The patio at the migrant shelter La Casa de La Misericordia serves as a space to enjoy some time outside. Every afternoon, the patio is filled with renewed energy from its residents. Men, women, and children gather to play a basketball game or just have a nice conversation, enjoying each other's company. But everyone's joy doesn't match with the physical look of the place—all grays and browns and not bright at all.  Murals are such a powerful way to communicate. So we wanted to contribute to transferring the hope, light, and courage that the residents represent through a colorful wall, painted and designed by the migrants themselves. And in the process, thank everyone for making the shelter such a welcoming place to be.  It was such a delightful experience to see everyone united in painting! Now, their inner creativity and light is reflected where residents gather each day. “We had so much fun painting," said Sister Lika, who helps run the shelter. "Everyone wanted to … [Read more...] about Colorful Walls, Bright Spirits

Education is always important—no matter the circumstance. For migrants waiting in this shelter in Nogales, Mexico, it's vital that their kids keep up with their education as they wait for next steps. We asked how we could help...and as part of our Thank-a-Thon this season, we're showing both residents and teachers at the shelter appreciation for everything they do to prepare their youngest residents for the future! Notebooks, flashcards, pencils, and art supplies for the classroom. These items will keep children learning—and teachers stocked up on supplies—during their time at the shelter. The brightly colored boxes now fill the shelves, ready to be put to good use. Here’s to the next generation of brilliant minds that will change the world! … [Read more...] about Never Stop Learning

We're back at the migrant shelter in Nogales, Mexico, where hundreds of people are waiting to hear news of their cases in the U.S. Hour after hour, day after day, people find themselves without a whole lot to do, and the stress can be overwhelming. It can be difficult to break up the days. So as part of our Thank-a-Thon series around the world, we decided to bring a little joy to people's day, a way of recognizing their humanity—that they're not just a number on a list. Together with the people who run the shelter, we led a beautiful flower-making workshop, allowing all those who choose to join in to make a brightly colored paper flower. The air shifted as everybody got to work and concentrated on creating something delicate, light, and colorful. “I didn’t know I could make something so beautiful with my hands,” said one of the residents. Something as simple as a small craft project can mean so much. It can help remind people that despite the wait, the best is … [Read more...] about Getting Crafty

Our Thank-a-Thon returns today in Nogales, Mexico, where asylum seekers are waiting for their cases to be heard in the U.S. But COVID has made the wait extra long, and things are more uncertain than ever. We wanted to help improve the experience of waiting, and show the residents at the shelter that we appreciate everything they're doing to take care of themselves, and their families. Starting with the most impatient of shelter residents—the toddlers! Toddlers are notoriously impatient folks. And so we set out to make a space for them to enjoy their days! Toys, books, pillows, and a comfy rug to play on and with now fill the space! It’s not going to be home, but we hope this place can feel more like it as they wait for the next chapter in their lives and for their own play space! Let playtime begin! … [Read more...] about Improving the Wait

When it comes to frontline health workers battling COVID-19, there are unsung heroes everywhere—including the Somali Peninsula. But luckily, this year's Thank-a-Thon allows us to show these tremendous teammates that we see them—that the work they do is so critical. From the  start of COVID-19, health teams operating maternity and pediatric hospitals  in the city of Kismayo were supported by the water, sanitation and hygiene team to keep the water flowing. Protection teams and the entire operations team worked around the clock to provide critical health information and put the prevention awareness campaign into action. The result was proof of the indelible strength of the human spirit, especially when it comes to a seemingly insurmountable challenge—the case rates in the Somali Peninsula remained relatively low. "I am glad that we had very minimal infections and deaths due to COVID-19," said Jamad Osman Hersi, a midwife at the Bulo Abliko hospital. In the Kismayo region, where … [Read more...] about On the Frontlines

Healthcare workers have been some of the hardest hit in the Somali Peninsula since the pandemic began. They're on the frontlines, with hundreds being infected and likely hundreds more infections going unreported. During this difficult time, Dr Ismahan Mohamed, Alight Health and Nutrition Officer based in Mogadishu, continued to support and guide the frontline medical teams tirelessly. As a show of our immense gratitude we wanted to thank Dr. Ismahan for her incredible dedication and hard work to ensure our teams stay safe, and the people we serve are protected. To thank Dr Ismahan, we decided to help her continue in her studies, a masters program in Public Health. This will not only boost Dr. Ismahan's confidence and knowledge but help make Alight's programs that much stronger with her newfound expertise. The doctor was thrilled! "I love that Alight is encouraging people to be the change," she said, "and highlighting those that are out there making a difference. I'll be … [Read more...] about Dr Ismahan, Healthcare Hero

Our Thank-a-Thon returns today in Lasnod, in the Somali Peninsula. Aamina Ahmed Mohamed is a mother with eight children. She's been a longtime, active leader with the volunteer committee in her village, a part of a group of people who work closely with Alight on Protection activities. She also owns a smaller business in Lasanod, a used clothing shop. But unfortunately, when COVID-19 hit she was forced to close her doors—there just weren't enough customers. She was also facing health problems of her own, forcing her to travel to Mogadishu and draining her finances. Aamina needed some support. She's also a valuable part of the Alight communtiy in the region. So to thank her, we decided to give her business a little boost, asking what she most needed and then handing over the goods! We got Aamina bundles of old clothes—shirts, dresses, pants, you name it! Just a little show of gratitude for someone who has given so much. … [Read more...] about Keeping Shop

This is the season of giving—but it’s also one of gratitude. This time of year is about being thankful for the incredible people in your life, and showing them that you see them, that you appreciate everything they do. For the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing special “thank you's” with dozens of the people in our world who make our work possible. Chosen by our field teams across the globe, this Thank-a-Thon seeks out those who might need a little something extra to make their work go more smoothly, giving them a boost and showing how much we value their extraordinary contributions. Starting with Regina Lauren…. Regina is a policewoman in Kapoeta, southeastern South Sudan, where domestic and gender-based violence can be a big problem. In Kapoeta and in the region, Alight is a leader in protection programs, many of them in partnership with local authorities like the police. Together, they help to support survivors. One of the challenges the Alight team faces is that there is … [Read more...] about Thank You, Regina!