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5 Charities Operating in Montenegro

Charities Operating in MontenegroA small, southeastern European country, Montenegro declared independence from Serbia on June 3, 2006. Native Montenegrins form only 41% of the population with Serbs, Bosnians, Albanians and Russians from neighboring countries forming the rest of the population. With a long Adriatic coastline boasting 72 km of beaches and well-preserved ancient towns, tourism remains a key industry, welcoming 2.1 million visitors in 2022. Other main sectors include steel, aluminium, agriculture and consumer goods. Despite the country’s success in various industries, poverty is a problem that five charities operating in Montenegro are attempting to address.

About Poverty in Montenegro

According to the 2023/2024 UN Human Development report, Montenegro retains its position as a country of very high human development for the seventh year in a row. Life expectancy, education and income have all seen significant growth, with the gross national income per capita increasing by 64.5% and the Human Development Index rising by 12.7% between 2003 and 2022. However, despite economic progress, income inequality and poverty persist ― particularly in northern and rural areas ― significantly impacting displaced persons, ethnic minorities and children in institutional care. As of 2022, 17.2% of Montenegro’s population live below the upper-middle-income poverty line of $6.85 per day. Children are particularly affected, with 28.4% at risk of poverty in 2022, a slight improvement from 30.5% in 2021.

To alleviate these issues related to poverty in Montenegro whilst meeting development goals, UNDP resident representative Ekaterina Paniklova stresses the importance of Montenegro focusing on sustainable development, social protection and promoting innovation. Charities play a crucial role in bridging the gap between development goals and vulnerable communities affected by poverty. Here are five charities operating in Montenegro aiming to support communities affected by poverty:

1. Pristanište Foundation

The first of the charities operating in Montenegro is The Pristanište Foundation. Founded in March 2022, The Pristanište Foundation is a volunteering community supporting Ukrainians and other displaced persons arriving in Montenegro. Its Sleep in Silence program provides free temporary accommodation in Budva, basic necessities, SIM cards and emergency financial assistance to groups seeking aid. The foundation has helped more than 1,800 individuals, including 426 children, and is the only house in Montenegro accepting persons with disabilities. Individuals aided by the foundation express feeling “as if [they] have been transported to another reality, which delights with incredible views, positive emotions, and sincere feelings.”

In addition to material aid, the program offers psychological support through consultations and group sessions, aimed at reducing stress and trauma, and promoting resilience. Led by volunteer professionals, including clinical psychologist and psychotherapist Anna Sergeeva, this initiative has supported nearly 200 individuals since its launch, and plans are currently underway to expand the service. By offering free accommodation, necessities and psychosocial support, the foundation not only addresses the immediate needs of displaced persons but also mitigates their risk of falling into poverty ― a reality many migrants face upon arrival in a new country.

2. Red Cross of Montenegro

Founded in 1875, the Red Cross of Montenegro is a voluntary humanitarian organization involved in disaster response, health care, social support and community development. It offers training and equipment for disaster preparedness, provides emergency aid, runs flood resilience programs in vulnerable areas like Zeta Municipality and maintains a tracing service to reunite families separated by disaster. 

The Red Cross Montenegro has been pivotal in supporting migrants, asylum seekers and refugees within the country. The organization provides them with food, clothing, hygiene kits, psychosocial care and help accessing health care through community centers near reception facilities, aiming to aid social and economic integration and prevent migrants falling into poverty. As of January 2023, the Red Cross of Montenegro directly supported 3,012 Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war, distributing 2,560 food parcels and hygiene kits and 1,580 sets of clothing, organizing 138 psychosocial support workshops and conducting 197 Montenegrin language classes.

Furthermore, the organization’s youth programs include academic support, peer-led education on topics like HIV/AIDS and intergenerational projects that foster community bonds. The organization also supports older adults and persons with disabilities through home care services and community programs.

Beyond ground-level activities, the Red Cross actively collaborates on national strategies around climate resilience and humanitarian innovation, aiming to integrate climate concerns into future disaster preparedness work. The organization’s Global Climate Resilience Program, designed to scale-up locally-led, climate-smart disaster risk reduction, is projected to reach 500 million people by 2027. These strategies are essential in Montenegro, where rural and low-income communities suffer the greatest impacts from floods, often exacerbating cycles of poverty.

3. FORS Montenegro

Founded in 2006, the Foundation for the Development of Northern Montenegro (FORS) works on regional development, environmental protection and civil society initiatives. Partnering with local authorities and institutions, it promotes environmental protection through sustainable agriculture, tourism and disaster risk reduction. 

One notable initiative that launched in April 2018 is Disaster do not know Borders, which aims to enhance disaster risk reduction capacities in Montenegro and Albania, with a particular focus on flood protection. The project, funded by the European Union through the Cross-Border Cooperation Program Montenegro-Albania 2014-2020, had a total budget of €483,538.35. Main activities within the project included equipment procurement, training emergency responders, updating databases on floods in the region of Shkodra Lake and running educational workshops for school children.

Over the two-year course of the initiative, more than 100 local protection and rescue personnel from Montenegro and Albania received training in flood response, swift water rescue, and Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping. Educational initiatives engaged more than 1,000 primary and secondary students in workshops and drawing competitions focused on flood risks and disaster preparedness. Such outreach not only raises awareness, but empowers youth in economically disadvantaged regions where poor infrastructure and limited services make recovery from natural disasters more difficult. Concluding in April 2020, the initiative reached approximately 30,000 citizens. 

4. Riznica Mladosti

Riznica Mladosti, established in 2010, supports the only orphanage in Montenegro, Djeciji Dom Mladost in Bljela. While the orphanage receives government funding, the charity enhances educational outcomes and life skills for children with special needs who cannot attend regular schools. 

Working closely with the orphanage’s staff, the organization provides one-to-one sessions with the children that promote academic development and emotional well-being. This project has seen not only a significant improvement in academic results for the children, but also improved self-sufficiency and ability to access employment when they leave the orphanage. In addition to education, activities like community bazaars help the children develop social and interpersonal skills. Significant improvements in academic results and emotional well-being are critical components in breaking the cycle of poverty for children growing up without stable family support or access to mainstream educational opportunities.

5. World Vision Montenegro

Originally founded as a relief project in 1998 following the Kosovo conflict, World Vision has evolved into a wide-reaching development agency in Montenegro, attending to the physical, social, psychological and financial needs of the poorest sectors of the Yugoslav population. Its primary goal is the sustained well-being of vulnerable children, addressing interconnected challenges like education, clean water, nutrition, disaster management, gender equality and social inclusion and urbanization. By investing in nutrition, clean water and financial inclusion, World Vision directly addresses some root causes of poverty.

As of 2023, an estimated 113,800 individuals have been reached worldwide through World Vision innovation projects. AgroInvest, a partner of World Vision, had loaned approximately $23,921,687 to 12,646 individuals as of 2011, allowing for radically increased milk production, cattle breeding and greenhouse maintenance to alleviate food insecurity. These loans enable low-income families to achieve self-sufficiency, especially in underdeveloped rural areas. Both World Vision and AgroInvest remain highly active in Montenegro to this day. 

Looking Forward

Despite its impressive development, Montenegro continues to face challenges such as regional inequality, social exclusion and vulnerability to changing weather patterns. These five charities operating in Montenegro  ― ranging from long-established institutions to grassroots initiatives ― offer targeted, community-based support that directly combats poverty, promotes inclusion and strengthens long-term resilience. As the country continues to grow, charities operating in Montenegro offer hope and practical support for a more equitable, inclusive and sustainable future. 

– Holly McArthur

Holly is based in Somerset, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Higher Education in Honduras 

Higher Education in HondurasHonduras is a developing nation that has faced numerous challenges to developing higher education, including government corruption, a considerable lack of infrastructure and consistent political instability. Honduras is also one of the poorest countries in Latin America and ranks in the bottom third of human development scores internationally. A 2023 UNICEF report found that more than 60% of the population lives below the poverty line.

Honduran students experience significant challenges at the primary and secondary education levels that make it difficult to access higher education in Honduras, as many publicly funded schools do not have electricity, running water or qualified teachers.

Honduran students experience significant challenges at the primary and secondary education levels that make it difficult to access higher education, as many publicly funded schools do not have electricity, running water or qualified teachers.

Poor economic conditions in Honduras severely limit government spending on education. Dr. Dario Cruz, vice-rector of the Francisco Morazan University in Honduras stated, “what is left for investment, education and training or infrastructure of educational centers is scarce.” As of 2020, less than 7% of the eligible student population attended higher education institutions.

Current State of Higher Education in Honduras

Located in the capital of Tegucigalpa, the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras (UNAH) is the flagship public university of Honduras. Founded in 1847, UNAH is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the country, and its student body accounts for more than 40% of all enrolled university students in Honduras.

There are 13 higher education institutions in Honduras, all of which fall under the authority of UNAH. UNAH is both a large public university and the body responsible for overseeing higher education in Honduras. Private institutions must submit their curriculum and policies to UNAH’s administrative branch, the Dirección de Educación Superior (DES), for approval.

Higher education institutions in Honduras offer both academic and vocational degrees. The Instituto Nacional de Formación Profesional (INFOP) is a decentralized institution that connects prospective students with vocational training programs and has taught nearly 3,000 courses.

Honduras’ National Congress established INFOP in 1972 as the governing institution for vocational training policies and non-formal educational services.  INFOP offers a diverse range of vocational courses, including interpersonal relations, residential electrical installation and call center operation. INFOP has five regional training centers and offers more than 80 virtual courses. The institute’s principal goal is to “link the offer of technical and vocational training to the needs of the labor market and national sectoral policies.”

There is growing recognition of the need to align higher education programs with the Honduran economy, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing and agriculture. In 2024, North Carolina State University launched a partnership with UNITEC — a private technological university in Honduras — to boost economic development in the textile sector.

Hilando Oportunidades

The program called Hilando Oportunidades offers training and certification in textile manufacturing jobs for young adults in the northern region of Cortes. North Carolina State University expects more than 1,500 Honduran to take advantage of the program, which is free and open to anyone between the ages of 18 and 29. 

“This initiative serves to shine light on the importance of technical education for the sustainability and development of the textile industry in our region,” said Rosalpina Rodriguez, president and director of UNITEC, following the launch of the program.

Barriers To Higher Education

There are several factors that contribute to low levels of higher education enrollment, though the primary barrier to higher education in Honduras is extreme poverty. An estimated 3.2 million children had humanitarian needs as a result of extreme poverty in 2023.

More than a third of school age children in Honduras are not enrolled in primary or secondary school, and a formidable gang presence in the country has led to child homicide rates that are among the highest in the world. Gang violence routinely prevents Honduran students from accessing the classroom. A recent United Nations assessment reported that upwards of 200,000 children stopped going to school from 2014 to 2017 due to insecurity, as parents keep students home for their safety. According to estimates from the National Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DNIC), up to one in 10 Honduran students could be members of a gang.

One can associate low enrollment rates with students dropping out of school in exchange for employment to support their families. Despite the compulsory nature of primary and lower-secondary education, students in Honduras average 10 years of schooling. High absenteeism rates and a shortage of qualified teachers severely limit students’ opportunities to pursue higher education. 

According to a report from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), “The main challenges are low access to preschool and secondary education as well as weak learning outcomes across the education system, low number of trained teachers and insufficient learning materials.”

Another major challenge is physical access to institutions. Roughly half of Honduras’ population lives in rural areas, while most universities are located in urban centers such as Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba. Rural regions also experience significantly higher poverty rates. In fact, there are three areas in Honduras with no higher education institutions at all.

Hope for the Future

Following the destruction caused by Hurricane Mitch in 1998, Honduras began the process of reforming and modernizing its education system. In the decades that followed, the country enacted a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening higher education.

In 2010, the DES established the Honduran Higher Education Quality Accreditation System (SHACES) as the entity responsible for overseeing quality assessment and accreditation processes for higher education institutions and academic programs. 

Organizational Structure

A 2015 USAID project, the Advance program, originated to enhance technical training at the university level in Honduras. Five years later, the program resulted in new, modernized technical degree programs that better respond to the hiring needs of the private sector and give young people the skills to enter the Honduran economy.

Honduras also launched a specialized scholarship program in 2017 — the Presidential Scholarship Program Honduras 2020 — a financial aid initiative designed to support students’ professional development in key economic sectors such as tourism and manufacturing. The program also helps connect Honduran students with U.S. higher education institutions. 

Established in 2022, the National Secretariat of Science, Technology, and Innovation (SENACIT) and the Honduran Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation (IHCIETI) work to strengthen technological innovation and academic research at the higher education level. SENACIT partners with universities across the country to stage academic conventions,  promote technological research and develop relationships with the global academic community. 

Moving Forward

Despite declining poverty rates and an improving economy in recent years, Honduras remains a developing nation with limited resources for its higher education system. However, the Honduran government has recognized the critical role higher education plays in improving social and financial conditions, and significant progress has been made in both the public and private sectors to improve access, strengthen the curriculum and modernize the administration of higher education in Honduras.

– Willem Quigley

Willem is based in Tacoma, WA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Elderly Poverty in Cameroon

Elderly Poverty in CameroonElderly poverty in Cameroon manifests in several ways. About 12.2% of male elderly heads of households and 21.4% of female elderly heads of households live in poverty. For many, accessing health care is difficult, and the country’s average life expectancy is 60. Only 3.8% of the population is 65 or older. Lack of social insurance allows elderly poverty to persist, which limits opportunities for personal development. 

Health Threats

One of the greatest consequences of elderly poverty in Cameroon is reduced access to health care. Citizens have to pay for services, and availability is often limited in the northern and eastern regions. Additionally, the people in these regions can distrust health services. The elderly are the leaders of households because families value their experience, and many elderly people dislike technology for fear that it devalues that experience.

In 2022, more than 400,000 Cameroonians were living with HIV and health facilities reported more than 9,000 new cases. The infection rate among the elderly in rural areas is 2.6%. HIV-positive Cameroonians in their prime years can struggle to support the elderly. If they die, orphans and widows must depend on the elderly for income, forcing them to continue working despite their age.

Cameroon has used rapid molecular diagnostic tests to identify TB since 2012, but health facilities only reported 24,000 TB patients in 2019, compared with the estimated average of 52,000 TB patients per year, indicating a significant diagnostic gap. In 2021, the mortality rate of TB (excluding people also infected with HIV) was 30 cases per 100,000 people.

Food security is another health concern. In a community in Yaoundé, the nation’s capital, 37.5% of the elderly were food insecure in 2024.

The Cameroonian government spends less than 5% of GDP on health care, and while the 2017 National Social Protection Policy set the goal of increasing coverage, it was unclear as to the methods that would be used.

Limited Social Insurance

As people age and become unable to work, their only source of income is social insurance, making it a necessary response to elderly poverty in Cameroon. The country’s social insurance system only covers those in the formal sector, the portion of the economy that is subject to taxes and social contributions, but the majority of the labor force works in the informal sector. Only 118,000 citizens, less than 0.01% of the population, receive a pension. Widows only receive a survivor pension if they do not have children in the workforce.

Because of this, many Cameroonians rely on family, religious institutions or tontines for support, but these are more volatile than government programs. At the moment, all government programs are contributory, and social safety nets protect 0% of the poorest quintile of the population.

Barriers To Personal Development

Government spending on education has remained at 3% of GDP for the past decade, and tertiary education receives far less funding than primary or secondary education. Along with restrictions on access to tertiary education based on gender, ethnicity or political affiliation, this hinders many Cameroonians’ ability to potentially gain certain types of jobs, which may force them into work with greater health risks and less insurance coverage through their elderly years.

Banking services are largely unavailable outside urban areas, and less than 20% of citizens have access to them. This prevents many people from saving money they can rely on as they age, which could worsen elderly poverty in Cameroon.

Solutions

Positive-Generation, a Cameroonian nonprofit, has collaborated with The Regional Centre for Research and Training in Clinical Management in Fann, Senegal, to improve care for those living with HIV over 50. They prioritize diagnosis and treatment of comorbidities, two or more medical conditions that affect a single patient at the same time. The initiative has reduced the price of drugs for high blood pressure and diabetes. Additionally, the organization has administered free care for cervical cancer and provided education and screenings for more than 1,200 people 50 or older. It also refers patients to organizations that promote healthy aging through exercise and physical therapy.

From 2009 to 2017, the World Bank Group treated 10,000 cases of tuberculosis and taught hygiene practices to avoid contraction of diseases. Health care workers in the village of Kagnol visited all households twice a month to assess health conditions. If necessary, they escort patients to nearby health care facilities.

In response to the lack of social safety nets, the Group’s International Development Association (IDA) established a cash transfers program that has benefited 85,000 households since 2013. The IDA plans to train more than 60,000 young people in entrepreneurship and business development. Training initiatives will allow them to care for themselves financially as they age. 

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has invested in a project to increase production of rice and onion. Furthermore, the project aims to rehabilitate land and build new crop storage facilities. The project targets 216,000 people in the northern and far northern regions. Poverty levels in these regions are particularly high, as well as northwestern and western regions. 70% of these people are adults or elderly, and the IFAD specifically focuses on those with disabilities. 

The IFAD’s Aquaculture Entrepreneurship Development Support Programme similarly identifies the elderly as a target group. The plan includes guidelines for farm contractors to reduce dust and particulates, which pose health risks for the elderly.

Looking Ahead

Many programs have effectively addressed elderly poverty in Cameroon. Improved health care access and agricultural production will continue to let the elderly support themselves. Progress in that area shows this issue can be beaten.  

– Tyler Payne

Tyler is based in Allentown, PA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Powering the Balkans: Albania’s Green Transition

Albania's Green TransitionAlbania generates 95% of its energy from hydropower, a renewable source obtained from the movement of water. It has been the country’s main renewable source, providing an independent electric system that is non-reliant on imports. The use of hydropower as the main energy source is discouraged by environmental experts and local activists due to the impacts on the population. Water scarcity, soil erosion and uncompensated poverty damage lead to both rural poverty and mass migration.

Additionally, extreme weather patterns have affected weather conditions, causing droughts, which pose a real threat to the stability of these power sources. Therefore, the latest goal has been to promote Albania’s green transition and investments into other renewable sources such as solar and wind. The renewable transition aims to maintain a clean source of energy and avoid the abuse of water.

Solar Initiatives

On the one hand, due to the amount of sun and good weather conditions in Abania, solar energy was a great success. The country distributed 40 licences for a maximum of 466 MW of solar production. Although many of the current projects are at a small scale, in 2020, the launch of the large solar photovoltaic plant (PV) project named Karavasta predicted a promising future.

Voltalia is an international energy producer that focuses on renewable transition projects development and the primary investor in this infrastructure. Karavasta PV aims to provide half of the energy produced to Albania’s public energy company for 15 years, while the other half will be granted to private companies. The initiative’s objective is to produce electricity to supply around 220,000 households with 140 MW. By the end of 2024, the plant had produced 258 GWh, which translates to 25.8 MW, exceeding its initial goal. Consequently, the company decided to buy more land to open other solar power plants in the country.

Wind Power

On the other hand, wind projects have yet to be fully deployed. Albania is moving forward with wind energy, with a 234 MW project planned by Biopower Green Energy and Marseglia Group and 222.5 MW awarded to Guris, Total Eren and Verbund in 2023, according to the 2024 RenewStart report.

In addition, a 100 MW wind power auction is planned for next year, potentially increasing to 150 MW, along with an offshore wind project in development. Unfortunately, wind power projects tend to be slower due to their need for specific locations where not only is wind present, but also a grid source.

Albania’s Green Transition and Labor Market

The “Market Transformation for Solar Energy PV Acceleration” project in Albania is contributing significantly to skill development and employment. Around 250 individuals will receive training on solar energy projects with technical staff from the Energy Efficiency Agency. The project collaborates with the Albania-Japan Chamber of Trade and Industry (AJCCI) and provides studies on the feasibility of local businesses, encouraging private sector engagement. Albania’s objective of reaching 490 MW of solar PV capacity by 2030 could create 1,600 new jobs in fields such as consultancy, installation, maintenance, training and project management.

Fostering renewable energy projects tends to create employment and boost the economy. A small project with a capacity of 50 MW solar project already requires around 230,000 person-days of work, especially in the construction and transport sectors. This enhances local community jobs, with 70% of the workforce coming from the local area for installation and maintenance. Wind projects work similarly; they can create job opportunities for approximately 43% of local workers, according to the 2021 International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) report.

Benefits to the Local Community

The investments in PV energy produce clean electricity without releasing harmful greenhouse gases, reducing air pollution and fighting extreme weather patterns. Since PV technology uses small quantities of water, it can be useful in areas with water shortages. Besides, solar panels are silent, lowering noise pollution and improving living conditions. In rural areas, solar panels help the easy access to electricity due to their easy location in any place. Rooftop solar panels give private usage, helping lower bills and improving the economy.

Additionally, wind energy auctions in Albania will foster community benefits. With the production of 222,48 MW of wind capacity, it will strengthen its energy security and reduce dependence on imports of hydropower. Granting the population access to low-cost electricity, which in consequence reduces energy bills.

Albania’s Green Transition: The Future

Albania’s green transition moves a step forward and cooperates with the EU to align with the organization’s environmental standards. The country works to raise environmental awareness, promote circular economy practices and protect its biodiversity. The partnership reflects a growing recognition that the green transition creates jobs, encourages innovation and improves the well-being of citizens. The engagement in building a greener economy may position Albania as an emerging leader in sustainable development in the Western Balkans.

– Sara Arias Saiz

Sara is based in Leipzig, Germany and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Guardianes del Mangle: Mangrove Restoration Benefiting Displaced People

Guardianes del MangleIn 2017, a group of fishermen, community activists and displaced residents founded Guardianes del Mangle, a community action group dedicated to restoring mangrove forests degraded by pollution and population growth in Turbo, Colombia. The group’s mission is to revive native ecosystems while improving the lives of residents and displaced people.

The project was founded in the Turbo neighborhoods of Pescador 1 and 2, where informal houses on stilts have been built on top of mangrove forests.

Background

Due to a lack of modern infrastructure, sewage and garbage have destroyed the mangrove forests and polluted the waterways in these settlements. The majority of Pescador 1 and 2 residents are fishermen and internally displaced people who have fled violence or persecution within Colombia.

UNHCR has been working to integrate displaced people in Turbo since 2018 and began supporting the mangrove project in 2024 through UNHCR’s Innovation Fund for Climate Action and the Environment. The Guardianes del Mangle group aims to demonstrate that generating livelihoods based on conservation can be an effective strategy for the protection and integration of displaced people.

According to UNHCR, the work of the Guardianes del Mangle “complements a broader strategy to develop resilience and self-reliance options for displaced communities.”

Importance of Turbo’s Mangroves

Turbo is a port city located in the tropical region of northwest Colombia, where mangroves provide a natural barrier against soil erosion and high tides, and act as a home for spawning fish, according to UNHCR. Due to its position on the Caribbean coast, Turbo has a large fishing economy, which relies on healthy mangrove forests along the coastline.

Over the years, large portions of this coastal forest, and the vital habitat it provides to young fish, disappeared due to deforestation, pollution and population growth. Due to a lack of modern infrastructure in the neighborhoods, sewage and garbage have destroyed mangrove forests and polluted the waterways in the Pescador 1 and 2 neighborhoods of Turbo.

Secarlos Martinez, a local fisherman and member of the group, says that the loss of the native mangrove population has been devastating.

“The population growth is gradually killing the mangroves,” he said. “Eighty percent have been cleared for residential use. The fish have fled, and that has led to economic hardship for us,” UNCHR reports.

In addition to providing a habitat for spawning fish and other wildlife, mangrove forests also prevent erosion and storm surges. “The mangroves’ most beautiful trait is that they protect us from flooding and storms,” said Diana Colón, chair of Pescador’s Community Action Board.

Most of the people living in this area are fishermen and internally displaced individuals who were forced to leave their homes due to Colombia’s enduring armed conflict. For many, environmental degradation threatens not just biodiversity but also the livelihoods of local residents.

Displaced People in Colombia

Besides restoring the local mangrove population, Guardianes del Mangle has given displaced people in Turbo a renewed sense of opportunity. Maria Valencia Eneida, a member of the community group, had to flee violence and move to Turbo in 1997, according to UNHCR. She says the project has inspired her to improve her new community.

“I am currently helping my community and the mangroves,” she said. “That way, my children will have a brighter future.”

A 2024 UNHCR report estimates that nearly 7 million people in Colombia struggle with internal displacement as a result of armed conflict between paramilitary groups, government security forces and left-wing guerrillas. Colombia also hosts the largest population of Venezuelan migrants and the third-largest population of refugees in the world.

Colombia has experienced a complex and violent conflict between non-state armed groups (NSAGs) for several decades, which has left 220,000 casualties over the last half-century. The primary root of the low-intensity struggle between armed groups and state security forces is Colombia’s outsized role in the global cocaine market.

Peace Deal

In 2016, the Colombian government signed a historic peace deal with FARC, a leftist guerrilla group accused of narco-trafficking and human rights violations, which sought to disarm the organization and reduce violence in the country, Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) reports. Despite most FARC members demobilizing after the 2016 agreement, other NSAGs have expanded and consolidated their economic and territorial presence, especially in rural areas where people cultivate coca.

The International Displacement Monitoring Centre found that the central government’s limited presence has allowed new armed groups to exert control over communities, pushing them to flee or trapping them in forced confinement.

Guardians Spearhead Change in Community

Since the beginning of Guardianes del Mangle in 2017, the community organization has been revitalizing the Pescador 1 and 2 neighborhoods and reviving the local mangrove forests in Turbo. The group’s initiatives include planting new mangrove trees, cleaning existing mangrove forests and raising awareness about environmental conservation.

The project is also improving the lives of displaced people who now call the mangrove forests home. Maria Eneida believes the mangrove restoration project has given her a more hopeful outlook. “This project has given me a purpose,” she said. “I no longer wish to go back to the place I was displaced from.”

“We made a pact to stop cutting down the mangrove, since it is this ecosystem that has provided us with a place to live,” says Secarlos Martinez, the son of displaced people who settled in this area, according to UNHCR.  With support from UNHCR, the Guardians have also partnered with the Turbo Mayor’s office and a local university so community members can participate in research and training programs. The community organization routinely organizes clean-up days, seed planting events and education programs for children. “With this initiative, we raise awareness about mangrove care. We are the generation of the future. How we live next depends on this,” said Valentina, a young member of the organization.

The Future

Aside from restoring the native mangrove forests, the organization’s work has also resulted in cleaner streets, the return of migratory birds and enthusiasm to recycle in the Pescador 1 and 2 neighborhoods.

Martinez feels that the group’s work is paying off. “Lately, we’ve seen ducks, herons and other animals that had vanished,” he said to UNHCR. “People were not used to recycling, but we have started to collect waste door-to-door. Some people now live off recycling.”

Through its initiatives in planting mangrove seed banks and rehabilitating existing mangrove forests, Guardianes del Mangle has improved the social and economic conditions of the local community in Turbo and given displaced residents a renewed sense of hope for the future.

– Willem Quigley

Willem is based in Tacoma, WA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Sacha Baron Cohen Donates $500K to Charities in Sudan

Sacha Baron Cohen Donates $500K to Charities in SudanSacha Baron Cohen, born in 1970s London, is a British comedian and actor best known for his politically incorrect social satire. His career gained widespread attention in 2006 with the release of Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan. Raised in a devout Jewish household, Cohen often speaks about the importance of Jewish values such as justice, charity and loving-kindness. Judaism teaches that people should treat wealth as a divine gift and use it to help those in need. Cohen reflected these values by donating $500,000 to charities operating in Sudan.

The Crisis in Sudan

The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has persisted for two years. It has forced millions to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighboring countries such as Ethiopia, South Sudan and Chad. Furthermore, ongoing violence has disrupted humanitarian efforts and worsened food insecurity. According to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, about 755,000 people now face famine-like conditions. In Darfur, local reports cite ethnic targeting by armed groups. In March 2025, the Sudanese army regained control of the presidential palace in Khartoum, a development that observers hope will shift the trajectory of the conflict.

IRC and Save the Children

In October 2024, Cohen pledged $500,000 to the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Save the Children USA. Both organizations provide essential services in Sudan and the surrounding regions. They focus on nutrition, water, sanitation, health care and child protection.

In 2023, Save the Children reached more than 2.4 million people in Sudan. The organization delivered integrated support across food security, education, health care and hygiene. Additionally, the IRC serves displaced populations within Sudan and along its borders, helping families rebuild amid war and hunger. Nearly 500 children have died due to the closure of critical nutrition centers. Cohen’s contribution strengthens these organizations’ capacity to expand their reach.

Cohen’s Statement

In Sacha’s words: “Right now, there are 25.6 million people experiencing hunger in Sudan, a country which is swiftly moving toward the worst famine seen in decades, yet this crisis is receiving alarmingly little attention. This contribution is a small step toward addressing the immense needs in Sudan. I’m pleased to continue to support the IRC and Save the Children, who are delivering essential nutrition, water, sanitation and health services to those most in need, both within Sudan and in neighbouring countries where people are seeking refuge. The Sudanese people urgently need our help and must not be forgotten. I call on friends, colleagues and the general public to join me in contributing whatever you can to this life-saving work. Please consider donating to the IRC and Save the Children.”

Response from IRC Leadership

In response, David Miliband, President and CEO of the IRC, said: “We are deeply grateful to Sacha for this donation and raising awareness about Sudan’s humanitarian crisis. The funds will support the IRC’s lifesaving work in nutrition, water and sanitation and protection for displaced people. Eighteen months of warfare has devastated homes, infrastructure and livelihoods, making Sudan the world’s largest displacement and most severe hunger crisis—yet only half the needed aid has been received. As the disaster continues to spill over into neighboring countries like Chad and South Sudan, the world’s neglect is costing lives. Now, more than ever, influential voices like Sacha’s are crucial to prevent further destruction and loss.”

A Record of Global Giving

Cohen’s support for charities in Sudan follows years of philanthropic engagement. His past contributions funded vaccinations for 287,000 children in Syria, built a maternity hospital in Yemen and supported relief programs in Iraq and Somalia. He also co-founded Stop Hate for Profit, a coalition urging accountability from social media platforms. Cambridge University and the Martin Luther King Center in Atlanta recognized Cohen’s academic work, which explored Black and Jewish cooperation during the U.S. civil rights movement.

Looking Ahead

While conflict continues to displace and endanger millions in Sudan, targeted support from both individuals and institutions could expand access to vital services. Cohen’s donation to charities in Sudan helps reinforce the work of humanitarian organizations and draws global attention to a worsening crisis. As agencies call for broader international support, contributions—both financial and vocal—remain essential in addressing urgent needs and preventing further loss of life.

– Dania Kerim

Dania is based in London and focuses on Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Child Soldiers in Mali: A Hidden Crisis of Conflict

Child Soldiers in Mali: A Hidden Crisis of Conflict The recruitment and use of child soldiers in Mali has remained a persistent and often overlooked outcome of the country’s deepening instability. Since armed conflict first erupted in 2012, children have been drawn into roles far beyond their years – fighting on frontlines, acting as scouts and serving logistical roles under coercive or deceptive conditions. Despite clear international prohibitions, armed groups continue to involve minors in a war that disregards age or consent.

Conflict and the Machinery of Recruitment

The security crisis in Mali began more than a decade ago, first triggered by a coup and fueled by the rise of jihadist groups. In areas where the state has lost its grip, nonstate actors have filled the vacuum. Among them, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) – an al-Qaeda affiliate –has become one of the most active recruiters of children. In 2022, the United Nations (U.N.) verified 394 cases of child recruitment in Mali. The real figure, aid workers suggest, is likely much higher. Children are also recruited by local defense groups and pro-government militias, particularly in regions like Mopti and Gao. While some join voluntarily due to desperation, others are forcibly conscripted or manipulated through promises of safety or income.

Why Children Are Vulnerable

In rural Mali, children often face an impossible choice: survive or surrender. Many lack access to basic education, food or protection. With livelihoods disappearing and schools destroyed, some see joining armed groups as the only path forward. In many cases, entire families rely on armed factions for security and children volunteer out of obligation or necessity. Girls are especially at risk. Armed groups frequently subject them to sexual violence, domestic labor and forced marriages. These experiences often go unreported but leave deep and lasting trauma.

Legal Promises and Local Realities

International law, including the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, clearly prohibits the use of children under 18 in hostilities. Mali signed an action plan with the U.N. in 2017 to end the recruitment of children by state forces. However, enforcement has been weak. While the Malian government no longer officially recruits children, armed groups continue to do so with little consequence. Security forces lack control in large parts of the country, allowing nonstate actors to operate freely. As a result, the use of child soldiers in Mali has persisted in both open combat and support roles.

Reintegration and Recovery

Children who leave armed groups often return to communities that may no longer exist or that regard them with suspicion. Without structured reintegration, many remain vulnerable to poverty, re-recruitment and long-term psychological trauma.

In 2023, the Mali Humanitarian Situation Report documented that 42 children formerly associated with armed forces and groups received protection and reintegration support in the Mopti and Ségou regions. This assistance included case management, family reunification and access to essential services such as psychosocial care and education.

UNICEF, in partnership with local and international actors, continues to support such initiatives. These ongoing efforts often involve the establishment of safe spaces, vocational training, trauma counseling and education catch-up programs. However, the scope of support remains limited compared to the scale of need. Globally, the organization emphasizes a comprehensive reintegration approach that includes community-based services, psychosocial support and family tracing. In Mali, this approach is critical to reducing the likelihood of re-recruitment and helping former child soldiers rebuild their lives.

A Global Call for Action

The child soldier crisis in Mali continues to pose significant challenges to national and regional stability. The porous borders of the Sahel region have facilitated the spread of conflict into neighboring countries such as Burkina Faso and Niger, exacerbating humanitarian concerns. According to UNICEF, 10 million children across these three nations are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, with nearly 4 million at risk in adjacent countries due to escalating hostilities. This situation underscores the critical need for sustained international support to address the root causes of child recruitment and to provide comprehensive reintegration programs.

Looking Ahead

Ongoing insecurity in Mali presents significant challenges for child protection. As armed groups continue to operate across vast ungoverned territories, efforts to prevent child recruitment remain limited in reach and resources. Reintegration programs supported by humanitarian partners have demonstrated effective strategies. Sustainable solutions potentially require increased coordination, long-term investment and integration of services across sectors, including education, mental health and family support. Strengthening national frameworks and expanding community-based interventions may help reduce future recruitment and support recovery for affected children.

– Charlie Baker

Charlie is based in London, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Bridging the Gap: Mental Health Care in the Philippines

mental health PhilippinesIn 2024, the Philippines, a country of more than 100 million people, counted only 1,821 mental health care specialists, falling drastically short of the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended standards. This substantial workforce shortage presents a significant obstacle to accessing mental health care in the Philippines.

Background

According to 2023 data from the Department of Health (DOH), more than 3.6 million Filipinos suffer from mental health conditions, neurological and substance use disorders. Among the most prevalent conditions are major depressive disorder, affecting more than 1.1 million people; bipolar disorder, affecting over 520,000; and schizophrenia, affecting more than 213,000, Inquirer reports.

The mental health crisis escalated during the pandemic. Suicide rates rose by 57.3% between 2019 and 2020, and by 2023, Eastern Visayas had nearly doubled its suicide cases. Additionally, surveys show that one in 10 students has attempted suicide.

For many Filipinos, stigma and shame continue to stand in the way of accessing mental health care in the Philippines. Furthermore, the public mental health infrastructure remains scarce, with only four mental hospitals, 46 psychiatric inpatient units and 29 outpatient facilities nationwide.

As a result, many Filipinos rely on private providers and NGOs, although these services are often unaffordable or unavailable, WHO reports.

Framing Mental Health Through National Policy

Recognizing these challenges, recent efforts have focused on strengthening mental health care in the Philippines through targeted reforms and international collaboration.

The Philippines was a part of WHO’s Special Initiative for Mental Health. This initiative assists a global effort to integrate high-quality mental health care into the core of universal health systems by enhancing access to quality and affordable mental health services.

As part of this special initiative, the WHO calls on governments to integrate mental health into Universal Health Coverage (UHC) systems to ensure access to care without financial hardship.

Philippine Council for Mental Health

Introduced in 2023, the Philippine Council for Mental Health (PCMH) Strategic Framework 2024–2028 aims to enhance treatment accessibility, expand community-based initiatives and uphold mental health as a fundamental human right.

This five-year strategic plan aims to reduce the susceptibility of individuals and communities to substance use, neurological and mental disorders and to prevent and treat substance abuse effectively. The PCMH advocates for the essential human right to mental health through the implementation of critical policies. Initiatives encompass enhancing referral mechanisms and instituting the Mental Health Internal Review Board. Media training is conducted to guarantee proper reporting and representation of suicide.

To close the mental health gap, the DOH provided training in mental health to both health and non-health professionals, boosting early intervention at the primary care service level. The primary care package offers mental health outpatient services, including 12 consultations, follow-up diagnostics, psychoeducation and psychosocial support through medicine access sites.

The National Center for Mental Health now operates crisis hotlines around the clock to provide continuous mental health support.

Expanding Mental Health Care Across Sectors

Aiming to construct more mental health-responsive communities, the government launched initiatives across various agencies and educational institutions. Indeed, these efforts led 78,449 private companies to implement mental health workplace policies that support employee safety and well-being, WHO reports. To help health workers manage stress, 54 hospitals applied “behavioral nudges” and government agencies launched the Healthy Learning Institutions (HLI) Framework in 273 last-mile elementary schools, implementing a broad range of mental health measures.

The DOH is incorporating mental health responsiveness into the UHC framework by reformulating medical education and licensure criteria to facilitate integration initiatives. New rules mandate that future doctors, nurses and allied health professionals receive training to recognize and address mental health disorders within primary care settings. These initiatives facilitate the integration of mental health support into the daily environments where individuals live, work and study.

Maintaining mental health investment in education, workforce, and financing sets the foundation for a more equitable UHC system and increases mental health care in the Philippines, improving community health and resilience.

– Imge Tekniker

Imge is based in London, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Turkey’s Approach to Poverty in East Africa

Turkey's Approach to Poverty in East Africa For decades, East Africa has struggled with harsh famines, conflicts and involuntary displacements. Traditionally, nations like the United States (U.S.), the United Kingdom (U.K.) and China have intervened to support stability and poverty alleviation in the region. However, Turkey has emerged as a significant, albeit less publicized, contributor to humanitarian and development efforts in East Africa. In 2023 alone, Turkey invested more than $85.5 billion in infrastructure projects across Africa, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan making 30 official visits to the continent, symbolising Turkey’s deep ties to the continent and its commitment to poverty reduction.

Historical Ties to East Africa

Turkey’s engagement with East Africa dates back to the Ottoman Empire, particularly in the Horn of Africa and around the Red Sea. These historical connections, coupled with shared Islamic traditions, have fostered strong cultural bonds. Reflecting this relationship, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) provided food aid to approximately 500 families in Ethiopia’s Lege T’afo refugee camp during Ramadan in 2025. In addition, Turkey has adopted an aid model dissimilar to other traditional foreign powers operating in East Africa, such as China and European countries. Ankara’s aid focuses on a noninterventionist approach, which provides humanitarian support and poverty relief without interfering in the political system or democracy of the recipient country.

Past Efforts

In 2005, Turkey announced the “Year of Africa,” marking a significant shift in its foreign policy toward several African countries. This support for East Africa became apparent in 2011 when Somalia suffered a widespread famine, resulting in the death of 260,000 people. Shortly after, Ankara committed more than $1 billion to humanitarian and development assistance. What’s more, between 1992 and 2018, Turkey awarded a total of 1,092 scholarships to Somali students, demonstrating a commitment to providing opportunities for talent from developing nations in East Africa. 

Present Efforts

TIKA, active in 170 countries, has expanded its variety of operations in East Africa, investing in health care such as the De Martino hospital in Somalia, which has received lifesaving neonatal incubators, stretchers and defibrillators. Other organizations of Turkish origin, such as the Türkiye Diyanet Foundation, have made important contributions to poverty reduction in East Africa, such as the construction of a high-tech solar-powered well in Ethiopia, which has a 5000-litre tank and has helped reduce the effects of drought and food insecurity in the village of Fadis.

Turkish Airlines

Apart from the government’s direct support for alleviating poverty through TIKA, other Turkish organisations and institutions, attached to Ankara, contribute to poverty alleviation in East Africa. Turkish Airlines, for example, plays a vital role in connecting some of Africa’s most isolated nations with Europe. According to the United Nations’ (U.N.) list of the 46 least developed countries, Turkish Airlines flies to 25 of them, providing more opportunities for global investment in these countries, consequently tackling the issue of poverty. The airline has committed to the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, prioritizing poverty alleviation and zero hunger.

Looking Ahead

Turkey’s approach to poverty reduction in East Africa is characterized by a blend of humanitarian aid, infrastructure development and cultural engagement. Through organizations like TİKA and TDV, Turkey addresses immediate needs while investing in long-term solutions such as education and economic development. This comprehensive strategy underscores Turkey’s role as a key partner in East Africa’s pursuit of sustainable growth and stability.

– Alfie Williams-Hughes

Alfie is based in Nottingham, UK and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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From 60% to 30%: Inside Rwanda’s Poverty Reduction Miracle

From 60% to 30%: Inside Rwanda’s Poverty Reduction Miracle Rwanda, a country in central Africa, has transformed its image from one linked to genocide to a model of development. Over the past generation, it has reduced its extreme poverty rate from 60.3% in 2000 to under 40% in 2017, earning recognition for its poverty alleviation, often called the “Rwandan Miracle.”

A Country Rising from the Ruins

In 1994, Rwanda experienced one of the fastest and most horrific genocides in history, resulting in around 800,000 to 1 million Tutsis and moderate Hutus murdered in just 100 days. When the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) finally ended the genocide and established a government in July 1994, this marked the beginning of Rwanda’s poverty reduction miracle. 

By the year 2000, six years after the genocide, Rwanda continued to be one of the world’s poorest nations. Life expectancy was about 48/49 years, child mortality rates ranked among the highest internationally and 60% of the population survived on less than the international poverty line of $1.90 per day. The country faced significant challenges, such as limited natural resources, high population density, landlocked geography and profound trauma.

Vision 2020: Planning for Transformation

Under President Paul Kagame, Rwanda’s leadership embarked on an ambitious development agenda. In 2000, the government launched Vision 2020, aiming to transform Rwanda into a middle-income country by 2020 to reduce poverty from 60% to 30%. It focused on poverty reduction and established specific programs as the backbone of Rwanda’s poverty reduction miracle transformation:

The Ubudehe System: Target Poverty Identification

Rwanda’s poverty reduction miracle strategy relies on the innovative Ubudehe system. This community-based approach involves identifying and categorising households according to their socioeconomic status. By utilising traditional Rwandan practices of collective action, the system sorts each household into one of four economic categories. This classification enables tailored interventions that effectively address the needs of different families. 

Vision 2020 Umurenge Programme (VUP)

Initiated in 2008, the VUP has served as Rwanda’s key initiative for reducing poverty, functioning through three key components: 

  • Public Works: Offering paid work on community infrastructure projects for capable adults from underprivileged backgrounds in households.
  • Direct support: Cash transfers provided unconditionally to the most vulnerable households lacking labour capacity.
  • Financial Services: Providing access to credit and financial support to empower underprivileged families and helping them gain the knowledge and resources they need to improve their financial situations and achieve greater economic stability.

According to the World Bank, VUP beneficiaries in these programs increased from 19% in March 2020 to 41.5% by December 2021. This project addresses childhood malnutrition in Rwanda through safety nets that enhance nutrition and early childhood development. The Nutrition Sensitive Direct Support (NSDS) has helped more than 200,000 households, exceeding the target of 59,000 and covering 96% of eligible families in 18 districts. 

Girinka: One Cow per Poor Family

Rwanda’s notable poverty initiative, Girinka, supplies dairy cows to impoverished families. From 2006 to the end of June 2022, it has provided 427,576 cows to 427,576 families, an 84.7% accomplishment that accounts for the programme’s goal. Research indicates that Girinka participants experienced increased household income and enhancements in child nutrition.

Universal Health Coverage as Poverty Prevention

Rwanda acknowledges that health shocks cause poverty. To address this, the country created a Community-Based Health Insurance scheme (Mutuelles de Santé), enabling citizens to pool funds and receive donations for health care costs. Each member contributes 1,000 Rwanda Francs ($2).  

The program fully subsidised premiums and copayments for 1.5 million of the poorest residents in 2011 to improve affordability. Consequently, more than 90% of Rwandans had health insurance by 2020, compared to an average of 31% in other low-income countries. This coverage significantly increased life expectancy in Rwanda from 49.7 years in 2001 to 69.6 years in 2022, enabling the government to tackle critical health challenges. Rwanda is the only low-income country in Sub-Saharan Africa to meet the United Nations (U.N.) Millennium Development Goals on maternal mortality and infectious diseases.

Agricultural Transformation and Rural Development

Agriculture is vital for Rwanda’s poverty reduction miracle, lifting 1 million citizens from extreme poverty in the past decade through improved practices backed by the International Development Association (IDA). The sector contributes 33% to GDP, employs 79.5% of the workforce and accounts for more than 45% of exports. Food security improved in 200 with food production and a 30% income increase for some farmers. Between 2006 and 2011, extreme poverty fell by 14 percentage points, due to rising productivity and a shift to commercial farming.

The Results: From 60% to Below 30% Vision

The interventions implemented in Rwanda’s poverty reduction miracle have significantly transformed Rwanda’s socio-economic landscape. Notably, extreme poverty has dramatically declined from more than 60% in 2000 to 39.1% in recent years. Life expectancy has improved considerably, increasing from 46 years in 2000 to 65 years in 2023. Moreover, child mortality rates have fallen by 70%. Unconditional cash transfer aids 112,000 households across 416 sectors, 73% of which are women-led. Nutrition support is provided for 131,000 children under 2 and 40,000 pregnant women.

– Vanuza Antonio

Vanuza is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr