Urmila’s journey toward a career wasn’t as straightforward as she hoped. She moved to a city seeking more job opportunities, but since she didn’t have much professional experience, she was often turned away. But Urmila didn’t give up. She kept looking for safe and reliable work, and eventually heard about an initiative that helps young women become teachers — a program run in collaboration with Plan International. More information

Toilets aren’t a glamorous topic to talk about. But they are an important one. There are almost 4 billion people around the world living without safe access to toilets. How do they manage? Some wait until night or walk long distances to find a private place to go. Some use shared bathrooms that aren’t clean. Some are forced to go out in the open near their homes, which creates a major public health hazard. Globally, every day, 700 children die just from diarrhea because of unsafe water and sanitation — that’s one child every two minutes. Learn more.

WFSS just kicked off the regular operating season in December to implement clean water projects: 32 newly drilled wells, 50 well rehabilitations, 2 water storage and distribution systems, and hygiene education trainings in each community served. But did you know that teams have been working in the field since November implementing projects with established partners like UNICEF and Norwegian Church Aid? Field teams are also gearing up for another project with partner The Carter Center, drilling new wells, and rehabilitating broken wells to continue the successful fight to eradicate guinea worm disease by ensuring access to clean water. Learn more.

Before contending with the weather and pests, Amal first had to contend with hearts and minds who felt running an agriculture business was inappropriate for a Syrian woman. A few months ago, Amal took part in CARE training, and subsequently received $5,000 which she used to grow her business, renting a piece of land to cultivate fruits and vegetables. At the beginning, it was difficult to find other women who were willing to work for her. Today, she employs 11 to 15 women, depending on the season. Learn more

In the community of Cite Soleil, Haiti where violence reigns, World Hope continues to serve children by providing access to safe, quality education. More information

To combat malnutrition, FHI 360 is working with Afghan NGOs to train front-line health and humanitarian workers to deliver emergency nutrition services to pregnant and lactating women and their infants. So far, FHI 360 and its partners have trained more than 100 people in five workshops, with more workshops scheduled. Learn more.

Schools in Uganda have finally begun to reopen after two years of closed doors. Girls are especially vulnerable to permanently losing their education due to COVID-19, but they’re not giving up. More information.

FHI 360, through its local Migrant and Seasonal Head Start programs, is working to provide the children of migrant farmworkers with high-quality, affordable, and reliable early childhood education. Explore this photo story to learn how MSHS is making a difference in the lives of migrant farmworkers.

The worst drought to hit the Horn of Africa in 40 years is painting a grim scene: Dried up wells, wilted crops and cattle dying by the thousands. In a resource-abundant region that should be boasting with life, this drought — and the hunger crisis it’s created — are plaguing communities. Children, especially girls, are paying the highest price. View photo story