In 2015, Chemonics celebrated our 40th anniversary. As such milestones often do, it provided us with an opportunity to look back at our history, plan for our future, and celebrate with our friends. I was especially gratified to see so many of our staff all over the world join the celebration. In many ways, looking…
This post was originally published by the Better Than Cash Alliance and is cross-posted with permission. Chemonics is a proud member of the alliance. On a recent trip to Uganda, where I assessed Chemonics’ implementation of mobile money solutions, I was encouraged to see mobile money initiatives on the rise, from cardless ATM withdrawals and…
Although the causes of climate change and the roles various nations must play in fighting it have been hotly debated, data provide solid evidence that our planet is facing significant climate challenges that impact our livelihoods, our well-being, and even our very lives. Addressing climate change requires a two-fold strategy: mitigation to deal with carbon…
When the governor’s office of Antioquia first approached USAID’s Colombia Human Rights Program (HRP III) with the idea of creating the first ever official human rights school, I couldn’t help but think, “Oh no, not another school.” Unfortunately, it is often the case that students, particularly in the area of human rights, are exposed to…
Before COP 21 kicked off in Paris, heads of state from 20 countries who make up the Climate Vulnerable Forum adopted the Manila-Paris Declaration, which outlined concerns, priorities and plans for addressing climate change. The declaration enumerated how the threats we see in the news everyday — rising sea levels, cyclones, drought, and others —…
Patrick Rader served as chief of party of the Feed the Future Uganda Commodity Production and Marketing Activity (CPM), which harnesses market forces and uses innovative methods to increase the productivity of Ugandan families. CPM reduces poverty and under-nutrition by increasing the quantity and quality of coffee, maize, and beans that rural families are able…
We need to face facts: In many developing countries, there simply isn’t any money to hire more health care workers. According to WHO there is a global shortage of more than 7 million health care workers; 83 countries fall below WHO’s basic recommendation on of 23 health care providers per 10,000 population. By 2035, that…
Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the first day of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Gender-based violence is often misunderstood as just a “women’s issue” because women and girls are disproportionately affected. In reality, gender-based violence is a vast and intersecting issue that impacts all members…
When Chemonics embarked on our ISO 9001 certification several years ago, we didn’t know what we were getting into. Not exactly anyways. We knew that ISO 9001 would certify us as an organization that values quality management. We knew it would launch us into a class of companies and organizations that can proudly claim a…
Universal Children’s Day, established by the United Nations in 1954, is a day to devote to the welfare of the children. While we formally recognize the importance of child welfare on November 20, this is a concept that should be reinforced every day and is an essential element to all education work around the world.…
Interest in how extractives companies deal with the environmental, social, and governance aspects of their work is increasing among investors, financial institutions, affected communities, consumers, and NGOs. To meet stakeholders’ expectations and avoid additional regulations, many extractives companies are committing to voluntary environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards — essentially principles, guidelines, and certifications systems…
Beyond the bamboo gate at Vitor Raposo’s cultural center in Pemba, Mozambique, a canopy of trees threaded with artwork and wind chimes welcomes me into a tranquil courtyard. Tambo Tambulani Tambo is a peaceful refuge, a stark contrast from nearby construction sites and spirals of soot rising from newly forged roads. With investors racing to…