Week 11 - Concern Worldwide US

By now everyone has heard of the Kony 2012 video that has gone viral on the Internet in the past few weeks. And so some suggested I donate to Invisible Children as part of my project. I have chosen not to donate to this organization for a number of reasons. First, as soon I watched the video, my intuition that something was not quite right kicked in. I don't disagree with anything per se in the video, however I believe it is misleading and preys on sensitive emotions. Second,  the actions of the LRA and Kony are no doubt atrocious, but most of the content explained in the video happened in the past. The video was largely not appreciated in Uganda according to a video report by CNN. Third, I think the video  has generated enough income already for the organization to meet it's mission for the short term. And lastly, Invisible Children is not endorsed by the BBB which I find suspicious.

Instead I chose to donate to Concern Worldwide US. "Concern Worldwide is a non-governmental, international, humanitarian organization dedicated to the reduction of suffering and working towards the ultimate elimination of extreme poverty in the world’s poorest countries." (from Concern Worldwide website) I designated my donation to Uganda in light of Kony 2012.

Concern Worldwide responds to humanitarian disasters in 25 of the world's poorest countries. They focus on 5 areas: Education, Emergency Response, Health, HVI/AIDS, and Livelihoods

As the illustration points out poverty is at the center of a number of greater issues. And I truly believe education is the single best thing we can do to help. Concern Worldwide has a mission of providing access to basic education in the poorest countries. Simply put, education equals greater economic opportunity for these people. And that opportunity spider weds throughout the communities in which the people live.


We place particular emphasis on reaching those who have been excluded from the formal schooling system, such as girls, children living in slums or isolated rural areas, orphans, working children, children belonging to minority groups, children affected and infected by HIV and AIDS, and children with disabilities. (from Concern Worldwide website)



My donation will be matched 100% by my company. Happy Spring everyone!