If you were to turn on the news today, you would be bombarded with horrific imagery of violence and hear reports of corporate greed. It is enough to make anyone feel depressed and forget about all the people who are working to make the world a better place. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most incredible people who have done a great deal of work in helping to improve the lives of those in need. Each of these people, dead or alive, have contributed some great accomplishments to the betterment of mankind.
Lady Gaga
Known for her extravagant fashion sense and supreme talents, Gaga is also quite the philanthropist. From her work in helping to advance the rights of LGBTQ youth across the globe to her efforts in raising awareness of sexual health to prevent the spreading of HIV, Gaga has also set up her own foundation to empower young adults to achieve their full potential.
Set up in 2012, The Born This Way Foundation has a message to spread love and kindness to others. Set up in conjunction with her mother, Cynthia Germonotta, the dynamic pair has contributed to the creation of shelters for homeless youth and safe spaces so more young people can learn valuable life skills. Together they have created opportunities for youth to learn how to be proud of their body, and all its imperfections. Coined “the Body Revolution,” Gaga herself took part in the movement saying “May we make our flaws famous, and thus redefine the heinous.”
Malala Yousafzai
On the 9th of October in 2012, Malala Yousafzai was on her way home from school when she was shot by a gunman. Inflicting wounds to her head, her likelihood of surviving was extremely slim. After numerous hours spent in critical condition, Malala survived and went on to become a global icon for humanitarian causes.
A defender for women’s rights to education, Malala has become renowned for her work to ensure that every child receives access to schooling. Most recently, Malala won the Nobel Peace Prize for her relentless work in achieving equality for all. One of her most famous statements is: “One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.” We completely agree!
Princess Diana
Well known globally for her generous heart and iconic beauty, Prince Harry often reflects on his mother’s legacy when her name is brought up. Sharing incredible stories that have never been released by the press, Harry has recently divulged memories of Diana visiting sick patients in hospitals. In fact, just months before her death, Diana visited Ormond Street Hospital to meet terminally ill children and their families.
Breaking apart from the rigidly formal image the Royal Family tries to maintain, Diana was never afraid to get her hands dirty when it came to helping others. She remains renowned for her activism to help children across the world; the legacy of Princess Diana still burns just as bright today as it did when she was alive.
Angelina Jolie
© UNHCR/B.Heger
Her acting abilities often over shine her philanthropy, but there is no doubting that Angelina Jolie has contributed greatly to those in need across the globe. Jolie has contributed millions to projects which assist underdeveloped countries from Africa to Asia. Having visited refugee camps across the world, Jolie has made it her life’s mission to understand the suffering of those living in developing countries.
Most recently, she contributed to legislation aimed at helping immigrant minors and donated 1 million dollars in response to a UNHCR emergency appeal. Jolie effortlessly uses her celebrity status for the greater good, taking advantage of her platform so others can have a better understanding of what suffering looks like on a global scale. Jolie said once in reflection, “When I met survivors of war and famine and rape, I learned what life is like for most people in this world and how fortunate I was, I realized how sheltered I have been. And I was determined never to be that way again.”
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This blog was contributed by Kevin Worrall:
Kevin is passionate about theater and all things Ireland, after studying theater in Ireland and attending multiple workshops there during the summer term. He is currently balancing two internships and enjoying the start of his career.