As the modern face of the Royal Family, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex use their influence to help to promote change in the world. In their latest ‘Force for Change’ campaign they have sought to shine a light on charities and organisations around the globe allied to their cause.

The couple recently took to their official Instagram – @SussexRoyal – to ask their 9.2 million followers for recommendations for their ‘Force for Change’. Unfollowing everyone on their Instagram account, the Duke and Duchess then refollowed just 15 accounts; those change-makers doing amazing work for communities across the world.

We’re proud to say that one of the chosen few was Plan International UK; a charity that we have worked with for the past 32 years, and in the process helped literally hundreds of children in underprivileged countries around the globe.

Back in September 2018, we announced our partnership with Plan International UK, helping to fund the construction of five school buildings in the Gambella region of Ethiopia as part of the Safe Schools Project. With construction now well underway, the project will help refugees gain access to safe and high-quality education. This wonderful project will reach 30,000 children aged 3-14, many of whom will have gone through the terrifying and scarring experience of fleeing their homes in South Sudan. In Gambella they will benefit from a better education in permanent school buildings with good quality teaching and access to specialised counselling to help them overcome the challenges of being away from home and living in a refugee settlement. The ongoing conflict in South Sudan has forced around 2 million people to flee to neighbouring countries.

It’s fantastic that the Sussex’s have used their influence to help raise awareness of Plan International UK. Other highly worthy causes include; Tiny Tickers, the charity helping improve the early detection and care of babies with serious heart conditions, non-profit marine conservation organisation Love the Oceans, and BeesCause, the charity looking to employ people to build and maintain beehives in public areas around the globe.

As just one of 15 causes chosen, we couldn’t agree more that Plan International UK is a worthy winner of this incredible mark of acknowledgement.

Congratulations to everyone who was suggested and selected, an amazing achievement. Together these charities are continuing to make a difference every single day!

Keep up with the progress of the Safe Schools Project by checking for regular updates on our blog from CEO, Fiona – a proud advocate and supporter of the charity.