The efforts in the fourth and last quarter of our internal Leading the Way challenge will go to a charitable humanitarian organization which is driving change in advancing children’s rights and equality for girls.

In a cooperation we help to improve living conditions so that children and young people can develop freely and in good health, regardless of their origin, religion or the political conditions prevailing in their country. Find out more about the projects we support:

Project Guatemala: Healthy Children Despite Climate Change

Guatemala is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters. The effects on the population and the country's infrastructure are severe. The resulting poverty and malnutrition have fatal consequences for children in particular and can lead to delayed mental and physical development, learning problems and an increased risk of disease. With our support we want to improve food security and strengthen resilience to the impacts of climate change.
 

Project Malawi: Youth Education on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

Malawi has a very young population, but the country still lacks youth-friendly and gender-sensitive health services. Cultural norms prevent the creation of these services and thus deny young people access to information about their sexual and reproductive rights. The Malawian society is characterized by traditional role models. 42 percent of Malawian women are married before their 18th birthday. This tradition increases the risk of early pregnancies. Girls and young women in particular are often denied the right to self-determination. We are helping to strengthen the sexual and reproductive health and rights of children, adolescents and young adults with or without disabilities.

Project Laos: Sustainable agriculture and climate protection

The Bokeo region in northern Laos is strongly characterized by poverty. Many people live from rice cultivation. The lack of diversification in agriculture and low awareness of healthy nutrition leads to malnutrition and undernourishment. Climate change has increased droughts in Laos, making it difficult to grow rice. When food stocks are insufficient, many families borrow rice in rice banks at high interest rates and quickly fall into a cycle of poverty. The droughts also affect the water supply. With this project we aim to improve living conditions in rural areas through adaptation to climate change and innovative agriculture.