Legatum invests grant capital to alleviate human suffering caused by war, famine and other disasters. At times this amounts to funding basic needs such as shelter, food and water, but Legatum also funds projects that draw the world's attention to ongoing crises that demand a response but suffer from a lack of media attention.
One example is in Northern Uganda which has faced twenty years of war and displaced more than 2 million people. Prior to the recent peace talks, Legatum invested in a documentary film production and awareness campaign about child soldiers caught up in the conflict, called "Invisible Children". To date, more than one million people have seen the documentary, with 335,000 people per month visiting the Invisible Children website www.invisiblechildren.com.
Since the ceasefire in August 2006, new initiatives have helped displaced families to return home and reintegrate into their communities. Programmes include the rebuilding of schools, providing counselling and healthcare, offering vocational training, and microloans.
Helping Burma to recover from Cyclone Nargis
Cyclone Nargis swept across Myanmar on May 2nd and 3rd 2008. It is estimated that some 146,000 people died in the disaster with 55,000 still missing. Most of those who perished were killed by a 3.5 metre storm surge that swept inland up the Ayerwady Delta which when combined with winds of 190 kph proved a fatal cocktail.
The Ayerwady Delta is the ‘rice bowl’ of Burma and recognising the likely devastation that was to follow the cyclone, Legatum determined that the most effective intervention was in the early recovery phase. The initial plan made 4,500 cash grants of $100 for livestocking (mostly ducks), repair and replacement fishing gear and small scale trading. The implementer was able to work in 123 villages to restore livelihoods and reach over 5,600 families.