Photo by RET Nigeria, © RET Germany

This month, we’re bringing you stories from three very different corners of the world, but with a common thread running through all of them: people navigating hard circumstances and finding a way forward, with the right support behind them.

In Burundi, we’re walking alongside adolescent mothers as they rebuild their futures through life skills. In Latin America, we’re part of a growing regional conversation on anticipatory action, human mobility, and child protection. And in Türkiye, we’re rethinking how language learning can be a tool for real empowerment.

There’s also something in it for you. Scroll down to find out how you can be part of this work. 👇

📸 This Month’s Cover Photo

In Katsina State, Nigeria, a leather work trainee carefully marks a shoe sole during vocational training; it’sone of eight trades now being taught across the region. Part of RET Germany’s BMZ-funded cross-border project spanning Niger and Nigeria, the program is giving 9,000 vulnerable women, youth, and people with disabilities the skills and confidence to build a real livelihood – and a future.

Learn more about this project and RET Germany’s impact at: https://retgermany.org/nigeria/

This Month at a Glance

1. Supporting Adolescent Mothers in Burundi
2. Latin America & the Caribbean: Regional Series – Anticipatory Action, Human Mobility & Child Protection
3. Türkiye: Innovative Language Learning for Empowerment
4. How YOU Can Make a Difference

1️⃣ 🇧🇮 Burundi: Breaking Barriers for Adolescent Mothers 

In Burundi, we’re supporting adolescent mothers to return to school, challenging stigma and rebuilding access to education. By addressing financial, social, and systemic barriers, the program offers a second chance – elping young mothers reshape their futures and reduce long-term vulnerability. 

• Each return to school is more than reintegration; it’s a step toward independence, dignity, and better outcomes for the next generation. 

👉 Read more: https://theret.org/2026/03/bdi/breaking-barriers-to-bring-adolescent-mothers-back-to-school-in-burundi/ 

2️⃣ Latin America & the Caribbean: Regional Series – Anticipatory Action, Human Mobility & Child Protection

Last month, we published a series of regional articles highlighting our work across Latin America and the Caribbean. It was focused on evidence-based, coordinated, and anticipatory responses to intersecting crises of climate risk, human mobility, and child vulnerability. Key highlights include:

• Child Poverty in Panama: Regional Evidence for a More Effective Response — A new report reveals deep territorial disparities in child poverty. RET emphasizes comprehensive, localized interventions in protection, education, and early childhood development, especially in high-mobility areas. 👉 Read more here: https://theret.org/2026/04/pan/child-poverty-in-panama-regional-evidence-for-a-more-effective-response/
• LAC-WDN Coalition Positions Human Mobility and Disasters Agenda — At the Regional Forum on Integrated Disaster Risk Management, RET (via the LAC-WDN Coalition) highlighted how disasters deepen vulnerabilities for people on the move and called for territorial resilience, multilevel governance, and rights-based durable solutions. 👉 Get the full story here: https://theret.org/2026/04/pan/lac-wdn-coalition-positions-human-mobility-and-disasters-agenda-at-regional-forum-with-ret-participation/
• Anticipatory and Territorial Coordination in Risk Management — RET’s Regional Director, Magnolia Santamaría, shared field experience stressing the shift from reactive to anticipatory approaches. Effective coordination must start at the territorial level, involving communities and local actors from the planning stage. 👉Learn more: https://theret.org/2026/04/pan/anticipatory-and-territorial-coordination-ret-contributes-regional-experience-in-a-forum-on-risk-management/

These contributions reinforce our role in bridging humanitarian action, development, and policy for more inclusive and resilient systems across the region.

3️⃣ Türkiye: A New Approach to English Language Learning – Speaking and Playing Your Way to Fluency

In Samsun, innovative classes combine gamification, real-life scenarios, and interactive practice to teach English (and Turkish). These sessions build confidence, promote social cohesion between refugees and host communities, and open pathways to education, employment, and integration.

👉 Read the full story here: https://theret.org/2026/04/tur/a-new-approach-to-english-language-learning-speaking-and-playing-your-way-to-fluency/

4️⃣ 🎁 How YOU Can Make a Difference Right Now 

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

Your support allows us to expand education, strengthen protection, and respond to where needs are greatest.   

 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! Together, we’re saving lives, changing futures, and building hope. 

Until next month,

RET International HQ

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