Author: sHq_LoGiNz

On the morning of Thursday, April 10, FedEx Puerto Rico employees teamed up with the nonprofit organization Operation Warm to deliver 330 pairs of brand-new shoes to children at Jesús María Sanromá Public School in Carolina. The initiative aims to ease the financial burden on families in the community while promoting the health and well-being of students through play and outdoor activities. This is the third consecutive year for the collaboration in Puerto Rico.

This event is part of a larger joint effort between FedEx and Operation Warm, which, throughout the spring season, will provide over 13,000 pairs of new shoes to students at more than 30 schools across the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and South America.

Since 2008, FedEx and Operation Warm have collaborated through the global FedEx Cares community engagement program, connecting the passion and expertise of FedEx team members with the resources of nonprofit organizations to meet the needs of local communities.

Through initiatives like this, FedEx reaffirms its commitment to driving positive change in the communities where its team members live and work, as part of its global Drive Forward, Give Back campaign—an initiative that inspires extraordinary actions with a meaningful impact on the world.

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.

Published by Action Against Hunger.

Contact media@actionagainsthunger.org for inquiries.

By Diana Sharone Tumuhairwe.

I met Justine Sukirana in her garden while she tended to her flourishing onion plants. As we spoke, a shy smile played on her face, blending hope and anxiety across her features. Throughout our conversation, one thing became clear: Justine’s goal in life is to educate her children. The beautiful thing was that she found a way to do this — but it has been the fruit of much hard labour.

In 2006, Justine and her husband fled the Democratic Republic of Congo with their first two children, taking up residence in the Nakivale refugee settlement in Uganda. Back in Congo, Justine had been a subsistence farmer, and her husband had sold clothes. In the refugee settlement, however, they relied on donations, food aid, and whatever work they could find. Justine and her family live in Kisura C of the Nakivale refugee settlement. Kisura C is a peaceful neighbourhood, but prolonged dry spells cast a shadow of uncertainty over the otherwise vibrant community. “The long dry spells make us prone to hunger and food shortages,” Justine explained. September and October 2024 were brutally dry months. Justine’s attempts at large-scale farming ended in heartbreak as her maize and bean garden succumbed to the drought and all her livestock died from a disease outbreak. Her food and livelihood vanished, leaving her and her family to face hunger.

Justine’s biggest hope lay in the small plot of land Action Against Hunger allotted her as part of its Rwoma block farm. The new garden venture felt like a lifeline for her. Justine joined Action Against Hunger in 2023, and she obtained onion and tomato seeds and training from Action Against Hunger. The training equipped her with the knowledge she needed to grow the crops; for example, she learned how to make and use organic fertilizer that boosted her crop yields. Constant water supply from the block farm’s irrigation scheme offers vital protection against dry spells. “Vegetable farming isn’t typical here,” Justine explained. “Tomatoes and onions need a lot of water, and water has always been a problem. Our previous crops always died. That is why I am so thankful for the irrigation scheme. It is truly an answer to my prayers.”

Onions and tomatoes are labour intensive. Luckily for Justine, farming is a family affair. She and her husband worked side-by-side, dividing the difficult tasks of onion and tomato cultivation as well as domestic work at home. With ten children to feed, it takes a joint effort to make ends meet.

In January 2025, Justine and her husband reaped the fruits of their labour. From their garden, they harvested 2.4 tons of onions, earning $2,614, and 13 tons of tomatoes, earning $4,466. The couple’s proximity to the refugee settlement camp allowed easy access to a market for selling their produce, and middlemen often seek them out directly to facilitate sales. Justine’s projections show that her income from this smaller plot of land will soon surpass what she had previously earned from a much larger plot of maize and beans.

Over the three agricultural seasons she spent with Action Against Hunger, she learned about nutrition in addition to farming. She learned that smaller portions of nutritious food are better at preventing malnutrition than large portions of just one staple food. “Before, we ate just one type of food,” she said. “But now, especially with growing children, we strive for a balanced diet.”

Farming provides the means for Justine to achieve her dream of sending her kids to school. All ten of her children attend premium private schools in the Nakivale refugee settlement. The eldest two attend Kabahinda Secondary School where she pays a staggering 650,000 Ugandan shillings ($177) per child, per school term. The other four are in Canaan primary school.

When asked why she prioritizes investing in her children’s education, Justine’s answer was simple: she wants to give them a better future. Justine’s own education had been cut short. She had dropped out, not for lack of funds, but because she felt self-conscious about her age and physical maturity and thus opted for marriage instead. Then, she saw how her educated peers easily secured decent jobs and earned stable incomes in Uganda. “I want my children to be useful people in the community,” Justine said. “Of the people I came with from Congo, the ones who were educated got labor contracts.” Their stability is a perpetual reminder of the value of education, and it fuels Justine’s determination to provide her children with the opportunities she denied herself. As she tends her thriving crops, Justine knows she is not just growing vegetables; she is growing a future for her children.

***

Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 21 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across over 55 countries, our 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.

Episode Summary

With 2.7 billion people lacking access to waste management, this essential step in advancing a circular economy poses a significant challenge. In this opening episode for season 4 of Plastics Unwrapped, we look back on the previous 5 meetings of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) and discuss how we can find middle ground between industry and policy to end plastic pollution for good.

Host: Maithreyi Seetharaman 
Show Producer: Lisa Desai
Sound Production: Dow Creative Element 
Artwork: Dow Creative Element

Episode Notes

With 2.7 billion people lacking access to waste management, this essential step in advancing a circular economy poses a significant challenge. In this opening episode for season 4 of Plastics Unwrapped, we look back on the previous 5 meetings of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) and discuss how we can find middle ground between industry and policy to end plastic pollution for good.  

Did you know that packaging waste accounts for nearly 30% of total U.S. waste annually, according to the Environmental Protection Agency? That’s a staggering number—and it doesn’t even begin to capture the global scale of the problem.

As businesses large and small continue to explore more sustainable practices, one area that’s increasingly under the microscope is product packaging. From e-commerce retailers to industrial distributors, packaging has become more than just a protective layer—it’s a reflection of your values.

On this featured episode of the RENEWables podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Saloni Doshi, CEO and proud “Chief Sustainability Geek” of EcoEnclose, the world’s most eco-friendly packaging company.

Why Packaging Matters More Than Ever

Saloni shares powerful insights into how packaging impacts the environment and why it should be a core part of any sustainability strategy. With growing consumer expectations, ESG commitments, and government regulations, sustainable packaging is quickly transitioning from “nice to have” to non-negotiable.

What You’ll Learn in the Episode

• How EcoEnclose redefines sustainable packaging using recycled, recyclable, and naturally biodegradable materials.
• Actionable steps companies can take to transition away from virgin plastic and traditional packaging materials.
• The ripple effect of sustainable packaging—from reducing carbon footprint to influencing supplier practices.
• Real-world success stories of companies that have embraced eco-forward packaging solutions.

A Call to Action for Climate-Conscious Businesses

Whether you’re running a DTC brand, managing industrial logistics, or leading ESG efforts at a large company, this episode is a must-listen. Sustainable packaging is more than a box—it’s a bold statement about your company’s commitment to the planet.

Click here to listen to the full episode.

Click here to view all RENEWables podcast episodes.

RENEWables, A Sustainability Podcast is a new podcast focused on the energy landscape of today. Everything from emerging renewable energy technologies to sustainability practices to why brands are changing the way they think, RENEWables is a source for current and dynamic conversation.

For young people today, technology isn’t just a tool—it’s a gateway to opportunities for connection, growth, and learning. Whether through innovative STEM education or the interactive world of esports, providing youth with new, hands-on learning experiences offers them a space to build community, sharpen problem-solving skills, and even explore future career paths. Recognizing this potential, Lenovo and Boys & Girls Clubs of America teamed up to provide young learners with out-of-the-box STEM education that would truly resonate, and access to cutting-edge technology.

Most recently, the collaboration came to life at the second annual Tackling STEM event on March 12^th. In partnership with the Dallas Cowboys and Science of Sport, Lenovo and Boys & Girls Clubs of America brought more than 150 youth from the greater Dallas area together for an interactive day merging sport and STEM.

Attendees had the unique opportunity to run drills alongside Dallas Cowboys players including Cooper Beebe, Jalen Brooks, Buddy Johnson, Ryan Flournoy, Princeton Fant, Brevyn Spann-Ford, and Kelvin Harmon, while exploring how STEM principles are utilized in football. From interactive stations on passing, catching, kicking and more, the event aims to ignite a love for STEM fields for the next generation by combining the thrill of sports with the power of education.

Lenovo’s partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America extends beyond one-off events – since 2017, the organizations have collaborated on a variety of initiatives designed to empower youth with greater access to technology, namely esports. Last year, Lenovo provided dozens of Clubs nationwide with the equipment, tools, and resources needed to scale a successful esports program—a timely initiative designed to address a decline in teen membership that many Clubs experienced during the pandemic.

The esports sector has seen explosive growth, especially among young people. Lenovo recognized this as an opportunity to create meaningful engagement for teens in an environment where they can build both social and technical skills. By aligning with Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s mission to enable all young people, especially those who need it most, to reach their full potential, this esports initiative is creating new avenues for personal development and belonging.

Here are a few success stories that illustrate how the far-reaching partnership is making a real difference for teens across the country:

Isaac’s journey to becoming the professional sports photographer of his dreams

As a 16-year-old from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas, Isaac’s photography journey began at 13 when he won a Club photo contest that gave him the opportunity to participate in a photography bootcamp and sparked his passion. Fast forward to 2024: Isaac was invited to document the first-ever Tackling STEM event. More than 150 local Club members attended the event to learn how STEM intersects with sports, and Isaac was there to capture it all with his lens.

“With sports photography, you can never get the wrong shot – You’ve got so much motion, so much action, and it really tells a story,” says Isaac. “I feel grateful that my Club continues to help me explore my passion with new and exciting opportunities like Tackling STEM.”

Using new devices gifted to him by Lenovo, Isaac has also had the opportunity to explore video shooting and editing. His dream now? To become a professional sports photographer.

A thriving esports community in Rockford, IL

In Rockford, Illinois, the local Boys & Girls Club has seen a remarkable esports transformation. Just five years ago, only a handful of teens were attending regularly. Since receiving Lenovo Legion gaming devices, the Club’s esports program has flourished. Today, around 30 teens participate daily, and growing demand has led to a waitlist as the Club hopes to expand its program.

One teen, Aidan, was introduced to the Club through esports. After participating in a nationwide Club tournament and winning in his favorite game, Super Smash Bros, Aidan took home a Lenovo Legion Go. He’s now able to livestream his gaming sessions and hopes to continue his esports journey in college. He draws inspiration from Jeremy, a Rockford Club alum who earned an esports scholarship and continues to mentor local teens at the Club.

A lasting impact

The meaningful partnership between Lenovo and Boys & Girls Clubs of America goes beyond one-off events or new gaming devices—it’s about building futures. By combining technology and education, the program continues to help teens like Isaac and Aidan unlock their full potential. With each new opportunity, Lenovo and Boys & Girls Clubs of America make strides in their shared mission of ensuring young people across the country have access to the tools they need to succeed—in esports, STEM, and beyond.

At International Paper and at DS Smith, an International Paper company, we believe that delivering sustainable outcomes is part of how we work every day. We know that the actions we take today are helping to lead the transition to a low carbon, circular economy. Earth Day, celebrated on April 22, is a great time to reflect on how you can take steps to pave the way for a sustainable future.

Our Sustainability subject matter experts shared some easy ways you can celebrate Earth Day today and every day.

• Adopt a new, earth friendly habit for a month. Bring your own reusable dining utensils to work, set up a home system to recycle hard-to-recycle items like batteries, try composting, or bring your own fruit and veggie bags to the grocery store.
• See how long you can go without using single-use plastics. Can you set a personal record for yourself?
• Take a walk. Spring is in full display in the northern hemisphere, and that means both urban and rural places are blooming. On your walk, notice how resilient nature is in even the harshest environments (like sidewalks!).

Share a moment outside with someone you care about: a friend, family, or pet! Ask a friend about their favorite childhood memory that connects to nature.
-Sophie Beckham, Chief Sustainability Officer
 

• Host a clothing swap with friends or neighbors, where everyone brings used clothes and swaps instead of buying something new – at the end donate any leftover clothes. It’s a great way to reduce and reuse!
• Try biking instead driving for a day. Springtime is a great time to dust off the old bike and use it as your mode of transportation for a day. Try a trip to the grocery store, to a nearby park, or even to work. But remember: Safety above all else, so wear your helmet and obey traffic laws!
• Can’t bike to work? Try carpooling with your coworkers who live nearby once a week.
• Donate to support wildlife conservation. We know that it takes all of us to make real change, and donating to reputable conservation organization is a great way to ensure your money supports measurable, meaningful work around the world. See IP’s conservation collaborations here for a little inspiration.

Community trash pick-ups are a great way to involve kids in an Earth Day activity. There are lots of community celebrations with kid-friendly activities you can explore online.
– Kristin Dannemiller, Sustainable Operations Senior Manager

• Organize or join a community trash pick-up. From keeping public spaces clean to ensuring local storm drains can do their jobs, it all adds up.
• Try upcycle crafting. Turn what could be considered trash (jars, old clothing, corrugated boxes, broken jewelry, etc.) into treasure (pencil holder, t-shirt tote bag, cardboard puppets or masks, jewelry mosaics ).
• Choose fiber-based products, like corrugated packaging. They are recyclable and made from sustainable raw materials. Explore our selection of sustainable, corrugated solutions here.

About International Paper 
International Paper (NYSE: IP; LSE: IPC) is the global leader in sustainable packaging solutions. With company headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) headquarters in London, UK, we employ more than 65,000 team members and serve customers around the world with operations in more than 30 countries. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Net sales for 2024 were $18.6 billion. In 2025, International Paper acquired DS Smith creating an industry leader focused on the attractive and growing North American and EMEA regions. Additional information can be found by visiting internationalpaper.com

The need for skilled cybersecurity professionals is more critical now than ever. With the growing sophistication of cyber threats, businesses, governments, and individuals face increasing risks of data breaches, ransomware attacks, and cyber espionage. When you add in a global shortage of skilled cybersecurity experts to help combat these threats, it’s easy to recognize the importance of developing a pipeline of professionals with this unique skillset.

With the awareness that building interest in this skillset with today’s young people is a necessity to growing the talent pool, the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) Northern Virginia Regional Node has partnered with the Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation (Foundation) and George Mason University (GMU) to launch an innovative program aimed at cultivating high school students to become the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Funded by a CCI NoVa Node grant, the “Building Cyber Readiness in High School Students through Internship Experience and Professional Development” program provides hands-on experience and professional skills training for high school students.

A key component of the program is the involvement of leading companies within the cybersecurity sector. Maximus understands the importance of its role in this effort and has joined in an exclusive partnership to support it. As part of the partnership, Maximus will host at least two high school interns for a five-week period in a structured program that gives them real-world exposure to cybersecurity careers. The program not only provides students with hands-on industry experience but also equips them with essential professional skills, increasing their competitiveness in the job market.

Maximus is honored to be a part of this partnership and to provide the opportunity for students to jumpstart their careers, gain invaluable industry experience, and develop the skills needed to thrive in the fast-growing cybersecurity field. 

Learn more about CCI and its cyber workforce development programs