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The Lotus Flower at the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva
In 2016, Taban Shoresh founded The Lotus Flower in her living room with no money. Fast forward to December 2023 and watch her being introduced by The High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, at the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva.
Taban was part of two multi-stakeholder pledges; the first one was called ‘Gender Equality and Protection from Gender-Based Violence’. Under this pledge, the Lotus Flower is committed to creating a Peace Centre in Kurdistan, which will be funded by the German Federal Government BMZ locally, and will also be supported by the Kurdistan Regional Government’s High Council of Women’s Affairs. The Peace Centre will bring together women from all backgrounds to promote their peace and security, as well as their roles in leadership, mediation and conflict resolution. It’s something The Lotus Flower has been working towards for a couple of years, so they’re so happy to see this vision finally becoming a reality.Â
Secondly, Taban was part of the Referencing Group which worked with ICVA and UNHCR to form the Multistakeholder Advancing Localisation Pledge. This one is critical to ensure that local people and communities are involved, listened to and included in all responses to displacement and statelessness.Â
A Profound Journey with The Lotus Flower in Kurdistan, Iraq
It is not often one gets to experience the transformative power of an organization firsthand. Recently, I had the privilege to do just that with The Lotus Flower (TLF) during a four-day visit to Kurdistan, Iraq. The depth of their impact and commitment left me profoundly moved.
Community Centres: Sanctuaries of Healing and Growth
At the heart of the Lotus Flower‘s operations are their community centres, strategically positioned both within and outside camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees. These aren’t just spaces; they are sanctuaries dedicated to displaced women and girls and their communities. Through tailored programs, TLF aids these women in their journeys of healing, learning, and personal growth. Since its inception in 2016, TLF’s reach has been vast, touching the lives of over 60,000 individuals, primarily women and girls affected by conflict and displacement.
Empowering Local Businesses
One of the standout experiences was meeting representatives from five local businesses, all of whom have benefited from the Lotus Flower Business Incubator. The resilience and determination of these women were palpable as they shared stories of how they’ve rebuilt their confidence and taken charge of their destinies. The success of their ventures is a testament to TLF’s impactful training, funding, and monitoring efforts.
Diverse Activities: More than Just Aid
The community centres weren’t just about aid; they were hubs of activity. From ‘boxing sisters’ and ‘power gym’ sessions to literacy classes, parenting skills classes; each program underscored TLF’s commitment to fostering holistic development in the communities they serve.
Pioneering Environmental Initiatives
I was privileged to witness TLF’s groundbreaking initiative targeting climate change. By actively integrating greenhouses and school gardens, they emphasize environmental stewardship and sustainable living. This move goes beyond teaching practical skills; it strengthens the tie between the community and its environment, fostering a deep-rooted sense of responsibility.
Community Mobilisers: The Heartbeat of TLF
I was also able to observe the tireless work of Community Mobilisers. Their outreach programs, driven by passion and purpose, are truly the heartbeat of TLF’s operations.
Mental Health Day: Highlighting a Crucial Need
My visit coincided with October 10th, Mental Health Day. This offered a unique perspective into TLF’s innovative mental health initiatives, further underlining their holistic approach to healing and community welfare.
A Local Approach with Lasting Impact
What stands out about the Lotus Flower is its unwavering commitment to being need-led and rooted in the communities they serve. By addressing immediate community challenges with sustainable, long-term solutions, they’re not just providing aid – they’re empowering community-based organizations to be self-sufficient.
TLF Team: A Testament to TLF’s Dedication
Every organization has a backbone – its team. I’ve never come across such an incredible team spanning the entire organization. The dedication, strategic program rollout, and robust monitoring and evaluation culture make TLF truly exceptional. Their ethos – reflected in their values, vision, and mission – resonated in every human interaction and program I witnessed.Â
Having collaborated with TLF for 2.5 years, I arrived in Kurdistan with high expectations. Yet, what I encountered exceeded them all. My deepest gratitude goes to Taban, Halat, Randan, Ahmed and every single TLF employee for offering such a profound and memorable experience. Their relentless efforts are reshaping lives every day.
For us at GIFT, supporting an organization like TLF isn’t just an opportunity; it’s an honor. Their holistic and collaborative approach is a shining example of philanthropy done right.
Here’s a glimpse into our journey in Kurdistan, showcasing the remarkable projects The Lotus Flower has cultivated locally. 🎥
PASSWORD: GIFT23
For the longer version of the video, please use the following link.
Password is: GIFT23
Riding the transformative waves: Max Pelka visits ‘Surfers Not Street Children’ in Mozambique
I recently had the incredible opportunity to travel to Tofo Beach and visit the heartwarming surfers not street childrenMozambique program. Among my various motivations for this trip, one was to personally witness the differences and similarities between this program and the one in Durban. I wanted to see if the program’s claims of changing kids’ lives were as impactful as they sounded. I also wanted to spend some time with the kids and do whatever was possible on my side to help the ones in need.
Upon arriving, I had the pleasure of meeting the dedicated staff members, Julia and Castro. They are truly remarkable individuals who pour their hearts into helping the kids. Their commitment to maintaining a balance between providing help, security, and enjoyment for the children was truly inspiring. Minicho, the director, is one of the most kindhearted people I have ever met. His story of overcoming a difficult childhood and his persistent drive to uplift everyone around him left a lasting impression on me. Mini is a great director who is passionate about his job and someone who will always be happy to help. His positivity has an incredible impact for both the kids and the entire community. He is also Mozambique’s first ever professional surfer which makes him a great role model for the kids.
The program’s emphasis on education is another positive point. The kids who come to the program daily have to attend school. Furthermore, surfers not street children also offer assistance for essentials such as books and uniforms. Being part of the program ensures that school attendance remains a priority.
After school, the kids gather at the surf house, where they enjoy a healthy juice before heading to the beach for football and surfing. It may seem like a routine, but there’s something special about their journey through the local market. Walking in a straight line they carry a sense of pride, proudly displaying their positive transformation to all who witness. It’s a powerful display of the way they take care of themselves and the direction their lives are taking.
From my perspective, the program is undeniably impactful. Surfing creates a passion and drive that keeps them on the right path. Following a day of waves and excitement, the kids return home tired, avoiding the temptations of Tofo’s nightlife, drugs and alcohol which can lead to some trouble. Â The program serves as a protective shield, guiding them away from the negative influences that might otherwise pull them down.
Another remarkable feature of the program is the growing sense of empowerment among the girls who participate. Initially met with resistance from parents who believed their daughters should remain at home to fulfill traditional roles, the girls are now thriving in the program. It has provided them with not only skills but also the means to avoid teenage pregnancy, showcasing the program’s far-reaching impact. Julia is also a great role figure for the girls as she is the first ever female Mozambican surfer.
In summary, the Mozambique program at Tofo Beach is nothing short of amazing. The people involved, the kids who benefit, and many more collectively contribute to a positive transformation that spreads out  throughout the community. Minicho’s leadership and personal journey are not only aspirational for the kids but also for the entire village. He stands as a living testament to what can be achieved, having become Mozambique’s first-ever professional surfer.
As I reflect on my visit, I can’t help but feel excitement for the future. The program’s effects will keep spreading positivity and making a difference for many years.
Max Pelka – September 2023
CAMFED Ted Talk on Girl’s Education
CAMFED has secured substantial funding from the Audacious Project, enabling them to expand their successful initiative and make a profound impact on girls’ education. Gift is proud to support such an organization. Attached is a video of the Ted Talk delivered to the Audacious Project investment committee, showcasing CAMFED’s inspiring work.
CAMFED Ted Talk
Surfers Not Street Children Founder, Tom Hewitt, Awarded
Tom Hewitt MBE receives Nelson Mandela Changemaker Award
Congrats Tom on 25 years of pioneering work developing surfing as a tool for positive change.
It is a privilege for GIFT to support the work of Surfers Not Street Children and see these lives of youngsters being transformed on a daily basis.
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GIFT appears on the Lotus Flower blog
DONOR Q&A: ‘THE LOTUS FLOWER TICKS ALL THE BOXES’
GIFT explains why it is proud to support The Lotus Flower
What the Lotus Flower’s key supporters say about the organisation.
Gift at minute 4’40Â