GIC’s Post

Gala for Change – Standing Together for Children’s Rights. 📣 With everything happening across the Middle East and beyond, this is not just a Gala, it’s a call to action. As the world faces challenging times, our upcoming Sparkle Gala has taken on even greater significance. It’s about uniting people who care, those who are ready to make a difference, and willing to stand up for children’s rights. 👏 Cancelling the event is not an option—it would mean denying more children access to their basic rights: education, healthcare, community support, and nutrition. Whether in Malawi or elsewhere, these rights are universal and must be protected. 🔐 Malawi holds a special place in our hearts. The children there, like many others, are counting on us to keep providing essential services—from classrooms to health clinics—that serve as lifelines. 💙 Now more than ever, we need to come together, step up, and show that no challenge is too big when the cause is this vital. We are back, and with your support, we aim to change even more lives. Let’s turn this moment into one of hope and action. 🌟 The Sparkle Foundation. DM me for info. Kunal Savjani, Menassie Taddese, Fazeela Gopalani, Tasneem Kara, Olivia Green, Gregory Shippee, Patrick Doyle, Erika Blazeviciute Doyle, Robert Kew, Olivia Dixson, Suzanne Gandy FCIPD, Claudio Sgarlata, Laila Saif, Katie Harvey, Ilona De Sainte Marie. #ChangeForChildren #GalaForGood #TogetherWeCan #SparkleGala #HopeInAction #MalawiMatters #DiaryOfACharityCEO #UAESpeaker #Humanitarian #Leadership #Dubai #Malawi #UK Jumeirah

Happy Chooseday! 🌟 This week, we're focusing on Men's Health Week (June 10-16), raising awareness for men's health and encouraging men to take charge of their well-being. Did you know that men are less likely to seek help for health issues and often neglect their physical and mental well-being? Australian men have a lower life expectancy, are more likely to be overweight and experience higher rates of a range of chronic diseases in comparison to women. And the most staggering statistic of all... Death by suicide is more than three times as common in Australian men in comparison to women. 💙 Let's make Men's Health Week a time for open conversations and support Mens health charities like Gotcha4Life Foundation, Mentoring Men, Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and Movember. Together, we can help men lead healthier, happier lives. 💪  #MensHealthWeek #ChooseToGive #SupportMensHealth https://lnkd.in/gTg5fzH3

It is deeply troubling that an organization as reputable as the United Nations / United Nations Volunteers on the occasion of International Volunteer Day, has chosen to highlight volunteer work at orphanages—an activity that is widely recognized as harmful to children. This endorsement contradicts years of research, global advocacy, and policy efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable children from the negative effects of institutionalization and exploitation. The Facts About Orphanage Volunteering 1. Orphanages Harm Children’s Development: Decades of research show that institutional care negatively impacts children’s physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Children raised in orphanages often experience attachment disorders, developmental delays, and long-term mental health issues. 2. Most “Orphans” Are Not Orphans: UNICEF reports that 80% of children in orphanages worldwide have at least one living parent. Many are placed in institutions due to poverty. Families are often coerced into giving up their children because orphanages promise them better opportunities—opportunities that rarely materialize. 3. Orphanage Volunteering Fuels a Lucrative Industry: The orphanage “industry” thrives on donations and well-meaning volunteers. To meet demand, children are sometimes trafficked into orphanages, or forced to perform to attract foreign donations. #exploitation 4. Attachment Disruption: Frequent changes in caregivers caused by short-term volunteer programs disrupt children’s ability to form stable, healthy attachments. 5. Global Advocacy Against Orphanage Tourism: Organizations like Save the Children International , Better Care Network / Better Care Network Netherlands, and Westerlaken Foundation have spent years campaigning against orphanage volunteering. The Australian government has even recognized orphanage trafficking as a form of modern slavery. 6. Community-Based Care Is the Solution: Evidence overwhelmingly supports family-based care over institutional care. Efforts should focus on strengthening families and communities, providing financial and social support to keep children with their relatives instead of placing them in orphanages. We urge the UN to align its messaging with global child protection standards. Instead of promoting harmful orphanage volunteering, International Volunteer Day should spotlight ethical volunteering initiatives that genuinely uplift communities, such as education programs, healthcare, and family support services. Children are not tourist attractions, and their welfare must be prioritized over misguided volunteerism. It’s time to #StopOrphanageVolunteering and ensure that all children grow up in safe, loving family environments. We expect better leadership from the United Nations. https://lnkd.in/gJi9FArs Dr Kate van Doore Rebecca Nhep Florence Koenderink Florence Martin Sudrajat Tata Family Power Lukita Wardhani Setiyarso

We must remind global leaders and organizations to be careful stewards of messaging and align themselves with child protection policies rooted in evidence and ethics. Let’s do better for our children. Let’s prioritize their well-being, dignity, and future by saying NO to orphanage volunteering and YES to real, sustainable solutions. #StopOrphanageVolunteering #ChildProtection #EthicalVolunteering

Too many children are growing up in a world where basic needs like nutrition and physical activity remain out of reach.   What if we could change the story? Imagine a future where children not only survive but thrive - in a world where they are safe, healthy, and free to dream. 🤸    Through our partnership with UNICEF, we are working to make this vision a reality. 🤝 Since 2019, we have focused on strengthening policies and driving local action to create healthier environments for children. This means helping them grow up in a world where access to nutritious food, safe places to grow, and opportunities to learn and play are the norm - not the exception.     In the last 5 years we have focused our efforts in Mexico, Colombia, Brazil and Indonesia, where more than 2.7 million children have already experienced our direct programme activities. On this #WorldChildrensDay, let’s remember that creating a better future for children is not just hope – it's a responsibility we all share.    Read more about our collaboration 👉  https://lnkd.in/d9G7ZDcE    #WorldChildrensDay #NovoNordisk #UNICEF #Prevention #HealthEquity

On 20-21 November, 61 participants from 17 Member States gathered in Paris for the Community of Practice on Material Support onsite event ‘Meeting varying needs: how material support can be tailored to meet the diverse needs of different target groups.’ 🎯The two-day event in Paris focused on tailoring material support to meet the diverse needs of vulnerable groups. 💡Discussions included innovative approaches in France and other countries and site visits to the key NGOs: Les Restos du Coeur, La Fédération Française des Banques Alimentaires , Secours populaire français, and Croix-Rouge française, providing food support on a national level. 📍 Participants reflected on lessons learned from the FEAD programming period and explored strategies to enhance the impact and inclusivity of material support systems under ESF+ in the future programming period. #ESFplus #SocialInnovationplus #CommunitiesOfPractice #TransnationalCooperation #EUfunds

🟠 Celebrating Empowered Mothers and Inclusive Financial Futures! 🟠 This Financial Inclusion Week, let’s recognize the incredible role mothers play in shaping economic resilience and growth. From managing household budgets to starting small businesses, mothers are at the heart of financial progress. 🟠 On this Mother’s Day, we honor not just the love they give but also the financial wisdom they impart—ensuring future generations are equipped to thrive. 🟠 Empower a mother, and you empower a community. Let’s promote inclusive financial systems so every mother has access to the tools, resources, and opportunities she needs to secure a brighter future. #FinancialInclusionWeek #MothersDay🧡 #EmpowerMothers #InclusiveFinance #WomenInBusiness

📢 𝗧𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿, 𝗹𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲-𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀! 🌟 For 7 years, #MoiEtMesEnfants has been transforming the lives of single-parent families, with a special focus on single mothers. By creating solidarity hubs, we provide women and their children with spaces to rebuild, envision their future, and reclaim their place in society. 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿? 👉 In France, 85% of single-parent families are headed by women. 👉 These mothers often face financial precarity, social isolation, and overwhelming mental load. At #MoiEtMesEnfants, we meet their needs with tailored programs such as: 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀’ 𝗖𝗲𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴: helping women regain autonomy and enter the workforce. 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 & 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀: boosting self-confidence and fostering connections through exercise. 𝗥𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆: giving children the tools and confidence to thrive. 𝗬𝗼𝘂, 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗳, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻: ensuring access to dignified housing. In 2024 alone, we organized 𝟯𝟬𝟬+ 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀, impacting 𝟮,𝟱𝟬𝟬 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 since our journey began. But with your help, we can do even more. 🙌 💡 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽? 1️⃣ 𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 to support our mission—every contribution counts! We have 𝟯 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 to make a change ! 2️⃣ 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 this post to spread the word. 3️⃣ 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗱 as a volunteer, partner, or supporter. 💛 Together, we can reduce inequalities, empower women who need it most, and build a fairer society. ➡️ 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: https://lnkd.in/eUqxzdfA Thank you for your solidarity! 🙏 #Solidarity #SingleParentFamilies #WomenEmpowerment #MoiEtMesEnfants #SocialImpact Olivia Barreau

All about Volunteer for the Visayans! 👀 VFV is committed to making a real difference in the lives of individuals and communities across the Philippines. Their grassroots methodology is at the heart of everything they do 💚. Through active collaboration with community organizations and local government agencies, they identify specific needs and develop tailored programs to address them. Their goal is to tackle poverty from all angles and provide comprehensive services that uplift communities and cultivate hope for a brighter tomorrow. Here's a glimpse into their approach: 🤝 Empowering Local Communities: By providing educational resources, supporting health services, and ensuring access to nutritious meals, VFV is helping individuals and families, especially those from low-income backgrounds. 📚 Education for All: They believe education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty and that´s why they are dedicated to providing educational opportunities that empower children and youth to reach their full potential. 🍎 Health and Nutrition: Healthy individuals build strong communities. VFV have health and nutrition initiatives, ensuring that communities have access to essential healthcare services and nutritious meals, promoting overall well-being. 🌱 Fostering Resilience: Not just providing short-term solutions, but building long-term resilience. Through community projects and fundraising efforts, they are laying the foundation for sustainable futures in the local communities. To join this amazing initiative, follow the link below👇. #RootsInterns #NonProfitIntership #CommunityDevelopment #GrassrootsMethodology #Philippines #Volunteerism #Empowerment #Education #Health #Nutrition #SustainableFutures https://lnkd.in/dNVpd2r4

𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐬!👩🦱👧🧑🦱 Here's an opportunity to explore! There's an open call for you to attend the upcoming SIDS Children and Youth Action Summit, scheduled to take place on the margins of the SIDS4 Conference in Antigua and Barbuda from 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟔𝐭𝐡, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒. The summit presents a significant opportunity for young leaders to contribute their perspectives and initiatives towards addressing the challenges faced by SIDS. 📌𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟒𝐭𝐡, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 Both Self-Funded Delegates and Non-Self-Funding Delegates are welcome to apply via this link 👇https://lnkd.in/e93k7q_F. 📌Things you need to know before applying👇 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬: ☑️Applicants must be between 14 and 25 years old. ☑️They should be legal residents of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), regardless of citizenship. ☑️Affiliation with a child/youth organization or network actively engaged in SIDS-related activities is required, with a particular emphasis on supporting vulnerable groups and grassroots communities. ☑️Recognition as an advocate at the national or regional level, actively promoting initiatives aligned with the summit's thematic areas, is essential. ☑️While self-funded, applicants must be formally endorsed by a credible organization. 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐨𝐧-𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬: ☑️Applicants should fall within the age range of 14 to 25 years old. ☑️They must be legal residents of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), regardless of citizenship. ☑️Affiliation with a child/youth organization or network actively engaged in SIDS-related activities, with a focus on supporting vulnerable groups and grassroots communities, is required. ☑️Recognition as an advocate at the national or regional level, actively promoting initiatives aligned with the summit's thematic areas, is necessary.