Photo by RET Mali, © RET International

As we step into 2026, we do so with gratitude, momentum, and a clear sense of purpose. We’ve just completed 25 years of lifesaving humanitarian work – and we’re already looking ahead to the next chapter. 

Around the world, communities continue to face conflict, displacement, violence, and inequality. Our response remains the same: we show up, we partner locally, and we act. Because education and protection save lives. 

Catch Up with RET brings you stories from across our global community: Moments of courage, pathways to opportunity, and proof that when we invest in people, the impact multiplies across families, communities, and regions. 

This newsletter is 1,133 words or about 4 minutes to read. 

📸 Photo of the Month: Creating Opportunities for Youth in Mali 

This month’s photo comes from our team in Segou, in southern Mali, where they celebrated the successful completion of a multiyear project, generously funded by the German government’s BMZ. This photo was taken during the official handover ceremony of entrepreneurial kits to youth in Segou.  

Vocational training was one aspect of the project, aimed at upskilling local youth and promoting new technical careers. This young woman was one of the many local youths that benefitted from our work in Segou and will now have greater opportunities to provide for herself, her family, and support her community. 

In this edition: 

1. Closing the Loop on 🌍 #16Days of Activism 
2. 🎉 25 Years of RET: How We’re Saving Lives 
3. Acting Year-Round to Prevent GBV in 🇻🇪 Venezuela 
4. 🇱🇧 In Lebanon, Skills Open Doors and Save Lives 
5. From Migration to Inclusion, Changing Lives in 🇵🇪 Peru 
6. Stories of Resilience in Complex Contexts in 🇹🇷 Türkiye 
7. 🎁 How YOU Can Make a Difference 

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1. 🌍 Closing the Loop on #16Days of Activism 

From November 25 to December 10, we mobilized across continents for the global #16DaysOfActivism campaign to end gender-based violence (GBV). From in-person events to bold digital storytelling, our teams amplified survivor voices, youth leadership, and community action – not just during the campaign, but as part of our year-round commitment. 

A key part of this effort was social media storytelling. Did you see the images and messages shared by our teams across countries? Each post reflected local realities, collective strength, and our shared belief that safety and dignity are non-negotiable. 

One powerful example is this video from our team in Niger, capturing how young people are leading change in their communities: 
👉 Watch the video by clicking here.

Follow us across platforms to stay connected to these stories. Because awareness, visibility, and solidarity save lives too. 

2. 🎉 25 Years of RET: How We’re Saving Lives 

In December, we marked 25 years of RET International – a milestone that reminded us why our mission matters now more than ever. Since our founding, we have believed that education and protection are essential, lifesaving actions. 

When we ensure that education is a promise, not a dream by: 

• Protecting children from exploitation and violence 
• Ensuring that young people gain pathways to livelihoods and leadership 
• Promoting resilience for families and communities 
• Laying the groundwork for peace and security to take root – and be sustainable 

This is the multiplier effect of our work. Education and protection don’t just change individual lives: They stabilize communities and regions. As we enter our next chapter, we remaincommitted to standing with the most vulnerable and building futures rooted in dignity, opportunity, and peace. 

Stay connected with us this year. Our work, and its impact, continue. Read more here.

3. 🇻🇪 Acting Year-Round to Prevent GBV in Venezuela 

At RET, we don’t wait for global campaigns to act. We work year-round to prevent gender-based violence and support women’s leadership and protection. 

In Venezuela, our teams are empowering women through programs that strengthen safety, resilience, and community-based protection mechanisms. This work reflects a core truth: prevention saves lives, and sustained action matters more than moments of visibility alone. 

These efforts support women not only to survive, but to lead change in their families and communities. 

👉 Read the story (English) here.

👉 Leer en español + explore RET en español.

4. 🇱🇧 In Lebanon, Skills Open Doors and Save Lives 

In North Lebanon, we’re supporting women through skills training that leads to real employment opportunities. This isn’t just about income; it’s about safety, stability, and choice. 

When women gain market-relevant skills, they gain autonomy. When households gain income, vulnerability decreases. When communities stabilize, lives are saved. 

This success story shows how targeted training can unlock dignity and long-term resilience, even in contexts shaped by economic hardship and uncertainty. 

👉 Read the full story by clicking here. 

5. 🇵🇪 From Migration to Inclusion, Changing Lives in Peru 

In Peru, our work with teachers through Aprender Sin Barreras, made possible by Education Cannot Wait, and in partnership with ASOVENTRU, Plan International Peru, and UNESCO, is transforming classrooms into inclusive, welcoming spaces for migrant and vulnerable children. 

By equipping educators with tools to support diverse learning needs, we are opening pathways to success, and preventing children from being pushed out of education systems. 

This work changes lives. And by giving young people opportunities, stability, and a sense of belonging, it ultimately saves lives. 

👉 Read the story (English) here.

👉 Leer en español + explore RET en español.

6. 🇹🇷 Stories of Resilience in Complex Contexts in Türkiye 

Our work in Türkiye reflects the complexity of displacement, economic pressure, and social change – and the resilience of people navigating it every day. This article brings together three powerful stories that show what resilience looks like in practice: 

• Through our soap-making workshop in Mardin, we supported Leyla, a Syrian woman, to rebuild confidence, form meaningful connections, and earn an income – transforming isolation into belonging and independence. 

• In Şanlıurfa, we helped Alisa gain confidence and pursue her business goals through our practical language program, turning communication into connection and opportunity. 

• Alongside partners, we supported Gada during cancer treatment by creating a space of care and community that strengthened her mental health and resilience during displacement. 

Together, these women remind us that resilience is built through opportunity, trust, and sustained support. 

👉 Read the full article by clicking here.

7. 🎁 How YOU Can Make a Difference 

Inspired by these stories? You can help us continue this life-saving work. 

Your support allows us to expand education, strengthen protection, and respond where needs are greatest. We’re proud to hold a 2025 Candid Gold Seal of Transparency, reflecting our commitment to accountability and impact. 

💡 For U.S. supporters: RET is registered as a 501(c)(3), and your donation may be tax-deductible. 

👉 Donate today: https://theret.org/donate 
👉 Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs): http://theret.org/donate/dafs/  
👉 Employee & corporate matching: http://theret.org/donate/employee-matching/  

✨ Thank you for being part of our global community. As we enter this new year, we move forward together – saving lives, creating opportunities, and building peace. 

Until next month,

RET International HQ

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