ActionAid UK is making big changes to its work. They want to "decolonise" how they operate and get money. The charity, led by Taahra Ghazi and Hannah Bond, is looking closely at its old ways. Their child sponsorship program needs to change. This plan will continue until 2028. It is a new way to work with communities around the world.
The charity knows its child sponsorship model might be problematic. This model started in 1972. Co-chief executive Taahra Ghazi explained this. She said donors choosing pictures of children from poorer countries can create a bad relationship. It can feel like a business deal, not real friendship. Ghazi said the current model is from a different time. Many supporters are richer and white. Choosing a picture of a child from a poorer country can feel paternalistic.
ActionAid wants to stop fundraising in old ways. The child sponsorship program brought in 34% of their money. However, they think it belongs to the past. They want to build relationships based on respect. They want to help communities in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This will be based on what the communities truly need.
The changes will affect many parts of ActionAid UK. They will review their systems and how they spend money. Ghazi said they are "decolonising" everything until 2028. This means making things more fair. They will work with their teams and communities in 30 countries. This ensures changes are made together.
This is a significant change for ActionAid UK. They are stopping the "sponsor a child" scheme. Some people have said this scheme was racist. The success of these changes will show how well they can build fair partnerships. It will also show if development aid truly helps people.