GlobalGiving Project of the Month Club

Dear Project of the Month Club Member,

Since March, Uganda’s parliament has moved to enforce homophobic laws. Parliament passed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2023, which criminalized people identifying as LGBTIQ+ and attached a life sentence as punishment. An amended version of the bill, which Uganda’s president has now signed into law, imposes the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality.” The situation has caused homelessness, mob attacks, arrests, denial of health care services, mental health issues, and loss of empowerment opportunities.

That is why MBARARA RISE FOUNDATION created the Uganda LGBTIQ Emergency Fund, June’s Project of the Month. MBARARA RISE FOUNDATION provides bail for members of the LGBTIQ+ community who have been arrested, offers emergency accommodation, and covers legal and medical costs. 

“This opportunity is redressing and responding to the challenges brought about by the reintroduction of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill and providing long-term impact,” Janet Mutesi, Director of Programs at MBARARA shared. “We will continue the fight against laws that criminalize homosexuality.”

The funds will be used to advocate for equality and provide safe homes, health care, legal services, and psychological support. 

“Your valuable support is and will continue to help us provide long-term support to rural LGBTIQ communities in Uganda,” Janet added. “In such perilous times, donors like you keep us moving, and your support means a lot to us and the people we serve in this unfavorably homophobic environment we live in. Thank you.”

To learn more about how MBARARA RISE FOUNDATION is protecting their community, read their latest report.

Thank you for your commitment to a better world! 

With gratitude, 

Victoria Vrana

GlobalGiving CEO

Dear Project of the Month Club Member,

For many families across northern Thailand, education is a luxury they can not afford. About 72% of Thai citizens who struggle with poverty live in rural, mainly agricultural areas. Lack of finances, parental education, and transportation contribute to the large number of children who are taken out of school to work.

Our May Project of the Month, Help 100 Thai children get an education by Family Connection Foundation, helps low-income families send their children to school by providing scholarships that cover the cost of tuition, lunch, uniforms, and other educational expenses. The project supports scholars until they graduate from high school.

“We have seen tremendous results as over 90% of those children in our program go on to attend college or trade school,” Director Tim Dunham shared. “They are able to get much better jobs, and this simple way of coming alongside families is truly breaking the cycle of poverty. The children in our program are able to take care of their own needs and often support their families.”

Tim added, “I can't even put into words how encouraging and grateful we are! We are now supporting over 300 Thai children to stay in school, and it is a challenge to raise enough funds each year. This meets a huge need and will help us continue to help children in desperate need find hope and courage to finish their education! It changes their life in so many ways!”

To learn more about Family Connection Foundation’s scholars, check out their most recent report.

Thank you for your commitment to a better world! 

With gratitude, 

Victoria Vrana

GlobalGiving CEO

Dear Project of the Month Club Member,

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a World Natural Heritage Site in South Africa, and surrounding communities are home to diverse wildlife, including more than 80 indigenous species. When these animals are ill, injured, or orphaned, they can suffer for months if they don’t receive help.  

Suni-Ridge Sand Forest Park, Environmental Rehabilitation Centre’s project Help Wildlife With Emergency Medical Treatment manages an emergency wildlife relief fund to supplement the high costs of emergency medical care for animals in need.

“We have been overwhelmed with gratitude to have been selected as Project of the Month,” Janet Anne Cuthbertson, Project Leader & Founder Chair of Suni-Ridge Sand Forest Park Environmental Rehabilitation Centre shared.

In addition to providing direct emergency veterinary treatment in iSimangalsio Wetland Park, Suni-Ridge plans to use the Project of the Month Club donations to improve quiet and secure recovery stables for the complex medical treatment and recovery of injured and orphaned animals. And by improving drone surveillance, security fencing, and wildlife monitoring, they will strengthen security against poachers.

“Finally, the donation will help us expand for safekeeping areas of biodiversity that wildlife call home,” Janet added. “We would like to express our most sincere and heartfelt thanks.”

To learn more about how Suni-Ridge Sand Forest Park, Environmental Rehabilitation Centre is working to prevent animal suffering through their Help Wildlife With Emergency Medical Treatment project, read their most recent report.

Thank you for your commitment to a better world! 

With gratitude, 

Victoria Vrana

GlobalGiving CEO

Dear Project of the Month Club Member,

In rural communities of Bangalore, India, 25,000 people with disabilities are excluded from accessing health, education, and rehabilitation services.

The March project of the month, Bangalore Baptist Hospital Society’s project Deliver disability care to 25000-rural Bangalore aims at improving the quality of life for these people who live in more than 1,000 different villages in the region. By providing access to information, home-based rehabilitative therapy, and need-based aid and appliances, Bangalore Baptist Hospital Society works to promote human rights, social integration, and restore self-esteem and dignity to the people they serve.

Bangalore Baptist Hospital Society aims to help 300 people with disabilities overcome their mobility challenges and become more independent through this project. The organization will also support thousands of other people to get the economic assistance they need, and ensure hundreds of children with intellectual disabilities gain independence in their daily lives through therapy.

To learn more about how Bangalore Baptist Hospital Society is helping people with disabilities in rural Bangalore access support and services to improve their quality of life, check out their most recent report.

Thank you for your commitment to a better world!

With gratitude, 

Victoria Vrana

GlobalGiving CEO

Dear Project of the Month Club Member, 

The economic and educational effects of apartheid still impact millions of South African youth. Only one in 20 black students in the country obtains a university degree.

Christel House International’s project, Educate A Poor South African Child, supports students with a holistic approach that starts with K-12 academic curriculum. The organization also offers character development programming designed to instill independence, integrity, social responsibility, and leadership qualities in students. Their students receive breakfast and lunch, and are provided with uniforms and resource materials like textbooks and other school supplies. 

For five years after high school graduation, the Christel House College & Careers program provides financial, academic, and career-oriented assistance as students transition to college, apprenticeships, and work. Today, Christel House International serves more than 1,090 students in South Africa.

“To our GlobalGiving Club friends, we thank you for your support of children experiencing poverty in South Africa,” Barbara S. Bosch, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Development at Christel House International, shared. “100% of donations support programs and services for students.”

“Your gift is changing life outcomes,” Barbara added. To learn more about how Christel House is supporting students in South Africa, read their most recent report.

Thank you for your commitment to a better world! 

With gratitude, 

Victoria Vrana

GlobalGiving CEO