Google Targets Slavery with Year-End Donation
Google on Wednesday targeted slavery and women's education in holiday season donations tallying $40 million.
The charity came in the form of grants to nonprofit groups or academic institutions supporting education, technology, or the fight against slavery, according to Shona Brown, a senior vice president at the Internet titan's Google.org philanthropic arm.
"Modern day slavery is a multi-billion dollar industry that ruins the lives of around 27 million people," Brown said in a blog post. "So we're funding a number of groups that are working to tackle the problem."
She gave the example of backing for a coalition being formed in India by International Justice Mission, Aide et Action, and other groups.
"It will work on the ground with governments to stop slave labor by identifying the ring masters, documenting abuse, freeing individuals and providing them with therapy as well as job training," Brown said.
Google.org grants also went to science- and engineering-oriented programs such as Generating Genius in Britain and Citizen Schools in the United States.
She estimated that grants would provide science, technology, engineering and math education for more than three million students.
"In addition, we're supporting girls' education in the developing world," Brown said. "By giving a girl an education, you not only improve her opportunities, but those of her whole family."
Google money will back merit scholarships for women in Africa and literacy classes for women and girls in Afghanistan.
The grants represent only a portion of the more than $115 million that the California firm has directed to nonprofit groups and academic institutions globally this year, according to Brown.
Google also donated more than a billion dollars worth of free products and services, she said.
Source: Agence France Presse
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