January 24 marks the International Day of Education, a day dedicated to celebrating the role of education in fostering peace, sustainable development, and human prosperity. At Planet Aid, we recognize the transformative power of education and are proud to contribute to this global initiative by funding locally-led education programs in the U.S., Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
TEACH program: In 2020, Planet Aid was awarded a grant by USAID’s American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) initiative for the “Training Teachers and Changing Communities” (TEACH) project. Implemented by Planet Aid through local partner HPP-Congo, TEACH has expanded and improved campus facilities and academic operations at Mbankana Teacher Training College in Kinshasa Province, DRC. The college provides a creative, engaging curriculum to prepare primary school teachers for teaching careers throughout the DRC, with an emphasis on female enrollment and leadership. The project has constructed new classrooms, staff accommodations and toilet buildings, and completed a borehole for permanent access to clean water on campus. This infrastructure has improved and expanded the educational and living environment for students and faculty, and now even more student teachers have access to a quality education.
Teacher Training: Recognizing the crucial role teachers play in shaping young minds, Planet Aid invests in teacher training programs worldwide. By enhancing the skills and knowledge of educators, we aim to create a more conducive learning environment that empowers students and prepares them for the challenges of the future.
Kadam Step Up Programme: In collaboration with local partners in India, Planet Aid supports the Kadam Step Up Programme, focused on empowering marginalized communities through education. This initiative provides access to quality education and addresses socio-economic challenges, creating a path for a brighter future.
Vehicles for Change: In the United States, Planet Aid supports the Full Circle Auto Repair Training program through the nonprofit organization Vehicles for Change. The auto repair program gives a second chance to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people by providing access to internships and training.
In addition to our funding of locally-led education programs, Planet Aid has partnered to create sustainable, passive fundraising streams for more than 300 schools across the United States. Through our clothing donation bins placed on school campuses, we encourage students, faculty, and the community to contribute gently used clothes and shoes. For every pound collected, we pay our school partners 5 cents, creating a win-win scenario where schools raise funds effortlessly while promoting environmental sustainability by removing used textiles from the waste stream.
As we celebrate the International Day of Education, it is important to highlight the immense impact education has on individuals, communities, and the world at large. Planet Aid remains committed to being a catalyst for positive change through our diverse education programs. Together, we can empower minds, transform lives, and build a future where education is accessible to all. Join us in making a difference on this special day and beyond, by donating your used clothes or partnering with us to host a donation bin. It costs you nothing to make a positive impact.