Instagram @artofhopeglobal
Every month, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, through their Instagram account, dedicate a post to highlighting the charitable organizations that deserve attention. After July, when the Royals had turned their attention to the environmental crisis, the Instagram account mysteriously unfollowed all users.
Why? Because Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have graciously decided that every month, they would follow a different set of accounts that are known for their humanitarian work, to generate awareness in the community.
A week ago, on Instagram, the Royals posted a blue box with the text, “Who is your force for change?” and asked their 9.3 million followers to suggest “someone you look up to, the organization doing amazing work that we should all be following, an account that inspires you to be and do better, or the handle that brims with optimism for a brighter tomorrow.”
Six days later, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex revealed their chosen 15 organizations. The royals wrote on Instagram, “These accounts showcase those persevering at the grassroots level, connecting our global community through a shared lens of giving back and helping one another. We were so happy to learn about them and are now able to share them with you!”
One of the accounts followed by the Royals is “Art Of Hope,” a non-profit organization that supports Syrian Refugees with their mental trauma. The foundation aims to help the people of Syria — a country that has witnessed more than 50 percent of its population being displaced, and a country that is currently facing one of the worst humanitarian crisis in the world.
To relieve mental trauma, PTSD, or any psychological wounds, the group supports the refugees through art therapy and vocational training. Founder Tara Kangarlou writes on the official website, “We aim to bring back a sense of self-worth, dignity, and normalcy that in the long-term will help them have a smoother journey overcoming the harsh realities of living life as survivors of war—whether in a host country or back home in Syria.”
Overwhelmed by the support of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, the @ArtOfHopeGlobal account said, “What an honor to be named as one of the grassroots forces for change by the gracious Duke & Duchess of Sussex @sussexroyal — we are humbled beyond words.” And added this achievement in their Instagram bio: “#ForcesForChange By @sussexroyal”
Besides Art Of Hope, the Duke and Duchess also chose Tiny Tickers, a British charity dedicated to the health and care of new-born babies with heart conditions, Love The Oceans, a sustainable Mozambique charity aiming to conserve the world’s oceans, Rafiki Mwema, a Kenya-based charity to support victims of abuse, and Free Wheelchair Mission, an organization providing wheelchairs to people who can’t afford them.
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