Geeta`s Café - Plan International USA

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THE MAGAZINE OF PLAN USA
Winter 2009
Geeta’s Café
Find out how a Plan program
changed the life of one brave
woman in Nepal
The Last Hill
Before
Home
Learn how cyclist and
philanthropist Aaron Zukowski
peddled his way from
Panama to San Francisco,
and built a school
in Guatemala in the process.
Time for School
Hobsons Global helps
educational professionals
with a host of media solutions.
But what are they doing
in Bolivia?
Plus:
planusa.org
Plan’s work in the face of disasters
The CRC turns 20
Why universal birth registration counts
Child-friendly centers in the Swat Valley
And more!
Helping children since 1937.
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Contents
Message from the
President/CEO...3
Children at the Center...4
Plan’s child-friendly centers in
Pakistan’s Swat Valley
The Last Hill Before
Home...6
Plan is the official magazine of Plan USA,
part of a global network of 66 countries
working together to deliver programs
to help build a world in which all
children realize their full potential
in societies that respect people’s
rights and dignity.
An amazing, life-changing bike trip
benefits more than just the cyclist
The Convention on the
Rights of the Child...8
Celebrating 20 years of making sure
that every child counts
Time for School...10
Hobsons Global knows the importance
of corporate responsibility—see how
they’re using it in Bolivia
YUGA...12
YUGA members speak at the UN
Universal Birth
Registration...13
The importance of counting every child
A Visit to Our
Sponsored Child...14
A firsthand account of a
once-in-a-lifetime connection
Geeta’s Café...17
Through hard work and some support
from Plan, Geeta has a new chance
Because I am a
Girl Report...18
2009 is all about
economic empowerment
Plan Magazine
Winter 2009
President/CEO: W. Ahuma Adodoadji
Editor: Chris Cedroni
Graphic design: Angela Gora, Gora Communications
Additional contributors: Donna Brown, Robin Costello, Kate Ezzes,
Louis Haling, Frank Manfredi, Heidi Reed, Megan Ryan
Would you like more information about Plan USA, donating to projects, or sponsoring a
child? Contact us at (800) 556-7918 or [email protected].
155 Plan Way, Warwick, RI 02886
(401) 738-5600
1730 Rhode Island Avenue, N.W. Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 223-8325
Preparing
for the Flood... 19
Mely, a young girl in Indonesia, tells us
how she contributed to the safety of
her community
planusa.org
--
Message from the President/CEO
Meaningful Change Through Empowerment
Dear Friend:
In 2010, Plan will be more passionate than ever about
empowering children. Our Because I am a Girl campaign will
With the holiday season fast
continue to address inequality in societies—because without the
approaching, I am grateful for your
rich contributions of girls, boys will not be able to achieve their
continued dedication to the work of
own full potential.
Plan. In 2009, despite uncertainties
Plan President/CEO Ahuma Adodoadji
shakes hands with former President
Bill Clinton at the recent CGI meeting
in New York City.
in the world economy, together we
We recently affirmed our commitment to helping girls rise up to
helped redirect the lives of millions
the same level as boys at the Clinton Global Initiative in New York
of poor and often hurting children
City. At a session with former President Clinton that highlighted
toward a brighter future.
his own support of programs that help women and girls thrive
globally, it was announced that starting in 2010 Plan will train
Whether reducing mortality rates
adolescent girls in Ghana to become professional media specialists
from malaria, giving those living with HIV/AIDS the emotional
tools to cope, or providing clean water where none existed before,
and powerful advocates for gender equality in West Africa.
the list of what was achieved this year for Plan’s children, families,
Together the world is mobilizing around the idea that when the
and communities through your generous giving is remarkable, if
status of girls is raised, entire families, communities, and countries
not heartening. Meaningful change does happen.
become stronger and more able to shatter that which limits them.
When referring to the social and economic development of an
We hope you enjoy this issue of Plan magazine, which highlights
impoverished community, “empowerment” is a word we use often
stories of hope and empowerment that would not be possible
at Plan. While poverty does bring its share of hopeless despair, all
without your support. Thank you again for your partnership.
of our programs affirm that within each human life—no matter
the place or the circumstance—there are vast stores of incredible
Sincerely,
optimism, sheer determination, and hope.
In all that we do, Plan recognizes this infinite potential as a force
for real and lasting change.
Time and again, we have learned through our work in 48
W. Ahuma Adodoadji
President/CEO
countries worldwide that when children are involved in the
process—when their voices are heard by the adults around
them—communities become safer, healthier, and more resilient.
--
Children at
the Center
How child-friendly centers in Pakistan’s Swat Valley
help internally displaced children and their families cope.
by Heidi Reed
Plan’s immediate concern for the displaced children,
especially in
the tent cities,
was for their
well-being.
--
Not very long ago the Swat Valley in Pakistan was a paradise of
rivers, streams, fruit trees, and pristine, snow-capped mountains,
where children had the freedom to grow up safely and in peace. The
region was a global tourist destination. But over the last several
years, extremist militants have transformed the Swat Valley from a
safe haven into a danger zone that few dare to enter.
In early spring 2009, as the situation in
the region became dire, the citizens of
Swat Valley and the neighboring Buner
Valley were strongly encouraged by
the Pakistani government to flee their
homes.
Children, families, and communities
flooded the roads out of the
valleys. Many were welcomed by host
families. Others went to sprawling
tent cities set up by the government
in partnership with international
aid agencies. By May, more than
2.5 million “internally displaced”
citizens registered with the Pakistani
government.
Plan’s immediate concern for
the displaced children, especially in
the tent cities, was for their well-being.
While the majority of aid agencies
focused on the provision of food, water,
shelter, and blankets, Plan mobilized
to provide child-friendly centers,
recognizing from experience that
recreation, play, and emotional support is
essential in the early recovery and
rehabilitation of traumatized children.
According to Plan USA’s Humanitarian
Response director, Frank Manfredi,
“other government donors were focused
on doing important lifesaving things,
but not on the protection of children,”
which is where Plan knew it could
have a meaningful impact. “Psychosocial
support for children in these types of
situations is something that often gets
overlooked,” he said.
Plan Canada, Plan Netherlands, Plan
USA, Plan Australia, and Plan Sweden
sent out appeals to their donors,
and these funds helped Plan Pakistan
procure tents and recreational kits.
Plan partnered with two NGOs chosen
for their expertise to implement the
program.
By June, 26 child-friendly centers
were organized, each with one tent for
boys and one for girls. Children were
given the opportunity to participate in
games, singing, and drawing activities.
While they played, they were given fruit
juices, milk, and cookies to supplement
nourishment given by the UN’s World
Food Program.
The centers not only benefit the
children, but they also help reduce the
stress for parents who must focus on
doing what they need to do to survive,
such as standing in line for food and
water rations for their families. Also unique to Plan was asking the
children to voice their opinions. While
in the centers, the children shared
their feelings with Plan staff about the
situation and the challenges ahead
of them. Many were bothered by the
hot weather conditions that were so
unlike the cool, crisp climate they
were accustomed to in the mountain
valleys. They were not happy with the
lack of bathrooms available for women
and children to bathe. Adolescent
girls expressed their worry over not
having enough sanitary napkins. Some
--
of the children interviewed were so sad
that they could not speak. The children also shared their fears
about returning to their homes
safely—not knowing how they would
survive if the fighting started again or
if there were no safe buildings left in
their villages. They were worried about
how their unemployed fathers would
provide for them so that they could
return to school with book bags and
school supplies.
The outcome of the program is being
continually assessed, but, because of
the support of Plan donors, thousands
of displaced children and their families
received needed psychosocial support,
health trainings, and hygiene kits.
In July 2009, even though the situation
remained unstable, the internally
displaced were told by the Pakistani
government to return home, and the
tent cities were dismantled. Plan and
its partner organizations continue to
meet regularly in Peshawar, Pakistan, to
discuss the next steps for the program.
Plan is taking part in joint assessments
in the affected districts, paying close
attention to what can be done next to
ensure the children’s continued safety
and protection in their own valleys.
“It has been about
being the change
and bringing
much-needed
education to
the children
of Guatemala.”
The Last Hill
Before Home
On January 19 I set off on a solo
cycling journey from Panama City,
Panama, to San Francisco. The ride
would cross eight countries, span
more than 3,500 miles, and take
more than three months to complete.
Not a bad challenge for a guy who
had never been on a road bike. I
did this as an inspirational event to
bring awareness and attention to the
problems that children in need face in
Central America.
The goal was to raise $15,000 for a
school construction project in Jalapa,
Guatemala, which would create an
educational opportunity for these
amazing kids. I partnered with Plan
USA because they are well-respected
in the development community, and
are powered by a mission to help
children around the world.
The ride was an amazing adventure!
The days were filled with pedaling
for seven or eight hours which would
carry me 80 or 90 miles. Some of
my fondest memories are of riding
by Aaron Zukowski
through the coffee plantations in the
jungle-covered mountains of Costa Rica,
cruising along the beautiful Pacific coast
in El Salvador, and rolling through the
cacti-covered, dry desert of Baja
California, Mexico. Traveling by bike allowed me the time and freedom to discover this part of the world, and it gave
me a much more intimate perspective of
the people, the culture, and the land.
Along the way I also made special stops at
Plan offices and sponsored communities.
It was there that I discovered the amazing
projects that Plan is doing at the local
level. In Nicaragua, I had the opportunity
to go with Plan staff to a sponsored
community near Somoto, where I heard
from the locals, firsthand, the challenges
that they face on a daily basis. In El
Salvador, I went with sponsors from France
as they visited their sponsored child and
his family in the rural, war-torn northern
territory.
In Guatemala, I had the unique
opportunity to meet, and even play
soccer with, Medardo, the child I sponsor.
--
In addition, I was given a
tour of where the two new classrooms
are to be built for the 400-plus children
of the community.
Through my visits I have seen that Plan
is doing some incredible work. They
are building sustainable infrastructure
like schools for continued education,
and wells for clean drinking water. My
experience with Plan was more than
just seeing the new projects. Plan has
provided me with opportunities for
cultural exchanges, and it will be these
exchanges that I will take with me for
the rest of my life.
This fund-raiser has been so much more
than just a wild bike ride from Panama
City to San Francisco. It has been about
being the change and bringing muchneeded education to the children of
Guatemala that will open up doors for
self-growth, optimism, and opportunity.
Peace, Power, and Pedal
Aaron Zukowski, using little more than his bike,
the Internet, and his own desire to do good, made a
real difference for schoolchildren in Latin America.
“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
—Gandhi
--
The Convention
on the
Rights of the Child
Celebrating 20 years of making sure
that every child counts
November 20 marks the
anniversary of a historic
piece of legislation, a legal
agreement between nations
that speaks to the heart of
everything Plan does. Twenty
years ago on that day, after
much deliberation and
debate, the United Nations
enacted a treaty called the
Convention on the Rights of
the Child. In it were simple,
common-sense statements
about children’s rights that
the heads of state of more
than 190 countries around
the world could agree
on, statements such as: A
child has a right to life; and
children everywhere deserve
a voice and to have attention
paid to their thoughts and
opinions when appropriate.
The representatives agreed
that children are especially
vulnerable, and as such
should be protected against
all forms of exploitation.
In short, the Convention
on the Rights of the Child
represents the agreement
of governments around the
world that children have
rights and, to ensure our
future, should be treated with
respect and care.
--
It would be nice to believe that the common-sense notion of
children’s rights is just that, common, but the unfortunate truth
is that such basic rights are often infringed upon or completely ignored.
Child labor is rampant in many parts of the world, and the sexual exploitation of children is often a sad reality. So often children
are abused and silenced out of simple ignorance, or because those who care for them were treated the same way when they
were children. Children cannot protect themselves! Legislation like the Convention on the Rights of the Child is so important
because it sets a standard that nations around the world can point to and follow so that every child has an equal opportunity to
have a safe, happy childhood.
Plan is committed to promoting the values of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, both through education and implementation, in every country we work with. Making sure that a child’s rights are respected goes hand in hand with the work
Plan does to protect children and help end child poverty. Implementing the Convention on the Rights of the Child lays the
groundwork for all of the other good work that Plan does to improve the lives of children around the world. Simple education
about the mandates of the treaty often leads to immediate results, for as soon as children are seen as a priority in the community their situation often improves.
There has been a lot of good work in making children’s rights a universal reality over the past 20 years, but as this historic occasion comes upon us there is still a lot of ground to cover before the rights of every child are recognized and respected. We at
Plan work towards a future where the rights of the child are a common reality in every corner of the globe.
Just one last point: There are only two countries that have not ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child even 20
years on. One is the war-devastated state of Somalia. The other is our very own United States. President Obama has already
expressed his shock at the oversight and has promised to review the treaty and have Congress ratify his signature as soon as
possible.
But you know how politicians can forget, especially if no one reminds them to keep their promises. Please, if you care about
the rights of children around the world, contact your congressperson and spread the word.
--
Time for School
Hobsons Global makes it their corporate mission to
improve education all over the world. Read about their
trip to Bolivia.
by Megan Ryan
In 2005, Hobsons Global partnered with Plan to bring education
to children in the developing world. Since then, they have helped
improve the learning environment for children in Nairobi, Kenya, by
renovating 26 classrooms and constructing an additional classroom
to reduce overcrowding. And they equipped a library, provided a
clean water source, and furnished the school with furniture and
learning materials. Every year Hobsons selects another Plan country
to work with and bring education to its children. This year, Doug
Havens (right) went to Bolivia with two other Hobsons employees
to see firsthand the impact Hobsons is making.
First of all, I was wondering if you could tell me about the partnership between Hobsons and Plan.
Each year, Hobsons picks a Plan program that focuses on improving or providing education to a community in need. Hobsons is a global
organization that has offices in the US, UK, and Australia. All of these offices band together to raise funds to support the selected project.
After the funds have been collected, a few individuals from the offices will get to travel to the location of the project and see firsthand how
their contributions are impacting the community.
I understand that Plan and Hobsons are working together in Bolivia on several ongoing projects. Could you please elaborate on
these projects?
During the 2008 calendar year, Hobsons raised funds to build a kindergarten in Ascension de Guarayos, Bolivia. There are more than 500
children eligible for preschool care, but they do not have proper facilities. The project will provide six new classrooms for the children to use
as well as train local residents to teach and run the school.
Why Bolivia?
Before each project is completed Hobsons requests project descriptions for a new education project. Plan provides a few different options
– it could be a new school in Africa, a school renovation in Central America, a school boardinghouse in Asia, or something else. Last year
Hobsons decided to start with the basics and help with early childhood care and education and selected the Bolivia project. To date,
Hobsons has constructed a school in Nairobi, Kenya, school boardinghouse in Tan Long, Vietnam and the kindergarten in Ascension de
Guarayos, Bolivia. Next year, they will be constructing a school in Techiman, Ghana.
How long were you in Bolivia? How did you spend your time?
We were in Bolivia for a week. Not only did we see the progress of the Ascension de Guarayos kindergarten, but we also saw many other
projects that Plan is currently working on in Bolivia. The team spent three days in La Paz and then headed to the Ascension de Guarayos
region for the remainder of the trip.
- 10 -
Doug, along with his co-workers,
visited the school that Hobsons
is constructing in Bolivia.
What were some of the most striking cultural differences you noticed in your travels?
The most striking difference to me was the pride they felt for their country and their desire to preserve traditions. Everywhere we went,
we were greeted with smiles and a very warm welcome. Each group we met wanted to teach us about local customs, food, dance, and
behavior. I could sense the love they had for their own culture. They were eager to share it with us and were eager to learn what we
thought of each dish or dance.
Could you please explain the purpose of your trip, from a business position, as well as what it meant to you on a more personal level?
From a business standpoint, the trip was to experience the impact that Hobsons’ philanthropy has around the world, as well as bring
back the lessons learned and share them with the larger corporate community. Our goal is to motivate and hopefully spur more active
participation in good causes. Personally, the trip was an incredible eye-opening experience. Being immersed into the local cultures and
exposed to local traditions for a week was life-changing, forcing me out of my comfort zone and seeing a whole new culture with fresh eyes.
Apart from interacting with the children, did you have the opportunity to speak with any teachers or community members
about these ongoing projects?
Due to a language barrier, I didn’t get to speak directly with many community members. Plan staff translated for us. Upon arriving in each Plan
location, the community leaders would welcome us and tell us how grateful they were to have us as their guests. Many of the local parents
came to the schools when we were there to give us gifts or show other signs of gratitude for the impact that Plan has had on the community.
Was there anything you found surprising or unexpected over the course of your visit?
Apart from some hideously enormous bugs at our hotel, the most surprising thing I experienced was each community’s overwhelming
gratitude they showed us. I’ve never met anyone who has been as welcoming and inviting as the people we met in Bolivia.
In your opinion, why should other businesses have similar involvement with Plan?
After visiting Bolivia and seeing firsthand how much impact a little bit of money can have to improve the well-being of other people’s lives, I
was astounded. Plan takes a much smarter approach to improving the community. It works on programs from the ground up to improve the
quality of life for every person in the community. In the case of Ascension de Guarayos, Plan was not just building a kindergarten, they were
also training many local adults how to teach in and maintain the school for years to come. This is on top of numerous social and communityfocused programs initiated by Plan.
Matching Gifts
Contact Information
Bank of America
Many companies are proud to match their
employees’ charitable contributions to
Plan USA, doubling—and in some cases
tripling—your gift.
Find out if your company will match your
gift. It’s a simple step that can make a big
difference. For more information, go to
www.planusa.org/match.
To learn more about corporate giving
and how your company can help,
contact Plan’s Corporate Relations
team at 800-556-7918 or via email at
[email protected]
Bank of America partners with Plan USA,
offering credit cards with programs to
benefit Plan’s projects. To apply, call
toll-free 866-438-6262 and mention
Priority Code UAA54J or visit www.
newcardonline.com and enter Priority
Code UAA54J.
11 --- 11
YUGA at the UN
Who is YUGA?
Youth United for Global Action and
Awareness is a network of young
people around the United States
taking local action on global issues
like poverty, HIV/AIDS, climate
change, and child exploitation.
YUGA members run campaigns in their
schools and communities throughout
the year to get their peers involved in
global issues and engaged as agents of
change in our world.
Left: A close-up of the light-box art installation—
which was presented to the UN as part of the
August 12 International Youth Day­—shows
children’s views of the world in all its beauty and
strife. Above: YUGA members Arisa and Allegra
were part of a delegation of students from around
the world who raised awareness of the importance
of child participation to the United Nations General
Assembly.
Shoot Nations Offers Child’s-Eye View
Speaking Up At UNICEF
Three students represented Plan on August 12 at the United Nations
More recently, YUGA members took part in the Children’s Right to
Headquarters in New York City as they made a formal presentation
Participation with representatives from Permanent Missions to the
to celebrate International Youth Day 2009.
United Nations.
“Shoot Nations” is a free-to-enter competition that is run by Plan
Plan was joined by NGOs Save the Children and War Child Holland.
UK and Shoot Experience. It offers young people all over the world
The three organizations brought six young people from around the
a unique opportunity to express how they feel about the world they
world and gave them the opportunity to share how participation in
live in through photography, drawings, and graphic design. Selected
decision-making has a positive impact on youth and their communities.
images are then displayed in the United Nations offices.
The event was hosted by UNICEF in New York along with the UN
Missions Belize, Uruguay, Sweden, and the Czech Republic. It was
Livia, 16, Claire, 12, and Helen, 17, are active members of YUGA,
moderated by Ishmael Beah, a former child soldier turned author who
and were chosen to present a light-box art installation that was
is now a UNICEF Advocate for Children Affected by War.
displayed in the UN Secretariat Building throughout the summer.
Said Helen:
The panel of young people was asked to share how being given
a stake in issues that affects their lives can create positive results.
It was an important day. It showed me that youth do have a
The event showed the importance of providing the opportunity to
future in this world, but this future is starting in the present. I
children to be a part of decision-making at all levels.
learned that YUGA is the perfect example of what many more
people are trying to do in this world. It was a day bigger than
Want more information on these stories? Visit us at
myself, just as all of the problems in this world are bigger than
www.planusa.org/YUGA_UNICEF to read more.
all of us.
All Aboard!
Contact Information
Calling all youth ages 13-24 who are ready to make a difference
in the decision-making process at Plan USA! Apply to be on Plan
To learn more about YUGA, Plan’s youth programs, or
USA’s Youth Advisory Board (YAB)! This YAB will bring together
how you can be involved in other ways contact Plan
youth from around the country to work closely with Plan’s executive
team and board of directors and help make decisions regarding
800-556-7918
campaigns and programming that affect youth around the world.
or via email at
This is an excellent opportunity for YOU to become a part of it!
[email protected]
Please visit www.planusa.org/youthadvisoryboard to download the
application and be a part of it.
USA’s Youth Empowerment and Action Team at
- 12 -
Universal Birth Registration Counts!
By Louis Haling
Preschool children are enjoying a nutritious meal as part of a Plan-supported supplemental nutrition program. Having the right to good food and a good start to an
education are some of the benefits that a birth certificate ensures.
In 2008, six promising Ghanaian youths were
chosen by Plan for their leadership and hard
work to represent their communities as child
ambassadors. The child ambassador program is facilitated
Child ambassadors also organized registration drives to get as
many people in their communities registered as possible. At one
such drive more than 360 infants were registered! Other Plan
events, such as a birth registration radio show, met with similar
successes. The ongoing work of Plan in Ghana, with the help
of community leaders like the child ambassadors, has led to an
increase of coverage for birth registration from 17 percent in 2003
to 62 percent in 2007.
by Plan as well as the Diaspora African Forum and the African
Communication Agency to improve the lives of children
and communities affected by poverty through promotion of
cross-cultural awareness and communication. As part of their
appointment, the child ambassadors were invited to the United
States so that they could share their unique stories.
A birth certificate is seen as a given in the developed world.
But, on the other side of the world, disadvantaged children
are finding themselves invisible to governments and aid
agencies without this seemingly perfunctory legal document.
This is a widespread and sadly underreported problem, with
approximately 51 million children going unregistered every
year, according to UNICEF. Children who are not properly
registered at birth, are in danger of being exploited in
underage marriages or for child labor without a document
proving their age.
The group was overjoyed at the news and could not wait to
embark on such an exciting adventure! There was just one
problem—or rather five problems. Because five out of the
six children did not have birth certificates. They encountered
significant difficulties acquiring passports. Plan officials
interceded on the children’s behalf with local officials, and
eventually all six were able to visit the United States. But their
difficulties underscore the fact that lack of birth registration
remains a widespread problem in the developing world.
Children without proof of their identity and nationality are
much easier prey for human traffickers. As children without
a birth certificate grow up, they find themselves cut off from
opportunities such as travel, employment, and university
attendance that they might otherwise be well-qualified for.
Plan is committed to the cause of universal birth registration
comes from a recognition of how detrimental it is for a child to
be undocumented and, as a result, be unaccounted for by legal
and aid agencies. Success stories like the ones in Ghana can
happen, but there is still work to be done to make sure that the
infrastructure and education is in place that will make universal
birth registration a reality.
The child ambassadors spent two weeks speaking at various
events, meeting with American children their own age, and
learning about American culture. After all of the hard work and
excitement of visiting the United States, the child ambassadors
returned to their villages in Ghana, but they did not forget
how the lack of a simple legal document almost wrecked a
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Upon their return to Ghana,
the child ambassadors focused their efforts on joining Plan’s
program to raise awareness within their country about the need
for universal birth registration. Child ambassadors spoke at
meetings and community gatherings, trying to emphasize the
importance of registering children at birth.
Not until every child is counted will every child count.
- 13 -
A Visit
to Our
Sponsored
Child in
Nicaragua
34% of school-age children
in Nicaragua, like the little
girl pictured here, do not
attend school.
- 14 -
Bruce L. Pearson gives a firsthand account of
his meeting with his sponsored child, Johanna
by Bruce L. Pearson, Plan sponsor
My wife Linda and I have been Plan USA
sponsors for more than 30 years. For the
past six years, our sponsored child has been
Johanna of Acoyapa, Nicaragua. We had
greatly enjoyed corresponding with her,
and in January 2009 we finally met her in
person. As you will read, it was a wonderful
occasion for all of us.
Linda and I lived for more than 20 years
in Latin America before I retired, including
three years in Guatemala, which is
somewhat similar to Nicaragua. Thus we
are both fluent in Spanish and familiar with
the culture. We correspond with Johanna in
Spanish, and, as a result, nothing gets “lost
in translation.”
After making all of the arrangements
and obtaining the necessary permission
from Plan USA in Rhode Island, we flew
to Managua, the capital of Nicaragua,
on January 18. A driver showed up, on
schedule, on January 20 to take us to
Acoyapa, about a three-hour drive from
Managua. Along the way we stopped in
Plan’s regional office in Juigalpa, where
we signed forms and met the director, Ms.
Emma Arroztegui. She and Plan volunteer
Maria Josefa Gomez escorted us during our
visit and were both very helpful.
Upon arrival, Johanna, her mother, Sonia,
and her father, Jose, were all waiting for us
in front of the town school. After “abrazos”
(hugs) all around, we were all chattering
away as if we had known one another all
our lives. Inside the school, a big banner
and about 20 more children welcomed us
warmly. Although we had arrived on a local
holiday when school was out, the kids had
voluntarily come in order to put on a special
program about Plan’s activities in Acoyapa.
Even more impressive to us was how
articulate they were. Johanna’s father also
gave a brief talk about what Plan means to
Acoyapa, but the kids were clearly in charge.
It was their show and they did a great job.
Wasting no time at all, we went to Johanna’s
house to learn more about one another.
Bruce L. Pearson and his wife Linda, stand with Johanna (to his right) and Plan staff.
Although we had already sent Johanna
some photos of us and our family, we
brought a big album with us on the trip. I
should add that we live in New Mexico and
grow alfalfa. Acoyapa is also a rural area, so
Johanna’s father was especially interested
in the photos showing how we irrigate and
harvest our crop. They all enjoyed seeing
the photos of our two sons, our house, and
the town where we live. We can guarantee
you that your sponsored child and family
will be fascinated with any photos you may
send them, not only of your family members
but also of your everyday activities, such
as mowing the lawn, gardening, or even
washing your car! We Americans are just as
“exotic” to them as they are to us!
After a snack at the house, we all walked
back to town. Johanna had a surprise for us.
Because she already knew of our interest
in archaeology, she took us to an open-air
museum, where we enjoyed looking at
some pre-Columbian relics that had been
discovered in the area. When we got to
the middle of town, there was a parade
in progress, in honor of St. Sebastian, the
patron saint of Acoyapa. It was very colorful,
complete with a marching band, men on
stilts, a statue of the saint, and pilgrims
- 15 -
walking backward and blindfolded, fulfilling
the vows they had made to him. Catholics in
New Mexico participate in similar rituals.
Back on the road, Jose and I rode in the
back of the pickup—just the way I used to
do as a kid out on the desert. It was great!
Naturally, Jose knew practically everybody
in town, so he waved to them as we passed
by. I joked with him that he looked like a
politician campaigning for office. He got a
kick out of that.
We stopped at her grandmother’s house,
where Johanna’s entire extended family
was waiting. It was time to say goodbye.
There was lots of laughter, waving, shouts of
“adios”—and, yes, a few tears as we drove
away. Nothing could top that experience.
So what are you waiting for? You are sure
to have a wonderful time, and both you and
the child you sponsor will never forget it.
For more information about how
to successfully plan a visit to your
sponsored child, please call us at (800)
556-7918 or email donorrelations@
planusa.org.
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know
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and lasting
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in your will or living trust?
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beneficiary of a paid-up
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To learn more about giving
Reach out to tomorrow’s
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children today by creating an
a project, such as constructing
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endowed sponsorship.
a school, improving
Your one-time gift of $7,500
health care, or building latrines.
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greatest impact overseas.
- 16 -
Geeta’s Café
Photo and article by Alf Berg
“It was hard. Very hard.”
This is Geeta describing her seven-year employment with a local
teacher in her south Nepalese village. The dire economic situation
of Geeta´s family led to her being forced into a “kamalari” contract.
The kamalari system is an old, southwestern Nepalese tradition that
forces young girls from the Tharu tribe to work in households
apart from their families. The Tharus are largely poor, landless, and
illiterate. The “contracts” are usually oral and based on mutual trust
between family and master. Hard labor, abuse, and general rights
violations are common.
So when Geeta was 12—for the family’s survival—her father made
a deal with a local teacher. The man came to her house to pick her
up. In a place several hours away from her home, she worked from
sunrise until late in the evening. She had an annual income of 700
Nepali rupees (10 US dollars).
Geeta describes it as “a situation that was impossible to escape from.
Even with all the verbal abuse and all the threats, there was nothing I
could do. My master was well-connected; he knew everyone. He was
highly regarded in his community. I was afraid of the consequences
for my family if I left.”
“What could I do?” adds her father, who (when he can) works
as a laborer in the surrounding villages. “We went hungry at the
time of signing the contract.” For his work, he is paid the bare
minimum or not at all, since contractors often take advantage of
the disadvantaged Tharus. For most people the region—where there
is no infrastructure for business activity—the kamalari system is the
only solution.
Geeta has a new life now. At age 21, she is not only free from the
contract but she has started her own business and is able to employ
her entire family. When business is good, several of her friends also
help out. Through Plan Nepal’s kamalari-abolition program, Geeta
has been able to rent a roadside café for a small but adequate
amount. Plan made the initial investment in very simple chairs,
benches, and tables, and took care of the first three months of rent
(after which Geeta´s family business could afford to take over the
payments). So far, Geeta has made 32,000 rupees, or roughly 46
times her annual wage when she worked as a kamalari.
“Things are changing,” she says. “Things are getting better. Just this
last year, three other people have signed similar contracts with Plan
and are running their own businesses. Girls are returning home. The
atmosphere is different; people feel safer. They are not abused.”
And when asked how it feels to be the boss in her own family, she
smiles and says: “Good. It feels good.”
- 17 -
Because I am a Girl: The State of the
World’s Girls 2009
The latest Plan Because I am a Girl report shows the
impact of economic livelihood on girls and women
Girls in the Global Economy:
Adding It All Up
Girls and women are vital to a country’s economic growth. Yet more
than 500 million adolescent girls and young women around the
world don’t have opportunities for education, and lack economic
rights and empowerment. Each year, countries lose billions of
dollars by failing to invest in girls’ growth and development.
Educating girls gives them a chance to bring about personal and
economic change in their lives. It gives them the opportunity to
better themselves, their future children, their communities, and
their nations. An extra year of education increases a girl’s income by
10 to 20 percent.
Research shows that women’s wages are well-spent. They invest
90 percent of their income back into the household, versus men’s
reinvestments of 30 to 40 percent.
This report, the third in a series, highlights the importance of
empowering girls, investing in their futures, and understanding
their link to growing and developing the economy.
Visit www.planusa.org/girl and join our global initiative for girls.
- 18 -
Preparing
for the
Flood
Mely is one of many students who par-
learned about climate change, first aid,
ticipated in Plan Indonesia’s five-month
disaster risk-reduction training program
for six elementary schools in the floodprone areas of Jakarta and Bogor. The
and how to identify the risks of disaster
around her school. She is now part
of an evacuation team at her school
and has participated in a simulation of
training was delivered in collaboration
safety precautions during a disaster.
with government entities charged with
tackling the impacts of natural disasters
and climate change on this especially
vulnerable country.
Plan Indonesia Disaster Risk Reduction
Manager, Vanda Lengkong, says that
Plan wanted to show the world that
children should be part of adaptation
efforts in the face of climate change.
Mely, a young student
from Indonesia,
remembers being
submerged underwater
during the floods that
hit Jakarta in 2007.
“The water was so
high, my head was
underneath it,”
she says. Mely was
scared then, but now,
thanks to a Plan-led
training program, she
feels prepared should
another flood happen.
Plan’s unique approach of involving
children and youth in disaster risk
awareness and prevention activities
is proving to be the most successful,
“We want to show the general public
and the government that the children
who are usually classified as a vulner-
effective strategy for keeping
able, victimized group can actually do
communities resilient in the face of
crisis. Plan is also particularly focused
on protecting children from any
violence, physical or emotional harm,
and abuse or exploitation that can
something significant and even have a
great role,” she says.
often result from sudden upheavals.
educated in the effects of climate
change on their community. Some of
their schools sit directly next to slum
houses made of bamboo stilts and
scrap plywood and metal stand by the
As part of the training program in Indonesia, students from the six schools
became formally connected through an
As well as training in disaster risk
reduction, the children were also
agreed-upon communication network.
Students from Bogor, whose schools
are farther up the Ciliwung River, are
now asked to warn students in Jakarta
of possible flooding. They accomplish
Ciliwung River Crook. Piles of plastic
garbage float above the water.
this through text messaging and phone
calls, as most of the students have mobile phones. Alternatively, the students
can inform their teachers, who can
then text or phone a friend in Jakarta.
the school garden, in the hope that they
will share the important knowledge with
their families and communities.
During the training program, Mely
- 19 -
The children are taught to reuse, reduce,
and recycle rubbish and to plant trees in
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Tell the world she matters
Compared to boys, girls are much more
likely to be:
· malnourished
· denied schooling
· infected by HIV
· subjected to physical, emotional
and sexual violence
When girls and boys are treated equally,
the future of our world changes—into
something brighter.
By sponsoring a girl, you are sending
a powerful message to her and the
world: Every girl and boy is of
equal and infinite value.
To find out more about sponsoring a girl, visit us online at planusa.org/helpgirls today.
- 20 planusa.org/helpgirls