CEO Message (Plan News Issue 30)
Dear Supporters,
As summer arrives with unpredictable downpours, our daily plans are often disrupted. Yet, for countless children worldwide displaced by conflict, the disruption spans far beyond a single day—it robs them of their entire childhood. Losing their homes and being forced to drop out of school, refugee girls around the world are also facing the threat of sexual violence, leaving them struggling to survive.
This is why our humanitarian relief efforts never cease. With the support of our donors, Plan International is able to continue delivering emergency supplies, building temporary classrooms, and providing the textbooks and stationery that keep hope alive for refugee families in Bangladesh, Chad, Gaza, and Lebanon. This April, our annual “Run for Girls” event brought our community together to raise funds for child protection and girls’ rights projects in the Rohingya refugee camps. A heartfelt thanks to the nearly 2,500 runners and our corporate partners whose enthusiastic support is helping the refugee girls rebuild their futures.
On 28 May, to mark World Menstrual Hygiene Day, we launched our “Dress White Day” campaign to symbolise the dismantling of menstrual stigma. Initiating the campaign, our team dressed in white that day, and we were deeply encouraged to see many celebrities wearing white and using their social media platforms to advocate for women’s rights. Our special thanks also go to our corporate partners Meiriki Japan Co., Limited and Deckers Brands, for supporting the campaign and encouraging their teams to challenge menstrual stigma in the workplace, fostering a more menstruation-friendly environment for female employees.
Recently, a series of suspected child abuse cases in Hong Kong has broken our hearts. Yet, amidst the sadness, recent online discussions reflect a growing public awakening to child protection issues. This collective concern is the first step towards meaningful change. If we all take an extra step in our daily lives—by proactively looking out for one another, showing genuine care, and speaking up whenever we spot a suspicious situation—we can prevent harm before it happens. Let us join hands to safeguard every single child, allowing love and vigilance to become the greatest strengths supporting them as they grow.
Whether in refugee camps or in Hong Kong, girls face various challenges, but your support makes a difference. Thanks to your generosity, Plan International is supporting children in need both locally and globally.
Wishing you peace, good health and every blessing.
