Mobilizing people through The Power of Bicycles.

World Bicycle Relief believes that two wheels can open a new world of possibilities - especially in places where access to reliable transportation is a luxury. That's why we support people and communities in low-income regions to go after their dreams with life-changing bicycles.

Thanks to our incredible community of supporters, since 2005, we've distributed more than  868,000 bicycles in 21 countries around the world to students, healthcare workers, entrepreneurs and farmers. With reliable transportation, entire communities can access critical services like education, markets and clinics. 

Learn more about World Bicycle Relief’s work at worldbicyclerelief.org.

World Bicycle Relief

Global Alliance for Africa is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization focused on digital education in Africa and based in Chicago, IL. 

**Global Alliance for Africa (GAA) Mission Statement**

To collaborate with local partners to bridge the digital divide in educational opportunities and in technological resources for public school students in remote rural areas and urban slums in North African and Sub-Saharan African communities. We strongly believe that ***ICT Education is Essential to Breaking the Cycle of Poverty.***

**See our proposal here and partner with us.**

**Organizational Profile**

Increasing digital connectivity for poor, disadvantaged and under-resourced youth will foster multigenerational wealth, pivoting education as being the cornerstone that effects transformational growth, fostering a sustainable future built in equity.

In collaboration with public middle and secondary schools, universities, local agencies, community-based organizations, and various cooperatives, GAA has been at the forefront of building partnerships to design, implement and manage successful educational development and training programs in Africa.

**Statement of Need**

To close the digital divide in Africa, some say that stakeholders need to rethink universal access and broadband policies, promote equal access to digital technology and Increase investment.

**Current Statistics**

- **Broadband access**: In 2022, only 36% of Africa's population had broadband internet access. 
- **Mobile internet availability**: While 70% of Africa's population has access to mobile internet, less than 25% use it. 
- **Digital gender gap**: In 2020, 35% of men and 24% of women in Africa used the internet. 
- **Affordability**: In 2019, the average cost of one gigabyte of mobile data was 10.5% of monthly per-capita Gross National Income (GNI), which is higher than the United Nations Broadband Commission's recommended 2% target. 
- **Digital literacy**: Africa has a significant divide in digital skills. 
- **Digital infrastructure**: Africa's digital infrastructure coverage, access, and quality lag other regions. 
- **Digital competitiveness**: In 2021, Egypt ranked first in Africa in the digital competitiveness index, followed by the Gambia and Tanzania. 

As recently as January 2024 datareportal.com reports that more than 90% of the U.S. population has access to the Internet — whereas in rural areas throughout Morocco there is limited access, and in Kenya 40.8%, Tanzania 31.9% and Uganda 27% of the population has NO such access. Without urgent action, the situation will likely get worse as the region faces a rising demand for education due to a still-growing school-age population.

**Funding Request:** To offer a holistic, scalable program to bridge the inequity gap in digital access and education for 20,000 students in 50 public middle schools and secondary schools in Kenya, Morocco, Tanzania and Uganda. Through a coalition of community-based partners, GAA will lead the Digital Learning Program whose objective is to assure: A world where all can access reliable high-speed internet, devices, learning content, and digital literacy skills. By fostering equal access and proficiency in navigating the digital landscape, we empower current and future generations.

**Program Description Goals:**

Bridging the digital divide is not exclusive to the gap between wealthy nations and poor countries; it also encompasses the growing internal divide in developing countries between middle class families who can afford to send their children to private schools that are equipped with computer labs versus poor households whose children attend schools public schools that have minimal or no technological resources. For digital equity to be successful, technology tools must be **accessible**; schools, learners and families must be able to **affordably** access and maintain them; and learners and families must have the information and skills to **adopt** the technology. These three pillars—**access, affordability, and adoption**—must all exist and work together for communities to remain connected and fully participate as informed citizens in society and the global economy.

**Proof of Concept**

This request is an expansion of a current program already approved by the Ministries of Education in each of four countries in Africa, and has a proven record of success for the five year in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya; rural areas of the Atlas Mountains in southern Morocco; in and around Arusha, Tanzania; and in West Nile Region (including students from the refugee settlements), in southwest Uganda.

**IMPACT Report (AS OF 6/30/2024)**

·      Number of Students: more than 16,000

·      Of the total number of students that the program will reach, approximately 45% of them are female students, plus a growing percentage of students in Uganda in the program are refugees.

·      Number of Teachers: more than 220

·      Number of Countries: 4 — Kenya, Morocco, Tanzania, Uganda

·      Number of Locations: 35, including 33 public schools, two faith-based schools, one technology training center

·      Partners: Al-Alakawayn University (Morocco), Tangaza University (Kenya), Muni University (Uganda)

·      The Program Provides:

—Lenovo Laptop Computers

—Samsung A7 and Samsung A8 Tablets

—External keyboards for tablets

—Coverings for computers and tablets

—Secure storage containers for laptops and tablets

—Internet Connectivity, including routers/modems

—Teachers workshop trainings

—Textbooks

—Software applications in math, french language, history, literature and more

**Rationale for the Program**

Digital literacy and accessibility are widely regarded as a basic component of civic life and has enormous impact on education, economic development, social welfare, social equity as well as the increased public participation in elections and development of good governance, and access to expanding opportunities both at the local and international level.

A digital learning program for poor and vulnerable students will develop digital skills and provide them with the lifelong ability to navigate the internet. Presently, for example, university application forms are all online, which provides a distinct advantage to urban students who have computer training and access to the internet, whereas rural students are hindered from apply to university due to their lack of computer training as well as access to the internet in rural areas. This results in an even more pronounced digital divide that excludes poorer, rural students from entering higher education.

Of the total number of students that the program will reach, approximately 45% of them are female students, and a growing percentage of students in Uganda are refugees.

Total Cost of the Program: Between $26-$38 per student.

Global Alliance for Africa

Surge is a nonprofit organization with a global mission. Headquartered in Chicago, IL, Surge was founded in 2008.

Surge for Water's mission is to invest in communities with safe water, sanitation, hygiene and menstrual health solutions to help end the cycle of poverty.

To date, Surge has provided safe water and sanitation access to hundreds of thousands of people in 12 countries — while keeping true to our core values of sustainability, local empowerment, and equality for all.

Surge For Water

A medical aid organisation provides free of charge healthcare in Myanmar. What we do: https://mam.org.mm/what-we-do/annual-reports

**MAM is currently fundraising to respond to the devastating earthquake in Myanmar.**

Myanmar earthquake response fundraising: https://www.every.org/mam/f/disaster-campaign

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Medical Action Myanmar (MAM) is a medical INGO focusing on providing largescale access to free, quality healthcare for the marginalized people in Myanmar. MAM commenced its implementation of activities in 2009 with the first clinic in a huge shanty Hlaingtharyar Township in Yangon. Since then, we expanded to 20 clinics in Yangon, Kachin, Kayin, Chin, Shan, Mon and Sagaing. MAM has also expanded to other areas of need, such as child protection/education.

Furthermore, MAM has recruited and trained villagers in approximately 2300 villages across Myanmar to provide diagnosis and treatment for Malaria, TB and basic health care, amongst others. MAM’s clinics cover a wide variety of services for different diseases ranging from HIV and TB to Basic Healthcare or Hepatitis. In 2023 MAM conducted just over **2 million** medical consultations.

Our activity reports show everything we do: https://mam.org.mm/what-we-do/annual-reports

Medical Action Myanmar

Franciscan Peacemakers Inc connects survivors of sexual exploitation to housing, meaningful work and a healing network of support.

OUTREACH MINISTRY

Franciscan Peacemakers have had a visible presence on the streets since 1995 distributing bag lunches and personal hygiene items, allowing us to be in contact with women engaging in prostitution due to sexual exploitation, trauma, human sex trafficking, and drug addiction. In service to both these women and the wider community, we develop trust over time and provide information about Franciscan Peacemakers’ healing pathway to a sustainable healthy, safe, and productive life. 

Franciscan Peacemakers Hospitality Center on Lisbon Avenue opened in August 2019 to provide a respite from the streets. The sanctuary provides a place to meet basic needs (restrooms and food) while also offering an opportunity for longer conversations with Franciscan Peacemakers staff. The Hospitality Center has been key to the referral of women from the streets into the Clare Community program since it has opened. 



HOUSING AND HEALING

Clare Community was opened in January 2014 in response to the growing need for resident-based trauma care for the women served by Franciscan Peacemakers' Outreach efforts. Named in honor of St. Clare of Assisi, Clare Community is a unique holistic program where exploited women find sanctuary and connections to resources needed to become sober, stable, safe, and prostitution-free while living in and contributing to the community. Clare Community consists of a residential facility that can provide two years of housing for up to 10 residents who live at the St. Bakhita Catholic Worker House.

Clare Community also encompasses a network of clients and volunteers who are not in residence but are committed to journeying together in healing. This community and staff gathers weekly for ‘Candlelighting’ - a time for prayer, reflection and mutual support.

EMPLOYMENT

The Franciscan Peacemakers Social Enterprise (formerly known as Gifts for the Journey) was launched in January 2013 as a supportive workplace where women in recovery from drug addiction and/or sexual exploitation are employed while learning skills in manufacturing, packaging, marketing, and sales. While acquiring the skills they need to earn a living wage, the employees who live at Clare Community have the opportunity to put a percentage of their earnings in a matched savings account to begin a strong financial foundation upon their graduation from Clare Community.

Franciscan Peacemakers products include soaps, lotions, candles, bath bombs and salt scrubs - beautifully handmade with all-natural ingredients by women working together toward individual and collective healing.

EDUCATION

With our service rooted in Franciscan Spirituality we are committed to creating community awareness about women engaging in prostitution due to trauma, human sex trafficking, and drug addiction, including why it exists and persists.

Members of our Board and Staff speak to faith communities, community service organizations, businesses, schools, and foundations. We explain how to recognize the signs of human trafficking and how Franciscan Peacemakers ministries are working to help address the problem and provide a healing pathway to a sustainable healthy, safe, productive life for women seeking healing and recovery. 


Franciscan Peacemakers Inc

Partners with those held back by lack of economic opportunity to uncover possibilities, overcome barriers, & reach their potential

Connect. Transform. Thrive. Changing lives, not just circumstances, Center for Changing Lives is a national leader on innovative, economic opportunity services that build households' capacity to achieve financial goals and realize their potential.

Too often resource and economic opportunities limit participants’ choices and capacity to achieve their vision and goals. CCL partners with those held back by lack of resources and economic opportunity to uncover possibilities, overcome barriers, and realize their potential. Our work includes coaching on financial, employment, and resource mobilization goals that enhance lives, training, and skill enhancement opportunities, and advocacy and organizing on economic policy and practices that open up opportunities and resources.

Community members access their *Poder* both individually and collectively to work towards economic vitality, community well-being, and Black and Brown solidarity.

Center for Changing Lives

Direct service agency supporting the homeless population in 10 cities across the United States. 

Our mission is to offer homeless and disadvantaged people the opportunity to fulfill their potential and move towards an independent and positive future. Our vision is that everyone should have a place to call home and a stake in their community.  The values and mission we share from the example of St. Vincent de Paul find expression and life in our work at Depaul USA. Depaul USA effects change and brings hope to many struggling and marginalized people.

Depaul USA

HandsOn Suburban Chicago positively impacts communities by connecting people to enriching volunteer experiences.

CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH PURPOSE  "Like" us to receive updates on our volunteer and nonprofit resources and opportunities! http://www.handsonsuburbanchicago.org/

HandsOn Suburban Chicago

mRelief helps people apply for SNAP benefits (food stamps) online and via text messaging.

mRelief is a women-led team building accessible technology in partnership with community-based organizations in the U.S. More than half of our team identify as BIPOC, and many of us have directly benefited from SNAP and/or experienced food insecurity. While our identities lend surface-level credibility to our work, we are proudest to boast nearly a decade of experience in taking a data-driven, user-centered approach to developing mobile-friendly SNAP enrollment tools.

Since 2014, we’ve unlocked over $1.4 billion in direct food assistance for more than 4 million individuals by developing an end-to-end SNAP enrollment process that is user friendly, state-compliant, and accessible via mobile phone. 



mRelief

South Suburban PADS works hard to prevent and end homelessness in the south suburbs of Chicago.

South Suburban PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter, or SSPADS) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization with a mission to prevent and end homelessness in the south suburbs of Chicago through emergency shelter, affordable housing, and supportive services. SSPADS was founded in 1990 by dedicated community members who saw a need and decided to assist their unhoused neighbors across the Southland. Dozens of churches hosted SSPADS shelter on a rotating basis and nightly moved “pads” on the floor each day. **Since 1990, SSPADS has provided over 700,000 nights of emergency shelter and over 2 million meals to enable over 20,000 people to overcome homelessness and food insecurity. In addition, SSPADS provides pathways home by helping over 400 people to preserve or access affordable housing homes every year.**

SSPADS owns several apartment buildings and places clients in scattered-site housing. In 2011, SSPADS developed its own 77-unit PSH building in Country Club Hills called the Wellness Center, which includes a full-service teaching kitchen, community rooms, computer lab, classroom, playground, bus service, and clinic space. Our work helps those who are unhoused obtain affordable, permanent rental housing and work to achieve better health and economic security. **SSPADS is the proud recipient of the 2018 Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Award, the 2019 National Good Neighbor Award, and a 2024 Lever for Change Award from MacKenzie Scott’s foundation Yield Giving.**

In addition, South Suburban PADS co-founded and currently leads the Illinois Shelter Alliance (ISA), representing over 60 homeless service agencies from every corner of the state.  **ISA is advocating for increased government funding to address the current shortage of over 4,500 emergency shelter beds throughout the state** (Illinois Interagency Task Force on Homelessness, 2022). ISA successfully advocated for $5 million FY23 and $40 million FY24 increases in the state budget for the IDHS Emergency and Transitional Housing Program.

South Suburban Pads

C4WF funds programs that break the cycle of poverty in Quito, operates year-long volunteer and service-learning visitor programs.

**The Center for Working Families (C4WF)** is a nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty by supporting transformative programs in Quito, Ecuador, while also shaping future leaders through service-learning experiences in the U.S. C4WF provides critical funding for **The Center – A Family of Families**, which provides comprehensive programs like education, healthcare, job training, food security, and social services to vulnerable families. In addition, C4WF operates a year-long volunteer program and group visiting program- giving participants firsthand exposure to global poverty and sustainable solutions. By investing in both local and global impact, C4WF empowers families to build brighter futures while inspiring the next generation of changemakers

Center for Working Families

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