International Programs

For Granted primarily focuses on improving early childhood education throughout the world. Early childhood education is crucial for children to be successful in school. In developing countries, an alarming number of children are unable to complete their education. They are often forced to drop out of school or are ill-prepared for their qualifying exams. This is in large part due to limited or nonexistent early childhood education programs. This lack of access to education severely hinders children's opportunities for success in school. Early childhood education programs strengthen the language and cognitive skills that are essential for children to excel. For Granted is dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged children by providing them with more opportunities in school and therefore, in life.

For over two years, For Granted continues to aid the education of children in Kiribati (pronounced Kee-ree-bahs). Kiribati, located in the Central Pacific, consists of 33 low-lying atolls and coral islands. It is the largest atoll state in the world, straddling the equator for approximately 2,000 miles. Kiribati is a beautiful country rich in culture and kindness. However, it is one of the ten poorest nations in the world and desperately needs assistance in developing its early childhood education. For Granted is directing its efforts toward fulfilling the requests of villages throughout Kiribati wishing to start or improve their educational programs.

For Granted partnered with the Kiribati Association of NGOs (KANGO) to facilitate the program in Kiribati. Over the past two years, For Granted shipped nearly 1,500 lbs. of books and educational supplies to Kiribati, providing much needed aid to Tarawa, Marakei, Abaiang, Nonouti, and Kiritimas (Christmas) islands. Many villages on the islands of Kiribati do not have any books, paper, writing utensils, or countless other basic resources for educating their children. For Granted is providing these valuable items so children in Kiribati can properly begin their early childhood education and have greater opportunity for success in the future.

For Granted started two programs in Burkina Faso. Burkina Faso is the third poorest country in the world with 45% of the population subsisting on less than one dollar per day. In order to help disabled artisans in Burkina Faso, we recently partnered with Handicap Solidaire Burkina, an organization committed to improving the lives of disabled people in Burkina Faso. The program provides education and training in creative design, business management, marketing, and fair trade. Further, the program provides participants with the means to purchase the necessary materials, tools, and equipment needed for their crafts in order to expand their businesses.

In Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso's capital, For Granted is working with the Philippe Zinda Kabore secondary school to help rebuild their library and provide needed books and educational supplies. We are also developing a scholarship program to help students in rural areas of Burkina Faso gain access to higher education.

In the Commonwealth of Dominica, For Granted is working with the Committee of Concerned Women, an organization that helps special needs children. For Granted began this program in the beginning of 2008 and has already sent multiple shipments of early education reading books, math aids, dictionaries, encyclopedias, and dental hygiene supplies. For Granted is partnering with the U.S. Peace Corps in Dominica to develop its program and meet the needs of the community. Our current efforts are focused on the Sineku Primary School and the Isulukati Special Needs Center.

For Granted is actively expanding its program in Dominica to create more educational opportunities. In addition to sending ongoing educational shipments, we are building scholarship programs to help disadvantaged students continue with their education.

Bethel Agricultural Fellowship, a Christian organization established in 1963, adopted a mission to empower positive change in the community through education regardless of caste, creed, or religion. Bethel is located in the village of Danishpet in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Bethel Agricultural Fellowship supports its mission through a variety of programs that include: a baby rescue home established in 1989 to save babies from falling victim to female infanticide, a children's home that cares for 650 boys and girls, a matriculation school for pre-kindergarten through 10th grade, and a hospital providing medical care to Bethel and the surrounding community.

For Granted works alongside Bethel Agricultural Fellowship to help improve the lives of these children and provide them with greater access to quality education. In particular, For Granted supplies resources to support the Baby Rescue Home, which has saved over 140 babies since its inception and continues to work hard to offer the necessary care for these babies. Female infanticide is a major social problem in India accounting for the deaths of thousands of babies every year. For Granted is committed to collecting educational supplies and materials along with other goods needed to help these children in school and life.

For Granted is dedicated primarily to the advancement of education in underdeveloped locales, however, help is needed here in America as well. For Granted continues to donate children's toys, clothing, antibacterial soap, and other needed supplies to both the Bowery Mission and the Eastern Suffolk BOCES to assist those groups with their efforts to aid homeless children and adults.

As we continue to grow, we continue to expand our programs to reach more people in need. Please contact us if you would like to get involved in one of our programs or gain any additional information.