The Western Union Foundation believes in connecting underserved populations to the global economy through education and workforce training. To help vulnerable youth have equal access to education in India, we work with nonprofit partner Make a Difference, to transform the outcomes of children in need of care and protection, giving them an equal chance at success.
Make a Difference has a long-standing impact to these youth. Their programming has a university attendance rate of 80%, compared to the standard 20% expected for youths in shelter homes. They reach over 3,400 children every year in 60 shelter homes across India.
Watch the video to see the story of two inspiring women who are working to achieve their dreams, with the help of Make a Difference and the Western Union Foundation.
Make a Difference found Leelavathi at a shelter home, due to extreme poverty. They have since helped her attend college, so she can achieve her goal of becoming a lawyer. “If we study well, we can gain anything”.
Sangeetha’s parents are refugees from Sri Lanka. Due to these extreme circumstances, Sangeetha grew up in a shelter home. She understands her education will allow her to have a good future and help provide a better life for her and her parents. Make a Difference is helping her attend university to pursue a masters in computer applications.
The Western Union Foundation identified Make a Difference through our WU Gives program. This program gives Western Union’s employees a chance to nominate their favorite nonprofit for a Western Union Foundation grant.
