Our penultimate COTM of 2018 fights for gender equality. Based in the UK but with a global aim, they reached 8 million people in 2017-18 alone. We salute you, Plan International UK.
Forged in the fire of the Spanish Civil War
Plan International UK began as a foster parents scheme for Spanish children. Started in 1937 by British journalist John Langdon-Davies, it offered shelter, education, and food to children orphaned by the Spanish Civil War.
Langdon-Davies created child sponsorship by starting Plan International UK. He did this by asking people from the UK to donate one shilling per day to help provide sustenance for the children.
Fighting for equal rights for girls across the world
Plan International UK has evolved since 1937. Following WW2 they started working with children across the globe, including:
- Africa
- Asia
- Europe
There focus now is upon getting equal rights for every girl. This is crucial not only for living standards but for the global society and economy. Why? Because by denying opportunity to 50% of the population you cut growth potential in half.
Plan International UK are helping girls to get the same educational, financial, and living rights as boys. Here are some of the ways they’re doing this:
- Campaigning against child marriage
- Providing emergency relief
- Helping to end child trafficking
Their Because I am a Girl campaign is helping to empower girls and end violence against them. By giving girls a voice and protecting them, Plan International UK is creating a world where girls can reach their emotional, personal, and financial potential.
How can I help Plan International UK create an equal world?
Making a donation to Plan International UK helps them improve the lives of millions of children. There are four main methods for placing a donation:
- Give a single gift
- Give a regular gift
- Sponsor a child
- Children’s emergency fund
There are four other ways you can help Plan International UK achieve their mission:
- Fundraising
- Leave a legacy
- Partnership
- Give as you live
Visit Plan International UK’s website today. There you’ll find out more about what this incredible charity does and see all the ways you can help them.
