All People Making a Difference
Bakers, teachers, painters line up to volunteer to save lives in SyriaThe Syrian Civil Defense, also known as the White Helmets, describes itself as the largest civil society organization operating in areas outside of government control. It is often the first in when the shells hit.
Difference MakerA former street child in Afghanistan, now giving back where he found helpHashmatullah Hayat works at a school in Afghanistan for street children, and his life story is an inspiration to the kids studying there.
In teaching self-defense, a taekwondo champ builds young women's confidenceLina Khalifeh created SheFighter in Jordan to help prepare women to defend themselves, especially in parts of the world where there are repressive attitudes toward women.
Hiding in plain sight, a hair salon reaches Mexican trafficking victimsA hair salon in Mexico City, which keeps women coming back with rock-bottom prices, is in fact a front for a charitable operation aimed at rescuing sex trafficking victims and giving them the chance at new lives.
How two students in the South are helping to feed hungry kidsTwo friends 鈥� Jack Henslee in Georgia and Jack Dudley in Alabama 鈥� have developed Food4Kids chapters to give meals to a combined total of about 280 children.
鈥楽esame Street鈥� in Afghanistan debuts new puppet with big dose of girl powerZari is the first Afghan character in 'Sesame Street' history and will focus on empowerment as well as health.
Difference MakerA young entrepreneur shows low-income teens how to launch a businessDaquan Oliver's family didn't have it easy when he was growing up. But his resourcefulness, drive, and desire to honor his mother's hard work helped get him to college, where he formed a mentorship program.
Project Wildlife helps creatures great and smallThe San Diego-area nonprofit group has helped to rehabilitate some 320 species of wildlife, about 10,000 birds and mammals annually.
Hydropower helps households in off-the-grid areas of PakistanSmall-scale hydropower plants are proving a key way to provide power in remote regions of Pakistan, while at the same time helping protect the environment.
In drought-stressed regions, 'graywater' recycling gains attentionSome households and businesses are reusing graywater 鈥� water from bathroom sinks, showers, bathtubs, washing machines, and laundry sinks.
Nepal turns to bamboo to rebuild after quakesBamboo grows widely in Nepal, is easier to transport than heavier materials, and is relatively cheap to use, experts say. Twin earthquakes last year destroyed nearly a million buildings in the Himalayan nation.
Difference MakerIn slums of Romania, a Dutchman is drawn to help the RomaBert Looij aids ostracized Roma, who are also known as Gypsies 鈥� including those living at a rat-infested dump.聽'I help them because nobody else is helping them,' he says.
Reaping benefits beyond better prison menus, inmates grow their own foodFrom New York to Oregon, prison gardening programs are providing a cost-effective food source 鈥� and are giving inmates opportunities for personal growth.
Mind Treasures helps adults and children take control of financesThe nonprofit group views 'treasures' as more than just material wealth.
An artist tries to create a beautiful image for food wasteAliza Eliazarov鈥檚 tableaux of rescued food highlight just how much Americans waste. Some of her projects, displayed for passersby, have encouraged them to think more about the subject.
Difference MakerA retired lawyer opens first US slavery museum with $8.6 million of his moneyJohn Cummings has redeveloped an antebellum plantation in Louisiana where more than 350 slaves labored. Americans must 鈥榯ake responsibility鈥� for the wrongs of slavery, he says.
A television exec wears a new 'flat hat' 鈥� park rangerAfter four decades in public TV, John Kerr found himself living his childhood dream, serving at Yellowstone National Park.
Celebrate! RVA throws birthday parties for at risk childrenCelebrate! RVA tells kids from challenging circumstances who may not get a birthday celebration at home that 'they matter.'
Difference MakerA former gangster morphs into a lawyer who helps troubled kidsOnce known as 'Red,' David Lee Windecher is now one of Atlanta鈥檚 hottest young lawyers. His message: Too many Americans buy into a myth that youths are a lost cause.
In US, refugees cook to win over hearts, minds, and stomachsSeveral kitchen-based initiatives, from New York to California, are giving refugees opportunities to make a living. The initiatives can serve as a counterpoint to anti-immigration sentiment, proponents say.