Hands Across Humanity

Photo of Diana Aldabergenova

Hands for Humanity is a social impact initiative that addresses global inequalities in access to education, clean water, and child protection. The project aims to promote children’s rights and social justice through awareness campaigns, volunteer engagement, and educational outreach.

I grew up believing that education is not a privilege - it is a right. That access to clean water is not luck - it is a necessity. That having a parent to guide and protect you is not a privilege - it is a fundamental part of human dignity. My initiative for equality began while volunteering as a teacher for children with disabilities. Those hours reshaped my sense of empathy and inclusion, revealing the deeper meaning of connection beyond what society deems “normal”. From there, I became involved in food drives and community programs supporting children living in poverty, carrying the initiative I began in my homeland of Kazakhstan to the United States. 

Over the fall semester of 2025, I had the privilege of organizing a Social Justice Month event focused on child welfare and community action. Together with volunteers, we folded 101 origami cranes for children in need, facilitated puppy adoptions, collected toy donations, and raised $250 through a bake sale - all to support initiatives that protect and empower children. I also designed and led workshops for Pace University students on topics such as Children’s Rights, Multilateralism, and Volunteer Etiquette & Child Protection 101, encouraging students to become advocates for equity in education and child welfare.

The Millennium Fellowship introduced me to my second family, where all young leaders understand the necessity of a human-centric approach in building the future. Leadership is not about dominance or recognition - it is about serving others with integrity and compassion. True impact begins when we lead not for ourselves, but for humanity as a whole.

Why should we care about children living in poverty? Because we have the power and the obligation to make a difference.

Every child holds the potential to thrive when surrounded by care, education, and safety. Poverty should never determine destiny. When we protect children, we safeguard the future of humanity itself. We are responsible for our future generation. 

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Article written by: Diana Aldabergenova

Millennium Fellowship Class of 2025

Pace University, USA