World Dream Foundation Focuses on Improving Health and Education in the Poorest and Most Remote Parts of the World

Today, President and CEO Julia Folk announced the launch of the World Dream Foundation (WDF), a new organization committed to alleviating global poverty by improving healthcare, education and human rights in some of the world's most vulnerable countries. WDF emphasizes community education and empowerment, and embraces the philosophy that “a simple act of courage can change the world.” It will model its programs after a successful humanitarian project in Cambodia that Ms. Folk participated in during the Spring of 2017.

In April 2018, Ms. Folk partnered with Dr. Ann Messer, M.D., Director of One Good Turn and Tony Macie, Director of Expert Exchange, as well as a group of medical students from the University of Puthisastra, to make a difference.

Accompanied by Cambodian government representatives, the team went to five of the poorest rural clinics outside of Siem Reap. They provided basic medical supplies, deworming medication and Vitamin A supplements to more than 6,000 children and adults. These treatments, which are relatively inexpensive to administer, have life-saving effects. Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is the leading cause of childhood blindness in developing countries, where 2.8 million preschool-age children are at risk of losing their sight. Both VAD and untreated worm infestations can lead to chronic illness and early death.

The group followed World Health Organization (WHO) protocols by providing supplies along with educational training, so that the local clinics can continue to support their communities moving forward. “This is how the World Dream Foundation will work,” Ms. Folk explained. “We will empower communities by providing both education and resources together. This is the key to breaking the poverty cycle and supporting lasting positive change.”

The impact of missions like WDF can be huge, which is why the local government in Cambodia was so supportive of their efforts. WDF is already finding support in other countries with similar needs, and is planning trips to Kenya and Indonesia in 2019. “We will establish direct contact with the communities we serve and will continue to work on the key issues they face, including healthcare and childhood education, until we see positive lasting change,” Ms. Folk pledges. In doing so, WDF will help poor and isolated communities from the ground up.

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