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With the goal of helping under-served communities in India, Nepal, and Tibet receive the vital services they need, Karuna-Shechen was founded in 2000 by Matthieu Ricard (www.matthieuricard.org), renown TED speaker, author, and humanitarian. We strive to reduce inequalities and work toward a fairer and more compassionate world. We trust that communities can be lifted out of poverty, that change is possible, and that the well-being of every individual, regardless of race, gender, class, or caste, is essential. We believe that building on local strengths and knowledge is the most efficient way to respond to the specific needs and aspirations of our beneficiaries. Rooted in the ideal of "compassion in action", we serve others with joy and determination by cultivating altruism in our hearts and actions. We provide vulnerable and disadvantaged populations access to health care, education and vocational training, clean water, solar electricity, and other sustainable solutions that offer options to find a livelihood and a better life. We work with a grassroots network of local partners, and give special attention to the education and empowerment of girls and women. Karuna-Shechen's name expresses its mission while paying homage to its roots: Karuna means "compassion" in Sanskrit, and Shechen is the name of a major monastery in Tibet.
Our mission is to promote and provide high-quality, holistic education to the underprivileged young people of Sierra Leone. We believe that the education of young women and men is essential to: unlock human potential, overcome poverty, improve wellbeing, build democracy, and that it is the cornerstone of stable development. For the last 25 years EducAid has been working to restore and strengthen education during and in the aftermath of Sierra Leone's civil war (1991-2002). During the conflict, education was an early casualty with many teachers fleeing the country and thousands of children being denied access to education. The country is still struggling to rebuild schools, train teachers and reach vulnerable girls and boys who are yet to see the inside of a classroom. We believe in the power of education to eliminate poverty and the challenges standing in the way of a democratic, dignified and globally-engaged Sierra Leone. EducAid provides free, high quality education to some of the most vulnerable and underprivileged children in Sierra Leone. EducAid operates 7 free schools, serving 1,200 children (1 Primary, 4 Junior Secondary and 2 Senior Secondary). The effectiveness of EducAid's innovative, student-centred approach to education is demonstrated by the fact that, despite many of our students coming from turbulent backgrounds, they regularly achieve 85% pass rates in all national exams. EducAid also trains teachers at over 100 partner schools as part of our Quality Enhancement Programme (QEP) working closely with communities and local education officials to raise the standard of education for children across the Port Loko district and beyond. Furthermore, EducAid run a tertiary-level degree course with the University of Makeni. EducAid's success stems from its grassroots and Sierra Leonean-driven approach. Of our 120 staff, only 3 are UK based with only 3 expats in Sierra Leone. Most EducAid staff are former students, knowing first hand the vulnerability faced by children in Sierra Leone and the power of education to change this, they inform our work each day. EducAid has spent decades developing relationships and earning the trust of communities by working alongside them. This is evidenced by communities giving EducAid land for schools, attending school meetings, community elders working with EducAid to keep girls in school, and EducAid's work as a trusted, stable presence during Ebola. EducAid was one of the few organisations that stayed on the ground, converting schools to care centres and delivering remote learning via radio broadcasts and moped-delivered USB sticks. EducAid also opened doors to children, many of whom are girls, who had lost their families to Ebola, and more recently to the devastating mudslides. EducAid's programs and innovations work because they come from the staff, students and communities they serve.
The Arkansas Sheriffs' Youth Ranches' mission is to address, remedy, and prevent child abuse and neglect by creating safe, healthy, and permanent homes for children. Our philosophy has always been that it is better to build a child rather than repair an adult. Founded in 1976 by a group of sheriffs and concerned citizens, the Ranch began as a single cottage (mobile home) that served as shelter to three young boys. The Ranch now consists of three campuses across Arkansas with eight cottages for boys and girls. During its history, the Ranch has been "a place to call home" to more than 1,200 children and touched the lives of many more. Many of the children who come to the Ranch are often the product of a broken home of abuse and neglect, lacking the nurturing relationship of a loving family. The Ranch provides a healthy home environment filled with emotional support to help each child learn to trust those around them and cope with their emotions, all the while learning responsibility and building self-confidence. When children enter the Ranch, they are surrounded with individuals who care about their immediate needs and their future aspirations. It is the Ranch’s commitment to every child – a commitment that extends from the Board of Directors to management personnel, administrative staff, house parents, support staff and volunteers – to help them believe in themselves and lead fulfilling, meaningful lives. Residents may stay at the Ranch through post-secondary education until they are socially and financially prepared for independence and have stable employment. More than 900 children have experienced life at the Ranch, and for those and many in the future, the Ranch will always be a place to call home.
Mission Statement To generate knowledge and enhance the capacity of citizens and organizations to influence public policy choices in order to consolidate democracy and good governance in Liberia. OUR VISION: We envision a society where IDA is the leading think tank in Liberia advocating for democracy. Gathering and sharing knowledge to promote feasible democratic alternatives that nurture sustainable development and promote a free, just and prosperous society Programs IDA's activities and programs are guided by the Institute's vision, set of core valves, and standard operating procedures, all of which embody the ethos of the Institute as envision in its mission statement. We recognize the importance of adherence to international best practices, and making use of lessons from other situations and context in the development and execution of policy and programs. Nonetheless, each of the institute's program and activities shall be informed by local reality, taking into account the specific situation, context and resources. Capacity Building for Civil Society, Public and Private Sector Institutions: IDA has developed an approach that provides tailored and specialized capacity enhancement programs aimed at strengthening the overall structures and capacities of civil society and private sector institutions. This is the core of our initiative-strengthening the operational and technical capacities of institutions and professionals to meet the growing demand within our emerging democracy. IDA believes in and promotes the exchange of knowledge, skills and experience as a means of encouraging human capital empowerment, a prerequisite for democratic development in Liberia. Citizen Engagement and Policy Reform: IDA upholds a practical approach to policy engagement and reform processes, which can be used as a model for policy advocacy and engagement in Liberia. The organization's approach is based on providing a space and a platform for citizens, civil society and other actors to dialogue with policymakers on issues affecting them. Our aim is to convene policymakers, service providers, citizens and other development stakeholders to play an influential role in policy. Fueling Civil Society-Private and Public Sector Partnerships: IDA believes that private, public and civil society sectors have to work in tandem to play mutually inclusive and beneficial roles in strengthening and sustaining democratic development in Liberia's post-recovery program. IDA's, approach is based on providing a neutral multi-stakeholder space for engagement with civil society and other stakeholders in service delivery, and to contribute to ongoing development in Liberia. Peace-Building and Local Governance: IDA-Liberia believes that peace-building and local governance are critical components of state-building processes-especially in countries that have experienced sustained violence over the years, such as Liberia and countries in the Mano River Basin. After over a decade of violent conflict, local governments have found themselves facing enormous challenges, both human and capital. And we believe this should be the heartbeat of community recovery program. For stability and development, it is necessary to improve and maintain citizen's security, to ingrate women, youth and ex-combatant participation in decision-making processes in the local community and, in this manner, to overcome existing divisions within the society. A very critical issues to focus on is addressing citizens' access to basic infrastructure and social services such as improved roads, clean water, well-equipped schools and comprehensive healthcare as well as providing ample and viable economic opportunities. Local authorities will often need to regain the trust of their population in setting development agendas and priorities. IDA-Liberia believes the challenges and issues of peace-building and governance can be addressed on the ground with proper designed programs and projects that are geared toward strengthening the capacities of citizens and local officials at community level.
Mission Appalled by the stark reality of 31 million orphans in India and shocked by the condition of institutions housing them, a few like- minded individuals got together to take serious action. This obsession was the seed which sprouted as Udayan Care, - which was registered in 1994, as a Public Charitable Trust. While our first initiative was the Udayan Ghar programme for orphaned and abandoned children, we gradually worked towards ensuring higher education for girls through the Udayan Shalini Fellowship. In 2004, Udayan Care also initiated an Outreach programme for children affected by HIV, as well as the Udayan Information and Technology Centres to improve employability of under-served communities. We began with a thorough research on existing models for children in need of care & protection and opportunities that existed for young girls, women and disadvantaged youth. What our research threw up was an eye-opener and a driving force for us to develop innovative models across all our initiatives. Needless to say, the journey had many hurdles but it is Udayan Care's dynamism that has sustained it and enabled us to expand our intervention. Our Vision: "To Regenerate the Rhythm of Life of the Disadvantaged." Our Mission: "A nurturing home for every orphaned child; an opportunity for higher education for every girl and for every adult, the dignity of self-reliance and the desire to give back to society". Our Theory of Change - "There are millions of orphaned and abandoned children in India; in addition, girls from weaker sections of society do not get an equal opportunity to continue their education; professional skills and attitude are lacking among disadvantaged communities to become economically self reliant. Udayan Care provides homes to orphaned children while also giving girls financial and development support to continue higher education, and communities to train themselves in vocations, by engaging socially committed individuals, who provide a transformative, nurturing and mentoring environment, to help them realize their full potential." In 24 years, we have served more than 21000 people in 16 cities and advocate for children's rights in alignment with the Indian Constitution, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Strategic Objectives in line with Mission and vision: 1. Provide protection and holistic growth to children in difficult circumstances. 2. Increase professional skills and employability of financially and socially disadvantaged communities. 3. Establish dynamic processes/models of Care and Protection. 4. Influence Policy Reform and decision making processes. 5. Promote Voluntarism to engage in Child Care and Development processes 6. Work towards inculcating a new world view and practice towards children in vulnerable situations 7. Develop a structured research and documentation process that can be shared with other stakeholders at national and international levels. 8. Organize adequate resources for all the programs, maintain the financial health of the organization and ensure that we work effectively as well as be cost effective. Vision 2020: 1. Set up and sustain 21 Udayan Ghars to reach out to 600 children for long-term care and support. 2. Aftercare: Sustain and develop further a very effective Aftercare programme and 'continuum of Care' for our children and youth. 3. Support 7,400 Udayan Shalini Fellows in 19 chapters. 4. Develop and sustain 16 Information Technology and Skill Centres to enhance employability and knowledge under-served communities. 5. Acquire adequate number of Mentor Parents for Udayan Ghars and Mentors for Udayan Shalini Fellowships in keeping with expansion. 6. Involve more interns from prestigious universities and experienced corporate volunteers. 7. Set up a Resource Centre for training of Caregivers & roll out Advocacy Programmes on Child Rights, particularly for those in alternative care. 8. Promote the replication of Standard Operating Procedures derived from Udayan Care's best practices for sharing with other similar NGOs and for application across all Udayan Care programmes.
The Ombetja Yehinga Organisation(OYO) is a Namibian Trust (T109/09) that uses the Arts to create social awareness. All our projects have an Art component (dance, drama, films, publications), all address a social issue (including HIV, teenage pregnancy, gender-based violence, anti-bullying). Most of our projects are in school but we also work with offenders in correctional facilities. OYO believes that children and teenagers need to be reached more than once (to reinforce messages), using exciting mediums (to stimulate their attention) with simple, yet strong messages (to impact on their attitudes and behaviours). OYO suggests interventions to start a dialogue with the schools (whereby schools are recipient of an activity), followed by interventions at school level (under the form of a campaign where schools have to take a stand and become actively involved in the process). OYO believes that children and teenagers have the answer. All we need is to unlock their creativity. Among others, OYO has: Created the OYO dance troupe. This is the first and currently only troupe in Namibia employing dancers as performers. The troupe has reached over 200,000 children in schools so far, performing a vast repertoire. Produced various DVDs. Most DVDs are used in schools during evening sessions with learners, triggering discussion and challenging norms. 'Salute' is the first DVD produced in Namibian Correctional Facilities with inmates, telling their stories. Other DVDs include 'Kukuri' on child marriage, 'pap and milk' on sugar daddies (inter-generational sex) and the mini-series 'my best interest' on children's rights. OYO has worked with numerous out-of-school youth groups in many parts of the country, produced various drama and photographic exhibititons (including 'the caring Namibian man' and 'still life') and supported various school clubs and girls' camps. OYO uses the Arts because the Arts don't appeal to your intellect but to your feelings. It makes you feel and once you feel, you start reflecting. Programs appealing to your intellect provide you with knowledge, but the Arts, appealing to your feelings, impact your choices and subsequently influence your attitude and behavior. Some of our projects include: The San matter project: The rationale for San Matter Phase I was that only 67 percent of San children in the country enroll in school. And only 1 percent of those children complete secondary school. (OSISA Group report "Rethinking Indigenous Education,"). One of the reasons for the high drop out of San children from the education sector is linked to cultural bullying in schools. Since 2016 OYO implements an anti-cultural bullying project in twenty four schools across two regions of Namibia. Activities include intervention by the OYO dance troupe, training of the local out-of-school youth group, implementation of San girls camps, organisation of the San School friendly competition once every second year. Over 88% of the San children involved in the project have re-enrolled in schools in 2019. The growing strong in the Karas region: Since 2006, OYO has been supporting various youth groups, training them in the arts of drama, dance and songs and creating shows of social significance with them. In 2008, OYO established its OYO dance troupe. OYO is now developing packages involving both the dance troupe and youth groups working on the same issue from two different angles and visiting the same schools to reinforce messages. The 'In and out' project: this is project to work with inmates (called offenders in Namibia) in correctional facilities on issues around HIV and Sexual and Reproductive Health. In a country where sodomy is still criminalised, offenders do not have access to condoms. Together with offenders OYO works towards addressing their needs, wants and fears and encourages them to know their status. Over 600 inmates have been tested as part of the project. "OYO's application of the performing and visual arts in a highly participatory and learner centred pedagogy represents a model of excellence and best practice." Hon. Nangola Mbumba MP, then Minister for Education, September 2009 (now Vice President of the Republic of Namibia)
The Sathirakoses Nagapradipa Foundation (SNF) was founded by Thai intellectual, writer and social critic, Sulak Sivaraksa, in 1969. SNF is one of the first social organisations set up in Thailand - with a broad mission of supporting struggling artists and writers, and facilitating educational, cultural and spiritual activities that encourage detachment from consumerism. Named after two prominent writers and scholars of Thai culture, the foundation has acted as an umbrella for a number of sister organisations, which have sprung up under its auspices, through the encouragement and support of Sulak Sivaraksa. Together, they have been working modestly for social transformation and an end to structural violence, as well as promoting peace and justice in the region. What distinguishes SNF and its sister organisations from other social organisations is a deep commitment to social change through combining spirituality with social action. This approach is guided by the practice of 'engaged spirituality'. The main objectives of the foundation are as follows - (1) To support and promote persons who create art and cultural work, and to promote any activity which makes progress in the fields of arts and culture. (2) To support and give assistance in activities which will bring about the progress of Thai literature and arts. (3) To support and promote the conservation and/or development of arts, culture, education, as well as environmental and antiquity preservation for the progress of humanity. (4) To publish news concerning domestic and international issues. (5) To support and collaborate in social work for the benefit of society. (6) To support and promote all work of the foundation without political aims. The following is the broad organizational structure of SNF - Patronage SNF is under the patronage of His Holiness the Dalai Lama SNF Sister Organizations Wongsanit Ashram Santi Pracha Dhamma Institute (SPDI) International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) INEB Institute School for Wellbeing - Studies and Research Spirit in Education Movement (SEM) Social Enterprises Suan Ngen Mee Ma Publishing House and Social Enterprise Siam Baandin Natural Housebuilding Social Enterprise SNF is closely associated with - Foundation for Children and Moo Baan Dek (Children's Village School) Buddhika Suksit Siam and Kled Thai Publishing Houses Komol Keemthong Foundation Institute for Contemplative Learning Sekhivadhamma Areas of engagement Some key themes being addressed through the foundation and its sister organisations include: Alternative Economics Through the School for Wellbeing, SNF is collaborating with the Centre for Bhutan Studies and Chulalongkorn University on theoretical and practical applications of Gross National Happiness in Thailand. Two social enterprises have also grown out from the Foundation, providing models of social engagement that contribute to new paradigm thinking and sustainability. Art and Culture SNF continues to support local artists in their contribution to commentary on social and political issues, aesthetics, and their own personal journeys of exploration and expression. INEB is also supporting the rediscovery and exchange of Buddhist art traditions across the Mekong region and beyond. Youth Activism INEB's Young Bodhisattva programme includes exchange of youth among partner organizations, and a foundational Socially Engaged Buddhism training integrating spirituality with social analysis. Strengthening Civil Society Grassroots empowerment has been a foundational approach across many of the programmes under SNF's organisations. The Assembly of the Poor - a social movement representing vast networks of grassroots people across Thailand - continues to be supported through the Santi Pracha Dhamma Institute (SPDI). Both the Spirit in Education Movement (SEM) Laos and Myanmar programmes focus on grassroots empowerment, community organizing and public awareness raising as a means to strengthen capacities of civil society and create platforms for social change. Sustainable Living and Environmental Integrity Wongsanit Ashram is a core member of Global Ecovillage Network - Asia and Oceania, and with its partners, has facilitated the International Ecovillage Design Education training since 2007, which seeks to provide models for sustainable community living. The 'Towards Organic Asia' programme under the School for Wellbeing also focuses on sustainability and wellbeing of communities through supporting organic agriculture farming and mindful markets across the Mekong region and Bhutan. INEB is also involved in recent initiatives on interfaith approaches to Climate Change and biodiversity conservation, which seek to bring a moral voice to the growing urgency for action to stem the current climate crisis. Gender SPDI and the Assembly of the Poor continue to organize capacity building activities for women groups within the network. INEB also contributes long-term thematic work on gender regarding women's' ordination and women's empowerment across Asia. Peace and Justice The 'Cross-Ethnic Integration in Andaman' project is working with migrant workers from Myanmar, including upholding and advocating migrant worker rights at policy and practical levels, and building trust and solidarity among migrant workers and local communities through cultural and social celebrations. INEB and its partners have collaborated on peace and justice initiatives in the Asian region for decades. Over the last years, focus has been on roles of the Buddhist Sangha in communal violence in Myanmar, Sri Lanka and restorative justice for Tamils during and after the civil war, and the impacts of the devastating Fukushima disaster of 2011. Alternative Education SEM Thailand works specifically on empowerment education for the Thai public, focusing mainly on inner growth and relationship building; and with organisations, government agencies, universities and private businesses to build workplace environments that support wellbeing. Under SEM Myanmar, the Coalition for the Promotion of Monastic Education is supporting local schools to become more open and democratic in their management, alongside encouraging holistic child-centred learning, engaging parents, and breaking the walls which separate the school, monastery and community by becoming starting points for wider community-driven development. Media SNF continually publishes books and magazines in both English and Thai languages, including the long-running Pacasaraya magazine, Puey magazine (in memory of Dr. Puey Ungpakhorn), and the Seeds of Peace. SEM Laos has also continued providing materials in Lao language on Buddhism and social engagement.
The Solidarity Project supports Honduran leaders who create positive social change for their communities and cultivates transnational partnerships built on trust, equality, and solidarity.
Kansans for Life Educational Trust Fund is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to protecting and defending the right to life of all innocent humans from the moment of conception to natural death.
Commit and Act is an international team of mental health professionals dedicated to training healthcare workers in Sierra Leone . Our therapeutic approach empowers people to face their fears and find creative solutions to their numerous challenges they face on a daily basis. By training local health workers in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with local groups and families, we aim to alleviate suffering and build stronger communities. In collaboration with local health institutions, we provide workshops, ongoing training and therapeutic support at our psychological center in the remote town of Bo and other areas in Sierra Leone. The goal of Commit and Act is to enable people to trust again and find the courage to create their lives in line with their vision and values. Our therapists train professional helpers on site in effective methods of psychotherapy and support them through regular supervision.
MISSION 2040 Medicare Health Foundation aims to establish a maternal and child healthcare system consisting of: 20 thirty-bedded Community Hospitals focusing on Mother and Child Healthcare 200 Small-Scale community based Mother and Child Healthcare Units (MCHs) Furthermore, Medicare hopes to establish a training institute which will complement and strengthen the medical facilities. VISION To ensure the accomplishment of the following goals in underprivileged communities: - Healthy Women through Safe Birth and Gynecological Care - Healthy Children through Pediatric care - Healthy Population through General/Specialist Medical Care AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. Within the range of services provided by Medicare, providing high quality healthcare to every patient 2. Cultivating a sustaining partnership with the beneficiaries of our programs, for their long-term health and well-being and for the optimal use of the healthcare facilities of Medicare 3. Enhancing international and national grants for Medicare, to execute healthcare projects for the poor requiring high capital investments 4. Bringing about transparency in the functioning of Medicare, to drive purposeful engagement with donors and volunteers, sustained commitment from them, tracking progress and holding each other to account 5. Making Medicare a well-known and highly reputed name, to instill trust in the beneficiaries, donors, and volunteers, and to enhance its credibility at various platforms where partnerships can be forged 6. Enhancing the media image of Medicare, to highlight its cause of promoting maternal and child health in poor communities and to reach out to a large number of donors 7. Advocating Mother and Child Healthcare in Pakistan at various forums and drawing the attention of the community on maternal and infant mortality, to accelerate and focus action and financing from the community, and to become highlighted as an organization championing this cause. 8. Forging ties and forming partnerships with a broad and inclusive range of organizations to advance the Mission of Medicare and benefit mutually