Progressio UK

Established in 1940 by lay Catholics, Progressio was an international development charity, working in several developing countries in Africa, Middle East, Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean, supporting poor and marginalised people, particularly women, to empower themselves to find their own ways out of poverty and inequality. Progressio did this by sharing practical skills with local partner organisations through expert development workers, and by challenging unjust international policies affecting their lives and bringing the voices of grassroots communities to UK, EU and UN decision makers and audiences, through policy and advocacy work. From 2011-2016, Progressio ran a successful adult volunteering programme overseas - International Citizen Service, where national and UK volunteers worked together on community development projects. In 2016, in light of the challenging funding environment, Progressio’s Board of Trustees decided to close the organisation on 31 March 2017. After more than 76 years of pioneering work, Progressio leaves an impressive track record of achievements and a proud legacy.