All People Making a Difference
Difference MakerRevival of Indonesian textile traditions helps villagers weave a better futureThe nonprofit Bebali Foundation works with nearly 60 culturally distinct community groups in eastern Indonesia to keep alive their聽 textile traditions and natural dyeing techniques.
Difference MakerEx-NFL star trades the gridiron to grow food for those in needJason Brown turned down a golden opportunity as a professional football player so that he could start a family farm and give away most of its harvest.
Difference MakerA dolphin trapped in a Florida waterway galvanized this cleanup teamFor those who love and work in Florida鈥檚 waterways, the fall鈥檚 storms were devastating. This is how the Waterway Warriors sprang into action.
Difference MakerLaughter, with no strings attached: Ukrainian puppeteers bring joy amid warFrom a basement space in Kharkiv, a puppet theater troupe allows the show to go on even if air raid sirens blare.
Difference MakerYoung Sri Lankans working on tea estates find a path out of povertyTea Leaf Trust aims to help young people find work off tea estates if they desire, while also making them leaders of change in their communities.聽
Difference MakerThis program in Nigeria sends children from the streets into the classroomUniversity undergrad Victor Bello started the Almajiri Scholar Scheme to open doors for children.
Difference MakerAn artist is lifting her city of Gary, Indiana, 鈥榝rom blight to bright鈥�Lauren Pacheco is inspired by this Midwestern underdog of a city and is looking to enliven what she calls its 鈥渞emarkable cultural heritage.鈥�
Difference MakerA retired bishop transforms guns into garden tools to help youths envision peaceThe nonprofit Swords to Plowshares Northeast isn鈥檛 just raising awareness of gun violence; it is forging a more peaceful vision for the future.
Difference Maker鈥楶aw partners鈥� across the US step in to aid overwhelmed animal sheltersShelters are struggling to care for vulnerable animals. A constellation of animal welfare groups is supplementing their work.
Difference MakerThe 鈥楻epair Caf茅鈥� movement has become a powerful force for a fix-it cultureThe 鈥淩epair Caf茅鈥� movement has spread to more than 40 countries across six continents, with nearly 3,200 Repair Caf茅s in operation.
Difference MakerGun violence took their sons. Now these moms help others navigate grief.Losing someone to gun violence can leave loved ones despondent. But the force of that sadness can also be channeled into supporting others.
Difference MakerFloods are battering South Sudan. This aid worker helps villagers plan for the worst.People with disabilities who live in this flood-prone area of South Sudan have a champion in Daniel Anyang. He delivers support and inclusion to vulnerable residents.
Difference MakerHow young Nigerian women in arranged 鈥榤oney marriages鈥� are getting a new startHer Voice Foundation teaches skills such as tailoring and hairdressing to young women who were wed in the illegal yet long-standing 鈥渕oney marriage鈥� custom.
Difference MakerIn Malawi, sex and mental health can be taboo topics. Not on this radio show.Farm Radio Trust harnesses the power of radio to help the young people of Malawi share their experiences on difficult subjects.
Difference MakerAbandoned 鈥榞host gear鈥� kills sea life. A Myanmar nonprofit is turning the tide.In 2018, Thanda Ko Gyi launched the nonprofit Myanmar Ocean Project, Myanmar鈥檚 first registered marine conservation organization.
Difference MakerThis app developer is giving displaced young Nigerians an educational lifelineYoung people across far-flung, impoverished areas of Nigeria are learning digital skills in their language, thanks to the creator of a novel app.
Difference MakerMany Nigerian girls have been forced to leave school. Mentors help them return.The Stand With a Girl Education Project鈥檚 鈥渟afe space鈥� curriculum is 鈥済irl-centered, emphasizing life skills, numeracy, and literacy,鈥� its founder says.
Difference Maker鈥楤ring back the fireflies鈥�: In metro Manila, a cycling brigade aims to cut pollutionThe women-led Firefly Brigade advocates for safer bike lanes and curbing pollution.聽
Difference MakerTractors can kill. Farm safety for teens can save lives.Ellen Duysen educates farmers in seven states across the Midwest and the Great Plains to inspire them to embrace a 鈥渃ulture of safety.鈥澛�
Difference MakerDon鈥檛 toss that bruised banana. A Colorado market rescues food to serve the community.Nathan Shaw鈥檚 food rescue operation gives imperfect groceries a second chance.