All People Making a Difference
- Your old clothes can help Malala send girls to school
In the 'Pass the Bag' campaign, people can send clothes to a San Francisco-based program that sells the clothing online and gives 40 percent of the proceeds to the Malala Fund.
- Difference MakerAfter fleeing Syria, a musician reunites other refugees to perform in Europe
Raed Jazbeh has created the Syrian Expat Philharmonic Orchestra, which is helping to shatter stereotypical images of refugees, instead offering a portrayal of them as having much to contribute to society.
- One woman’s outreach in US: ‘Meet a Muslim’ events
Since the attack in San Bernardino, Calif., Moina Shaiq has invited people to join her in a conversation.
- In Cameroon, a bid to fight flooding creates jobs, reduces plastic waste
Coeur d'Afrique is paying young people to collect plastic litter, which is clogging rivers and blocking gutters. Cameroon's capital has seen some of its worst flooding on record in the past two years.
- Tired of conditions in their city, Romans adopt a 'do it yourself' approach
Rome's residents are filling potholes, yanking weeds, and bagging trash. In doing the work, they're experimenting with what is a novel concept for many Italians: a sense of civic duty.
- As immigrants move outside big cities, more US schools create welcome programs
Foreign-born students now make up 6 percent of the total US public school population. Experts say schools can be a place for integration.
- Shipping containers make headway as housing options (yes, with windows)
With many people struggling to pay rent, a surprising solution could be as close as the nearest port. But shipping-container housing is a sore subject for some local governments.
- Now we're cooking: Course shows families how to make affordable, healthy meals
Almost 370,000 families across the US have taken part in Cooking Matters' programs, which are part of the national No Kid Hungry campaign.
- To reduce child abuse, one group teaches inmates about child safety
The hope is that the inmates will pass their knowledge on to friends and bring lessons to a wider environment, says a member of a child abuse prevention group in Indiana.
- Modern beekeeping offers Ethiopian youths a sweeter future
A recently launched program aims to provide work for about 12,500 Ethiopians in beekeeping and silkworm farming. It's supporting out-of-school and unemployed young people between ages 18 and 24.
- Difference MakerWith World War II museum, a collector wants to get people to think
Kenneth Rendell has spent more than 50 years collecting World War II artifacts. More than 7,500 objects are on display in Natick, Mass.
- Bakers, teachers, painters line up to volunteer to save lives in Syria
The Syrian Civil Defense, also known as the White Helmets, describes itself as the largest civil society organization operating in areas outside of government control. It is often the first in when the shells hit.
- Difference MakerA former street child in Afghanistan, now giving back where he found help
Hashmatullah Hayat works at a school in Afghanistan for street children, and his life story is an inspiration to the kids studying there.
- In teaching self-defense, a taekwondo champ builds young women's confidence
Lina Khalifeh created SheFighter in Jordan to help prepare women to defend themselves, especially in parts of the world where there are repressive attitudes toward women.
- Hiding in plain sight, a hair salon reaches Mexican trafficking victims
A hair salon in Mexico City, which keeps women coming back with rock-bottom prices, is in fact a front for a charitable operation aimed at rescuing sex trafficking victims and giving them the chance at new lives.
- How two students in the South are helping to feed hungry kids
Two friends – Jack Henslee in Georgia and Jack Dudley in Alabama – have developed Food4Kids chapters to give meals to a combined total of about 280 children.
- ‘Sesame Street’ in Afghanistan debuts new puppet with big dose of girl power
Zari is the first Afghan character in 'Sesame Street' history and will focus on empowerment as well as health.
- Difference MakerA young entrepreneur shows low-income teens how to launch a business
Daquan Oliver's family didn't have it easy when he was growing up. But his resourcefulness, drive, and desire to honor his mother's hard work helped get him to college, where he formed a mentorship program.
- Project Wildlife helps creatures great and small
The San Diego-area nonprofit group has helped to rehabilitate some 320 species of wildlife, about 10,000 birds and mammals annually.
- Hydropower helps households in off-the-grid areas of Pakistan
Small-scale hydropower plants are proving a key way to provide power in remote regions of Pakistan, while at the same time helping protect the environment.