Charities such as us are working to provide aid to those who need it the most, but the struggle to continuously raise funds is a barrier. With your donations we have been able to do marvelous things that would have inhibited multiple peoples lives and abilities if not completed. Although, we must acknowledge that charities such as ours get assistance from the community and our followers in many ways, and in this blog, I will tell you how you can help. 

2. Raise Awareness!

Need a topic to discuss with your friends? Perhaps consider informing them about issues they may not even be aware of. Did you know Leprosy is still prevalent in India today? Many people think it was an illness eradicated over 100 years ago as we don’t see it in the West. 

7. Become an Ambassador/ Share online

a. Reaching the correct audience is difficult without your help. The number of viewers on our content dramatically determines the amount of money we are able to raise. You can help us by simply pressing share or adding our posts to your story.

Overall, providing aid to your local charity is not as difficult as it may seem, as small actions such as those outlined above can lead to something great. When you are unable to donate, there are many other ways you can help. Remember that there are still people all around the world who need us to work for them to survive. Please consider supporting us on this journey. 

April 13^th marks a special day for 3 of the most populous religions in not only India but on Earth. For all three to fall on the same day is a rare occasion,  and for many this a symbol of unity. While separation and tensions arise in all countries and nations, such celebrations intertwining reminds us to find strength and alliance in diversity.  

Now to discuss a bit about each:

 Navratri translates into “nine nights” where the people of the Hindu religion focus on rejuvenation through following a strict diet, sleep, and meditation. Each of the nine days are dedicated towards Goddess Shakti’s nine embodiments.

April 13^th also happens to be the first day of Ramadan, one of the five pillars of Islam. Ramadan lasts from the sighting of one crescent moon to the next, therefore it roughly lasts about 30 days. Ramadan is practiced as to attain taqwa, to make amends for ones sins and avoid drought. Along with this, it provides Muslims with a period of reflection, where Allah may guide them to peace and clarity, and allow them to be grateful. Muslims strictly fast for the entire time the sun is up, only breaking fast during night. Along with this many Muslims give Sadaqah, donations to charity for the cause of Allah.

Overall, there is a wave of much needed peace and acceptance this week as the focus shifts towards peace, humility, and self deliberation. 

We have just past the decade anniversary of the gigantic Japanese earthquake/tsunami which occurred on March 11, 2011. A force so strong, it not only shook Japan, but the rest of the world along with it. If you were over the age of 10 you probably remember what you were doing that day, and every news source providing updates on it for weeks afterward.

On that day, a 100-year-old Clock was stopped by the jolt, as one of it’s parts must’ve been knocked out of position. After this the clock has rested at an antique store to present day. However, this year on February 13^th, nearly 10 years after, Japan was struck with another Earthquake, while it was not as damaging as the massive quake of 2011, it still created fear. Many scientists believed this was still an aftershock of the original one. This aftershock must have been the correct amount of force needed, as it somehow turned the clock back on. 

The 58-year-old antique store owner claims this as a sign of restoration. World-wide efforts were made to assist Japans efforts in cleaning up the nuclear damage, along with providing aid to those who lost their homes and businesses. Although, the lasting impacts have still been lingering, in cases like this we must look towards instances such as the clock for hope.

At times we all fail to consider our privilege, and the fact that everything around us, the things, people and places we take for granted can be taken away at any moment. For the families who were impacted by the Tsunami, they are still dealing with radiating damages over a catastrophe which occurred 10 years ago.

But: “Education is the key to opportunity. It's a ticket out of poverty” – Barack Obama

References:

Clock stopped by Japan earthquake restarts decade on. (2021, April 14). Msn. Retrieved from https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/clock-stopped-by-japan-earthquake-restarts-decade-on/ar-BB1fEzMv

Currently, it is 11 Celsius degrees here in Calgary, and we are shocked by just how quickly summer is arriving.  Visibly you can see the relief; the snow is melting, the kids are outside, layers have come off, with few walking around in their shorts and slippers.  As I let the cool spring breeze graze my face, I am grateful as, in contrast, it is incredible how much the weather has improved. About a month ago, it was -30 degrees Celsius, and there was an overwhelming sense of endlessness. 

We visited St. Thomas’s martyrdom site and his tomb in the beautiful city of Chennai overlooking the Bay of Bengal in Tamil Nadu. Even Thomas, who walked, talked, and witnessed the many miracles that Jesus performed, could not believe Jesus’s disciples when they told him that they had seen the Lord. Indeed someone as close to Jesus as he had been would have seen Jesus himself. Thomas was incredulous, “…he said to them, ‘Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe.”

Sr. Joy and Sr. Anusha use the money to buy 100 blankets to be distributed among the poor in the New Delhi Slums and sleeping bags to people who lived under the metro tracks. 

Another CFTW Success!!!

The country of India is known for its bright festivals and unique architecture. Since its rise as a global power, many people have assumed that the wealth of the country has boosted the livelihoods of the people living there. Unfortunately, more than 80% of people live on less than $3 per day, and the top 1% own more than half of the country’s wealth. For perspective, 16 people in India are as wealthy as 600 million people—and that means that for many, opportunities as basic as learning to read and right are far out of their reach.

Why Children In India Need Your Help To Get Education 

India is well on its way to becoming the country with the largest, youngest workforce ever seen; half of its population is under the age of 25. If these young people are not able to complete an education, that’s half of India that will be unable to perform entire sectors of jobs. An educated population is good for a country—and for the people who were able to attend school.

But why do children withdraw from schools after only a few years? Why don’t they simply stay in school? To understand how we can help, first, we must understand why schooling is such a challenge.

Here are the reasons why children in India have been dragged out of school. 

The Gender Bias  

One of the main drivers of dropouts is gender. Daughters are expected to help in the kitchen and at home, while sons can go to school. In addition, lack of access and affordability to feminine products mean that girls who make it past the first year or two or schooling drop out once they reach menstruation (at a rate as high as 57%). Young arranged married to older men has the same effect.

Uninteresting Methods of Teaching  

India continues to struggle with the methods its teachers use—likely a result of those teachers themselves not receiving sufficient education or income to improve the classroom. Blackboards and chalk are still the standard method, and without engaging and comprehensive teaching tools, many students don’t learn as much as they could. This leads to the feeling that their time would be better spent earning some income for their family in poverty, and so they drop out to do labor jobs. And despite the country’s booming growth over the last 15 years, the majority of it has been jobless creation of further wealth for the rich, which never improves the lives of those in the slums who do not have access to that private money.

Unavailability of Resources 

Because the 1% control so much of the nation’s wealth, very little is sent to schools. This means that government schools in the slums are in disrepair, and teachers do not have access to critical tools such as multiple copies of textbooks and workbooks. And with some schools being too far for many low-income families to reach on foot, education is out of the question for a large number of households.

What Can We Do to Bring a Child to School 

As a charity, CFTW is working hard to ensure that underprivileged children in third-world countries receive the education they need to pull their families out of poverty and have a chance at the life they deserve. We pay school fees, build schools, and more to spread education across every corner of the world. 

Ajitha, one young woman that we have sponsored for three years, is closer to graduation than the vast majority of her female peers due to our support—and we hope to see her graduate and find success. Her success directly impacts the wellbeing of her family and her country of India.

Just $25 can help to educate the children of India who do not have the access to schooling that they deserve. You likely can’t go to India, Africa, and other struggling areas to teach children yourself, so let CFTW do it on your behalf. For the cost of a couple cups of coffee, you can help us to sponsor more children and build more schools. Donate to give the lifelong gift of education.

Christmastime is here, and with it, the world shifts toward thoughts of gift, the joy of the season, and happiness. The sharing and caring, the demonstrations of love—these are what characterize Christmas and the jolly old man in red himself. For most people, the joy of the season is giving gifts that light up the faces of their loved ones and friends. Maybe it’s time to think outside your circle and consider what a very small gift could do for others?

COVID-19, lockdowns, wars, disasters, poverty—the world is full of suffering and sorrow. Hope is dying, and more and more people are struggling to find joy and peace in their lives. This Christmas season, you can be the light of hope that many people have given up on finding.

Be Generous, Be the Light of Hope 

You don’t need to be an army general, a famous politician, or a celebrity in order to inspire people—in fact, people don’t need to know who you are at all. You don’t have to be rich to make a difference. What you can do is your best.

Go to Old Age Homes to Celebrate Christmas 

One easy and fun option to be generous this Christmas season is with your time. Visit nursing homes and other long-term care facilities to spend time with the residents. You may bring simple gifts like socks if you wish; they’re easy to afford and can make a big difference in the comfort of the people who live there.

If you don’t have a few dollars to spare, your time alone is your generosity. Listen to these folks, some of whom have no family that comes to visit. They have amazing stories to tell, and they rarely get to tell them. Sit down and have a warm conversation this holiday season.

Give Gifts to Orphans in Orphanages 

Children who live in orphanages do not get to celebrate Christmas the way that most kids do. They might have a community Christmas where everyone receives a bar of candy, but there’s something special about getting a gift that’s given just to you.

Children in orphanages might appreciate books or small toys. You don’t have to break the bank, and these young ones can experience the joy of receiving a present wrapped just for them. Consider fun options like games that you can show them how to play so that they can spend some time with folks on Christmas!

Give Gifts to Special Children 

Not all children experience Christmas the same way. For some with processing disorders and other challenges, the season full of lights, glitter, and admittedly sometimes blaring music can cause stress, fear, and discomfort. This is not how Christmas should feel!

Consider offering different gifts to these children, even if they may be a bit more challenging to buy for. Excellent options include weighted blankets, noise-cancelling earbuds, or engaging puzzle toys that they can solve with their hands. If you’re not sure what to get, a donation to a worthwhile charity can make that decision in your place based on what they know the child likes!

Visit a Slum Area and Spread Joy 

Due to economic opportunity and other factors, many people who struggle to afford the traditional trappings of Christmas live in the same area. Consider spending time visiting a slum area and spreading joy to the families there. Many of them have likely given up on Christmas entirely, or they may be feeling inadequate that they can’t provide the Christmas they’d like.

Simple tasks like handing out canned goods or clothes can go a long way toward making these families’ Christmas bright. Consider providing necessities, and if you have some resources left over, throw in a treat or two. You will bring light and hope to dozens of people this way.

Donate to CFTW for Education or Health Welfare 

Charities play a big part in the Christmas season, and CFTW is no exception. We strive to give children and families around the world access to the education and healthcare resources that they need to thrive.

Many folks have never learned to read or write, and if they fall ill, medical care is too far away or too expensive. For these families, CFTW relies on the power of donations to fund the care and treatment that they deserve. CFTW builds schools and mobile health units to improve access worldwide.

Donate to build a better world. Your small contribution could forever change the life of a child or family, and there is no greater generosity than being someone’s light of hope in a dark time.

The Christmas season is fast approaching, and for many people, it’s their favorite time of the year. There’s something irreplaceable about watching someone receive something they desperately wanted and the joy that lights up their face. Christmas is about giving and sharing—but for many around the world, Christmas is a reminder that they don’t have what they need. While millions across the globe tear into new toys, some sit at home fearing for their health, safety, and future. But with a little Christmas generosity, you can give them the best gifts they’ve ever received.

The Best Christmas Gifts You Can Give 

The real spirit of Christmas isn’t about getting things; it’s about making others happy and ensuring they have what they need. This is why many people appreciate getting money instead of physical objects—they can use that money to purchase what they desperately need. The same is true for charities, and giving even a few dollars can make a dramatic change in someone’s life.

Heading 3: Give Child A Gift Of Education 

If you’re reading this article, you have already received the gift of education. Unfortunately, a huge percentage of children across the world are desperately trying to attend school to better their lives, but instead, they must spend their time collecting garbage for money for their families. Imagine where you would be if you had never been given the gift of going to school and instead had to work hard labor when you were just a small child.

Unable to read or write, what jobs or tasks could you perform? Children who don’t get an education struggle to support themselves and break out of poverty. If you donate to charities that offer educational access to children, you’re giving them the best gift they could ask for: opportunity. A chance to be and do what they want.

And just maybe, the cure for cancer can be found in the mind of a child who just needs an opportunity.

Give A Gift Of Health 

Few things hold more value than life; after all, you wouldn’t be here without it. Many people in the slums of India and Africa fear that they may not even make it to tomorrow because of the dangerous pandemic currently ravaging the world.

Even a small donation can literally save the life of a human being—and what greater gift could you offer than someone’s life? Their life may be filled with opportunity, joy, and love, but they need to stay healthy and safe in order to enjoy these things.

Donate to save someone’s life. It’s the biggest blessing you can offer.

Give A Gift Of Winter Warmer And Socks  

Climate change continues to impact all parts of the globe, and never before seen cold weather has hit the slums of India hard. Simple gifts like hand warmers, hats, and socks can mean the difference between freezing and suffering injury or staying safe and warm.

Simple items like socks and mittens are only a few dollars. For less than the price of a cup of coffee, you can save a human being from suffering, injury, or even death in the cold. A donation to help those in need is a simple and powerful Christmas gift.

Feed A Hungry Person  

As you contemplate what side dishes to prepare for your Christmas dinner, remember that hundreds of thousands around the world haven’t eaten in days. In Africa, thousands of children are unable to even walk because they don’t receive the calories and nutrients they need.

Instead of leaving cookies out for Santa, partner with a charity like UNICEF to offer therapeutic milk, which contains energy, fat, and minerals needed by starving children to make a recovery. If you can afford to leave milk and cookies for the imaginary symbol of ultimate generosity, why not put that to good use and feed a real child? 

Conclusion 

You may not bat an eye at snagging the $500 PlayStation 5 that just launched, or the $700 purse, or even the $50 toy. But just a fraction of that money combined with the efforts of a charity can make a lifetime’s difference in the lives of children and families around the world. Christmas is the season of giving and sharing—and for those who have more, what seems small to them can be monumental to those who have less. Remember the spirit of generosity this Christmas and donate to charities that offer people across the globe opportunities, education, and even life itself.

The recent COVID-19 pandemic that has swept the globe has caused dramatic, lasting changes in all regions—first world or developing country, peaceful or stricken with conflict, countries around the world have had to adapt quickly. First suspected in late 2019, the coronavirus situation has continued to develop, and the vaccine is still not currently available as of late 2020. It is unclear when such a measure may be widely accessible to the public; in the meantime, the world must continue addressing the crisis through mitigation and responsible activity.

As lockdown measures begin to ease, the international community must consider how these actions will affect the world’s most vulnerable populations. One such concern is with Sub-Saharan Africa, which is likely not ready to bear the brunt of a full-scale coronavirus infection. The United States has shocked the world by recording more than 2,000 deaths in a single day, but more catastrophic results could be possible if the most susceptible among the world’s populations are left to fend for themselves.

Sub-Saharan Africa: A Case Study

Africa as a whole is widely vulnerable to a large-scale coronavirus outbreak for many reasons, and its effects could be long-lasting and severe. The region is characterized by overall weaker than average healthcare, and the number of healthcare workers remains low at only 2.2 per 1000 people. This means that a COVID-19 surge in the region will likely quickly lead to overwhelmed hospitals, and a recurrence of the tragedy seen in Italy earlier in the year may not be far behind—but on a much larger scale.

Few African countries have ventilators in numbers enough to make any substantial difference were the coronavirus to rear its head; in fact, the Central African Republic may have only three ventilators total. These life-saving machines are meant to assist those having a severe reaction to the coronavirus, but with countries largely unable to access this critical piece of equipment, the death toll could climb quickly to unprecedented levels.

Both short- and long-term consequences could result. While it is true that Sub-Saharan African has its previous experience with Ebola to rely on, COVID-19 could prompt a race between fatal hunger and a life-threatening illness. In some states with already weakened infrastructure and political guidance, the situation could become so dire that the entire state fails, opening the region to periods of unrest and potentially violent actions at the hands of extremist groups.

In the longer term, extended productivity losses may create ripple effects that result in extended joblessness and school closures. Over time, the region may see increased child marriage, domestic violence, and teen pregnancies as a consequence of the shifting dynamics. 

Protecting Vulnerable Regions

The international community has not left the crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa unnoticed; the International Monetary Fund, has made moves to quickly and efficiently bolster emergency funding and secure as much capital as possible in preparation for large-scale assistance. As many as 90 countries have already approached the IMF for assistance, and the organization has since reached out in cooperation with the World Bank to address this crisis as it unfolds. 

Other countries have also joined in participation, with China suspending debt payments due from the poorest developing countries. Grant resources provided by the IMF and other organizations are pooling in to offer some form of debt relief for some low-income countries, and other states have done their part through medical donations to the region.

What You Can Do

Each country and its people have their own role to play in the prevention of what could be one of the most catastrophic medical health outcomes in recent memory. Developed countries should prepare to share their knowledge of mitigation strategies and containment methods with threatened locations, while both public and private sector organizations can continue with monetary management and the procurement of medical supplies.

On the home front, it can be difficult to imagine what a single person can do to assist in this endeavor. First and foremost, individuals must take responsibility and mitigate the spread of coronavirus as much as possible. Wear a mask and self-isolate to avoid spreading or become a carrier for the virus; a single point of transmission may be sufficient, over time, to introduce COVID-19 to the world’s most vulnerable regions.

Those seeking to help can also dedicate their time or money to charitable causes that are supporting efforts in the region. Both in-person or remote work to reduce the burden on charities may be available, and monetary contributions go toward funding necessary medical supplies, grants that improve the economic situation of countries by addressing their debts, and a number of other critical uses that free these developing nations up to address the coronavirus in a timely manner—before it spirals out of control.