Teaching the World to Be Green and Self-Sufficient: The Impact of the UK People’s Postcode Lottery
The UK People’s Postcode Lottery has long been a champion of global change, funding projects that make a real difference in communities around the world. One such project is Plan International’s Joint Action for Nutrition Outcome (JANO) in Rangpur, northern Bangladesh. Thanks to the generous support of lottery players, this initiative is transforming lives through education, sustainability, and gender equality.
Empowering Through Education and Nutrition
Fifteen-year-old Akhimoni is a shining example of the JANO project’s success. Through her school in Rangpur, she has learned to grow seasonal vegetables, breaking traditional gender roles by participating in karate sessions, and understanding the nutritional needs of teenage girls. These skills not only empower her but also benefit her family and community. She says, “I have a vegetable garden in my home which I made using what I learned from the school garden. The joy and peace you feel after doing something by yourself can’t be explained by words.”
The JANO project is supported by over £15 million raised by the People’s Postcode Lottery players for Plan International UK. This funding helps to address critical issues such as malnutrition, which disproportionately affects girls in Bangladesh. In Rangpur, 36% of children are underweight, and 42% have stunted growth. By promoting better nutritional habits and offering practical skills, the project aims to support over 420,000 young people.
Building Self-Sufficiency Through Sustainable Practices
The initiative also focuses on sustainability through climate-smart school gardens. Students like Pallabi and Razia have transformed their school’s rooftop garden into a thriving space rich with fruits and vegetables. This hands-on experience not only teaches them to grow healthy food but also instills a sense of responsibility and environmental stewardship. Pallabi reflects, “Our life would grow well—just like these plants—if we take care of our lives properly. We will be successful if we take care of our lives like this.”
Promoting Gender Equality and Physical Fitness
Karate sessions are another integral part of the JANO project, promoting physical fitness and breaking down gender stereotypes. Akhimoni explains, “Doing karate gives us a mental self-confidence boost. We get rid of our fears. What’s more, we also become physically fit learning it. I feel like all girls should learn karate.” These sessions help girls gain self-defense skills and build confidence, crucial for challenging societal norms and fostering gender equality.
A Global Impact Through Local Engagement
The People’s Postcode Lottery’s support extends beyond Bangladesh. By funding diverse projects worldwide, they help create a more sustainable and equitable future. Kathleen Spencer Chapman, director of communications and advocacy at Plan International UK, emphasizes, “Support from People’s Postcode Lottery players enables us to work with girls through innovative projects like the JANO programme in Bangladesh, so that their voices are heard and their rights are realized.”
Laura Chow, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, adds, “Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have been supporting Plan International since 2017, raising £15.6 million to help with their work for children’s rights and equality for girls around the world. Thanks to our incredible players, Plan International can support other girls and young people just like Akhimoni, Pallabi, and Razia, and make a difference to so many other lives.”
The People’s Postcode Lottery is making a significant impact by funding initiatives that promote education, sustainability, and equality. Through projects like Plan International’s JANO, they are teaching communities worldwide to be green and self-sufficient. This not only improves the immediate wellbeing of individuals but also lays the groundwork for a healthier, more equitable future. The generosity of lottery players is truly changing lives, one project at a time.
