We’re excited to celebrate an extraordinary decade of partnership with DECJUBA that has transformed communities across India, Bangladesh, Senegal and Uganda.
For me, to be great, it means you have to have big dreams and most importantly you have to have people who want to come with you to achieve those dreams…we exist to support incredible partners to do what they do best, create a sustainable change, drive better outcomes and impact this one life that we all have.
– Tania Austin, Owner, DECJUBA
In India, DECJUBA has championed women’s political leadership, supporting Elected Women Representatives to run for local village councils. These women are now driving transformative change in healthcare, education, sanitation, food security, and gender equality.
Across Bangladesh, DECJUBA’s investment has mobilised rural communities to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals at the grassroots level – addressing poverty, hunger, gender inequality, and child marriage.
In Africa, the impact has been profound. DECJUBA has supported eight Epicentre communities across Senegal and Uganda. Six communities – Namarel, Dodel, Mpal, Dahra, Diokul, and Mpigi – have achieved self-reliance, now having the leadership, skills and resources to continue their development independently. Oruka will reach this milestone next year, and DECJUBA has just begun supporting Amuru Epicentre.
Walking alongside communities
The DECJUBA team hasn’t just invested from afar but have also witnessed transformation firsthand through immersion experiences in India and Uganda. To amplify impact, they’ve created customised collections with us and responded immediately with emergency funding when COVID-19 threatened communities in India.
At the heart of this milestone is the incredible DECJUBA team. From head office to every store, they’ve been true champions of this partnership. Their passion and creativity have not only raised vital funds but have inspired thousands of customers to believe in what’s possible when business and purpose come together. Together, we’ve reached over 10 million lives – from empowering women leaders in India to drive change in their communities, to enabling women to give birth safely in Uganda, to ensuring families can access clean drinking water. It’s a remarkable testament to what’s possible through shared vision and commitment.
Beyond the numbers, it’s the spirit of DECJUBA that shines through. Time and again, their team has shown up with generosity, kindness and a genuine desire to create lasting change. Ten years of partnership is an extraordinary milestone, and we are so deeply grateful – they are more than partners, they are part of The Hunger Project family.
To learn more about our partnerships click here and to see the vital impact they’ve created, click here.
Today marks International Day of Charity (observed globally on September 5th), recognising the role of charities in alleviating humanitarian crises and human suffering. This day encourages people to give to causes they believe in and reminds us of the power of collective action in creating positive change.
We’re excited to share insights from our valued partners at Peeplcoach. Co-founders Christine Khor & James Chisholm have been instrumental investors in The Hunger Project, personally contributing to, and helping to raise through introductions to their networks, over $4.7 million toward ending hunger.
(Republished with permission from Peeplcoach’s blog)
For those who know James Chisholm and me, you’ll know we’re completely different people. James is 6 ft tall, a rugby player, and loves adventure sports. I’m 5 ft nothing, get completely bored by Monday morning chats about the latest sports results, and prefer exercise to be calm and peaceful — something that lets me have a chat while moving. And yet, despite being very different in so many ways, we’re aligned in two big areas: our commitment to The Hunger Project, and our vision and dedication to Peeplcoach.
It all started with The Hunger Project.
Without The Hunger Project, we may not have become co-founders. It’s fair to say that when we first met, we didn’t exactly click. What we both noticed were our differences — and, if we’re honest, some stereotypes and unconscious biases came into play.
If you had told either of us back then — 25 years ago — that we’d one day build a business together, we probably would’ve quoted Darryl Kerrigan from The Castle: “Tell him he’s dreamin’.”
But what brought us together was a shared commitment to equity, fairness, education, empowerment, human rights, and above all — leadership. These are the values that underpin both The Hunger Project and Peeplcoach, which is why James, Peeplcoach, and I have personally given and fundraised more than $193,000. Additionally, through our advocacy and introductions to our networks, we have helped raise a total of $4.7 million towards ending hunger. THP is our principal charity partner because, like us, they believe in human potential, leadership, and in the power of individuals, teams, and communities to create sustainable change.
Today, the need could not be greater. In 2024, 673 million people faced chronic hunger — that’s 1 in every 12 people worldwide. Women and children are most affected, with only 48% of women and 25% of children in Africa having access to the essential food groups they need.
Why The Hunger Project?
No one says it better than the village partners themselves — or Rowlands Kaotcha, The Hunger Project’s Global CEO and President. We encourage you to take just five minutes out of your day to be inspired by the impact of The Hunger Project , but for those of you who like to read rather than watch, here are the reasons we at Peeplcoach are committed to the work of THP:
In 2024 alone, THP reached 12.9 million people across Africa, India, Bangladesh and Mexico. Communities where THP operates have seen a 20% decrease in hunger, a 24% decrease in child marriage, and a 27% increase in women-owned businesses. In fact, 96% of community partners report an improved quality of life.
Mindset matters — reframing problems into opportunities and believing in leadership as the foundation of sustainable change
It takes a village (or a high-performing team) to embed lasting change and success.
Vision, action, commitment — It starts with every individual having a clear VISION of their future, putting ACTIONS in place and then COMMITTING to take those actions. Ideas are easy, implementation is hard!!
Lifelong learning — curiosity, education, training, and development are essential.
Asking for help is a strength — none of us has all the answers, and we can’t do it alone.
Sustainable change takes time — it requires ongoing focus, commitment, and practice.
Innovation comes from need and passion — and from everyday people stepping just outside their comfort zones.
Say yes — say how, say when. Don’t let “no” or “I can’t” be your default.
Leadership is a verb — not a title, not a reward. It’s about how we think, communicate, and take action.
And finally, in the words of Rowlands Kaotcha: “Every human being is the master of their own destiny.”
We recently spoke to Steven Marks, Founder and Co-CEO at Guzman y Gomez, to find out more about their mission for a healthier world.
1. Hi Steven, can you tell us a little bit about Guzman y Gomez?
Founded in Australia, GYG’s mission is to reinvent fast food and change the way the masses eat. GYG’s Hola Central head office and corporate restaurants employ over 4,000 people.
2. What was it about our work that piqued your interest?
We love that The Hunger Project’s Eat Well program in Mexico is working with women and communities to promote eating traditional and nutritious food. This approach to fighting hunger and malnutrition through innovative food programs is based on real insights and driving genuine impact, which feels powerful. GYG is proud to support the Eat Well Program that funds education and engagement with Indigenous families around locally grown, traditional, seasonal food. More than simply providing ingredients, the program invites the participants to learn skills in farming, compost and cooking to create lasting change.
3. How do GYG and THP’s values align?
At GYG we feel strongly that everyone should have access to healthy food. With over 673 million people living in hunger globally, there is a huge job to be done to increase awareness, funding and education around food, to end hunger and poverty. The work that The Hunger Project is doing to empower communities around the world through nutrition, education and farming programs is well aligned to our commitment to improving the way the world eats and creating generational change to serve children, women and communities.
4. Why does GYG place value on embedding purpose into your business model?
At GYG, purpose isn’t an add-on – it’s the foundation of everything we do. From day one, we’ve believed in the power of real food to create real change. Fast food doesn’t have to mean bad food, and that’s why we prepare fresh, clean meals daily as part of our mission to reinvent fast food and change the way the masses eat.
5. What does your partnership with The Hunger Project mean to the organisation?
GYG sincerely values the partnership with The Hunger Project as it allows our people and company to give back to the people of Mexico – a country that has provided so much inspiration for the food and culture of GYG. With 1 in 4 indigenous children in Mexico suffering from chronic malnutrition, the need is greater than ever to take action.
6.What advice would you give to other corporations who are considering giving back through a partnership?
Developing long-term, meaningful partnerships with community organisations like The Hunger Project is a fantastic way to make a positive impact outside of regular business activities. It also helps to inspire kindness that encourages everyone to make a positive difference in the world beyond their day-to-day routines.
To learn more about why partnering with The Hunger Project can benefit your business, check out our Partnerships page here.
In this edition of our Employee Spotlight Series we profile Jeena Joyan, our incredible Major Gifts Manager, who brings heart and purpose to everything she does at THPA.
1. What inspired you to join The Hunger Project Australia?
I’ve always had a soft spot for international aid and wanted to be part of an organisation or a cause that has far reaching impact and globally. And what the Hunger Project does, with its very female focused strategy and its opportunity to be part of programs that absolutely bring about self-reliance for the communities that we support, especially in Africa, was something that was really, really powerful and something that I definitely wanted to be a part of – so that we create a world without hunger in a meaningful, sustainable, and scalable way.
2. What’s the program that’s resonated most with you in your work?
It’d be the Epicentre strategy that the Hunger Project has. This is a really phenomenal strategy that is all about collaboration – to change the mindset of our community partners from I can’t to I can to we can. This strategy of working collaboratively, with local communities, local governments and the global The Hunger Project team, creates opportunities that allow the the people that we’re supporting to be able to rise above and really be the champions and the creators of a different reality to what they’re experiencing now has resonated most with me.
3. What’s one piece of advice you’d want to give to someone who’s looking to make a difference?
Just get involved in whatever area that resonates with you. Find what you love and makes your heart sing…what gives you a sense of “I feel like I am contributing”. And no act, no amount, no consideration of what to do can be underestimated. And if you can do it consistently, because it’s in those small acts and small things, that true difference can be made and the impact can be felt.
Of course, there is that financial opportunity, but it’s also through your skills, through your time, through even just a kind word, an act of kindness, are all ways in which that we can make a change. And if you’re not able to contribute financially to causes, then certainly be an advocate for them. You can use your voice, if nothing else, to be able to be that catalyst to make a difference in someone else’s life or some communities’ existence.
4. What’s the one quote that’s influenced you in your own life?
There was a quote that I came across many years ago by Maya Angelou. She said that “people will forget what you say, people will forget what you do, but they will never forget how you make them feel.”
And so that is something that I try and live by because it’s not in the doing or the saying that people are made to feel something. It’s in the vibrational energy. It’s in the intention behind what you’re, what you’re doing, how you’re conducting yourself. Your presence can have a really, really profound effect on someone else’s day.
5.How do you like to unwind in your free time?
I’d love to say I, curl up with a book or, you know, whatever. But to be honest, I rarely get the opportunity to be able to have unwind time. It’s something I’m working on! But if I had a good block of time, then one of the things that I absolutely love to do, is to pick up my paint brushes and do some painting on a canvas. It’s something that has been part of my childhood. Drawing or getting carried away in the act of creation inspires me.
To learn about our other staff, check out our news page here!
For the first time since 2017, the United Nations’ 2025 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) Report reveals a decline in the number of people living with chronic hunger. Yet, the urgency of this moment cannot be overstated. An estimated 673 million people, or 1 in 12 globally, still face chronic hunger today. And while progress is being made, it is fragile and uneven.
After years of stagnation, the tide is finally turning: chronic hunger is beginning to decline. This is a hard-won sign of hope. Yet with 673 million people still living with hunger, our work is far from over. We face a defining choice: retreat from progress or rise to meet the moment. Now is the time to rally behind a vision where those most affected by hunger are not seen as recipients of aid, but as leaders of their own transformation.
Rowlands Kaotcha, President & CEO of The Hunger Project
Key Findings from the 2025 SOFI Report
Bright spots:
Chronic hunger declined globally: In 2024, 8.2% of the population, or 673 million people, lived with chronic hunger.
More children are well nourished: Child stunting rates dropped from 26.4% in 2012 to 23.2% in 2024. Exclusive breastfeeding increased from 37% in 2012 to 47.8% in 2023.
Globally more people can afford a healthy diet despite high food price inflation: Over 68% of the global population can afford a healthy diet.
Areas of Concern:
Progress has been inequitable: While other regions have seen a decline in chronic hunger, the number of people living with chronic hunger in Africa and Western Asia has increased.
The gender gap has widened, again: The prevalence of food insecurity is consistently higher among women than among men, globally and in all regions.
Many women and children are lacking dietary diversity: Two-thirds of children aged 6 months to 2 years and one-third of women aged 15 to 49 do not consume a diverse enough diet to get adequate nutrition.
We must accelerate action to reach the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030: 512 million people are projected to be chronically undernourished by 2030—60% of whom will live in Africa.
Food Price Inflation: A Driving Force Behind Hunger
The 2025 SOFI Report identifies food price inflation as one of the most persistent drivers of hunger worldwide. Although some countries are recovering economically post-pandemic, this recovery has been highly unequal, particularly in low-income countries, where food costs continue to outpace income growth.
In these contexts, households often spend a large portion of their income on food. When prices rise, there is little to no buffer, families are forced to make impossible choices between food, healthcare, and education.
In many rural communities, food price inflation, peaking at 30% in 2023, has significantly reduced household purchasing power. Smallholder farmers, often net buyers of food themselves, face higher input costs while still struggling to access nutritious options. As a result, inflation deepens existing inequalities and disproportionately affects women and children, who are typically last to eat and first to suffer in times of scarcity.
“In Uganda, families are grappling with rising food prices and struggling to put enough food on the table. Now more than ever, we need sustained, targeted responses rooted in local leadership. That’s where The Hunger Project comes in.”
Irene Naikaali, Country Leader, The Hunger Project–Uganda
Our Approach: Rooted in Resilience
The SOFI 2025 Report reinforces what The Hunger Project sees on the ground every day: that hunger is driven and sustained by systemic inequities. Tackling hunger at its roots means investing in community-led, gender-equitable solutions that build resilience and long-term change.
In partnership with communities, we:
Strengthen local food systems: Supporting the development of home gardens and community agriculture reduces dependence on volatile food markets.
Diversify livelihoods: Through our programmes, women and young people gain the skills and confidence to create multiple sources of income, increasing their resilience to economic shocks.
Improve access to nutrition: Community leaders are equipped to deliver education on balanced diets and provide access to supplements for women and children where needed.
Promote community leadership: We build the capacity of local leaders to advocate for sustainable, culturally relevant solutions rooted in dignity and self-reliance.
A Pivotal Moment for Global Solidarity
The 2025 SOFI report holds promising signs of a world without hunger. We must not allow this progress to stall. Governments around the world are shrinking their global development funding at a time when bold investment is needed most. As a global community, we are being called to redefine what it means to support human dignity and shared progress. This is a moment of both hope and responsibility—an invitation to build on momentum, center community leadership and create a future where no one has to live with hunger.
The 2025 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World Report was published on July 28, 2025 jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
[Image credits: Malawi 2022; Zambia 2024; Uganda 2024 for The Hunger Project]
If you’d like to contribute to our mission, donate now.
At 28, Selfnesh Bargza is a mother of five and a powerful voice for change in her rural Ethiopian village of Layignawe Garaba. Four years ago, she was struggling with hunger and limited access to basic services. Today, she’s leading community health initiatives and advocating for better healthcare while nurturing big dreams for her children’s education. Her transformation from daily survival to active leadership shows how grassroots empowerment can benefit entire communities.
In this conversation, Selfnesh shares how finding her voice through local organisations has changed her family’s trajectory and sparked hope for ending hunger in her village.
Previously, mothers suffered from various types of health related diseases due to lack of awareness on feeding nutritious food for their children and themselves. As a result instead of participating actively on community matters, they remain at home and health centres in dealing with their health care situations.
1. In what ways do you feel your voice is heard in local matters?
There is a platform named after the Community Voice Action task force in our localities and this helped us to learn a lot on how to work on our basic needs including demanding for the fulfillment of many more infrastructures. As women we have had plenty of needs like access for quality primary health care service. Therefore the existence of such local associations are instrumental for me to get my voice heard better.
2. What is your relationship with your community, the local authorities and civil servants?
I feel that I am an active participant in my localities in many more activities. I am one of those individuals promoting the need for ensuring hygiene and sanitation in our kebele. This necessitates working with local authorities and civil servants employed at kebele (wards) and woreda (districts) level.
3.What initiatives have you seen in your community that promote food security, empowerment, and good governance?
There are strong initiatives and commitment seen across our kebele and woreda level in terms of engaging the community to strive hard so as to ensure food security at household level. In line with this we do have the opportunity to get empowered with workshops and training sessions on basic tools to support our efforts and also deal with good governance matters that benefit us a lot from the provision of better service delivery.
4.What role does community organisations play in addressing the community’s needs in your area?
They are the ones who advocate for human rights and also contribute for the improvement of service delivery at grass root level.
5. What inspires you to stay hopeful about overcoming hunger in your community?
The knowledge and skills we have acquired on how to fight hunger using our own solutions through CSOs and Health workers is promising and we are seeing better results. Therefore, I am optimistic if the commitment of those CSOs and Health workers keeps pace, to overcome hunger.
6.What dreams or goals do you have for your family once hunger is no longer a daily concern?
I wish to see my children enjoy quality education service and exert our efforts on other businesses that would likely benefit our community as well.
7. How can local organisations better support individuals and families facing hunger?
Taking the existing contribution they are making, local organisations can possibly support us to be economically independent through facilitating loans and addressing the many challenges we do to engage in extensive farming activity.
Explore our blog for other inspiring stories like Selfnesh’s which are grounded in lived experience and driven by local action.
We’re delighted to introduce our newest Board member Sarah Goulding to The Hunger Project Australia family.
A global leader in gender equality, disability rights and inclusive development, Sarah led the creation of Australia’s new international strategies in these areas and has represented Australia on high-level boards including Gavi, the Green Climate Fund and the UN Partnership for the Rights of People with Disabilities.
She recently joined the University of Canberra as a Research Associate in 2024 after more than two decades with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
We sat down with Sarah to find out a bit more about her story, and connection to our work.
1. Welcome Sarah to the THPA Board! How did you first hear about The Hunger Project?
As someone who spent years working in international development, I heard about The Hunger Project a long time ago, as an organisation grounded in community led poverty alleviation, that supported communities to make long-term change. I heard how impressive the work in Epicentres in Africa was from a donor in late 2023, at a time when I was really interested in models of effective locally-driven change. When I moved into a new research role at the University of Canberra, after twenty one years with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, I was delighted to be able to join the THPA Board in late 2024.
2. What was it about our work that resonated so strongly with you?
There are three things that really stood out to me.
First: the absolute clarity of focus on a deeply connected approach addressing hunger. It is never just about food, it is always about the complex interplay of access to safe water, to health services, to education, to increased incomes in an increasingly complex world affected by climate change, conflict and inequality.
Second: the long term commitment and leadership in communities that is reflected in decisions in homes. It’s in the confidence a parent has to send a child to school that is a litmus test of success. In that most local and personal of family household decisions, when communities come together and make decisions together, you are seeing real change in individual lifestyles that is amplified in community.
Third: the focus on gender equality and climate resilience. All communities are facing increased challenges with the impacts of climate change, and there will be no effective adaptation if we don’t address gender and social inequality at the same time.
3. Is there a particular program or part of our work that you love?
The work I am excited about the most and find really impressive is the work on gender equality. The approach that THP has developed connects the immediate needs in communities for water and sanitation, food security, incomes, health and education to the importance of equality of opportunity. And the data THPA has, that resilient communities have made long term reductions in the rate of child marriage, increased girls education, increased access to ante natal care, increased business opportunities for women, at the same time as communities and families are empowered as a whole. That is extraordinary impact.
4. This is a get to know you – tell us three quick facts about yourself!
I’ve spent 21 years working in international development for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and was Vice Chair of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, a role I held during the pandemic.
I’ve had a lifelong passion for addressing gender inequality in international development.
I’ve developed a deep love of native Australian orchids, which I love spotting while hiking in the bush.
5. What are you most excited about in the 5 Year Strategic Plan? How will your particular skills help bring it to life?
The element that excites me the most is the level of ambition. Being part of an organisation that is stepping up to the challenges of inequality, conflict and climate crisis to break the cycle of hunger and extreme poverty for millions of people. My skills in strategy, risk, public policy, and assessing impact I hope will support the Board as the organisation in Australia steps up to this ambition, and navigates increasing uncertainty to support communities lead change.
6. What advice would you give to someone who is considering joining a not-for-profit Board?
I would say the opportunity to support an organisation working internationally is a privilege. THPA directly benefits the lives of people living in extreme poverty for the long term, changing lives and futures in countries like Malawi, where 70% of the population live on less than $US2 a day.
7. And lastly – finish this sentence “When I give, it brings me ….”
When I give, it gives me humility, that I can support people as they lift themselves and each other up.
To learn more about the people who drive our mission, check out our Team page here.
Ahead of our much awaited THRIVE Immersion trip to Benin this October, we profile the talented Miles Protter, who is going to be facilitating this trip.
Raised in Canada, Miles pursued graduate studies in Economics at Cambridge which was then followed by a 15 year career in investment banking based in London. After a midlife epiphany, he followed a new vocation in leadership development, eventually moving to Australia with his family to run a consulting firm. Now, he and his wife are mentors and consultants based in Perth. Miles is actively involved in men’s well-being, serving on the board of Men’s Sheds of Western Australia.
1. What inspired you to support The Hunger Project Australia?
Having studied economic development at uni and as a banker who advised governments of several middle income nations, I knew there was something missing from the top down, charity led model of development pushed by Western agencies and NGOs. Encountering THP for the first time in 1988, I saw a new approach coming from a completely different paradigm. They really did believe hungry people were the only ones who could solve their problems. All they needed was encouragement, a sound strategy, and leadership development. And that is what THP has done for the past 40+ years. I’ve been a supporter ever since!
2.What’s one transformative moment you’ve witnessed during your last Immersion trip to Malawi in 2023?
We visited a community group that was struggling to complete all the objectives to be fully self reliant. I felt obliged to give some kind of inspiring speech, saying in front of the group we believed in them and were committed to fund the remaining expenses. Then a man who’d just come in from the fields stood up and said, “You Australians must keep doing this work not just for us but because it also gives you life.” I have rarely felt so known.
3.What’s one thing participants can expect to take away from our upcoming trip in Benin?
You will meet someone whose dignity, courage, intelligence and commitment penetrates to your soul. Returning to Australia, you will see new ways to lead that you never considered before, and put them into action. Work will not be the same.
4.When you’re not facilitating Thrive trips, what do you love to do in your free time?
My wife and I love to experience the beauty of our world, seeing the people we love, so we travel a lot! We love to hang out with our daughter and her husband in Melbourne, and explore the amazing nature of Western Australia. We love Perth’s cultural life. I enjoy cycling, hiking, and playing in the ocean, kite surfing and surfing. And I’m writing a book, which is a lot harder than I thought it would be!
5.What’s one lesson you’ve learned through your own leadership journey?
I always thought I was being paid to know lots of stuff and tell people what to do. Gradually I’ve discovered that leadership is about:
1) empowering other people to be great leaders,
2) being crystal clear about what is important, especially when some leaders today are turning away from their values in pursuit of power.
If you have been inspired by Miles and want to embark on a THRIVE Immersion experience that is sure to change your life, check out our immersions page.
In this edition of our Leadership Spotlight Series, we connect with Elodie IKO, the dynamic Country Director of The Hunger Project-Benin. As a trained psychologist specializing in gender and inclusion, Elodie brings unique insights to community development and the mindset shifts that make sustainable change possible.
1. Hi Elodie! You’re the country director of THP-Benin, but trained as a psychologist. Mindset shift is a huge part of our successful programs – how have you seen it work in practice?
As a psychologist, I’ve observed that mindset change can be challenging. However, our Vision, Commitment, Action workshops effectively trigger shifts within communities, helping them envision self-created futures. What’s remarkable is watching people move from ignorance to enlightened awareness, which sparks questioning and goal-setting for development without hunger or poverty. Participants begin to believe in their potential and take action – essentially transforming from “I can’t” to “I can” and ultimately “we can.”
2. You’re also a specialist in gender and inclusion. How do our programs incorporate these elements, and how important are they to ending hunger and poverty for the long-term?
We prioritize women and youth as key development actors because they’re vital to ending hunger and poverty sustainably. Women perform 60-80% of agricultural work in rural areas, yet remain among the most vulnerable groups. Importantly, women reinvest 90% of their income into their families (compared to 30-40% for men) – when a woman becomes independent, the entire community benefits.
Before designing any program, we conduct gender diagnoses to identify women’s specific needs. We then strengthen their capacities in food security, health, entrepreneurship, access to credit and resources, literacy, leadership, and rights awareness. We promote girls’ education and combat gender-based violence.
To ensure sustainability, we train community women facilitators and secure female representation in decision-making bodies. We also engage men, boys, and community leaders in adopting positive masculinity, promoting equality, and supporting women’s socioeconomic empowerment.
3.Tell us a little more about the THP-Benin team – how many staff do you have and where is your office based? Who has been there the longest?
THP-Benin consists of 21 multidisciplinary, dynamic staff members split between our national office in Cotonou and field locations. We maintain close connections with rural communities through project facilitators stationed in intervention zones, ensuring continuous on-the-ground support. Our most tenured team member is a driver with approximately 25 years of valuable experience at THP-Benin.
4.Can you share a community partner story that inspires or motivates you?
Faustine Ologou’s story from Ouissi epicenter deeply inspires me. In a community where women were traditionally limited to domestic roles, Faustine emerged as a transformative leader through THP-Benin’s support. After receiving training in leadership and governance, she broke barriers by being elected president of the Ouissi epicenter despite significant male resistance and political opposition.
Her determination didn’t stop there. After THP-Benin’s withdrawal, she mobilized new partners to continue nutrition programs for children under five and supported breast and cervical cancer awareness. She even secured funding for an orphanage and now supports a local kindergarten while sharing her experiences with other communities.
5. What are three facts you’d like people in Australia to know about Benin?
Benin is the birthplace of Vodoun, a profound spirituality often misunderstood through stereotypes. This animist religion spread globally through enslaved people to Haiti, Brazil, and the southern US. In Ouidah, once the main port for the slave trade in the Gulf of Benin, stands the “Door of No Return” monument commemorating this painful history.
Ganvié, known as the “Venice of Africa,” is one of the world’s largest stilt villages. It originated in the 18th century when people built homes on Lake Nokoué to escape slave raids. Since 1996, this unique settlement has been on UNESCO’s tentative World Heritage list.
Before colonisation, Benin comprised multiple kingdoms, with the Kingdom of Abomey (Dahomey) being most powerful. It was famous for its elite female warriors, the Agojie, who were renowned for their unmatched combat skills and fearlessness. European colonizers called them the “Dahomey Amazons.” Their legacy is commemorated by the Amazone Monument in Cotonou.
6. For someone in Australia who is considering coming on the Thrive Immersion trip to Benin, what would you say to encourage them to come?
If you’re seeking an authentic and inspiring experience, Benin is perfect! This democratic West African nation offers a peaceful haven filled with hidden treasures – from breathtaking landscapes to remarkable cultural sites. You’ll discover stunning coastlines, diverse natural parks, remnants of the slave trade in Ouidah, royal palaces of Abomey, and the unique stilt village of Ganvié – truly Africa in miniature!
While our vibrant nation of 14 million faces challenges in clean water access, food security, women’s empowerment, and education, our commitment to sustainable development fuels our passion.
Join us this October to witness community development approaches that truly work, explore our rich culture, taste incredible cuisine, and experience renowned Beninese hospitality. You’ll have an unforgettable adventure that continues even after you leave.
We believe ending hunger is possible, and with your participation, we can create even greater impact. Benin awaits you with open arms!
In this edition of our Employee Spotlight Series, we profile, Josie our incredible Immersion Experiences & Events Manager, who brings people together across continents and cultures through our THRIVE Immersion trips at The Hunger Project Australia.
1. Can you introduce yourself and your role at The Hunger Project Australia?
I’m Josie. I’m the Immersion Experiences Manager at THPA. I joined our Sydney team about two years ago and I feel very privileged that I get to work with many different teams and people; Australian investors, global colleagues in Europe, in the US, THP teams across Africa, India. I probably search 3 times a day “What time is it in…?”
2. What inspired you to join THPA?
Our immersion experiences, of course! Because it’s all about interconnectedness, bringing together people born miles apart to share their stories, find common grounds and most importantly, remind each other that we all belong to the same world. Creating these connections is what we need to build a more equitable future and keep our world bonded.
3. What’s a program that has resonated most with you in your work?
The THP mindset-shifting model, which is at the core of all our programs. It resonates with me because I believe that when people are equipped with knowledge, tools, while being heard and understood, extraordinary things can unfold. Mindset shifting is powerful and it is essential for communities to become change makers.
4. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone wanting to make a difference?
Don’t wait. Don’t make it a “tomorrow” thing. Whatever form it takes, just start because once you do, it will become an integral part of how you choose to live your life.
5. What’s a book, podcast, or quote that has influenced you?
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” I think that one speaks for itself 🙂
6. How do you like to unwind in your free time?
I sing in a choir! Not because I have a hidden talent (I wish), but because music and the sound of voices transport me to a peaceful, joyful place…
We acknowledge and pay respect to the traditional land custodians of the land on which we work, live and play.
