This is a special edition of Stories of Hope. While the work of AJWS grantees never ceases to inspire us, it’s not every month that this newsletter is filled with concrete victories like these.
Let us transport you to Kenya, where last month a court shut down plans for a coal-fired power plant that would’ve devastated a delicate ecosystem along the northern coast — and the livelihoods of the people who live there. This ruling was the culmination of a decade-long battle that AJWS grantees, including grassroots community organizations, lawyers and activists, have waged against a major power company. At long last, justice was achieved.
Below, hear directly from Doreen Onyango, our partner and movement leader, to go inside this major win for climate justice. As she told us: “The world needs good news more often.” Let this story reaffirm your faith that change isn’t just possible — it’s happening.
How Kenyan Grassroots Activists Defeated a Fossil Fuel Giant.
More Stories of Hope
- In August, Thailand passed a groundbreaking law protecting the rights of the country’s 60 ethnic minority groups — about six million people. This law, which AJWS partners helped draft, enshrines their rights to the land and natural resources that they rely on to continue traditional ways of life. Travel to tropical Koh Lanta island, and meet members of a nomadic fishing community who will benefit from this human rights victory.
- Last month, we celebrated World Food Day by spotlighting AJWS grantees devoted to ensuring their communities have organic, nutritious food — and protecting the land that allows them to grow it. With Thanksgiving around the corner, revisit this uplifting look at the power of food and community.
- AJWS is celebrating our 40th anniversary this year — and preparing for a new chapter as Robert Bank, our President & CEO, steps down. We asked Robert to reflect on his time at AJWS and what he’s learned. Watch a short video of Robert here.
Recycling for Peace in Senegal
Millions of people living in Senegal’s southern region of Casamance were trapped during the country’s long civil war between government forces and separatist militias. Once the war officially ended in 2014, life had to go on. AJWS grantee COPI (short for Building Peace through Economic and Social Development in French) helped families returning to their villages rebuild their region’s social fabric, and even their people’s homes — in extremely creative, if impermanent, ways.
Take Action
When the Trump administration took office, they slashed virtually all U.S. foreign assistance and shuttered USAID. Health clinics closed their doors. Programs supporting fragile democracies crumbled and aspiring authoritarian leaders are filling the gaps. The Trump administration’s attacks on human rights are bold and unrelenting. But so are we. Sign our pledge to keep fighting for justice, dignity and global human rights.
In solidarity,
Your friends at AJWS