The Global Fund For Children

Sibiu, Romania–Situated in east-central Europe, bordering the Black Sea, Romania has always had slavery as a part of its history—from ancient Greek settlements through the Roman Empire, in medieval times, and under the Ottoman Empire. Unfortunately, this tragic history has continued into modern times, as many Romanian families continue to be destroyed by the scourge [...]

Belgrade, Serbia–Modern-day Serbia borders three European Union (EU) member states, with another, Greece, just past Macedonia to the south, and a future member, Croatia (set to join in 2013), to the west. Serbia’s geographical position—nearly surrounded by, but currently lying outside of, the EU—has made it a major source, transit, and destination country in Central [...]

Sofia, Bulgaria–After communism, Bulgaria gradually made its way politically and economically towards the European Union. However, like in many of the countries of the former communistic bloc, not all of Bulgaria’s people shared equally in the improved standard of living and benefits of the new post-communist system. Bulgaria’s Roma community (the largest by percentage in [...]

London, United Kingdom–The boroughs of Southwark and Lambeth in South London are some of the most ethnically diverse regions in all of the United Kingdom, but they are also some of the most deprived. [...]

Subotica, Serbia- Autumn in southeastern Europe means cool and foggy weather, but on this evening outside Subotica, Serbia, the weather is even foggier than usual. Driving from Subotica toward a village, the director of GFC grantee partner Club 21 Udruenja za Pozitivnu Komunikaciju (Association for Positive Communication), Deze Kiss, a retired schoolteacher, tells us that [...]

Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina – It’s Halloween today but business as usual at the headquarters of Usdruzenje Nova Generacija (New Generation Association) in Banja Luka. The president of the organization, Bojan Arula, introduces me to some of the young boys who come every day to the day center for a meal and activities. Aleksandar, [...]

What if every person who worked for justice in the world inspired ten others to do the same?

Bogdan Bashtovy has far exceeded this ratio as director of the Kiev Children and Youth Support Center, which supports residents and graduates of area orphanages. Bashtovy first witnessed the need for a support center when he began volunteering at Orphanage 12 in Kyiv. Much like other orphanages across the former Soviet Union, residents of Orphanage 12 “graduate” as teenagers, and often find themselves unprepared to live on their own.

Dushanbe, Tajikistan – Dushanbe Youth House has grown over the years into a trusted community and resource center for children and youth from Dushanbe and the surrounding region. This GFC grantee partner provides courses in foreign languages, small-business development, computer skills, civic education, and sewing, as well as vocational training and access to psychological counseling. [...]

Osh, Kyrgyzstan – Osh, the second-largest city in Kyrgyzstan and the unofficial capital of southern Kyrgyzstan, has been at the center of the country’s recent crises. In June 2010, ethnic Kyrgyz in the city rioted, targeting ethnic Uzbeks. The rioters looted and burned cars and shops and killed at least 400 people. The city is [...]

Balykchy, Kyrgyzstan – Lake Issyk-Kul, the world’s second-largest alpine lake, is surrounded by mountains, and although it’s already August, many of the tallest peaks are still snow-capped. GFC grantee partner Children of Tien-Shan, which is named after the mountain range, works under this stunning natural backdrop. However, the reality on the ground, in the small [...]