Friends-international

Friends-International: A Social Enterprise Saving Lives and Building Futures

Friends-International is a leading social enterprise that has been making a positive impact on the lives of marginalized children, youth, and their families across the world. The organization was founded in 1994 with a mission to empower vulnerable communities by providing them with access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.

Over the years, Friends-International has grown into a global network of social enterprises that operate in more than ten countries across Asia and Africa. The organization's work is centered around four key areas: child protection, education & vocational training, community development & livelihoods, and research & advocacy.

Child Protection

Friends-International believes that every child deserves to grow up in a safe environment free from abuse and exploitation. To this end, the organization runs various programs aimed at protecting vulnerable children from harm. These include:

1) ChildSafe Movement - This program aims to raise awareness about child protection issues among local communities through campaigns and outreach activities.

2) Case Management - Friends-International provides support to children who have been victims of abuse or exploitation by offering counseling services and legal assistance.

3) Reintegration - The organization works towards reintegrating children who have been separated from their families due to poverty or other reasons back into their homes.

Education & Vocational Training

Education is one of the most effective ways of breaking the cycle of poverty. Friends-International recognizes this fact and runs several programs aimed at providing marginalized children with access to quality education. These include:

1) Non-formal Education - This program provides basic literacy skills to out-of-school children who are unable to attend formal schools due to financial constraints or other reasons.

2) Vocational Training - Friends-International offers vocational training courses in various fields such as hospitality, mechanics, tailoring etc., which equip young people with skills that can help them secure employment opportunities.

Community Development & Livelihoods

Friends-International believes that sustainable development can only be achieved by empowering communities to take charge of their own futures. The organization runs several programs aimed at promoting community development and livelihoods. These include:

1) Community-Based Tourism - This program promotes responsible tourism by providing tourists with opportunities to experience local cultures while also supporting the local economy.

2) Social Business - Friends-International operates several social enterprises such as restaurants, cafes, and handicraft shops that provide employment opportunities for marginalized youth.

Research & Advocacy

Friends-International is committed to advocating for the rights of marginalized children and youth. The organization conducts research on various issues affecting these communities and uses this information to advocate for policy changes at the national and international levels.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Friends-International is a social enterprise that has been making a positive impact on the lives of marginalized children, youth, and their families across the world. Through its various programs focused on child protection, education & vocational training, community development & livelihoods, and research & advocacy; Friends-International has been able to empower vulnerable communities by providing them with access to essential services. If you are looking for an organization that is making a real difference in people's lives; then look no further than Friends-International!