Stories of Change

U Hae & Nar Law Stories – Myanmar

Since 2004, Meikswe Myanmar, located in Lasio in Northern Shan State, has provided comprehensive services to promote health, early childhood education and community development. The following stories profile two of the beneficiaries of Pangea Giving's  support to this NGO. U Hae Sar's family has lived in San Laung (Lisu) village for 14 years. A farmer, he earns his livelihood from growing rice and soybeans. The seed is grown during the rainy season but previously they didn't have a buffalo for ploughing and hauling soil amendments; the work had to be done either manually or by hiring a buffalo, thus adding...Read More

Tien’s Story – Cambodia

In one village of Snoul district, Kratie province, called Krosiang, there was a school which had only two wooden classrooms with leaking walls, serving more than a  hundred students.  For many years, the school had a poor infrastructure, lacked water and sanitation facilities and didn’t have the most basic classroom and learning materials. Ms. Tien Socheat, 23, the only female teacher at Krosang School, shares the experiences and challenges she’s faced since 2013. “There were not enough classrooms for students, so I had to teach two different grades at the same time. Water leaked from the walls and roof onto...Read More

Esperanza’s Story – Oaxaca, Mexico

Esperanza, is a 49-year-old single mother of 4 adult children who has been involved with the Pangea Giving partner, Flor y Canto, since 2012. She is an example of a leader who has emerged through the persistent organizing efforts of Flor y Canto. In August of 2014 she became the President of COPUDA, a group that represents camposinos in 15 different villages in defense of water rights in the region. Esperanza has dedicated herself to understanding and educating others in her community about their rights according to the prior consent law. She has become a powerful spokesperson, has the ear...Read More

Elvia’s Story – Guatemala

Women’s Justice Initiative, WJI, in Guatemala provides extensive training in rights education and leadership skills. WJI’s Program Coordinator, Elvia,  joined the organization at its inception in September 2011. She has played a key role in the organization’s development and success. Elvia joined WJI after working for a number of nonprofit organizations, including the Population Council, an international organization that works in Guatemala to empower rural Mayan girls. Elvia’s personal story illustrates many of the challenges facing young Mayan girls and women in Guatemala.“I am the oldest of five siblings, two sisters and two brothers. My father is a field laborer...Read More

Marta Julia’s Story – Guatemala

ASOGEN provides human rights support to women in Guatemala around issues of domestic violence and sexual predation. That their work involves risk was brought home when their office was firebombed in 2015. That their work is crucial is evidenced by Marta Julia's story, a victim of incest. Marta Julia’s history of incest began when she was raped by her father as a child of six. She told her mother because she was uncertain about what had happened to her; her mother didn’t believe her, and the abuse continued. When she reached adolescence Marta Julia learned that her little sister, Rosa...Read More

Pangea Member, Darrell Johnson Shares Burundi Experiences with Africa Pod

Pangea member, Darrell Johnson spent 8 weeks this summer working with Village Healthworks in Burundi. Darrell met founder, Deogratias (“Deo”) Niyizokiza when hespoke at Pangea's 10th Anniversary celebration last fall. Darrell was invited by Deo to help with operational and financial planning for the building of a new Women's Health Pavilion in Kigutu to address high maternal mortalities. Darrell shared his experiences recently with the Africa pod, as they continue to explore grantmakingopportunities in Burundi.Here's some things he shared that evening amongst stories and slides. Pictured right: Darrell working with Village Healthworks Budget Manager Burundi is a small country of about 10 million inhabitants in Central...Read More

Inspiring Story About Pangea Member Leslie Grace

On the eve of International Women's Day, we learned that one of Pangea's first members, Leslie Grace was featured on Oxfam America's internal website about women who inspire them. Here is the story: Leslie Grace-Oxfam supporter and more...   I met Leslie years ago when she was the chair of the Rotary Foundation in my new Rotary Club. I have appreciated her perspectives on global philanthropy because she gives so widely and with such energy. She founded a famous store in Seattle more than fifty years ago called "La Tienda." While the store finally closed last week, Leslie is a...Read More