February: Hoping for Peace; Power to Girls

Trivia Question

Which Plan country is home to the world’s largest cave?

Plan's Relief Work in Mali

Since the beginning of the armed conflict in Mali, we have heard the heartbreaking stories of separation between friends, families, and in many cases, even the painful separation of children from their parents.

In the days following the crisis, we have found that it is the children who have been the most vulnerable.

Since Plan was founded in 1937, the safety, security, and welfare of children has always been our priority. In fact, it’s central to the work that we do. As part of our Emergency Response Plan in Mali, our main focus is to ensure that these children have access to food, clean water, shelter, psychological support, and Child-Friendly Spaces where they can learn, grow, and be kids!

To make a donation to our relief efforts, please visit our Disaster Relief & Recovery page.

Letter from the Editor

Since the crisis in Mali began in 2012, Plan has been busy delivering aid to thousands of people in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

However, delivering aid is only a small part of what we do.

Plan has been working in Mali for over 40 years –building relationships and providing communities with programs designed to help them develop, grow, and become self-sustaining long after the aid has been delivered. While we realize there's a long road ahead of us, we're making progress and we thank you for your support!

As we move into the month of February, we'd like to share some exciting news with you!

First, we’re pleased to introduce Kate Nash as our newest ‘Because I am a Girl’ Global Ambassador. Kate is excited to partner with Plan and you can expect to hear great things from her soon!

Plan is also excited to have collaborated with 10x10, on the feature film, Girl Rising.

Girl Rising delivers a single message: educating girls in developing nations will change the world. And with a recent screening at the Sundance Film Festival, it’s easy to see what all the buzz is all about!

Plan and 10x10 Present Girl Rising

Are you a movie buff? If so, mark your calendars for March 7th! Plan has partnered with 10x10 to build a global movement promoting girls’ education centered on the feature film, Girl Rising. Girl Rising spotlights the strength of the human spirit and the power of education to change a girl – and the world.

The film recently released its theatrical trailer and preview at Sundance Film Festival. As Because I am a Girl Ambassador Freida Pinto stated, “Girl Rising gives me hope. It gives me hope for the future of our girls, that they will have a chance to explore and achieve their full potential.”

You can help us spread this message by requesting a screening at your local theater -- check out our 10x10 page to find out how! Together, across the country, let's get Girl Rising into every community -- because collective action can lead to powerful change.

What's New?

• The Needs of Malian Children Must Not Be Forgotten
• Girl Rising Releases Theatrical Trailer Following Film Preview at Sundance
• Thailand Girls Seize Scholarship Opportunities
• The Conflict in Mali

Featured Blog Posts

Mali's gentle, modest people will find this new violence horrifying
In a time of conflict, Plan International’s Press Officer for West and East Africa, Jane Labous, shares her story of the kindhearted people she met in Mali.

Home has changed

Fadimata Alainchar, Country Director of Plan International Guinea-Bissau, discusses the drastic changes that have occurred in Mali.

Featured Video

Girl Rising
Watch a preview of the feature film!

All About Girls

Welcome Kate Nash!

We are excited to announce our new Because I am a Girl Global Ambassador- Kate Nash. This internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter, and musician will be joining us in protecting girls and giving them the power to change the world! Read more.

Plan Celebrates the National Day of Service

Plan’s Youth Engagement & Action (YEA) Team was in Washington, DC last month for the National Day of Service on Saturday, January 19. Plan staff partnered with Thomson Elementary School to host its first Walk4Wells fundraising event of the year, which included a clean-up of a local park.

The event was a huge success, with students, parents, teachers, and volunteers making the connection between clean water and a clean environment, and also between local service and global impact.

Jacki, a 5th-grade teacher at Thomson, said: “[Walk4Wells] was great fun and I think that it will be an event the students will always remember. I was so happy to see all the parents with their children…everyone learning new things and contributing to the cause.”

Read more and see photos of the kids in action on the YEA Blog.

Recipe of the month

Kushari, a popular Egyptian dish, is a combination of rice, lentils, and macaroni. Top it with a spicy tomato sauce and it’s the perfect choice for lunch. View recipe.

Trivia Answer

The Son Doong cave of Vietnam is 2.8 miles long! Discovered in 1991, the Son Doong overtook the previous largest cave in Malaysia –the Deer Cave.