Make Poverty History

The gap between the world's rich and poor has never been wider. Malnutrition, HIV/AIDS, conflict and illiteracy are a daily reality for millions.

Throughout 2005 Y Care International formed part of the Make Poverty History coalition - a unique UK alliance of charities, trade unions, campaigning groups, faith communities, and celebrities who came together to tackle global poverty in 2005.

The Make Poverty History coalition called for three things: Trade Justice. Drop the Debt. More and Better Aid.

What made the campaign different was the focus on action, not cash. It was about tackling poverty through justice, not charity.

Over 225,000 people turned out in Edinburgh on Saturday 2 July and took part in the world's largest human white band around the city centre. Young people from YMCAs across the UK and Ireland formed a significant part of the demonstration. Read about their involvement

As 2005 drew to a close, young people from YMCAs across the UK and Ireland reflected on their involvement in Make Poverty History and called upon governments to turn their promises into action. Read their open letter to world leaders

Keep campaigning

Just because 2005 is over there's no reason to stop campaigning to make poverty history.

• Visit the Make Poverty History website and find out how you can continue to campaign to end poverty
• Show your support for Fair Trade by buying a pair of fairly traded pants from Pants to Poverty

Pants to Poverty, set up by the youth and students' working group of Make Poverty History seeks to challenge injustice by creating ethical alternatives. All of the money generated by selling the pants will be invested in making its supply chains as perfect as possible and getting the message for Fair Trade heard louder than ever before.