Wu, talked her into running away from home with him. She was a high school junior at the time, while Little Wu was 28 years old, unemployed and imprisoned twice already. Upon arriving in K city, Little Wu forced V into prostitution in order to support him and three of his other townsmen.
V’s story is unique, but also commonplace. Today in China, prostitution has become a serious yet unspeakable social problem. No one knows the exact total number of prostitutes, but experts estimate it is between 1 to 10 million. They can be found in every city, town and even village. Most of them are from poor areas, and many are underage and from broken families. Some are forced or abducted into brothels. And more and more middle-aged, unemployed or poverty-stricken mothers become “amateur” prostitutes to support their families.
Because prostitution is illegal in China, prostitutes have virtually no legal protection. They are often victims of harassment, robbery, blackmail, sexual and physical abuse and murder. Yet most of them do not report these crimes due to the fear of legal actions against them.
I want to challenge the heavy social stigma inherited from and reinforced by feudalistic values and wealth/class-based prejudices. In my photos, I want viewers to first see people—girls and young women, and hear the stories before they make a judgment.
>> for more: www.photoshelter.com/user/zhaotielin |
Thomas |
China |
The Library Project donates books and libraries to under privileged schools and orphanages in the developing world.
The story behind The Library Project’s first donated library that went into an orphanage in Dalian, China is extraordinary.
The Library Project held a community based book drive at seven local schools and raised over 6,500 Chinese and English language children’s books. Three thousand of these books were then donated to The Dalian Children’s Orphanage, along with tables, brightly colored chairs, floor mats, books shelves, plants, posters and lighting.
It is through the work of The Library Project that the Dalian Children’s Orphanage now has a comfortable and fun library full of the educational resources that will enable these children to learn and grow to help fulfill their potential.
Education is change, and The Library Project is creating change in the simplest way possible, by giving children the resources to learn and grow.
>> for more: www.library-project.org |
Natalie |
NJ |
Young women (ages 14-25) around the world are the most likely to have their human rights violated yet the least likely to receive education about their human rights. The PRIZM project seeks to curb this gap in education while providing a place to create dialogue and promote new ideas about women's empowerment. PRIZM provides free education and leadership training for young women from Kenya to Bolivia. By training field organizers in respective countries, PRIZM enables women to learn and organize based on their needs, rather than promote a Western agenda. This year PRIZM will be opening a Women's Center in the Teso District of Kenya and will also be hosting their first retreat in Bulgaria, which will focus on the prevention of human trafficking. Over the last two years, PRIZM has spread their model in seven countries, creating a global network of women proficient in the field of human rights. The organization was founded by three college students who currently run the global operation out of their dorm rooms at Rutgers University.
>> for more: www.prizmproject.org |
Erin |
Canada |
4½ years ago I was living in Northern Ireland on a work visa. I was having the time of my life when I fell off a horse and compressed a vertebrae in my spine. My trip was cut short and I was sent home to Canada in a body cast. During my 5 month recovery, I decided what I wanted to do with my life. I wanted to make a difference in the world.
I am in a fairly constant state of pain but if I learned anything from breaking my back it’s that life is short and you must follow your dreams now. You never know what tomorrow may bring. So I refuse to use my back as an excuse and I am trying to fulfill my dreams as best I can.
Since then, I have done volunteer work in Nepal and Honduras. I fell in love with these countries. The children were smiling and the people were willing to help you in any way they could, even though they had next to nothing. I didn’t know you could create such a strong bond with someone you didn’t speak the same language as. I spent the last year of my life building a non-profit organization called Action Volunteer Alliance. Our goal is to start a chain reaction of people wanting to get involved more permanently after volunteering overseas themselves. It is very expensive to volunteer so we have created a great affordable overseas experience so everyone can experience what I have.
We are very small right now but we have a lot of passion and lots of great ideas for expanding into more countries and exciting new areas in the future!
>> for more: www.actionvolunteeralliance.com |
Wendy |
AK |
The Blue Mountain Project grew out of a 1994 college service learning trip to Hagley Gap, in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica. At that time, one of the students wrote in her journal, "I am coming back here some day and somehow I'm going to make things better." Ten years later she began a non-profit organization to build a clinic in Hagley Gap and to do other development work in the village.
Our mission is to work together with the people to improve the infrastructure, education, and health (medical care, clean water, adequate nutrition) as well as provide emergency relief when it's called for. We have a 3-phase plan for the clinic and phase I is completed. We have a 900 square foot clinic and provide a nurse two days a week. This year's expansion plan calls for constructing a Spartan dormitory and disease-free water supply for visiting nurses and doctors from the U.S. The clinic and other infrastructure projects are built with volunteer labor from the U.S., Canada, Italy and Germany and, of course, the people of Hagley Gap.
>> for more: www.bluemountainproject.org |
John |
MinNesota |
I recently photographed a story on Mary Jo Copeland and Sharing and Caring Hands. Her determination to help those in need and her unwaivering faith is mind boggling. She provides food, clothing, housing, transportation and more without any government handouts. More information should be sought in NEEDS Issue #2.
>> for more: www.abernathyphoto.com |
Dale |
United States |
In January 2007, I returned to Moss Point, Mississippi to help people who, eighteen months after Hurricane Katrina, are still working to return to their homes. I was part of a 10-person construction team assigned to houses that had been stripped bare of rotting drywall, flooring, wiring, plumbing, household appliances, and furniture, all of which had been piled high at the curb, waiting for transport to some unknown destination. Our team was there to breathe life back into the barren walls and offer hope to residents who had been left on the ragged edge.
On my previous trip in July/August 2006, the sense of despair was just as obvious then as I briefly sat and visited with a young father and his two sons fishing along the ocean waterfront. They had lost everything from the tidal surge and were trying to resume some normalcy in their lives. They deeply thanked our team for coming all the way from Oregon to help but thanks were unnecessary as I turned around and faced inland and saw the reality of the overwhelming reconstruction work still yet to be done.
Should you want to volunteer and assist in still helping the residents of Moss Point and surrounding localities recover from Hurricane Katrina, please contact Medical Teams International, Village Church, Beaverton, Oregon or Global Professionals in Action.
>> for more: www.dalehimesconsulting.com/gpia/ |
Yan |
India |
Annapurna Centre is located in a small village in the outskirt of Varanasi.
Annapurna Centre is a village social club created mainly for rural girls and rural women. This centre helps those girls and women who want to develop their confidence, communication skills, different other vocational skills as sewing and health and hygiene skills. This social club empowers girls and women for their future life and makes them strong and confident. It is a place where they are allowed to meet and to talk with others outside of their families. They can also speak of their female problems thanks to a gynecologist who is coming once a month.
Now currently with the help of international friends, Annapurna centre is able to have its own premises with two rooms, one kitchen and bathroom and a small garden. There are thirty girls and women, who are taking training in different job oriented skills for example candle making, stitching and swinging, incense stick making etc.
>> for more: www.pbase.com/yanseiler/annapurna_center |
Marisa |
Washington |
In the year 2000, 191 members of the United Nations promised to fulfill eight goals of development by 2015. The goals pertain to the reduction of poverty, environmental sustainability and to women's development.
In the spring of 2007, I was working at a clinic. Though, I felt I was helping, I couldn't also help but feel that I was making a rich doctor more money. Getting involved in an organization that emphasized action and promoted the power of one was important to me. I got involved with the Borgen Project as an intern. The Borgen Project aims to put pressure on the U.S. government in order that they put more emphasis on global poverty.
This is not glamorous work. If you took a photo of us we’d be hunched over computers in a cramped office space. I’m not risking anything by volunteering, except, maybe carpal tunnel, and yet, I feel like now more than ever in my life, I am making a difference.
To learn about the political process, I feel is one of the most patriotic things an American can do. Getting a bill passed is not impossible or far-fetched. In fact, it is not difficult to sit down with your local representatives in a meeting. Our leaders are accessible and they want to hear from us. We want them to know we care about hunger, lack of clean water, and the wretched living conditions that poverty forces 800 million people into. Our voices are being heard.
>> for more: www.borgenproject.org |
Kimberly |
New York |
Since 1978 the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor have endeavored to meet the needs of those living in poverty stricken areas of the U.S. as well as internationally in Brazil, Italy and Senegal. Their work has led them to develop countless programs to better the lives of the many poor and underserved women and young girls living in perilous situations. The Franciscan Sisters of the Poor Foundation is committed to dispersing 100% of the funds generated to ministries that address the following needs:
- Poverty and hunger
- Health education & prevention
- Safe houses and rehabilitation for victims of human trafficking
- Drop- in centers for victims of alcoholism, drug abuse and drug addictions
- Kindergarten and Elementary school education
- Daycare
- Shelter and training for homeless, pregnant women and their children
- Transitional programs for women coping with domestic abuse
- Job skill training
- Hair care and grooming services for the homeless
>> for more: www.franciscanfoundation.org |
Nia |
Utah |
The Opportunity Fund for Developing Countries (OFDC), a grassroots organization, empowers the lives of poor women and children by providing training and microcredit (income generating) loans to women, educational assistance to children, and improved healthcare to all, through village collaborative programs that are culturally and environmentally sensitive.
OFDC is a volunteer-powered organization founded to end poverty and social injustice in developing countries. Our holistic approach to economic stability extends beyond a single focus to an overall awareness of critical life influences and locally identified problems. OFDC recognizes that education, employment, healthcare, and the environment are not mutually exclusive, and must all be simultaneously addressed in order to truly alleviate poverty. By providing microcredit loans and trainings for women, education for children, meeting basic healthcare necessities, and improving sanitation, OFDC fosters both human and ecological security.
>> for more: www.ofdc.org |
Yan |
India |
Agir Pour Benares is a French NGO which helps people in the streets of Varanasi. This is an organization founded in 2005 by Michel Batlle who has worked for 6 years in the social and medical domain in Benares (Varanasi). It aims to support the local organizations and initiatives like SMITA or KUTUMB and the numerous initiatives of Yves EURIEULT. It also aims to create street's dispensaries free of charge for the poor people.
>> for more: www.pbase.com/yanseiler/agir_pour_benares |
brian |
Peru |
The Q'ewar project, a social work initiative begun by local residents in 2002, is situated in the highlands of the Andes Mountains in Peru. Working with indigenous women of the rural community of Andahuaylillas, the project creates an atmosphere which fosters self-esteem and personal growth. The women of the Q'ewar Project learn skills in a humane and respectful working environment while earning economic independence. The project creates opportunities to take home a livable wage, but most importantly, the women of the Q'ewar Project build confidence and self-respect.
>> for more: www.qewar.com |
Emergency Foodshelf Network |
Minnesota |
The Emergency Foodshelf Network distributes high-quality food and essential support services to Twin Cities foodshelves, on-site meal programs and high-rises.
We have launched a first-year fundraising effort involving local artists, looking for artwork to place on our all-occasion greeting cards. The funds raised from the cards will go directly to purchase specific foods for infants and children.
>> for more: www.emergencyfoodshelf.org
|
Sandy |
Minnesota |
In 2006, Lighthouse Ministries International opened the doors of "Light of Hope Children's Home and Private School", located in a secluded 8 acre refuge outside of Naivasha, Kenya. We opened our arms and embraced the lost and broken lives of young girls, who have been abandoned and affected by HIV/Aids. To date, 16 lives have been taken in, restored and given hope through love, nurturing and a good education. Our goal is to accommodate 80 girls, as we continue building the project.
I fell in love with Kenya and it's people. The beauty is breathtaking, but the reality of the struggles in the lives of people can be overwhelming. As a result of poverty, disease and a lack of education, Kenya's streets are full of homeless children.
Our greatest reward is to see the transformation of each child, and the smiles that tell it all. Join us in making a difference, "one life at a time".
>> for more: www.lmiafrica.com |
Mark |
Texas |
It has been my pleasure to volunteer my time (and financial donations)to helping out Aldine Y.O.U.T.H. AY was founded by Sylvia
Bowling fifteen years ago working out of the trunk of her car. She had a vision that has
carried her to where she is today. That vision would scare most and be embraced by very few. Sylvia had a vision of improving the lives of many of the people in her depressed neighborhood. She has never wavered from that vision for 15 years. AY offers services for the whole family so they
can offer a more complete solution to some very difficult problems. AY has come a long way in 15 years but I believe the best is yet
to come. This is true "grass roots" non-prof and I hope that you are able to tell their story.
>> for more: www.aldineyouth.org |
Yumi |
Thailand |
pdfX12 is an online, monthly photo journal that presents and features a series of photos by various photojournalists living and working in various communities around the world.
These photos tell poignant stories about people who are facing harsh social, economic, environmental and political conditions.
Photojournalists presented here are those, with their own resources and energy, who have chosen to dedicate their life's work to documenting certain human issues in order to bring about greater attention to harsh human conditions that many people would brush aside. It is thus very important that the voices of these photojournalists, who are living and working in communities that they are documenting, are heard through this type of online venue, which everyone can access.
Originally, we had thought of presenting this online magazine only to a Japanese audience, but now we have broadened it to a worldwide audience. The awareness of various human issues facing humanity is greatly needed in Japan, just as in other parts of the world. Published photos and text will be in English and Japanese. Presented will be high-quality photos with written stories shared by the photojournalists themselves.
>> for more: www.reminders-project.org |
Velibor |
Canada |
Often preoccupied with trying to do something big to save the world, we forget about the community we live in.
What can we do to preserve what is essential for our existence? While the question may imply a gigantic task covering the world, and can make us retreat scared of failing, there is so much that can be done in our homes and in our neighborhoods. Before we go out to save the world, and not everyone can do that, we can try to contribute to and protect our immediate environment with some very simple steps, and all of us could do this. This is my personal humble share, simply pointing to the community and individuals that can help us make those simple steps.
With some time in hand I approached an ecological co-operative just a few blocks away from where I live. I volunteered to create a photo essay on their activities. Not for profit but for the pleasure on working on something useful for my community and, why not, for the world.
>> for more: www.veliborbozovic.com/ |
Matt |
California |
Every January, thousands of Hindu Indians make an arduous trek up Mount Sabarimala to witness a yearly miracle, risking injury and exposure. But what is there to do when the
mountain is so far from any form of health care?
Bring the doctors to the pilgrims, says Dr. Kumara Menon, who is the telemedicine director at AIMS Hospital in Cochin, Kerala. If they had a telemedicine van that was able to move
amongst the camps as well as travel to the more remote areas where camps had not been established, they would be able to improve their services and increase the number of patients
back to the AIMS hospital to be given more advanced care.
Having worked with AIMS in the aftermath of the tsunami, Direct Relief International agreed to fund the project. Now, the fully-functional telemedicine van is in operation, equipped
with general diagnostic supplies, an X-ray, a lab, as well as endoscopy, cardiac and ophthalmic equipment, and satellite transmitter.
>> for more: www.directrelief.org |
chet |
united states |
Since 1997 I've volunteered my time with two NGO’s; Operation Smile, documenting their facial reconstructive surgical missions, and AmeriCares, the international disaster relief and humanitarian aid agency. I've traveled on 15 missions with Op Smile, including repeat missions to Kenya, Siberia, and Jordan, and last year on their inaugural missions to Ethiopia and South Africa. Two missions with Op Smile stand out for me. In Nairobi I first encountered Kenyan teen John Maina, a former orphaned street boy who showed up with his guardian Duncan Githaiga at Kenyatta National Hospital Nov. 2001. Following John through screening, surgery and then returning the following year in Nov. 2002; I’d begin a story that would span three years, and cement my future personal work in Kenya. An Op Smile mission to Amman, Jordan in April 2006 was the most emotional work I’ve done. Op Smile medical staff treated 100 Iraqi patients who’d arrived only days before from Baghdad. An Iraqi mother and her 7-month old son’s experience stole my heart, and secretly brought me to tears. At one point, the surgical team leader, a plastic surgeon from Caracas, Venezuela operated on the child as OR staff held flashlights during a brief blackout in the surgical ward. Just a few hours drive from the Iraq border, the Iraqi, Jordanian and Palestinian surgeons and staff performed impeccably.
I’ve worked in newspapers since 1988, and recently joined the staff of the Times Herald-Record in Middletown, NY, 90 miles north of NYC.
>> for more: www.chetgordon.com |
Glenn|
Washington, DC |
Media remind us daily of violence, suffering, and environmental abuse. Accordingly, I'm concerned that news of just commerce, sustainable stewardship and spiritually availing creativity also be heard. Need Magazine's editorial bent gives voice to this alternative social narrative. Beyond headlines boasting of uber-donors and their millions, NEED Magazine heralds the worth of our volunteering and individual giving.
2005 bore great tragedy. We witnessed the devastating tsunami,
hurricane Katrina, terrible earthquakes in Pakistan among other
disasters. One early 2005 morning found me in a graduate course at
Missouri State Univ. I remember sitting in the lecture, and experiencing
a cascade of epiphanies. I'd suddenly realized how a conversation I'd
had with my daughter about iTunes, and the professor's theories about
value creation through technology might apply to charitable development.
Upon graduation, I became totally focused on concepts like "leveraging
information technology to add value," "donor fatigue," "podcasting," and
"geo-navigable interfaces;" all of which led me to develop the Whole
Other World Catalog and eventually to discover NEED Magazine.
>> for more: www.wholeotherworld.org |
Eric |
United States |
I have been all over the world, traveling, photographing, and writing in an attempt to understand the role I can play in improving the lives of others. I have seen some of the most hopeless cases and some of the most hope filled, both equally inspiring. However, most of us can't leave our jobs and families and move to a remote location to help those with less opportunity than ourselves.
So, instead, we give what we can to people we think will help those in need in a more productive way that we can ourselves. This is where NEED comes into play. NEED gives us examples of stories and people where the average person can make a big difference in someone's life. We can see the results of our contribution and put a face on the person we are helping. The gratification is much greater and involvement is more relevant.
Thank you NEED for filling a hole in the humanitarian aid world. Thanks for inspiring individuals to make a difference and thanks for giving us all great organizations and people where our contributions of time and money can help the most. |
Anna |
new york |
A group called the Manna Project work in Managua, Nicaragua. It was started by a group of recent graduates at Vanderbilt as a way for new college graduates to use their different passions and backgrounds for humanitarian projects, while gaining experience in their fields.
One of their projects is a sponsorship program for children living in the city dump. They visit the families and a nurse who helps organize the program several times a week, playing games, offering public health education classes to the parents, and following up on the progress of each child. I met them while working on a documentary project in the dump.
Their work in building community trust in local health care professionals has greatly influenced this socially isolated community.
>> for more: www.annabarryjester.com |
Cassandra |
Lebanon |
In late 2005, a collaborative project between photographer Cassandra Mathie and the Danish Refugee Council was initiated to acknowledge, recognize and validate the lives and journeys of non-ID Palestinian refugees living in Lebanon.
A series of portraits were created of non-ID refugees. The portrait series offered refugees an opportunity to present themselves to the camera, in their chosen home location. The process was simple but simultaneously challenged the complexity of the non-ID legal situation. Non-ID refugees confronted the basic premise of their legal status, which renders them invisible, by confirming their existence and visibility in front of the camera. They, if only for a moment, stood and proclaimed "I exist".
>> for more: www.cassandramathie.com |
Becky |
minnesota |
In 2003, Jan Egeland, the United Nations undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs claimed, "I cannot find any other part of the world that is having an emergency on the scale of Uganda that is getting so little international attention."
In 2006, I traveled to Gulu, Uganda where I met with groups of women in the region who live in camps for internally displaced persons. The women craft necklaces from recycled paper and sell the jewelry in nearby Gulu and abroad through a US-based organization called Paper to Pearls. The income generated from the sale of the necklaces helps the women send their children to school and contributes to the development of a more sustainable way of life.
>> for more: www.beckyolstad.com/gulu/gulu.html |
Kaushal |
India |
I recently shot a story for Mobile Creches, an NGO that seeks to educate the children of construction workers. Construction workers are regarded to be the poorest of poor and live a nomadic lifestyle which is dictated by their next construction assignment. Construction of a building can take several years and the living conditions provided to the workers who live on site is deplorable. They are forced to live in the most unhygienic and often inhuman conditions while they ironically build multi-million dollar apartment complexes.
Their children, if not working on the site, can often be found playing and hanging around the construction site which is extremely dangerous. Although by law builders are required to provide a space on site for a day school, unfortunately a very small percentage of builders actually abide by this law. Mobile Creches approaches builders, sets up centres and provides these kids with an education on site, supplies them with a daily nutritious meal and involves them in several fun activities to encourage their attendance in class and hopefully provide them with a shot at a brighter future.
>> for more: www.kaushalparikh.spotfolio.com |
Deborah |
California |
On a recent Habitat for Humanity trip to El Salvador, we made a day excursion to a place that has left a lasting impression in both my heart and mind.
El Salvador's civil war (1977-1992) created large numbers of refugees and orphans. COAR Peace Mission children’s village is now home to hundreds of these displaced, orphaned, abandoned or destitute children of post war El Salvador. Named in honor of Archbishop Oscar Romero, an advocate for peace and social justice who was publically assinated during the war, the COAR Village, spans 88 acres of land, dotted with 15 family homes to serve the 120 children who live there on a full-time basis. The COAR school, located on the outskirts of Zaragoza, is attended by 800 children in the region. More info: coarpeacemission.org
>> for more: www.oneworldensemble.com |
David |
United States |
I got invited to go to Thailand with model Niki Taylor as a guest of International Justice Mission. We went over and I shot video and photography of Niki's first time encounter with human rights abuses in the area of child sex slavery.
It was very bittersweet. The country was beautiful and the people amazing, but what I found out about the horrific and massive child slavery operations made me sick. I learned that the enormous child sex industry in Southeast Asia is mainly fueld and funded by American & British sex-tourists, a form of "tourism" I had never heard of before.
It a very eye opening look not only at a horrible crime, but at an organization that I have come to GREATLY admire, International Justice Mission. I saw first hand the honesty & integrity they operate with and the true love they have for victims of all forms of slavery.
It has also given me a passion for future opportunities to go and document other worthwhile causes.
>> for more: www.visualreserve.com |
Matthew |
Canada |
The Amani Children's Home is a community based NGO dedicated to the protection of street-children and orphans in Northern Tanzania. Started by 3 local individuals in response to the growing number of street children and AIDS orphans, Amani's mission and approach exemplify grassroots development. Although dedicated to family re-unification, Amani always offers food, health-care, a variety of educational opportunities and a safe place to live. Volunteering at the Amani centre was one of the most uplifting and informative experiences of my life, and has driven my desire to remain involved in international development.
>> for more: www.amanikids.org |
andy |
Minnesota |
With camera in hand, I arrived in Malaba, Kenya to document the launch of a new community-based HIV/AIDS initiative. Nairobi-based Family Health Institute (FHI) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) started a program along the main transportation corridors of East Africa called Regional Outreach Addressing AIDS through Development Strategies (ROADS) in 2005. Malaba is located on the border with Uganda on the main transport route between Mombasa and Kampala, Ugandas capital. Truck drivers who spend a night or two in town while waiting for their goods to go through customs are the primary transmitters of HIV to the community where nearly 20% of the people are infected. Kenya's national estimate is around 7%.
The ROADS project is designed to reduce HIV transmission, improve care, and reduce the impact of HIV and AIDS in towns like Malaba where the message emblazoned on billboards, t-shirts, hats and stickers is "Kaa. Chonjo. Epuka Ukimwi." or "Stop. Prepare. Prevent AIDS." To achieve these objectives, the people of Malaba are increasing awareness and education, establishing safe places to get information and treatment, and developing new food sources and economic opportunities.
>> for more: www.andyrichterphoto.com |
Greg |
Philippines |
After years of living in relative isolation as an expatriate in The Philippines, I made contact with an advocacy organization and started spending a few hours a month documenting the lives of people in a nearby relocation settlement called “Southville”
A Korean funded project for a much needed expansion of rail service to Manila will ultimately require resettlement of tens of thousands of squatters from the right of way.
In some cases relocation will improve peoples’ lives. However, due the expense of land in the Manila, many squatters from the inner-city have been relocated some 40 km from where many have lived and worked for decades.
There are essentially no economic opportunities available in Southville, schools are unfinished, there is no healthcare, well water isn’t safe, and most cannot get electricity. Residents exist in state of limbo, commuting at great expense back to Manila for work, healthcare and even to bury their dead. Despair, crime and disease are all on the rise.
>> for more: www.flickr.com/photos |
stephanie |
minnesota |
Mexico, in a colonized landfill, this family had built their home from the garbage in the landfill. I do not speak Spanish, and they do not speak English, yet, I will never forget the joy that I felt spending time with this family. Their dignity and generosity is burned into my memory and I will always be grateful to them for the memories they have given me. As Jimmy Carter said regarding volunteerism "I got much more out of it than I put into it".
>> for more: www.needmagazine.com |
Kaushal |
India |
I recently photographed an eye camp providing free cataract surgeries to the poor. An organization (I CARE) comprising a few individuals along with 4 volunteer doctors conducts this annual camp where poor and helpless people are gifted with restored vision and a new lease of life. It was an enlightening experience to see the team work late nights with unconditional commitment and compassion. Some patients were blind in one eye and had critical mature cataracts in the other. The reasons for their desire to see ranged from becoming the respected bread earner of the family once more to just being able to see a newborn grandson. The greatest moment was when the operated patients, all 708 of them, wearing special protective sunglasses, walked out of the hospital full of confidence and in anticipation of a “brighter” future. My photo essay was published in a national newspaper and I hope it manages to generate awareness and bring in funding to ensure the continued success of such camps.
>> for more: www.kaushalparikh.spotfolio.com |
Dmitry |
Russia |
In one of the central districts of Grozny there is a 5-storey apartment building called by locals "the house of blind". The building was constructed for blind people about 30 years ago. Its walls are sprayed with bullet halls and some places the walls are broken through with air bombs or artillery shells. Miraculosely in spite of fierce fighting most of the dwellers of the house of the blind survived the war.
Twin brothers Pahurdin (50) and Batrutdin Daniyalov (50) both lost eyesight at the age of 3 because of a complicated desease. When they turned 15 brothers constructed their first radio transmitter and that helped them to fell connected to the outside world. Being a radio ham was always difficult in Soviet Union. Spare parts were hard to get and the KGB suspected every ham of being a spy but during the wars in 1992-1996 and 1999-2001 it was especially hard. Many times the brothers were arrested. First by chechnyan militias who suspected them of spying for russians the by russians who suspected them of spying fro chechnyans. Every time their equipment was destroyed or confiscated but nevertheless the Daniyalov brothers continued on. When the electricity cuts in Grozny became frequent Pahurdin have constructed a muscle driven electric generator from an old bicycle to power their radio.
They did not try to take a role of civil journalists reporting from the war zone fearing to end up in a roadside gutter. The brothers just tried to survive and stay human during the ten ugly years of fear, hunger and despair.
>> for more: www.photoshelter.com/gallery-show |
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- Are you personally involved with a humanitarian project?
- Do you know someone that is making a real difference in the world?
- Is there someone else whose work or project you admire?
… or do you simply have a cool story to tell?
We want to share your stories with others, and inspire them to get involved.
Your story may be featured in an upcoming issue of NEED. |
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You will be notified when your story is posted.
QUESTIONS? Contact: yourstory@needmagazine.com
Policy
The publication of stories in NEED magazine’s online database is a free service aimed at sharing information on organizations/individuals involved in humanitarian efforts. It is our intention that that the stories will provide users with greater access to information on organizations and projects involved in the field of humanitarian affairs.
Disclaimer
Inclusion in the database does not constitute an endorsement by NEED magazine of the given organization/individuals, its ideals or claims. At all times NEED magazine reserves the right to refuse postings, remove them from the online database and edit submissions for wording.
We make every effort to ensure that the information hosted in the database is up-to-date and accurate. However, NEED magazine has no control over the content of listed sites. NEED magazine is therefore not responsible or liable for any consequence arising from the use of such information. Furthermore NEED magazine is not responsible for the potential re-use and re-posting of information provided in the database.
If you wish to modify previously submitted information, please do not use the online form. Instead, send the request and description of any changes to yourstory@needmagazine.com. |
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