Plan International

Plan International is a global organization that works to advance children's rights and equality for girls, partnering with United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organization (WHO), and International Labour Organization (ILO) to achieve its goals. Founded in 1937 by John Langdon-Davies and Eric Muggeridge, Plan International has grown to become one of the largest international development organizations, working in over 70 countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Brazil. The organization has worked with notable figures such as Malala Yousafzai, Gordon Brown, and Kofi Annan to promote children's rights and education. Plan International has also collaborated with organizations like Oxfam, Save the Children, and UN Women to address global issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change.

● History

Plan International was founded during the Spanish Civil War by John Langdon-Davies and Eric Muggeridge, who were motivated by the plight of children affected by the conflict, similar to the work of Doctors Without Borders and International Rescue Committee. The organization's early work focused on providing aid to children in Spain and China, and it later expanded to other countries, including India, Kenya, and Tanzania. Plan International has worked with various United Nations agencies, such as UNICEF, WHO, and UNHCR, to respond to humanitarian crises, including the Rohingya crisis and the Syrian Civil War. The organization has also partnered with governments, such as the Government of Canada and the Government of Australia, to support development programs and policies, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

● Organization

Plan International is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, and is led by Stephen Omollo, who has worked with organizations like World Vision and CARE International. The organization has a global staff of over 10,000 people, including experts in fields like public health, education, and human rights, who have worked with institutions like Harvard University, University of Oxford, and University of Cambridge. Plan International's work is guided by its Global Strategy, which focuses on promoting girls' rights, youth empowerment, and community development, in line with the principles of Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. The organization is also a member of the International Save the Children Alliance and works closely with other NGOs, such as Action Against Hunger and Medecins Sans Frontieres.

● Programs

Plan International's programs focus on several key areas, including education, health, water and sanitation, and child protection, which are aligned with the goals of UNICEF, WHO, and UNESCO. The organization works to improve access to quality education, particularly for girls, and has implemented programs like Girls' Education Challenge and Let Girls Learn, in partnership with USAID and DFID. Plan International also works to improve maternal and child health, and has implemented programs like Every Newborn Action Plan and Global Strategy for Women's and Children's Health, in collaboration with WHO, UNICEF, and The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The organization has also worked with UNHCR and IOM to support refugee children and migrant children.

● Financials

Plan International's budget is over $1 billion, which is funded by donations from individuals, governments, and institutions, including Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Ford Foundation, and European Union. The organization has a strong track record of financial management, with a high level of transparency and accountability, similar to Oxfam and Save the Children. Plan International's financial reports are audited by KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers, and the organization is a member of the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI), which promotes transparency and accountability in aid spending.

● Controversies

Plan International has faced some controversies, including criticism of its fundraising practices and partnerships with corporations, such as Coca-Cola and Nestle, which have been criticized by organizations like Greenpeace and Amnesty International. The organization has also faced challenges in its work, including security risks and logistical challenges in countries like South Sudan and Yemen. Plan International has responded to these challenges by implementing new policies and procedures, such as its Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy and its Partnership Policy, which are aligned with the principles of UNICEF and WHO.

● Country_Operations

Plan International works in over 70 countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Brazil, where it implements programs like Girls' Education Challenge and Let Girls Learn. The organization has a strong presence in Africa, where it works in countries like Ghana, Kenya, and Tanzania, and has partnered with organizations like African Union and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Plan International also works in Asia, where it has programs in countries like India, Indonesia, and Philippines, and has collaborated with institutions like Asian Development Bank and ASEAN. The organization's country operations are guided by its Global Strategy and are implemented in partnership with local organizations, governments, and communities, including NGOs, CSOs, and community-based organizations.