Hidden beneath cutting-edge industries, technological advancements and economic resilience, Japan’s working poor is rising. Due to a lack of visibility and cultural stigma, many workers in Japan are left struggling without any safety net or means of improving their circumstances.
The Reality of the Working Poor
The term “working poor” originated in the United States (U.S.) and refers to individuals who remain below the poverty line despite being employed. More than 30% of employed individuals in Japan fall into this category. Those most affected include younger workers earning lower wages, graduates unable to secure stable employment and middle-to-older generations with limited access to skills development.
A significant factor contributing to the growing population of Japan’s working poor is the decline of Shūshin koyō or lifetime employment. This traditionally guarantees job stability from graduation to retirement. In contrast, there has been an increasing shift toward temporary and contract-based employment, leaving workers vulnerable to financial instability. Budget cuts, particularly within Japan’s civil service, have also led to an increase in irregular jobs that offer lower wages and uncertain futures.
Japan’s economic stagnation has exacerbated financial insecurity, reducing the government’s role in providing social welfare and emphasizing individual responsibility more. As irregular work contracts become more common, private pensions and health care benefits decline, leaving workers unprotected. Critics say “years of deregulation of the labor market and competition with low-wage China have brought a proliferation of such low-paying jobs in Japan. These jobs are “largely uncovered by an outdated social safety net, created decades ago as a last resort in an era when most men could expect lifetime jobs,” compounding the circumstances of Japan’s working poor.
Cultural Barriers
With 80% of those living in poverty included in Japan’s working poor, the country’s deeply ingrained societal norms further complicate matters. The stigma surrounding financial struggle discourages individuals from seeking government aid, even when entitled to assistance. Many people avoid discussing poverty due to concerns about social judgment or personal shame.
The concept of “invisible homelessness” is on the rise. Financially unstable workers, though employed, often resort to living in internet cafés rather than renting permanent housing. The bureaucratic complexity of accessing public assistance discourages individuals from getting the needed help.
Efforts to Combat the Issue
Government intervention has played a role in alleviating poverty through tax reforms and welfare policies. However, historically, Japan has emphasized family and community-based support rather than direct state intervention. Many relief laws, such as the 1874 Relief Regulations and the 1929 Relief and Protection Law, limited aid to only the most vulnerable individuals while excluding the working poor.
However, Japan’s welfare programs have expanded since the Daily Life Security Law (1946, revised 1950). Policymakers have now reviewed plans to increase Japan’s spousal tax deduction threshold to help relieve household financial pressures further. Additionally, in October 2021, Japan’s minimum wage increased from approximately $6.3 to $6.4. For context, Japan’s average loaf of bread costs roughly $1.58. Many argue, therefore, that this minimum wage must be increased further or that a universal “basic income” should be introduced. This would mean that the Japanese government would provide every individual with a standard fund needed to live.
However, this is contentious as there is, as yet, no other country in the world with such a system. There are concerns over where the funds could come from and objections because it could reduce the country’s work ethic. Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) also play a vital role in supporting struggling workers. Groups such as the Moyai Support Center in Tokyo and HomeDoor in Osaka provide housing assistance, job training and community advocacy efforts. However, as these organizations are only local to certain cities and with the perpetuation of stigma, there are still members of Japan’s working poor who need help.
Key Takeaways
Japan’s working poor continue to face economic uncertainty exacerbated by stagnating wages, irregular employment contracts and deeply ingrained cultural stigma. While governmental policies and NGO efforts aim to combat the issue, lasting change requires systemic reform and societal shifts.
Expanding employment assistance can help workers transition to stable jobs with better pay and benefits and strengthening vocational training will also improve their chances of securing steady work. Critics maintain that increased state involvement is paramount for protecting wages and benefits, regardless of employment type.
Greater awareness and open conversations about financial struggles are critical for breaking the stigmas that reinforce the cycles of poverty. By fostering a culture of support and advocacy, Japan could create a future where no worker is left to struggle in financial hardship.
– Amber Lennox
Amber is based in Suffolk, UK and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Pexels
Bolsa Família: Poverty Alleviation in Brazil
Hunger Reduction
With the provided cash offerings, many families who had previously suffered from hunger have food security. Last year, the Brazilian Ministry of Social Development and Assistance, Family and the Fight Against Hunger (MDS) gave $30 billion to needy families through the Bolsa Família.
Improved Health and Education
For years, youth mortality rates in Brazil remained high, mainly due to limited access to routine checkups and vaccinations. In response, the Bolsa Família program introduced conditional cash transfers, requiring families to take their children for regular medical visits to receive financial support. So far, more than eight million people have benefited from the initiative, which strongly emphasizes improving family health care.
Furthermore, the initiative has increased educational development with evidence of higher enrollment and academic successes from disadvantaged citizens. A prominent aim of Bolsa Família is to stop children from inheriting the poverty their parents endured by focusing funds toward advancing schooling. As a result, the school enrollment rate has increased by 5.5-6.5%. Similarly, the dropout rates declined by 0.4 and 0.5 points and the grade promotion rate increased by 0.4-0.5 points.
Women Empowerment
Career training and greater access to social assistance programs have opened new job opportunities for women and provided affordable child care services. Women make up 54% of Brazil’s conditional cash transfer program beneficiaries, an investment widely seen as one of the most effective ways to empower women. With increased autonomy, many can now make informed decisions about family planning, creating ripple effects that improve their long-term well-being.
Eliminating Child Labor
Since their consolidation into the Bolsa Família program, initiatives like Bolsa Escola, Bolsa Alimentação, Cartão Alimentação, Auxílio-Gás and the Child Labor Eradication Program have significantly contributed to reducing child labor in Brazil. In 2023, the government reinstated Bolsa Família, enhancing financial support to low-income families. Eligible households now receive approximately R$150 (about $30) per month for each child under age 6, bolstering assistance to vulnerable communities.
What’s Next?
The Bolsa Família program has had a global impact, serving as a model for other countries seeking to address the challenges of poverty and prevent its persistence. Looking ahead to 2030, the program aims to remove Brazil from the Hunger Map while significantly reducing nutritional insecurity across the country.
The goal is to increase disposable income to result in more grocery shopping, recognizing those needing protection and engaging the government to collaborate to eradicate hunger. The program’s lifespan has made a world of a difference to many lives for nearly 23 years and will continue its efforts of poverty alleviation in Brazil.
– Melody Aminian
Photo: Flickr
Prevention Strategies: Malaria in Africa
Geographic Burden and Progress
Countries near the equator, such as Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and Mozambique, face the highest malaria burden. Nigeria alone recorded about 68 million infections. However, prevention efforts across the continent have prevented an estimated 2.2 billion cases and 12.7 million deaths globally, with most of those malaria cases projected to occur in Africa. Some countries have made significant progress. In Rwanda, for example, malaria cases dropped from 4.9 million in 2019 to 749,000 in 2023. Rwanda’s success stems from its focus on high-risk areas, expanded access to free treatment for adults and vaccination programs for children.
Poverty and Risk Factors
Beyond humid weather conditions, poverty plays a major role in malaria transmission. In Nigeria, many families lack access to mosquito nets, insect repellents or screened housing. Poor working conditions also increase exposure. More than 60% of Nigerians work in agriculture and another 9% in trade, professions that require early morning and evening hours outdoors when mosquitoes are most active. Educational barriers further exacerbate the problem. People without formal schooling are less likely to understand malaria transmission or prevention, making them more vulnerable. If left unchecked, malaria disrupts livelihoods, increases health care costs and perpetuates the poverty cycle.
Vaccination and Treatment Strategies
In 2021, the RTS, S/AS01 malaria vaccine became the first to receive a World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation for widespread use. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supported this rollout, citing the vaccine’s effectiveness in reducing malaria incidence and child mortality. In pilot programs, the vaccine decreased malaria in children by 30% and reduced overall mortality by 13%, even in areas with high usage of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs).
Alongside vaccination, the CDC also promotes LLINs as an effective physical and chemical barrier against mosquitoes. These nets remain a cornerstone of malaria prevention, especially in rural and high-risk regions. For those already infected, Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) offer a fast-acting solution. Derived from the sweet wormwood plant, Artemisinin targets the malaria parasite in its blood phase, often clearing the infection within hours when administered intravenously. While not preventative, it remains critical for reducing symptoms and preventing severe illness.
Controlling the Source
Anopheles stephensi, a mosquito species resistant to insecticides and active during daylight, has spread to countries like Djibouti. After nearly eradicating malaria in 2012, Djibouti saw a resurgence of 73,000 cases by 2020 due to the insect’s rapid spread. To counter this, the United States (U.S.)-based company Oxitec released tens of thousands genetically modified (GM) male mosquitoes in Djibouti in 2025. These mosquitoes cannot bite or transmit disease. When they mate with wild females, the female dies shortly after, reducing the mosquito population. Although still in early stages, this approach could offer long-term benefits for vector control across East Africa.
A Path Forward
Malaria prevention has evolved through vaccines, targeted treatment, insecticide-treated nets and now genetic engineering. However, continued investment in education, infrastructure and health care access remains crucial. By tackling malaria transmission and its root causes, public health strategies not only save lives but also create pathways out of poverty for millions across Africa.
– Abegail Buchan
Photo: Flickr
The Hidden Struggles of Japan’s Working Poor
The Reality of the Working Poor
The term “working poor” originated in the United States (U.S.) and refers to individuals who remain below the poverty line despite being employed. More than 30% of employed individuals in Japan fall into this category. Those most affected include younger workers earning lower wages, graduates unable to secure stable employment and middle-to-older generations with limited access to skills development.
A significant factor contributing to the growing population of Japan’s working poor is the decline of Shūshin koyō or lifetime employment. This traditionally guarantees job stability from graduation to retirement. In contrast, there has been an increasing shift toward temporary and contract-based employment, leaving workers vulnerable to financial instability. Budget cuts, particularly within Japan’s civil service, have also led to an increase in irregular jobs that offer lower wages and uncertain futures.
Japan’s economic stagnation has exacerbated financial insecurity, reducing the government’s role in providing social welfare and emphasizing individual responsibility more. As irregular work contracts become more common, private pensions and health care benefits decline, leaving workers unprotected. Critics say “years of deregulation of the labor market and competition with low-wage China have brought a proliferation of such low-paying jobs in Japan. These jobs are “largely uncovered by an outdated social safety net, created decades ago as a last resort in an era when most men could expect lifetime jobs,” compounding the circumstances of Japan’s working poor.
Cultural Barriers
With 80% of those living in poverty included in Japan’s working poor, the country’s deeply ingrained societal norms further complicate matters. The stigma surrounding financial struggle discourages individuals from seeking government aid, even when entitled to assistance. Many people avoid discussing poverty due to concerns about social judgment or personal shame.
The concept of “invisible homelessness” is on the rise. Financially unstable workers, though employed, often resort to living in internet cafés rather than renting permanent housing. The bureaucratic complexity of accessing public assistance discourages individuals from getting the needed help.
Efforts to Combat the Issue
Government intervention has played a role in alleviating poverty through tax reforms and welfare policies. However, historically, Japan has emphasized family and community-based support rather than direct state intervention. Many relief laws, such as the 1874 Relief Regulations and the 1929 Relief and Protection Law, limited aid to only the most vulnerable individuals while excluding the working poor.
However, Japan’s welfare programs have expanded since the Daily Life Security Law (1946, revised 1950). Policymakers have now reviewed plans to increase Japan’s spousal tax deduction threshold to help relieve household financial pressures further. Additionally, in October 2021, Japan’s minimum wage increased from approximately $6.3 to $6.4. For context, Japan’s average loaf of bread costs roughly $1.58. Many argue, therefore, that this minimum wage must be increased further or that a universal “basic income” should be introduced. This would mean that the Japanese government would provide every individual with a standard fund needed to live.
However, this is contentious as there is, as yet, no other country in the world with such a system. There are concerns over where the funds could come from and objections because it could reduce the country’s work ethic. Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) also play a vital role in supporting struggling workers. Groups such as the Moyai Support Center in Tokyo and HomeDoor in Osaka provide housing assistance, job training and community advocacy efforts. However, as these organizations are only local to certain cities and with the perpetuation of stigma, there are still members of Japan’s working poor who need help.
Key Takeaways
Japan’s working poor continue to face economic uncertainty exacerbated by stagnating wages, irregular employment contracts and deeply ingrained cultural stigma. While governmental policies and NGO efforts aim to combat the issue, lasting change requires systemic reform and societal shifts.
Expanding employment assistance can help workers transition to stable jobs with better pay and benefits and strengthening vocational training will also improve their chances of securing steady work. Critics maintain that increased state involvement is paramount for protecting wages and benefits, regardless of employment type.
Greater awareness and open conversations about financial struggles are critical for breaking the stigmas that reinforce the cycles of poverty. By fostering a culture of support and advocacy, Japan could create a future where no worker is left to struggle in financial hardship.
– Amber Lennox
Photo: Pexels
A Framework for Change: Akokán Fighting Poverty Through Art
While Cuba has a history of overcoming challenges, these challenges have become more and more frequent in recent years. Since the pandemic in 2019, the Cuban economy has struggled to bounce back, with inflation recently estimated to be at 30%. However, spiralling prices are not the only worry for Cubans. Powerful storms regularly hit the island, leading to blackouts due to the outdated Soviet-era power grids. As such, food insecurity has become a big concern on the island, with some estimating that as much as 37.8% of the population is food insecure.
The sugar industry, for example, has declined significantly since 1959, with more than 160 mills reduced to just 20 in 2024. This has resulted in the island importing a product it once dominated. And, with a population of 8.62 million (2023) that shrank by 18% in just two years, brain drain and an aging population have significantly impacted economic output.
The Role of Art in Cuba
Since the Special Period in the 1990s, resilience has become a core element of Cuban identity. Despite recent government efforts to limit artists who seek to raise awareness about the economic difficulties on the island, art has become a vehicle for hope and innovation in Cuba.
What makes Cuban art distinctive is its tendency to use daily objects and turn them into thought-provoking works that deal with themes of struggle and paradox. Yoan Capote, for example, uses oil-based paints with fishing hooks to explore the theme of migration in Cuban culture and the dangers associated with crossing the sea.
Beyond the artwork, the galleries encompass the Cuban spirit of renewal, as the popular Fábrica de Arte (Vedado, Havana) demonstrated: a previously run-down cooking oil factory that became a gallery for emerging and established artists. The space stands as a source of hope for generations in Cuba as it celebrates artistic creation in an environment of economic downturn and struggle.
Akokán
Art is a source of hope and expression in times of difficulty in Cuba. However, some organizations have gone the extra mile to channel the island’s artistic wealth into the most marginalized communities. In 2016, a group of professors and students from the Colegio Universitario San Gerónimo in Havana formed a project called Akokán.
This historical, cultural and environmental project aims to bring out the creative potential of the people from Los Pocitos. Los Pocitos is a community on the outskirts of Havana that faces growing violence, unemployment, housing insecurity and a lack of public spaces. Across the enormous scope of meaningful projects Akokán has delivered, Dame una Mano (lend me a hand) uses urban art for social transformation and strengthening identity.
Additionally, Akokán holds an annual event in Los Pocitos, which celebrates the artistic and innovative achievements of the community.
A Framework for Change
Mass migration, food insecurity and poverty are just a few challenges Cuba faces today. However, a by-product of such a struggle is artistic excellence. What distinguishes Cuban art is its inherent capacity to adapt to societal needs by working with rather than against. Historically, during economic downturns, Cubans have found innovative ways to improve their daily lives. However, a sense of hope manifests through art, culture and conservation.
– Alfie Williams-Hughes
Photo: Pexels
Women Coders: Empowering Women in Ethiopia
Fast forward to the global tech boom of the 2000s and Africa now represents the fastest-growing region for technology worldwide—an enormous opportunity for poverty alleviation through economic growth and increased market access. But as the tech sector grows, gender disparities also widen. In Ethiopia, the digital economy has magnified decades-old inequalities in income, leadership and opportunity.
The Feminization of Poverty
With a population nearing 127 million, Ethiopia ranks as Africa’s second most populous country and one of its fastest-growing economies. Yet, approximately 69% of the population—about 82 million people—live in multidimensional poverty. Additionally, 18.4% or more than 22 million Ethiopians remain vulnerable to poverty. Women in Ethiopia are particularly affected, facing a unique phenomenon known as the feminization of poverty, a concept representing the disproportionate number of women facing debilitating barriers to personal development. The following statistics reflect systemic barriers:
These gaps cost the country an estimated $3.7 billion annually, underscoring the economic consequences of gender inequality.
Tech Training for a New Generation
In Ethiopia, where only half of all primary school girls reach fifth grade, forging a new path to sustainability and financial independence for future generations of women is critical. SheCodes, in partnership with the Delac Foundation, provides a tech-based solution to these ongoing challenges.
The initiative offers coding education to 5,000 Ethiopian women, delivering free online workshops in front-end development, product design and project management. Indeed, with every purchase at SheCodes, one Ethiopian woman receives free coding education through online workshops focusing on product development, design and management.
Founded in 2017 by Matt Delac, SheCodes initially started as an idea supporting only 10 female students. Almost a decade later, SheCodes has provided online training to more than 235,000 women, of whom 2,257 reside in Ethiopia and across 191 developing countries.
Closing the Gender Gap Through Technology
The program’s work includes growing the number of women coders seeking professional and career development by boosting female participation in technology. This increased involvement is pivotal in poverty reduction, driving economic growth and the continued ascent of women and their families.
Research from the World Bank demonstrated how helping women break into the male-dominated digital and tech sector improves income, raises employment and creates new opportunities for all. The Harvard University Center for African Studies demonstrated how women-led tech firms experienced a 34% higher return on investment than those led solely by men. With one coding class at a time, SheCodes bridges the employment and wage gap, equipping aspiring women coders in Ethiopia with the skills to build a better future.
Looking Ahead
Mental Health in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
The government of SVG continues to make efforts to advance treatment for mental health conditions. Although increasing care and resources for the mental health community in SVG has been difficult, it has made improvements.
Mental Health and Post-Colonialism
Colonialism has had a long-lasting impact on trauma-based mental health struggles. The legacy of colonial-era psychiatry shaped social stigmas around mental health diagnosis and care. For example, enslaved Africans brought to the Caribbean were diagnosed as mentally ill if they tried to escape their masters. Post-abolition psychiatric treatments included locking patients in asylums, away from society. However, a broader, more comprehensive approach to reframing mental health diagnosis and care can help overcome stigma.
The Mental Health Centre
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has one psychiatric hospital called the Mental Health Centre. The colonial British Government was built it in 1938 to keep psychiatric patients away from society. It was designed to house 90 patients.
The center serves a different purpose today. It provides inpatient, outpatient and drug rehabilitation services. It can now house more than 160 inpatients. As of 2020, the total number of hospital admissions was 401, with 387 being involuntary. About 29.4% of inpatients stayed in the center for less than a year.
Schizophrenia, substance abuse and related disorders, such as psychosis, are the main mental health conditions that receive treatment in SVG. As of 2020, out of 1,125 treated cases of psychosis, 954 were men and 171 were women.
Suicidal behavior among Vincentian adolescents is disproportionately high at 26%. Economic class disparities, substance use, being bullied, access to mental health services and loneliness are all risk factors.
Legislation
SVG passed the Mental Health Act in 1981 and amended in 1991. It includes sections for admission to the psychiatric hospital, mental review board, approved homes, and protection of property of persons suffering from mental disorders.
Psychiatrist Shortage in SVG
The shortage of psychiatrists in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is alarming. The Saint Vincent Times explained in an April 7, 2025 article, “The recruitment of mental health professionals is hindered by various factors, including limited resources, inadequate incentives and the growing global competition for qualified psychiatrists.” The government of SVG is aware of this issue and is working to recruit qualified mental health professionals.
Government Efforts To Improve Mental Health in SVG
The government, led by Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, recognizes that mental health services in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are still weak. Gonsalves has expressed the importance of providing mental health support to marginalized groups such as prisoners and disaster survivors.
About 6% of the government’s health expenditure goes to mental health care. Mental health services and medication in SVG are free of cost to patients and national health insurance covers them. However, it is a cost to the state. The state’s limited resources continue to be a challenge to improving mental health services for Vincentians. Additionally, the stress of poverty and lack of employment leads to increased depression, anxiety, and other mental health struggles.
Examples of mental health programs implemented by the government include Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health and Suicide Awareness and Psychological First Aid and counseling.
Conclusion
Although SVG has made progress, mental health in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines still has a long way to go. Ongoing efforts to address poverty, increase mental health awareness, fund mental health programs and recruit mental health professionals will help close the gaps in SVG mental health care needs.
– Vijji Michael
Photo: Wikipedia Commons
Making Mental Health in Global Aid a Priority
Mental Health in Crisis Settings
Access to mental health care remains limited in many low-income countries. In Syria, more than half of displaced children report symptoms of depression and anxiety, but only a small portion receive psychological support, as reported by Médecins Sans Frontières. Children with untreated mental health conditions often struggle in school. Adults experiencing psychological trauma may find it difficult to participate in the workforce, while entire communities suffer from weakened social cohesion. These ongoing challenges perpetuate the cycle of poverty.
A Shift Toward Integrated Solutions
Several organizations now recognize the value of integrating mental health into humanitarian aid. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) equips local health workers in Lebanon and South Sudan with training in psychological first aid and ongoing mental health care. This approach ensures sustainability and culturally appropriate care while reducing stigma.
In Nepal, Transcultural Psychosocial Organization (TPO) runs community-based mental health programs that are both cost-effective and scalable. By training teachers, social workers and community leaders to identify and refer individuals with mental health needs, TPO Nepal ensures that services reach even the most remote areas. These community-based models improve sustainability and reduce stigma.
Mental Health Crisis Among Marginalized Groups
Even in high-income nations, marginalized communities face significant mental health challenges. Indigenous groups in Canada and Australia report high rates of suicide and depression linked to intergenerational trauma and systemic neglect. A 2023 report by the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues called for culturally grounded mental health services as part of international development partnerships.
In British Columbia, Canada’s First Nations Health Authority has launched community-led healing programs rooted in Indigenous traditions. These initiatives, supported in part by development funding, serve as a model for mental health in global aid that respects cultural identity while addressing clinical needs.
Likewise, refugee communities in Europe face significant barriers to mental health care. Programs like the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Network bridge the gap by providing trauma-informed therapy to displaced people from Syria, Afghanistan and other war-torn countries.
The Economic and Social Payoff
According to the World Bank, each dollar invested in mental health generates a $4 return through better health outcomes and increased productivity. According to the WHO, untreated depression and anxiety in low-income countries cost $1 trillion annually. Moreover, mental health support enhances the effectiveness of other aid sectors. For instance, in education, children receiving psychosocial support are more likely to stay in school. In post-conflict reconstruction, communities with mental health services are better equipped to rebuild trust and social infrastructure.
Moving Forward
Expanding the role of mental health in humanitarian aid involves increasing financial investment, integrating psychological support into broader health initiatives and supporting community-based, culturally informed services. Training local health workers can potentially improve the accessibility and continuity of care while helping reduce stigma. As humanitarian needs become more complex, aligning mental health with long-term development efforts could enhance the overall effectiveness and sustainability of global aid.
– Rhasna Albuquerque
Photo: Flickr
Tajikistan Migration: Solutions for Families Left Behind
In response, international organizations and the Tajik government are shifting focus from emergency support to sustainable progress. They’re investing in programs that empower women, support children and help returning migrants reintegrate. These efforts mark a significant initiative in addressing Tajikistan’s migration and development.
Empowerment of Families Left Behind
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), women and children in Tajikistan often face increased emotional and economic hardship when male family members migrate for work. In rural areas, where formal employment opportunities are limited, women must take on new responsibilities, often without support or resources.
To address this, in August 2021, the United Nations (U.N.), in collaboration with the Government of Tajikistan, launched a Joint Program titled “Empowerment of Families Left Behind for Improved Migration Outcomes” in the Khatlon region. The program aimed to support families affected by labor migration, particularly in the Kulob and Dusti districts.
The program provided vocational training to 45 women, resulting in state-recognized diplomas and trained 80 social workers in child rights, case management and psychosocial support. Social services reached 200 children and 290 women, offering guidance and referrals. Women participating in the program reported increased confidence and independence, with some launching small businesses to support their households.
Furthermore, it helped establish more than 60 specialized agricultural schools, serving 300 women farmers and 851 children. These schools provide education and community support, giving children a sense of stability while promoting agricultural literacy in a country where farming remains a dominant livelihood. These solutions underscore a growing emphasis on sustainable Tajikistan migration and development strategies.
The 1+1 Approach
Similarly, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) launched a matching grant initiative, encouraging migrants and their families to invest in agriculture. For every dollar a migrant contributes to a small enterprise, the program offers a matching grant. This 1+1 model supports returnees, women-led households and individuals seeking to transition from remittance dependency to independence. Business development and financial literacy training are core components of the initiative, ensuring participants are equipped for long-term success.
Reintegration
Reintegration remains a challenge for migrants returning to Tajikistan, especially when their journey ends due to deportation or economic strains abroad. The IOM offers various reintegration services, including entrepreneurship training, legal assistance and psychological support. These programs aim to turn a forced return into an opportunity for community reinvestment and stability, making them a key part of Tajikistan’s migration and development goals.
Final Thoughts
With international partners and local stakeholders collaborating, Tajikistan is beginning to transition from dependence on remittances to proactive development. By investing in the skills, well-being and resilience of migrants and their families, these programs offer a model for inclusive, community-based solutions to global labor migration challenges.
– Giovanni Garcia
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Goals for Education: FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund
A Message Delivered on the Global Stage
FIFA and Global Citizen unveiled the fund during the 2025 Global Citizen NOW Summit in New York City. FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized football’s ability to unify communities and create new opportunities. Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans described the initiative as a bold move to confront the global education crisis. In addition, organizers plan to launch localized campaigns to promote community-level engagement. These campaigns will include mentorship programs, parent workshops and student leadership clubs designed to keep children enrolled and motivated. By focusing on holistic engagement, the initiative aims to reduce dropout rates and encourage lifelong learning.
Football Drives Access to Education
The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund represents a unique fusion of sports, entertainment and advocacy to promote educational access. Its creators believe football’s universal popularity can be a tool for social change and educational access. According to the United Nations (U.N.), young people who engage in at least five hours of physical activity per week perform better academically than those active for less than one hour. This initiative comes at a time when about 244 million children worldwide remain out of school.
This global initiative will target countries and regions most in need of education infrastructure and programming. By working with partners worldwide, the fund aims to build stronger education systems, especially in areas where youth have been disproportionately affected by poverty and lack of access to schooling. In addition to ticket sales and concert revenue, the fund plans to attract private sector partnerships and additional donations from philanthropists. These contributions will expand program reach, train teachers and equip classrooms with the resources necessary for students to thrive.
Moving Forward
With ongoing support and global attention on major events like the Club World Cup, the fund aspires to create a sustainable impact for future generations. By harnessing the universal appeal of football and the influence of global music and activism, the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund aims to raise funds and build lasting change in communities that need it most. If successful, it could serve as a model for how entertainment, sport and philanthropy can work together to close the education gap and give every child the tools to shape their future.
– Glenn Brown III
Photo: Flickr
Nagorno-Karabakh: Post-War Recovery of Refugees
Russia moderated the ceasefire due to the shared ties with both nations; however, tension prevailed. In 2022, a blockade by Azerbaijani activists at the Lachin corridor prevented the free movement of food and essential goods. Both parties accused each other of posing threats, which was not confirmed. What remains clear is the consequent humanitarian crisis leading to an urgent post-war recovery of Nagorno-Karabakh refugees.
Blockade of Lachin Corridor
The Azerbaijani military operation led to the displacement of thousands of ethnic Armenians from their homes. The blockade in the Lachin corridor left the population facing a severe shortage of resources essential to survival, such as medical and food supplies. The Azerbaijani government has been criticized internationally due to its failure to ensure a safe passage for the population and human rights violations.
The International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC) and Russian peacekeepers tried sending aid, which the Azerbaijani administration had blocked, alleging unauthorized objects among them.
Displacement and Daily Struggles
Thirteen-year-old Natalie Musayelian fled Nagorno-Karabakh with her family. On her way, she collected berries, stones and a branch, keeping all the items in a small box of chocolates and the key to her house. Currently, she lives in Armenia with her aunt and grandmother. She misses her home every day and cherishes these objects as memories and comfort after the loss. Her story is just one of many people who were displaced from their homes due to the conflict.
Many refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh have fled to the capital of Armenia, Yerevan and the region of Syunik. Armenia has already opened shelters and provided social aid for the displaced population. The U.N. launched a $97 million funding appeal to ease the burden on the volunteers and the Armenian host community. However, it anticipates further movement of people as they search for employment and long-term housing.
The Role of the US Foreign Aid
In 2023, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power visited Armenia after a disproportionate number of displacements. She announced $11.5 million in U.S. humanitarian aid, providing essential supplies and psychosocial services. The collection of refugee testimonies enabled the criticism of the blockade. Furthermore, they reaffirmed the high level of concern for a post-war recovery of Nagorno-Karabakh refugees.
Furthermore, the U.N. World Food Program (WFP) hosted a two-day visit from USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) to assess support for refugee families. The delegation collaborated with local officials, social workers and even families, such as a grandmother in Kotayk struggling with her grandchildren’s care. USAID’s BHA provided a $1.13 million grant for emergency food assistance, which helped 30,000 refugees. Additionally, from February to September 2024, food cards and parcels were distributed to alleviate short-term needs, ensuring the families’ well-being.
– Sara Arias Saiz
Photo: Flickr