Words by Smiley Team
Wonder Foundation was established as a more inclusive way to transform the lives of women across the world.
The organisation sets out to not only educate women and girls, but to give them the tools to be the leaders in their own lives. They wanted their voices to be heard, and their expertise recognised, by funders, donors and policymakers.
Through access to quality education, Wonder aims to give women more resources to make decisions for themselves, their families, and their communities, so they can exit poverty for good.
‘Being and Belonging’ is the foundation's youth solidarity project, which is all about giving young people the opportunity to share and reflect on their national and ethnic identities.
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“Young people are able to explore how they understand themselves and others as being welcome or unwelcome, belonging or outsiders," a spokesperson tells Smiley News.
“Policies often place the burden of 'integration' mainly upon migrants, or on the working-class communities that often accommodate new arrivals. It’s important for young people to understand how these arguments are framed, and by whom, if they are to make them more inclusive.
“Integration is often regarded as the ability to function, as opposed to flourish, in a society. The diverse experiences of migrants and other populations affected by migration are not heard and acted upon, and as a result initiatives are not designed in a way that will help these communities to thrive.
“The Being and Belonging project aims to address this by empowering young people affected by migration (which is most of us!) to successfully use their voices to affect change, to learn skills for policy-making, and, crucially, to listen to others.”
Kamina, who participated in a Being and Belonging event in the UK, says: “Attending Advocacy Week at Wonder Foundation was an amazing experience. It made me realise that we are never too small to make a difference, for ourselves and for others.”
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Everywhere in the world, young women need hard and soft skills to work and to engage as citizens and leaders in their own lives.
As Wonder enters their 10th year of operation, their future ambition is to reach 100,000 women and girls through quality education and training. Currently, they’ve reached more than 80,000 women and girls since being established in 2012.
Those who are interested in Wonder can support their work in a number of ways. One of the most effective ways is to join the Thrive Fund, their monthly donorship programme that funds scholarships for women across the globe.
Those interested in participating in Being and Belonging can take part in the youth policy contest and register for upcoming events. They also regularly welcome volunteers.
