Securing the future: How your support sustains Plan’s global aid efforts

You may have heard that the future of U.S. foreign aid is now in question as a new administration transitions into power.

And, because you are someone who cares deeply about the future of children worldwide, you’re likely wondering what this means for our work here at Plan.

If foreign aid is paused, it will inevitably affect some of our programs, but it will not stop all of our work.

Because we have YOU.

Your generous gifts support our continuous efforts to provide nourishing meals, safe shelter, quality education and so much more to lift children up all over the globe.

“The demise of USAID would have [a] critical impact on the lives of vulnerable people around the world. It provides millions of people with basic, life saving medication, food, clean water [and] education. USAID accounts for a third of the resources that we mobilize to deliver these programs, some of which are life saving and many of which work on helping girls in particular be safe and secure and have access to economic opportunity.” – Shanna Marzilli, President & CEO, Plan International USA

Thanks to past USAID funding, we were able to work alongside our colleagues and partners in Tigray, Ethiopia, to help children who are under severe psychological stress after being forced to flee violence in their homes and settle in temporary housing camps.

Plan International case workers, like Nechi, offer support for children who have been left traumatized by conflict or have social, behavioral or cognitive development issues.

“When children first arrive, they often have a variety of issues, both psychological and social, and the majority of them have experienced some kind of trauma,” Nechi shares. “However, things improve when they start to engage in the activities available to them. To begin with, we usually ask the child to draw something. They often draw people with guns, but after a few months, they are drawing things that show optimism and hope.”

USAID provides the financial support that allows Nechi to counsel a young boy at a child-friendly space within an internally displaced persons camp in Ethiopia. | ©Plan International

Through further evaluation, case workers use a variety of tools to determine how severe a child’s psychological condition is and then evaluate the proper treatment plan and care team.

“I’m always delighted to see the improvement of the children we are working with,” Nechi says. “Children who were once under stress now feel relief and hope.”

This program in Ethiopia is only one example of the many different types of programs and services we are able to offer to thousands of the world’s most vulnerable children thanks to the financial support of foreign aid.

The challenges children face — violence, homelessness, hunger and inequality — unfortunately, have not paused … and neither will we.

Right now, we need to continue providing lifesaving care to children who still deserve a fair chance at a good life. Please give today to ensure our efforts can continue, no matter the circumstances.

We see ourselves as one global community. In more than 80 countries around the world, including in the U.S., we work with children, communities, governments and partners to give girls and boys the resources and support they need to overcome the most difficult challenges and build brighter futures. We must rally together to continue to support our children all over the world who still need us … now more than ever.

Thank you for standing beside children — and Plan — until we are all equal.

This story is made possible by the support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the sole responsibility of Plan International and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.