A revolutionary approach to Humanitarianism
One Light Global is evolving the way we approach crises around the world from a paradigm of givers and receivers to a united human family collaborating and innovating to create replicable, scalable models of an inclusive, egalitarian and regenerative future for all.
Solidarity
Innovation
Equality
Collaboration
Opportunity
Sustainability
Shelter
OLD MODEL
Stark, gray structures that instil feelings of hopelessness, stress and depression
Imported, flimsy tents - impact: exposure, illness
Aid Dependent - disempowerment, temporary
OUR MODEL
Human-Centric Design emphasizes shared community spaces and collective comfort
Innovative & Sustainable Architecture such as Aircrete, 3D printing, hay bale, and rubble houses
Psychologically Uplifting spaces that feel joyous, welcoming, colorful, inspiring
FOOD SECURITY
OLD MODEL
UN & NGOs ship in food every day
Food is minimal and insufficient
Refugees are stuck in dependency
Transportation is fuel and resource inefficient
OUR MODEL
Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture - permaculture, aquaponics, vertical gardens, food forests, permaculture
Empowerment & Community Gardens & Collaboration
Local food and carbon efficient
WATER
OLD MODEL
Shipped in by UN and NGOs
Waiting in long lines at tanks to hand fill jerry cans
Wasteful: transportation, plastic bottles, litter
Dependency
OUR MODEL
Rain catchment designs in all community buildings
Community Water and Filtration systems
Boreholes, solar pumps, drip irrigation, grey water systems
Empowerment
LIVELIHOOD
OLD MODEL
Refugees are not allowed to work, even if qualified
Forced into a cycle of disempowerment, dependency, and depression
Financial drain on host and international community, no access to local and global markets
Lack of opportunity for youth destroys potential and cycles them into harming self and others
OUR MODEL
Humans are our greatest resource - allow displaced people to use their skills to support themselves, each other, host and global communities
Entrepreneurial training - inspires innovation, creates solutions and jobs
Verification & placement system for needed professionals within camp, host community, and international community: doctors, nurses, teachers, engineers, farmers, etc.
Children grow up with hope - knowing they can contribute to society
EDUCATION
OLD MODEL
Displaced children miss years of education and class attendance
They suffer from trauma and often struggle even when integrated into local school systems
NGOs and Governments spend funding to build traditional schools, but upon graduation there are no opportunities due to high unemployment rates in host countries
OUR MODEL
Trauma informed education allows children to heal from the impacts of their circumstances so their minds are open to learning again
We use virtual education to prevent so many lost hours of education
Employ refugees who were previously teachers to organize learning spaces in camps
Training in entrepreneurial and tech skills that can ensure employment opportunities
HEALTH
OLD MODEL
Lack of funding and resources results in extremely limited access to medicine
Bringing in Doctors and Nurses from outside organizations
OUR MODEL
Employing the refugee drs and nurses, dentists
3D printing medical devices
Sanitation education around disease prevention
Natural and Local remedies
Open source digital health apps
TRAUMA HEALING
OLD MODEL
Individual trauma healing is seen as a last priority and receives little to no funding
Intergenerational, collective and cross-cultural trauma remains unaddressed causing cycles of abuse, depression, marginalization, and repeated conflicts
Any trauma healing that is provided by outside groups is generally from a foreign paradigm to those being treated
At best, the goal is survival, not thriving or resiliency
OUR MODEL
Trauma Healing is a priority, the foundation of rebuilding lives & ending harmful cycles
Employ innovative and cultural methodologies: music, art, somatics, story sharing.
Intergenerational and community healing Often involves bringing together disparate groups, economically or perpetrators and victims
Goal is not victim to survivor, but rather victim to victor - antifragility, thriving more because of what one has been through
EMERGENCY RELIEF
OLD MODEL
Charity paradigm: givers and receivers, culture of inequity, demoralizing
Impacted people are not allowed to help meet the needs of their community
International and government agencies require billions to import goods & services, aid becomes a business
Solutions are short term and unsustainable
OUR MODEL
Solidarity paradigm: we are equals, helping each other as one global family
Everyone has value, skills and abilities to work togetherfor the community
Asking impacted people what they need - collaborating on culturally appropriate solutions and needs rather than dictating
Solutions designed with an eye to sustainability and long term relationships & impact
Providing 40,000 meals to 2,000 Afghan refugees living in an abandoned train station without receiving support from any large aid groups
Moria Camp in Lesvos Greece
Bottle Brick Houses at Sina - Just one example of innovative ways to build beautiful spaces.
Using yoga and trauma-informed education with a group of refugee children at a camp in northern Greece
Afghan refugees waiting in line for food in Serbia
Agriculture in Bidi Bidi
Waiting for the water truck, waiting in line for hours, often unable to get water
Rain catchment roof with pipe leading to barrels at Opportunigees in Nakivale Settlement
Refugees denied the opportunity to be of service to their community Serbia
Women learning entrepreneurial skills and preserving cultural tradition in Bidi Bidi
Without opportunities to learn, children lose years of education
Injured elderly woman in Lesvos
Local doctors helping impacted citizens after Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico
EQUALITY, SOLIDARITY
When we look at the big picture, we see that all humans are one family. We are at a turning point in history that requires us to transcend separation. We are called to become something unprecedented: a united global citizenry, indivisible, built on a foundation of unity and a shared future.
LOVE, OPPORTUNITY, JOY
No matter what religion, ethnicity, nationality, gender, economic status, body type, or skin color, within us all is the light of life. This light unifies us beyond circumstance, identity and borders. It has the power to unite us, tear down walls, dismantle racial and economic hierarchy, and to build a new world free from the structural diseases of oppression and hatred. It is also the power within each of us to be a force of love in the world.
INTERDEPENDENCE, COLLABORATION
We humans share one world and everything that happens on it is intricately intertwined. Every action, positive or negative, impacts the whole. The challenges we face are global. We must care for our planet and create innovative, sustainable solutions so that we can all survive and thrive. Through our work, we collaborate with people around the world as equals to pursue a sustainable future.
Displaced persons are not “refugees” they are simply “human beings seeking refuge” from war, persecution and natural disaster.
