About OPED International Foundation

The idea for OPED International Foundation was born out of a deep commitment to address the most pressing issues facing vulnerable populations around the world: the lack of access to protection, education, and the opportunity for individual development—all of which are fundamental for the long-term community development that is critical for breaking cycles of poverty and injustice.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of working in various parts of the world — from rural communities in Asia to refugee encampments in Eastern Europe, and each experience has underscored one undeniable truth: the people most affected by inequality and human rights abuses are also the most resourceful and resilient. Yet, despite their strength and potential, they often lack the tools, support, and opportunities to create lasting change in their lives and communities. 

In these communities, the challenges are multifaceted: 

Protection: Countless vulnerable individuals, particularly women, children, and marginalized groups, endure daily threats of violence, exploitation, and neglect. In many regions, institutional safeguards are either weak or nonexistent, leaving people without protection or recourse. Children grow up in unsafe environments, while adults often remain trapped in cycles of abuse, discrimination, and systemic injustice. These realities erode dignity and stifle potential, perpetuating a tragic norm.

Education: Education is not only a basic human right but also a powerful catalyst for broader societal advancement. Despite its transformative potential, millions of children—particularly in developing countries—are deprived of access to quality education due to inadequate infrastructure, insufficient resources, or basic necessities like safe transportation and school supplies. Without education, the path to economic empowerment and social mobility remains out of reach for many, leaving entire generations ill-prepared to confront the challenges they face.

Individual Development: The potential for transformative change exists within every individual. Whether it’s a young girl aspiring to become a doctor or an adult seeking vocational training, the right opportunities can unlock remarkable potential. Yet, in underserved communities, access to mentorship, career training, and personal development is often nonexistent. This lack of investment in human potential perpetuates a cycle of untapped talent and missed opportunities for growth and innovation

Community Development: Ultimately, individuals do not exist in isolation; lasting change extends beyond the individual to the collective. Communities thrive when they are empowered with the skills, knowledge, and resources to drive their own development. True progress requires holistic solutions that address not only individual needs but also the social, cultural, and economic structures within a community. 

Building resilient communities demands a long-term commitment to fostering education, safety, and empowerment at every level.

While the scale of these challenges may seem daunting, they are not insurmountable. This is why I founded OPED International Foundation —a platform dedicated to fostering protection, education, and individual development.

At the heart of our mission lies a simple yet powerful conviction: empowered individuals create empowered communities.

Together, we can dismantle the barriers that hold people back, unlocking potential and creating pathways to a more just, equitable, and thriving future.

- GARUSHA KATOCH

  (Founder/CEO)

Every day, we see the difference that a single act of empowerment can make. A scholarship that enables a child to stay in school. A vocational training program that helps an adult gain new skills and find employment. A community initiative that gives local leaders the tools to address their own challenges. 

This is why OPED International Foundation exists: to create opportunities for people to thrive, to protect those who are most vulnerable, and to empower individuals to become agents of change in their communities. Our work is about providing hope—hope that through education and protection, individuals can transform their lives, and through development, they can build stronger, safer, and more prosperous communities. 

The journey is long, and the road is difficult, but with your support, we can make lasting change possible. By investing in protection, education, and individual development, we are not just changing lives—we are changing the future