| As a socially responsible business, Little Acorn Books has chosen to support the following charities, which are having a strong, positive impact on humanity's collective future. (The following information is taken from their respective websites.)
The Global Fund for ChildrenThe Global Fund for Children’s mission is to advance the dignity of children and youth around the world. GFC pursues its mission by making small grants to innovative community-based organizations working with some of the world’s most vulnerable children and youth, complemented by a dynamic media program that, through books, documentary photography, and film, highlights the issues affecting children and celebrates the global society in which we all live.
GFC made its first grants in 1997 using royalties from its children’s book publishing venture. Since then, GFC’s grantmaking capacity has grown dramatically, from $3,000 in 1997 to approximately $3.4 million during the 2009-2010 fiscal year. Since 1997, GFC has awarded over $21 million in grants to nearly 500 grantee partners in 78 countries around the world.
The needs of children and youth, though in many ways universal, are best responded to in ways that fit the particular situation on the ground. GFC therefore supports groups that are providing for the needs of children in a variety of ways—by giving scholarships to allow poor children to attend formal schools, by providing tutoring and after-school services to youth at risk of leaving formal schooling, or by establishing classroom environments on train platforms, in boats, on beaches, or at garbage dumps.
This model of grantmaking is both time—and labor-intensive, but its impact is substantial. In addition to providing opportunities for vulnerable children, this model contributes to the growth of civil society, encourages the development of homegrown philanthropy, and supports social entrepreneurship. In developing economies, where groups often need only a small amount of money to undertake meaningful programs, small grants can have measurable impact on an organization and the lives of those it serves.
GFC’s Global Media Ventures encompasses GFC’s book-publishing program, which produces vibrant photo-illustrated children’s books showing the similarities of children throughout the world and celebrating the shared processes of childhood; documentary photography that illustrates the day-to-day lives of young people served by the community-based organizations GFC supports; and films that profile the issues that children often face in their struggles for dignity. We believe that the messages inherent in our media ventures underscore the goals of our grantmaking and, together, present a compelling statement on behalf of children everywhere.
Montessori Children's FoundationIn particular, we support the Montessori Children's Foundation's 'Public Awareness and Advocacy' work. Seemingly ahead of her time, Dr Maria Montessori realised over sixty years ago what research is only now confirming, that we are indeed (in Robin Grille's words) Parenting for a Peaceful World. Boldly, in 1947, Dr Maria Montessori sent a letter to ALL Governments, writing:
"...The child is the forgotten citizen, and yet, if statesmen and educationists once came to realise the terrific force that is in childhood for good or for evil, I feel they would give it priority above everything else. All problems of humanity depend on man himself; if man is disregarded in his construction, the problems will never be solved."
The Montessori Children's Foundation actively seeks to champion the cause of all children through advocacy and by increasing public awareness. In particular, the Foundation facilitates initiatives that: - advocate for children;
- advocate for peace;
- defend the rights of the child;
- assist adults, institutions and governments to place children first;
- promote awareness and understanding of the development of the child and the importance of the first years of life;
- highlight the child's pivotal role in transforming society;
- launch public awareness campaigns regarding issues affecting children;
- harness the media and develop tools and resources that assist in championing the cause of all children; and
- work in cooperation with other organisations and bodies that champion the cause of all children.
ACT for Kids
Originally known as the Abused Child Trust, ACT for Kids has been helping Australian families keep their children safe for more than 20 years.
There were more than 46,000 confirmed cases of child abuse in Australia last year. That's almost 1 case every 10 minutes where a child is suffering from neglect or physical, sexual or emotional abuse (often by people they know and should be able to trust).
Many of these kids get no professional help whatsoever, and end up with lifelong problems. But a small few find themselves at an ACT for Kids centre, where children are given the skills, care and confidence they need to turn their tiny hearts around and lead a normal life. ACT for Kids is also there for Mums and Dads, healing the hurt that abuse and domestic violence causes the whole family.
For further information, or to get involved yourself, please visit their website at www.actforkids.com.au. Thank you!
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