My gala speech

Jane, Executive Director, gave the opening speech at the 2026 Gala.

The theme for this evening is simple, but powerful: Together, we can make a difference. And it’s not just a slogan—it is true and your presence tonight makes it a reality.

You are here to understand the impact of our work. And more importantly—to be part of it.
You are here to learn about the real people behind our work, behind every decision. 
People like Anastasia, who transformed her life from uncertainty to independence. 
Today, she runs her own vegetable business in Nairobi, supports her family, and sends her children to school. She no longer has to live off others. It’s not just survival—it’s a better future and it is dignity.
Or Soh Meh, who grew up in a village in Myanmar without ever knowing that women have rights. Imagine that. 
She learnt about human rights. And now? She has not only claimed those rights for herself—she has gone on to create two women’s groups, empowering others to do the same. This is more than change—it is transformation.

In a world filled with difficult headlines, it’s natural to ask: What can I do?
We need something positive and your attendance here tonight is positive. It is a step toward hope.
The reality is this: governments are pulling back. Large international organizations are stretched thin, as they are forced to prioritize crises over long-term change.
But organizations like REI—we can act. We are not weighed down by bureaucracy. We can listen. We can respond. We can ensure that every contribution is meaningful and effective.

Just last week, we made a difficult decision to send funds to a kindergarten in Lebanon that we’ve supported for years. In uncertain conditions, we asked ourselves: Will it reach them? Will it truly be effective?
And the answer matters—because those funds are more than money.
They mean children can continue learning, laughing, and simply being children—an important distraction even in the midst of instability. They mean teachers, who are refugees themselves, can use their skills, earn a livelihood, and find purpose. And beyond that, the teachers works with the families, bringing people together and creating connections so people do not feel so alone. 

This ripple effect serves to unite and build a community even in uncertainty.

In Myanmar, our support has provided 965 baby kits to mothers hiding in jungles and remote villages. That alone is impactful – it feels nice! But it needs to do more than that and it does. Through this programme the community workers have organised workshops that reached nearly 9,100 people—sharing knowledge, building confidence, strengthening entire communities.

Again—the ripple effect.

Accountability matters to us. Every project we support, every dollar/yen we receive—we ensure it creates real, measurable impact. We make sure we can look you in the eye and show you exactly how your support changes lives.
Because stronger communities benefit all of us.
At our core, we are not so different. We all share the same desire to live with dignity, with purpose, with hope.
And when we learn from refugees—their resilience, their determination—we don’t just support them. We grow ourselves.
Despite unimaginable challenges… despite limited freedom and opportunity… they continue to hope. To plan. To build.
And that is something we can all learn from.

So tonight, remember: your presence matters. Your support matters. And together—truly—we can make a difference.