All People Making a Difference
- Innovative water storage helps Kenyans thrive in drought
Rock catchment systems take advantage of the area's hilly, rocky geography. The systems are even generating income for the community groups that build them.
- For those with intellectual disabilities, help getting a job
A married couple saw a need in Bulgaria and created Maria’s World Foundation. Participants in the organization can develop work skills in preparation for the job market.
- Difference MakerShe’s helped change the prospects of women affected by the Bosnian war
Nadira Mingasson started the weaving enterprise Udružene in Bosnia-Herzegovina. It’s given women participants a sense of community – and a source of income.
- Growing number of colleges offer food pantries to help students
College officials cite several reasons the pantries are needed, including more low-income students and a higher cost of living. 'We want our students to be successful ...,' explains one official.
- The scrap of paper that brings peace to Tanzania's small farmers
Most farmers in the country do not have documented evidence to prove the land is theirs. But now, Farm Africa's Land Mapping Project has resolved several land-related disputes.
- She attended a STEM school in Egypt – and her invention won a competition
Yasmine Yehia Moustafa devised a system to produce clean water and biodiesel using rice straw. Her school is part of a new network aimed at giving students the skills they'll need to address the country’s 'grand challenges.'
- Her granola business helps families in Congo
Lisa Cherbuliez launched FUNdamentally Nuts after serving in the Peace Corps. A portion of its proceeds goes to people she knows in the village where she lived and worked.
- Difference MakerAs retiring servicewomen enter the business world, this career coach can help
Carole Hyatt founded the nonprofit Mission: Getting to Next after meeting a retired female general who was struggling to find employment. To not allow such women to use their skills ‘is a crime,’ she says.
- How this woman became ‘MaMa’ to ex-gang members
Constance Caruso was already in her 80s when she decided to volunteer for Homeboy Industries, a gang rehabilitation program. She draws on challenges she’s had herself as she supports others.
- She's helping save tigers with bioacoustics research
Courtney Dunn is working to monitor the social vocal communications of tigers, which could aid in tracking the animals. Her work won an Oxford prize and is now the basis of a nonprofit.
- In India, demand grows for ethical supply chains in textile industry
India is among the biggest manufacturers of textiles and apparel in the world. The sector is dominated by small and medium-sized firms that are under enormous pressure to reduce costs and produce garments quickly.
- Difference MakerHe teaches rock ’n’ roll to disadvantaged children in Cambodia
With music, Timon Seibel gives the children a chance to express themselves and gain self-confidence. One heavy-metal band he manages recently won a grand prize in a contest.
- How this NGO strives to 'make a difference in the lives of the poorest'
Helvetas operates in 32 countries to address rural poverty, reaching some 3.6 million people last year. Its mission is personal to Rupa Mukerji, who works in the organization's Swiss hub.
- Efficient cookstoves save trees – and chickens – in Kenya
A wood-saving ceramic stove that doubles as a chicken brooder is raising incomes and reducing deforestation.
- Time to harvest and weed? Crop mobs can help.
As people have become interested in restoring vitality to rural areas, 'crop mobbing' has arisen as a way to build community. And the extra hands can be a boon to small farms during the busy seasons.
- Difference MakerThe man behind the Smithsonian’s new African-American history museum
Lonnie Bunch shares his love of history as the founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which opens in Washington Sept. 24.
- Seaweed helps bring food security to Latin America
In Chile, the seaweed industry also provides a livelihood for 30,000 people. The country has 750 species of seaweed.
- Former child workers in India bang the drum for education
The musicians, who performed this week at one of India's top arts centers, use every platform they can to talk about their journey and have become an inspiration to local families.
- Three years after damaging Colo. flood, teens help with river restoration
As part of a project to rehabilitate part of a river near Drake, Colo., a crew of teens planted vegetation. The project overall aims to make the river and surrounding habitat better able to survive a future flood.
- This former inmate's prison rehab program goes beyond drug treatment
Yusef Wiley created the Timelist Group to help fill gaps in California’s rehabilitation offerings. It has shown success in keeping parolees from going back to prison.