Our current International Program is focused on several populations of particularly vulnerable children and also supports organizations that enable entrepreneurs to build sustainable economic communities for their children and families. We note the overlap and diversity of these program areas and do, on occasion, support organizations whose work may be in an allied or supporting area. Many of the programs supported by the Foundation focus on ensuring that children are safe and have access to education and care.
I. Trafficked and Exploited Children, whether kidnapped or entrusted to unscrupulous labor brokers by destitute families, are trapped in a world of forced labor, soldiering, begging and prostitution. They are denied most basic human rights, endure brutal daily conditions and, should they survive, have limited prospects as adults.
We partner with organizations that work to prevent child trafficking; to secure the release of children from their captivity and provide them with shelter, care and rehabilitation; and advocate for the passage and enforcement of laws against trafficking and the related scourge of child marriage. Our partners may return children to their families when that is a safe option or provide safe and nurturing preferably non-institutional long term care that enable children to gain a sense of self worth and dignity.
Trafficked and Exploited Children Program Targets:
Prevention/Public Education Awareness
Rescue/Safety/Care
Education/Rehabilitation
Inclusion/Long Term Care Solutions
Community-based Anti-child marriage Initiatives
II. Disabled Children are among the most marginalized and vulnerable. Lacking legal status and protections in many communities, disabled children face oppressive, and at times lethal, social stigma. Not surprisingly, they receive far less of scarce food, education and healthcare.
We partner with organizations that provide health care, emotional support, education and training, and that promote dignity and facilitate the child’s active and full inclusion and participation in their home, school and community.
Disabled Children:
Identify/Locate/Diagnose
Rehabilitation
Family and Community-Based Care Models
Education to Reach Full Potential
School and Community Inclusion
III. Displaced and Refugee Children are often separated from families and communities in the midst of societal or economic collapse or war and conflict situations. They are vulnerable to bodily harm, being trafficked, and both disease and hunger and they witness and experience brutal events far beyond their capacity to comprehend. The effects are both immediate and long term, and children who find themselves resettled, or whose communities have found peace, have lost years of normal childhood development and education.
We partner with organizations that provide housing, stability and education to children to help them survive the difficult and dislocating conditions in which they are forced to live.
Displaced and Refugee Children:
Safety/Housing/Reunification with Family
Stability/Play
Education/Expedited Curriculum/Vocational Training
Resettlement and Reintegration
IV. Sustainable Economic Communities, often led by entrepreneurs, provide the bedrock for child health, safety and development, and are the focus of this program. These communities are often in regions susceptible to climate change and political upheaval.
We partner with a very limited number of community based organizations that empower village-level entrepreneurs to provide a sustainable livelihood for their families and which strengthen the fabric of community health and education.
Sustainable Communities:
Model programs of village level and entrepreneur-led economic development
Focus on vulnerable communities and families, specifically refugees, adolescent girls, indigenous, and families with disabled children.
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