About Us

Connecting Humanity advocates for and provides internet access as a human right, especially for access to information and freedom of expression.

We support those in need, including immigrants, students, artists, journalists, people in conflict zones and athletes. Internet access provides benefits through: increased access to education, combating disinformation, supporting human rights, improving health and wellbeing and supporting social connections and economic growth.

Connecting Humanity is a registered charity based in Portugal.

Connecting Humanity is run by Mirna El Helbawi and her team of volunteers.

Mirna El Helbawi

eSIMs for Gaza

Our largest project provides people in Gaza with internet access. Since October 2023, people in Gaza have been cut off from the internet by Israeli bombing and blocking. Almost every photo you have seen from Gaza since then has come through an eSIM, a virtual SIM card, which connects people to the internet. Connecting Humanity has provided over 450,000 eSIMs to people in Gaza through donations.

Mirna El Helbawi

Mirna talking to Al Jazeera about the project.

In September of 2024 Mirna received the Electronic Frontier Foundation Award for her efforts in sending over 450,000 eSIMs, equivalent to 10 Million USD.

Connecting Humanity was recognised for the United Nations World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes 2025

Our work has been covered in