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Blog
March 18, 2025

Turning the tide: How clean water powers girls’ dreams

Apriana is a 12-year-old sponsored child with a passion for science.

Growing up in a remote community in Indonesia, she imagines exploring the wonders of the natural world and making groundbreaking discoveries. But there’s one major barrier blocking her path: access to clean water.

The lack of reliable access to clean water has far-reaching consequences, affecting people’s health and keeping children from attending school regularly. For girls like Apriana, it means countless hours collecting water — time that could be spent in the classroom.

Access to clean water isn’t just a convenience — it’s a basic human right that millions of people around the world still struggle to obtain. To address these critical barriers to children’s health and education, Plan distributed large water tanks to households, including Apriana’s.

Without long walks to collect water every day, Apriana can focus more on her studies, especially her favorite subject, science.

Apriana is one of more than a million sponsored children whose communities are being transformed through long-term sustainable development.

Apriana, 12, no longer walks long distances to collect water — instead, she can focus on her education. | ©Plan International

“Thank you so much to Plan International for always supporting us,” Apriana says. “My family and I were so happy to receive this water tank because it’s really helping us to collect clean water.”

When basic needs are met, possibilities flow freely. As we celebrate World Water Day (March 22), your water Gift of Hope can help transform the lives of 450 million children in need of clean water. By providing wells in their communities, water for school gardens and safe water access in girls’ bathrooms, you can help to ensure that every child has time to learn and grow.

Give hope this World Water Day

Insights
March 17, 2025

Why communications and media strategy should be baked into program design from day one

Too often, communications is an afterthought in development programs — reducing impact, visibility and funding potential. Here’s why it needs to be part of the plan from the start.

This article was written by Vannette Tolbert, Senior Manager, Communications at Plan International USA. For more information on Plan’s work, please reach out to Vannette at [email protected].

If you work in development communications, you’ve likely experienced this: A program team or proposal lead rushes in as a project is ending with an urgent request:

“Can we post something about this on LinkedIn?”
“Can we get this published in local news?”
“Can you format this report and make it look polished for donors?”

By then, it’s too late. The program is ending, impact stories weren’t collected, the media strategy wasn’t planned and no budget remains for content creation or dissemination.

The irony? Communications teams are there from day one — we’re just not looped in early enough.

As Paolo Mefalopulos, a development communication expert and former World Bank specialist, explains:

“Communication succeeds when it is an integral part, from the very beginning, of a development programme, playing a full role during the identification of the problems and priorities, as well as during the detailed planning, implementation, and evaluation.”

The quote, from Communicating for Development: Human Change for Survival by Colin Fraser and Sonia Restrepo-Estrada (Tauris, 1998), reinforces a critical point: communications must be integrated from the start to effectively capture and showcase impact. Without a strategy in place, programs miss opportunities to document real change.

This is especially true for before-and-after storytelling, one of the most compelling ways to illustrate impact. When we track progress over time — showing where a person, community or initiative started, how the program helped and what changed — we create powerful narratives that resonate with funders and stakeholders. Without early documentation, these stories are lost, along with the ability to inspire action and investment.

But too often, this opportunity slips away because communications is brought in too late. This reactive approach doesn’t just make our jobs harder — it costs funding, credibility and influence.

The problem: Why communications gets left behind

Too often, communications is seen as a “nice-to-have” rather than a core part of impact and sustainability. The focus is on execution, but without visibility, even the best programs struggle to gain recognition — and future funding.

The result?

Last-minute scrambling for media coverage, often with poor results.
Storytelling that feels inauthentic — more about checking donor reporting boxes than showcasing real impact.
Missed funding and partnership opportunities because success stories weren’t shared effectively.

When communications isn’t built in from the start, organizations lose the chance to engage stakeholders, funders and communities in real time — weakening long-term impact and funding.

Lessons from the field: The cost of leaving comms out

When I worked in the humanitarian sector in Liberia, I made a point of tagging along with program staff, executives and even drivers whenever I could. I wanted to see the fieldwork firsthand and capture the full story — not just isolated snapshots.

I saw women launch businesses, children thrive with school meals and entire communities transform.

But too often, these powerful stories weren’t documented until donors asked for them. By then, it was too late to capture the most meaningful moments.

One example stands out: A women’s savings group in a rural village grew from eight to nearly 100 members, helping women start businesses and send their children to school. But because no one had collected photos, interviews or qualitative data over time, we had no way to showcase the program’s impact when donors requested an update.

After COVID-19 hit, we faced a funding crisis. I pushed to be involved earlier in program planning and proposal writing. That way, we weren’t scrambling for stories at the end — we had a strategy from the start. Not only did it work, but donors were thrilled to have so much visibility across multiple channels. Once the creative momentum built, they even suggested additional outlets within their networks, helping us amplify the reach even further

That’s why communications should be part of program design from the beginning.

The missed opportunity: Storytelling as a driver of impact and investment

Storytelling isn’t just about visibility — it’s about impact. It connects programs with the people who can support and sustain them. And it doesn’t have to be expensive. A thoughtful, low-cost strategy can make all the difference.

Research backs it up:

Stories are 22 times more memorable than facts.
They increase audience engagement and retention.
Neuroscience shows storytelling triggers emotional connections and generosity.

The takeaway? Stories don’t just inform — they inspire action.

The fix: A smarter approach to communications strategy

To make the most of communications, we need to integrate it into program design from the start. Here’s how:

1. Embed communications in the budget and proposals:

Communications isn’t just “marketing” — it’s part of program impact.
Donors want to see results, and visibility helps attract more funding.
Include line items for content creation, media engagement and dissemination in proposals.

Example: Instead of scrambling at the end of a project to compile a polished impact report, imagine if a small portion of the budget had been allocated from the start for storytelling. That means dedicated time for gathering stories, taking photos and sharing updates throughout implementation — not just when the final report is due.

2. Plan content and media strategy early:

Authentic storytelling takes time. Last minute efforts fall flat.
Plan media outreach alongside program milestones to capture impact as it happens.
Use a mix of formats — video, photography, social media and traditional media — to ensure reach.

Example: Imagine you’re running a youth employment program. If storytelling is built in from the start, you can follow a few participants over time — documenting their challenges, wins and progress. By the time you report to donors or pitch to media, you have a full, before-and-after story that paints a vivid picture of real impact — not just scattered data points.

3. Use professional creatives:

Development organizations already have skilled content creators — engage them from the start.
Maintain consistency in storytelling across channels and materials.
Invest in high-quality visuals and writing that reflect the program’s impact.

Example: Think about the last time you saw a rushed slideshow with hazy photos and dense text. Now picture a short, well-shot video of a farmer explaining how a climate resilience program changed their livelihood. Which one sticks with you?

4. Think both local and global

Strong storytelling builds local trust and global investment.
Center local voices — not just donor-driven narratives.
Partner with community-based media to expand reach and engagement.

Example: A maternal health program might share real-life birth stories on community radio, making the project feel real and relevant locally. At the same time, digital stories featuring midwives and mothers can be packaged for international donors and policymakers — ensuring visibility at multiple levels.

Bottom line: Make communications an asset, not an afterthought

We can’t just talk about programs — we need to design them with communications in mind.

Investing in storytelling and media strategy amplifies impact, attracts funding and builds long-term success.

It’s time to rethink how we integrate communications into development — starting now.

How is your organization approaching communications in development programs? Let’s continue the conversation.

Stay updated on Plan International’s technical work by signing up for “From Plan to Action,” our quarterly newsletter.

Blog
March 17, 2025

[Video] 3 ways girls in Guatemala are breaking barriers and leading change

Meet Ana Victoria, a young leader proving that when girls are empowered, they transform their futures and their communities.

What does leadership look like for girls in Guatemala? Many face obstacles like early marriage, limited education and gender discrimination, making leadership seem out of reach. But young women like 19-year-old Ana Victoria are proving that, when given the chance, girls can lead change in their communities.

Watch Ana Victoria’s story here.

Ana Victoria grew up in rural Guatemala, where girls’ voices often go unheard. Many struggle to stay in school, are pressured into early marriage and have little opportunity to participate in decision-making.

For years, Ana Victoria felt she had to stay silent.

“I was always afraid of being in public,” she says. “I couldn’t speak in front of others.”

That changed when she joined Plan International’s leadership school, where girls build confidence, learn advocacy skills and challenge gender discrimination together.

“When people started listening, I realized I had a talent for public speaking,” Ana Victoria shares. “Leadership empowered me.”

Today, Ana Victoria fights for girls’ rights across Guatemala. She and other young women in the program are speaking out against gender-based violence, advocating for policies that protect girls and proving that young people have the power to lead.

How leadership schools are making a difference

Ana Victoria’s story is just one example of how leadership schools are helping girls step into their power. Across Guatemala, young women who once felt unheard are now standing up for their rights, challenging gender norms and shaping the future.

These schools are not just about education — they are about giving girls the space and support to lead.

1. Developing leadership and advocacy skills.
2. Helping girls build confidence to speak out.
3. Challenging expectations and showing what young women can achieve.

How you can help

These programs thrive because people like you believe in the power of girls. Through our Gifts of Hope catalog, you can help young women gain the education and leadership skills they need to change their futures.

Give a girl the tools to lead her own future:

— Scholarships for girls: Help young women stay in school and develop leadership skills.
— School essentials: Provide books and supplies so girls can focus on learning.
— Menstrual health kits: Help ensure periods don’t stop girls from going to school.

Your support can help more emerging leaders to raise their voices and step into their power. Explore the Gifts of Hope catalog today.

Be a part of her journey.

News & press
March 17, 2025

Providence Journal: RI-based nonprofit keeps fighting amid USAID cuts

Shanna Marzilli was in her office in Providence’s Foundry building when she received worrisome news — the federal government was pausing USAID programs immediately. As president of Plan International USA, a global humanitarian group headquartered in Rhode Island, she knew the impact would be massive. As reported by the Providence Journal, Plan, a $1 billion nonprofit operating in over 50 countries, now faces urgent funding challenges that threaten critical programs supporting vulnerable communities worldwide.

Click here to read the full article: RI-based nonprofit keeps fighting amid USAID cuts.

News & press
March 17, 2025

Devex: US Congress passes budget bill, but questions remain on foreign aid

The Congress budget bill has been passed, but uncertainty over foreign aid remains. Lawmakers approved a continuing resolution that keeps USAID funding at 2024 levels until September, but discussions are already underway about a potential rescission package that could cut billions in global aid. Plan International USA’s Justin Fugle, Director of Policy, noted that Congress has yet to assert its role in shaping the future of development assistance, despite the administration’s ongoing foreign aid review and the dismantling of USAID programs.

If Congress does not intervene, unspent funds could be reallocated or left to expire, effectively enacting a de facto rescission. Meanwhile, agencies must now submit detailed spending reports, which may reveal the administration’s next steps for USAID funding. While Congress has historically rejected deep foreign aid cuts, shifting political dynamics make the future unpredictable. Experts argue that a continuing resolution is not an adequate substitute for a dedicated budget, leaving critical humanitarian programs in limbo.

Click here to read the full article: US Congress passes budget bill, but questions remain on foreign aid

News & press
March 17, 2025

Devex Newswire: Exclusive details on one map for USAID’s future

A recent Devex Newswire exclusive reveals a possible restructuring plan for USAID: the creation of a new humanitarian assistance bureau within the State Department, effectively dissolving the world’s largest bilateral aid agency. The plan, reportedly shared by USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance chief Tim Meisburger, has triggered concern across the global development community, especially among NGOs invested in localization and development priorities beyond humanitarian response.

In the article, Justin Fugle, director of policy at Plan International USA, reflects on the current political climate and the limited role Congress has played so far. “They have not been involved very much in the foreign aid review, in the dismantling of USAID,” he says. But he notes that lawmakers still have an opportunity to help define what U.S. foreign aid looks like going forward.

Blog
March 6, 2025

Backpacks of promise: 5 ways education can change girls’ futures

Plan International is proud to support girls’ education and empowerment through partnerships that help them learn, lead, decide and thrive every day of the year. This story was first shared as part of a campaign for International Women’s Day, a moment we use to spotlight the year-round work that’s changing girls’ lives.

Muta’s day starts long before dawn, when it’s still dark outside.

“I wake up at 4 a.m., clean the pans, wash the dishes and then walk to school,” Muta shares.

Her school is nearly five miles from the remote farming village in Cambodia where she lives with her parents and two younger brothers.

After school, Muta starts the long walk back to her village, where she cares for her baby brother and collects cashew nuts and cassava for her parents to sell. Then she starts cooking the family dinner, while her parents are still working. With hardly any time for homework, it’s a challenge for Muta to keep up with her studies.

Girls like Muta in Cambodia need your support to stay in school. | ©Plan International

Millions of girls around the world face similar daily obstacles that stand between them and the quality education they deserve. Roughly 129 million girls aren’t enrolled in school. They are held back by barriers like cost, distance, household obligations, early marriage and cultural stigmas around educating girls.

Girls like Muta shoulder hours of unpaid household work — cooking, cleaning, caring for siblings — while their male peers have time to study. This burden often forces them to choose between their education and family obligations.

But things are changing for Muta. Thanks to support from people like you, we are working with local partners in Cambodia to help girls stay in school. Our education programs provide accelerated learning classes, financial scholarships and bicycles.

Muta now rides the bike she received from Plan back and forth to school, which makes the journey much easier. And, thanks to the catch-up classes, her reading and writing have improved, and she is doing better in math class.

“My teacher is very nice,” Muta says. “She spends a lot of her time teaching me. My results are getting better, and I am now 13 among 20 children in my class.”

For families struggling financially, educating daughters can feel like a luxury they can’t afford. When resources are scarce, boys’ education is frequently prioritized.

Plan is also supporting Muta with a scholarship and helping her family earn a stable income through livestock rearing and vegetable gardening. And we’re raising funds to build a school closer to her village.

Muta (second from the left) with her friends at school. | ©Plan International

Every child’s fundamental right to a quality education drives our work. That’s why we recently partnered with Paramount to champion girls’ access to education.

Through this partnership, Paramount funded the distribution of backpacks filled with school supplies for children in Cambodia, Mexico, Nepal, Ukraine and Zimbabwe.

Peak, an 11-year-old girl from Cambodia, is one of 1,047 students who received a backpack.

“It motivates me to come to school even more with my friends,” Peak says. “I will continue to study hard to get a good grade.”

From Cambodia to Zimbabwe, school supplies are opening doors to education. Today, we’re going beyond the backpack with Paramount to explore five ways education can reshape girls’ futures and strengthen entire communities.

Breaking the cycle

Education gives girls the knowledge and confidence to recognize their rights and make informed choices about their futures. This means they’re less likely to experience harmful practices like early marriage or trafficking. Young women become champions of change and role models for girls in their communities.

Building financial security

Education is the key that unlocks economic opportunities. Women who complete high school earn nearly 50% more than those who don’t. When educated women earn more, they invest in their families’ health, education and wellbeing.

Children in Ukraine receive backpacks filled with school supplies. Girls in crisis settings are nearly 2.5 times more likely to be out of school than those living in countries not in crisis. | ©Plan International

Growing the global economy

Research shows that if every girl received 12 years of quality education, women’s lifetime earnings worldwide could increase from $15 trillion to $30 trillion. This isn’t just an impressive number — it represents millions of girls reaching their full potential and building a more prosperous world for all of us.

Two girls in Nepal are all smiles as they wear their new purple backpacks. Education gives girls the confidence and knowledge to shape their futures, protect their rights and strengthen their communities. | ©Plan International

Unlocking her potential

Educated girls become powerful advocates for positive change. In classrooms and communities, they develop critical thinking skills, confidence and leadership abilities. These girls grow into women who challenge harmful practices, advocate for equal rights and create more just societies. Most importantly, they show other girls that their dreams are achievable and their voices matter.

Your support helps to provide girls in Cambodia — and around the world — with the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond. | ©Plan International

Creating a world where we are all equal

When we ensure girls can learn, we build a world where everyone has a fair chance to succeed. Educated women demonstrate what’s possible when barriers are removed. They work to make their communities better for all by advocating for equal access to resources, opportunities and decision-making power. Through education, we create a ripple effect of positive change that benefits everyone.

This International Women’s Day, we’re teaming up with Paramount to share an important message: Empowering girls starts with giving them the right tools for success.

Explore how you can help to ensure every girl has the chance to learn, lead, decide and thrive — because her future starts now.

Learn more

News & press
March 6, 2025

Plan International celebrates International Women’s Day with ‘Empower Girls. Change the Future’ campaign

PRESS RELEASE

Global campaign drives action for girls’ education, leadership and equality with a call to action: ‘Her Future Starts Now.’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 6, 2025 – To celebrate International Women’s Day, Plan International has launched its “Empower Girls. Change the Future” campaign in partnership with Paramount and KFC. This initiative champions education and leadership opportunities for girls worldwide, ensuring they can learn, lead, decide and thrive.

The need for action is urgent. The global gender equality gap is now projected to take 137 years to close — three years longer than in 2024, signaling a troubling reversal of progress. Without intervention, girls will continue to face barriers that limit their potential. Plan works alongside girls to remove obstacles and create pathways to leadership.

“Girls need our support now more than ever. When we invest in their education and leadership, we’re not just changing their futures — we’re changing the world,” said Shanna Marzilli, president and CEO of Plan International USA. “Through our partnerships, we’re giving girls the tools to overcome barriers and lead with confidence.”

Join the movement at www.planusa.org/international-womens-day.

Spotlight on partnerships

Paramount – Championing girls’ education and equality

Plan and Paramount have partnered since 2015 to raise awareness about girls’ education and equal opportunities. Building on this long-term collaboration, they have once again joined forces for International Women’s Day. Nickelodeon released exclusive content featuring beloved bilingual explorer Dora, who speaks directly to grown-ups about the importance of girls’ education and equal opportunities.

This content continues the story started on International Day of the Girl 2024, when Plan and Paramount distributed backpacks filled with school supplies to young people in Cambodia, Mexico, Nepal, Ukraine and Zimbabwe. Inspired by Dora’s iconic purple backpack, these backpacks symbolize the tools needed for learning and adventure, giving girls the resources they need to stay in school and pursue their dreams.

Paramount and Plan also continue to amplify girls’ voices through the 8M Infinito campaign on MTV in 2025 across Latin America, reinforcing its commitment to gender equality.

Help girls go beyond their backpacks at www.planusa.org/dora

KFC’s Girl Takeovers – Leading with confidence

KFC partners with Plan to create pathways to leadership, education and employment for youth, especially girls and people with disabilities. This partnership supports KFC’s commitment to promoting gender balance in leadership roles through its community impact strategy, Feeding People’s Potential.

In February 2025, KFC hosted Girls Takeover events at two KFC corporate offices: Plano, Texas and Bangkok, Thailand. During these takeovers, girls stepped into leadership roles, including Chief People and Culture Officer and Chief Development Officer, challenging stereotypes and demonstrating their potential.

These inspiring moments will be shared on social media, amplifying girls’ voices and encouraging others to support youth leadership.

Click here to learn how KFC is helping youth build skills and lead.

Campaign overview

The “Empower Girls. Change the Future” campaign showcases how education and leadership empower girls to shape their futures. Aligned with the global advocacy theme “Accelerate Action,” it underscores the urgency of closing the gender gap so girls can learn, lead, decide and thrive.

Through strategic partnerships, impactful blogs and inspiring Girl Takeovers, the campaign highlights what’s possible when girls have the support they need to lead. The #HerFutureStartsNow social media challenge encourages meaningful conversations about leadership and future goals, inviting people everywhere to join the movement.

About Plan International

Plan International is an international development and humanitarian nonprofit that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. Working together with children, young people, supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of challenges children face. We are there from birth until adulthood, and we support children to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity, while particularly focusing on the experiences of girls. With more than 85 years of experience, we work to transform lives in more than 80 countries. We won’t stop until we are all equal.

Learn more at www.planusa.org.

For more information or interviews, please contact:

Vannette Tolbert

Senior Manager, Communications

Email: [email protected]

Mobile: +1 240-778-9077