Archives for November 2020
Dr Ismahan, Healthcare Hero
Healthcare workers have been some of the hardest hit in the Somali Peninsula since the pandemic began. They're on the frontlines, with hundreds being infected and likely hundreds more infections going unreported. During this difficult time, Dr Ismahan Mohamed, Alight Health and Nutrition Officer based in Mogadishu, continued to support and guide the frontline medical teams tirelessly. As a show of our immense gratitude we wanted to thank Dr. Ismahan for her incredible dedication and hard work to ensure our teams stay safe, and the people we serve are protected. To thank Dr Ismahan, we decided to help her continue in her studies, a masters program in Public Health. This will not only boost Dr. Ismahan's confidence and knowledge but help make Alight's programs that much stronger with her newfound expertise. The doctor was thrilled! "I love that Alight is encouraging people to be the change," she said, "and highlighting those that are out there making a difference. I'll be … [Read more...] about Dr Ismahan, Healthcare Hero
Keeping Shop
Our Thank-a-Thon returns today in Lasnod, in the Somali Peninsula. Aamina Ahmed Mohamed is a mother with eight children. She's been a longtime, active leader with the volunteer committee in her village, a part of a group of people who work closely with Alight on Protection activities. She also owns a smaller business in Lasanod, a used clothing shop. But unfortunately, when COVID-19 hit she was forced to close her doors—there just weren't enough customers. She was also facing health problems of her own, forcing her to travel to Mogadishu and draining her finances. Aamina needed some support. She's also a valuable part of the Alight communtiy in the region. So to thank her, we decided to give her business a little boost, asking what she most needed and then handing over the goods! We got Aamina bundles of old clothes—shirts, dresses, pants, you name it! Just a little show of gratitude for someone who has given so much. … [Read more...] about Keeping Shop
Thank You, Regina!
This is the season of giving—but it’s also one of gratitude. This time of year is about being thankful for the incredible people in your life, and showing them that you see them, that you appreciate everything they do. For the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing special “thank you's” with dozens of the people in our world who make our work possible. Chosen by our field teams across the globe, this Thank-a-Thon seeks out those who might need a little something extra to make their work go more smoothly, giving them a boost and showing how much we value their extraordinary contributions. Starting with Regina Lauren…. Regina is a policewoman in Kapoeta, southeastern South Sudan, where domestic and gender-based violence can be a big problem. In Kapoeta and in the region, Alight is a leader in protection programs, many of them in partnership with local authorities like the police. Together, they help to support survivors. One of the challenges the Alight team faces is that there is … [Read more...] about Thank You, Regina!
Congratulations Linda Thomas-Greenfield!
Alight congratulates our Board Member Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who has been confirmed by the Senate as President Biden's U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Thomas-Greenfield has been a part of the Alight leadership team since 2017 when she retired from a decades-long career at the U.S. State Department where she served in such roles as Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs and Ambassador to Liberia. "We are so incredibly delighted to learn that Linda will serve as the next UN Ambassador," said Alight Interim CEO John Gappa. "Linda is a seasoned diplomat, serving in the State Department since the 80s through several republican and democratic administrations. I can't think of anyone better to lead the U.S. Mission." "We'll dearly miss Linda's leadership on Alight's Board," said Maureen Reed, Chair of Alight's Board of Directors. "But we're heartened such an amazing advocate for displaced people will be leading the new administration's efforts at … [Read more...] about Congratulations Linda Thomas-Greenfield!
Going Remote: Questscope Keeps Kids in Jordan Learning
Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Non-Formal Education program finds a solution 30 years ago, our partner Questscope was founded with a mission to put the last, first. Decades later, the organization has grown to serve thousands of young people in the Middle East and beyond. Working with individuals, communities, local organizations, and international partners to produce social, education, and entrepreneurial opportunities for marginalized youth, they’ve stayed true to their original vision – to lift up the most vulnerable. … [Read more...] about Going Remote: Questscope Keeps Kids in Jordan Learning
Refugees on the Frontlines of COVID-19 Response
ORAM helps to spearhead ambitious soap-making project in Kakuma Refugee Camp With close to 200,000 refugees, Kakuma Refugee Camp is one of the largest camps in the world. It’s also home to hundreds of East African LGBTIQ asylum seekers and refugees, who have fled from Uganda, Sudan, Somalia, South Sudan, and Burundi. LGBTIQ refugees are often doubly stigmatized — firstly for being foreigners or refugees, and secondly on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity. … [Read more...] about Refugees on the Frontlines of COVID-19 Response
7 Reasons Frank Supports Alight
(And You Should Again, Too!) Frank Babka is a philanthropist. He gives to organizations with a variety of missions, but he has a discerning eye when it comes to where he directs his support. This year Frank is challenging YOU to support Alight on Give To The Max Day, by matching your donation dollar-for-dollar (up to $25,000). Take Frank's Challenge! Donate Now And Frank's offered this list for why he supports Alight: #1 - Displaced People “The number of displaced people in the world continues to grow, from 60-some million people in recent years to more like 80 million now. I’m compelled to support the world’s most vulnerable and marginalized people.” #2 - Minnesota “I’m proud Minnesota is home to such a world-class organization as Alight. I want to support their impressive work with so many millions of people each year.” #3 - Innovation “Alight is always taking risks to do better. For instance, Asili – their social enterprise in eastern Congo – is finding … [Read more...] about 7 Reasons Frank Supports Alight
Six Times Minnesotans Have Showed Up In Emergencies
Minnesotans show up! Over the 40 years Alight has existed, we’ve always been able to count on Minnesotans in times of emergencies. Here’s 6 times when Minnesotans had our backs – and lives were saved and changed as a result. 1) Indian Ocean Tsunami – 2004/5 The Tsunami hit the day after Christmas 2004, and Minnesotans answered the call right away helping Alight send response teams to Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand. And thanks to Minnesotans, our Fishing Boat Project provided replacement boats to hundreds of fishermen, helping them get back to work supporting their families. 2) Kosovo – 1999 War broke out in Kosovo in 1998, and civilians were targeted and forced to flee. Thousands of Minnesotans responded, allowing Alight teams in the region to get boots on-the-ground. Even after our initial emergency response, funds raised allowed our teams to help families rehabilitate their homes and restart their livelihoods. 3) Hurricane Katrina – 2005 Alight led a coalition of … [Read more...] about Six Times Minnesotans Have Showed Up In Emergencies