35 Years of Good Change for the World
This year, Good Neighbors celebrates 35 years of empowering people and transforming communities around the world.
Founded in South Korea in 1991, Good Neighbors has grown into a global humanitarian and development organization working across more than 50 countries and 200 communities globally. What began as a vision of a world without hunger has evolved into a global movement that works alongside individuals, families, and communities to strengthen sustainable and self-reliant futures.
A Global Journey of Impact
From its first overseas project in Bangladesh to global partnerships and community-led development initiatives today, Good Neighbors has continued to grow alongside the communities it engages with. Efforts in education, health and WASH, food security, child protection, and economic empowerment are supporting locally driven progress and long-term resilience. Over 12.2 million people have been reached, with 218,000 children supported through sponsorship programs, contributing to stronger outcomes for both individuals and their communities.
This work is rooted in collaboration. Good Neighbors works alongside global partners such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), contributing to shared efforts aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and strengthening collective impact across regions.
Good Neighbours Canada (GNCA) has been part of this shared journey since 2017. Based in Toronto, GNCA supports initiatives both locally and globally, working alongside partners and communities to expand access to opportunities and essential resources.
At the heart of this work is a simple but powerful belief. When even one child is empowered, families and communities grow stronger together.
A Story of Change
Across the communities Good Neighbors works with, this is reflected in everyday stories of inclusion and growth.
In Tajikistan, schools in areas like Vahdat are welcoming children from diverse backgrounds, including families who have recently arrived from Afghanistan. Through a partnership between Good Neighbors Tajikistan and UNICEF, efforts focus on strengthening collaboration across education, health, and social systems to support safe and inclusive learning environments.
For students like Irshod, a 16-year-old who arrived from Afghanistan, this has created opportunities to engage and build confidence within his school community.
“This project gave students the confidence to say: My voice matters. My safety matters. My rights matter.”
His experience reflects how community-based approaches can support children in adapting and finding their place.
This is one of many stories that reflect the impact of working alongside communities to strengthen systems and expand access to opportunities, empowering self-reliant sustainability.
To learn more, read the full story.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate this milestone, we reflect both on the past and on the shared journey that continues ahead. This work is made possible through the collective support of individuals, families, and communities who choose to stand alongside one another.
Your support continues to shape the next wave of change.
Together, we can make the world a place where people live in dignity and harmony.
