Founded in 1999, Mona Foundation supports grassroots initiatives around the world that educate all children, empower women and girls, and enable them to transform their own communities.
We support schools and programs that serve economically disadvantaged communities. These initiatives focus on academic excellence, fine arts, character development, and service to train capable, ethical, and altruistic students who contribute to the betterment of their families, communities, and ultimately their nation.
While some progress has been made over the past several decades, poverty still impacts 80% of our world population. in 2020 COVID19 induced poverty has driven millions more below the poverty line. World Bank predicts that in 2021, 813 Million people will live on less than $1.90/day; 1.8 Billion people on $3.20/day, and 3.3 Billion people on $5.5/day. The World Bank also affirms that “Education is a powerful driver of development and one of the strongest instruments for reducing poverty and improving health, gender equality, peace, and stability.”
People live below poverty line ($1.90/day)
People cannot read
Out of school children are girls
"Girls’ education is a strategic development priority. Better educated women tend to be more informed about nutrition and healthcare, have fewer children, marry at a later age, and their children are usually healthier, should they choose to become mothers. They are more likely to participate in the formal labor market and earn higher incomes. All these factors combined can help lift households, communities, and countries out of poverty." UNESCO 2021
$1 invested in education equals $10 in economic growth
Educating 1 woman positively impacts 100 lives
CREATE HOPE all year long. Educate one child at Badi School in Panama. Change a life.
We work with local organizations who know best how to meet the needs of their communities to provide access to education by building classrooms or scholarships to thousands of students.
We believe women empowerment has multiplier effects and benefits all. When women are empowered and earn an income, they spend 90% of it on their family and directly impact the economic growth of their communities.
We emphasize and support teacher training, particularly focused on empowerment of women and girls to ensure quality of learning and commitment to service.
Mona’s view of social change is guided by a set of core principles: 1) that change is sustainable when the local community is the principal actor in defining, analyzing and solving its own problems; 2) that change is a process, not an event, and requires long-term commitment; and 3) that change requires building capacity at the grassroots.
CREATE HOPE all year long. Educate one child at New Horizon School in Haiti. Change a life.