According to the U.N. Secretary-General’s annual report on Children and Armed Conflict, published in June 2024, terrorist groups in Burkina Faso predominantly recruited 169 child soldiers. Since the outbreak of conflict in August 2015 between Islamist groups and the government, Burkina Faso has faced yet another political and social challenge alongside child labor: child soldiers recruitment. Alongside ongoing cases of child abuse—including killings, kidnappings and labor exploitation— military extremist groups’ recruitment of child soldiers in Burkina Faso is increasing by nearly 100 individuals annually. Despite extensive child protection efforts by UNICEF and other organizations, such as Save the Children and Caritas, violations and crimes against children, and the recruitment of child soldiers in Burkina Faso continue to rise due to the government’s unstable position, a worsening humanitarian crisis and societal divisions.
Brief Background of the Burkina Faso Conflict
The ongoing conflict in Burkina Faso escalated on August 23, 2015, when a rebel Islamist group affiliated with an Islamist insurgency movement attacked multiple government posts, resulting in numerous civilian deaths and injuries. According to U.N. reports, nearly 10 years of war have killed at least 10,000 civilians and combatants, not including regular kidnappings. The statistics on political instability, the rise of new hotspots and the increase in existing ones are disheartening. An analytical report by Al Jazeera showed that the number of hotspot locations increased from 303 in 2018 to 2,216 locations in 2019, representing an approximate rise of 631.3% in just one year. The most vulnerable groups in these conflict zones remain women, the elderly and children, who suffer not only from the humanitarian crisis but also from the widespread practice of child soldier recruitment, a practice that the Burkina Faso government strictly prohibits.
Where Does Child Soldier Recruitment Take Place?
Since the practice of child soldier recruitment is widespread and often beyond state control, its origins remain unclear. Some of the most significant instances of child soldier use throughout history occurred during the Vietnam War, World War II and in modern times, within Russian Army forces in the Russo-Ukrainian war. However, the regions that suffer the most from the practice of child soldier recruitment are primarily in Africa. According to the U.N. annual report, countries such as the Central African Republic, North Sudan, Sudan, Nigeria, Somalia, Mali and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are among the hardest-hit territories. The report indicates that armed groups recruit between 100 and 2,000 children as soldiers annually in these areas.
Child Soldiers in Burkina Faso and Child Abuse
While the humanitarian crisis and war crimes continue to be major issues, the statistics on child abuse in the country during this period are also rapidly worsening. Given the unstable position of the government, the vulnerability of civilians, particularly women and children, has become a deeply challenging issue to resolve. According to UNICEF, up to 93% of children in the country lack access to public health services, hygiene, nutrition and education. Additionally, UN Trade and Development reports that “nearly four out of 10 people live in extreme poverty.” This situation is caused by insufficient production capacity for goods and services, the challenging transition from a highly centralized state economy to a market economy, major political instability, the geographical disadvantage of being landlocked and external debt.
Another significant issue is the regular recruitment of child soldiers by extremist military groups. The charitable organization Theirworld, dedicated to ending the global education crisis, reports on the causes of child soldier recruitment. In many cases, extremist groups kidnap children and force them into service, while social and economic pressures in their country drive others to join. Lacking proper access to education and humanitarian aid, and struggling with poverty, these children become more vulnerable to the influence of terrorist groups that promise them money or drugs in exchange for their service. As a result, those who join the military often commit war crimes, including killing civilians, or become victims of sexual abuse. Reuters reports that some of these children even participate in massacres.
The World’s Response
In response to the recruitment of child soldiers, some of the world’s largest organizations, such as UNICEF and Save the Children, have established multiple charitable programs that receive donations from volunteers worldwide. UNICEF’s reintegration program for former child soldiers has helped more than 8,700 children escape armed groups and reintegrate into civilian life. Through its partners, UNICEF provides these children with full access to education, health care, counseling services and a safe place to live during their recovery period.
Additionally, Save the Children delivers child rights protection and education services in African regions, while also creating petitions and securing ongoing donations to support the cause. It provides education to war-affected children, including former child soldiers, by offering accelerated learning programs and psychological support. Its efforts resulted in 4,000 children receiving education and becoming empowered, and 62,000 children receiving protection from harm.
Furthermore, the UN Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS), together with key partners such as UNICEF, UNHCR and the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (OSRSG-CAAC), works with governments and armed groups to sign and implement action plans aimed at ending the recruitment and use of child soldiers.
A Call to Action
While the recruitment of child soldiers remains one of the most devastating and persistent issues in Burkina Faso, driven by severe economic and political challenges, powerful global organizations like the UN and UNICEF are uniting for a common goal: to combat poverty and protect the vulnerable. Through impactful campaigns such as UNICEF’s program for Children Associated with Armed Forces and Armed Groups (CAAFAG), they are working to protect children in conflict zones and ensure their reintegration into society in African regions including Burkina Faso.
All the programs mentioned are working in Sahel conflict zones, where Burkina Faso is included, so far none of the specific branches to work only in Burkina Faso was created. Additionally, child soldiers receive the same help as other vulnerable children in Sahel conflict zones.
– Liubov Linnyk
Liubov is based in England and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Flickr
Education in Afghanistan: Barriers and Economic Impact
Poverty is widespread and natural disasters have compounded economic hardships. Afghanistan’s GDP declined by 24.3% between 2021 and 2022, leaving millions in financial distress. An estimated 96% of Afghan households fell below the poverty line in 2020 and farmers faced one of the worst droughts in recent history. In October 2023, several 6.3-magnitude earthquakes struck Herat province, further devastating livelihoods and worsening economic conditions.
Women’s Education Under Taliban Rule
Since regaining power, the Taliban has imposed strict regulations on women’s education, barring them from attending school past the sixth grade. These restrictions have affected an estimated 1.4 million girls, cutting off their access to formal learning. Women also face limitations on movement and employment, restricting opportunities for financial independence.
The Economic Impact of Education Restrictions
The exclusion of women from education has long-term economic consequences. Before 2021, women made up 22% of Afghanistan’s workforce, working in sectors such as health care, education and business. Restricting women from pursuing education reduces economic productivity and slows national recovery. Foreign aid previously accounted for 40% of the country’s GDP and with limited external support and half of the workforce excluded, the country’s economic outlook continues to decline.
Foreign Aid and Education Funding in Afghanistan
During the war, Afghanistan’s education system was a global priority. Between 2001 and 2024, the U.S. invested $1.4 billion in Afghan education, helping to establish schools and train teachers. However, since 2021, foreign aid has significantly declined, leaving many schools underfunded and understaffed. The country’s literacy rate remains one of the lowest in the world, at 34% overall and only 18% among women.
Efforts to Sustain Education Access in Afghanistan
Despite these ongoing challenges, organizations such as the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL) continue to provide education for women and children in Afghanistan. AIL operates 44 learning centers across 11 provinces and has helped 500,830 students while training nearly 30,000 teachers over the past 25 years. These programs aim to equip students with literacy skills and critical thinking tools, offering hope for the country’s next generation. Community-based education initiatives have also emerged, allowing some girls to study in private homes or local centers. However, these informal programs do not offer official certification, which limits long-term opportunities for employment and higher education.
Looking Ahead
In Afghanistan, education could promote long-term stability and recovery. Ensuring access to learning opportunities for all Afghans—especially women—remains critical. Until broader reforms are implemented, organizations like AIL continue to bridge the gap by providing educational opportunities to those who need them most. The country’s future potentially depends on creating an inclusive education system that empowers all citizens to contribute to the country’s recovery and economic growth.
– Burke Bunyard
Photo: Flickr
High-Risk Diseases in Botswana and Their Impact
HIV in Botswana: Progress and Challenges
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a critical public health issue in Botswana. HIV attacks the immune system by targeting CD4 cells (T cells), weakening the body’s ability to fight infections and diseases. If untreated, it progresses to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), increasing vulnerability to opportunistic infections.
To combat HIV, Botswana’s Ministry of Health (MOH) partnered with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to expand testing, prevention and treatment services. This collaboration has resulted in an extensive network of more than 200 HIV prevention sites nationwide. The Botswana AIDS Impact Survey collects critical data on sexual behaviors and risk factors, allowing policymakers to tailor interventions effectively. Additionally, the country has invested in widespread antiretroviral therapy (ART) programs to ensure HIV-positive individuals receive life-saving treatment.
Efforts have yielded significant progress. By 2021, Botswana achieved a 97% viral suppression rate among HIV patients on ART. Additionally, more than 334,000 people received antiretroviral treatment, contributing to a 9% decrease in HIV transmission over the past decade. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, including stigma, treatment adherence and reaching remote populations.
Tuberculosis: A Persistent Public Health Threat
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs but can also spread to other organs. TB is airborne and spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes, releasing bacteria into the air. Symptoms include persistent cough, chest pain, fever, fatigue and weight loss.
Botswana has seen a rise in HIV-related TB cases, as individuals with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to the disease. The government has taken several measures to address TB, including expanding screening programs at hospitals and clinics, increasing access to diagnostic tools for early detection and ensuring the availability of effective TB medications, including aminoglycoside antibiotics.
Despite these interventions, co-infection rates of HIV and TB remain high, making TB prevention and treatment more complex. Ensuring consistent medication access, early detection and public awareness campaigns are essential to further reducing TB cases in Botswana.
Kaposi Sarcoma: Botswana’s Leading Cancer
Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is the most prevalent malignancy in Botswana. It affects the lining of blood and lymphatic vessels and is strongly associated with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). KS is especially common among individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV.
Kaposi sarcoma presents significant health risks, causing purple or dark-colored skin lesions, swelling, enlarged lymph nodes and respiratory complications if the disease spreads to the lungs. To address KS, Botswana’s government has established four public oncology centers that provide cancer treatment services, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, the country continues to face significant challenges, such as limited access to advanced diagnostic tools, shortages of experienced oncologists and delays in treatment due to resource constraints.
Increasing investments in cancer research, early detection programs and expanded health care infrastructure is crucial for improving Botswana’s ability to manage and treat Kaposi sarcoma effectively.
Strengthening Health Care Response in Botswana
While Botswana has made notable progress in combating HIV, tuberculosis and Kaposi sarcoma, challenges remain. Limited health care resources, economic instability and high co-infection rates continue to strain the public health system. Ongoing government initiatives and international partnerships—such as those with the CDC—are vital in ensuring continued progress in fighting diseases in Botswana. Expanding health care infrastructure, medical training programs and public awareness campaigns could be key to improving disease prevention and treatment outcomes. By addressing these high-risk diseases, Botswana can potentially enhance public health, reduce economic strain and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
– Hayden Reyes
Photo: Flickr
Disability and Poverty in Bulgaria
The Realities of Disability and Poverty in Bulgaria
In 2019, Bulgaria introduced the Persons with Disabilities Act (PDA), reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the rights of individuals with disabilities. This legislation notably established an individual needs assessment to foster greater self-determination and active participation in society.
However, many individuals with disabilities in Bulgaria continue to face significant barriers to education, employment and health care. These challenges are particularly severe in rural and less-developed areas, where limited infrastructure, such as inaccessible transportation systems, exacerbates the difficulty of accessing essential services.
Despite the simultaneous adoption of the Personal Assistance Act, institutional care and dependence on family members remain prevalent among individuals with disabilities in Bulgaria, further isolating this group from community life. This ongoing lack of accessibility hinders personal growth and perpetuates a cycle of financial hardship and social marginalization. According to Eurostat, a staggering 42.4% of Bulgaria’s disabled population were at risk of poverty and social exclusion in 2023 – a significantly higher rate compared to the general population and other EU countries.
Disability and Economic Exclusion
Structural barriers in the labor market intensify disability and poverty in Bulgaria by preventing many people with disabilities from securing stable employment. Eurostat data from 2023 reveals that Bulgaria’s disability employment gap stands at 39.5%, nearly double the EU average of 21.5%. The inclusivity deficit in the education system contributes significantly to this disparity, leading to higher early school leaving rates among young people with disabilities. As a result, there is a shortage of skilled professionals with disabilities entering the workforce.
To address these challenges, the Persons with Disabilities Act (PDA) prioritizes equal access to employment, mandating that companies with 50 or more employees meet quotas for hiring permanent disabled personnel. However, organizations are failing to consistently implement these obligations, resulting in a low number of individuals being hired. Discrimination, inadequate workplace accommodations and an inflexible labor market continue to hinder job prospects for persons with disabilities.
Progress Toward Inclusion for People With Disabilities
The National Strategy for Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030 seeks to break the cycle of disability and poverty in Bulgaria. This comprehensive initiative aims to ensure equal opportunities for people with disabilities by prioritizing inclusive education, accessible public spaces and labor market activation—key drivers in reducing poverty and income inequality for people with disabilities. The strategy places a key emphasis on digital skills training to open up new employment opportunities for people with disabilities across the country, providing specialized programs to develop key competencies and increase both productivity and employability.
The Social Future Foundation, founded in 2017, is an NGO that actively connects job seekers with disabilities to employment opportunities in Bulgaria through its JAMBA Career for All initiative. Since its inception, JAMBA has built a talent pool of more than 2,500 candidates, established multidisciplinary training programs for more than 600 individuals, and provided diversity and inclusion training to 60 partnering organizations to help them effectively integrate employees with disabilities into their workplaces. JAMBA also runs awareness campaigns, reaching more than two million people, to combat social stereotypes and shift public attitudes toward disability inclusion.
Looking Ahead
Both governmental and non-governmental efforts are actively working to dismantle the deep interconnection between disability and poverty in Bulgaria, highlighting a strong commitment to advancing inclusivity and accessibility. Nevertheless, to effectively combat poverty for this vulnerable community, these initiatives must go beyond addressing the shortage of sustainable employment opportunities.
– Charlotte Codd
Photo: Pixabay
Spotlight: The Peace Center
Empowering Bukinda’s Children Through Education
The Peace Center is situated in Bukinda, a town in southwest Uganda, where limited access to education is one of the most pressing challenges residents face. Without proper schooling, many children struggle to escape the cycle of poverty that has affected their families for generations.
According to the CIA World Factbook, the actual fertility rate in the country at large is more than twice the desired rate, suggesting unmet contraceptive needs. This, in turn, contributes to ongoing poverty and educational barriers. The Peace Center’s core mission is to educate children in need, helping break this cycle.
The PEACE Program
To accommodate the children’s varying needs in its program, the organization has implemented two distinct programs. The PEACE (Providing Education and Community Empowerment) program focuses on orphaned children who may have relatives to live with but do not have the resources to provide for the children’s schooling.
The PEACE program provides these children with school attendance fees and a uniform to help them gain an education. In return, these children must maintain a minimum attendance record and grade score each semester.
1-To-1 Sponsorship
For children without immediate family who require full-time support and care, The Peace Center offers a 1-to-1 sponsorship program. The nonprofit provides children in this program with “housing, schooling, three meals a day, school uniform as well as basic health and sanitary care.”
Through this program, the organization encourages families in other countries to provide both financial and emotional support to the child. This sponsorship fosters a connection between the child and the sponsor’s family through letters, photos and other forms of correspondence.
Impact
In the past 10 years, The Peace Center has worked tirelessly to provide the neediest children in Uganda with stability, safety and a place to call home. Indeed, several current and former program students have provided testimonies, expressing their gratitude to the organization.
Some children have attributed their college success to The Peace Center, sharing how the organization helped them with leadership, communication and other essential life skills. Furthermore, The Peace Center provides these children with a lifelong sense of belonging, with many students saying they have kept in touch with the staff and other students years after leaving the program.
Summary
Since its founding, The Peace Center has offered holistic care to those in greatest need, supporting orphaned children in Uganda with nowhere else to turn. It has two programs oriented toward empowering children to break generational cycles of poverty and gaining education and emotional support throughout their lives.
The Peace Center is always looking for more opportunities to help children in need and is looking toward the future and more chances to provide this much-needed support.
– Lizzie Mazzola
Photo: Flickr
Child Soldiers in Burkina Faso: Why Child Recruitment Is a Crisis
Brief Background of the Burkina Faso Conflict
The ongoing conflict in Burkina Faso escalated on August 23, 2015, when a rebel Islamist group affiliated with an Islamist insurgency movement attacked multiple government posts, resulting in numerous civilian deaths and injuries. According to U.N. reports, nearly 10 years of war have killed at least 10,000 civilians and combatants, not including regular kidnappings. The statistics on political instability, the rise of new hotspots and the increase in existing ones are disheartening. An analytical report by Al Jazeera showed that the number of hotspot locations increased from 303 in 2018 to 2,216 locations in 2019, representing an approximate rise of 631.3% in just one year. The most vulnerable groups in these conflict zones remain women, the elderly and children, who suffer not only from the humanitarian crisis but also from the widespread practice of child soldier recruitment, a practice that the Burkina Faso government strictly prohibits.
Where Does Child Soldier Recruitment Take Place?
Since the practice of child soldier recruitment is widespread and often beyond state control, its origins remain unclear. Some of the most significant instances of child soldier use throughout history occurred during the Vietnam War, World War II and in modern times, within Russian Army forces in the Russo-Ukrainian war. However, the regions that suffer the most from the practice of child soldier recruitment are primarily in Africa. According to the U.N. annual report, countries such as the Central African Republic, North Sudan, Sudan, Nigeria, Somalia, Mali and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are among the hardest-hit territories. The report indicates that armed groups recruit between 100 and 2,000 children as soldiers annually in these areas.
Child Soldiers in Burkina Faso and Child Abuse
While the humanitarian crisis and war crimes continue to be major issues, the statistics on child abuse in the country during this period are also rapidly worsening. Given the unstable position of the government, the vulnerability of civilians, particularly women and children, has become a deeply challenging issue to resolve. According to UNICEF, up to 93% of children in the country lack access to public health services, hygiene, nutrition and education. Additionally, UN Trade and Development reports that “nearly four out of 10 people live in extreme poverty.” This situation is caused by insufficient production capacity for goods and services, the challenging transition from a highly centralized state economy to a market economy, major political instability, the geographical disadvantage of being landlocked and external debt.
Another significant issue is the regular recruitment of child soldiers by extremist military groups. The charitable organization Theirworld, dedicated to ending the global education crisis, reports on the causes of child soldier recruitment. In many cases, extremist groups kidnap children and force them into service, while social and economic pressures in their country drive others to join. Lacking proper access to education and humanitarian aid, and struggling with poverty, these children become more vulnerable to the influence of terrorist groups that promise them money or drugs in exchange for their service. As a result, those who join the military often commit war crimes, including killing civilians, or become victims of sexual abuse. Reuters reports that some of these children even participate in massacres.
The World’s Response
In response to the recruitment of child soldiers, some of the world’s largest organizations, such as UNICEF and Save the Children, have established multiple charitable programs that receive donations from volunteers worldwide. UNICEF’s reintegration program for former child soldiers has helped more than 8,700 children escape armed groups and reintegrate into civilian life. Through its partners, UNICEF provides these children with full access to education, health care, counseling services and a safe place to live during their recovery period.
Additionally, Save the Children delivers child rights protection and education services in African regions, while also creating petitions and securing ongoing donations to support the cause. It provides education to war-affected children, including former child soldiers, by offering accelerated learning programs and psychological support. Its efforts resulted in 4,000 children receiving education and becoming empowered, and 62,000 children receiving protection from harm.
Furthermore, the UN Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS), together with key partners such as UNICEF, UNHCR and the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (OSRSG-CAAC), works with governments and armed groups to sign and implement action plans aimed at ending the recruitment and use of child soldiers.
A Call to Action
While the recruitment of child soldiers remains one of the most devastating and persistent issues in Burkina Faso, driven by severe economic and political challenges, powerful global organizations like the UN and UNICEF are uniting for a common goal: to combat poverty and protect the vulnerable. Through impactful campaigns such as UNICEF’s program for Children Associated with Armed Forces and Armed Groups (CAAFAG), they are working to protect children in conflict zones and ensure their reintegration into society in African regions including Burkina Faso.
All the programs mentioned are working in Sahel conflict zones, where Burkina Faso is included, so far none of the specific branches to work only in Burkina Faso was created. Additionally, child soldiers receive the same help as other vulnerable children in Sahel conflict zones.
– Liubov Linnyk
Photo: Flickr
Women Entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia: Economic Empowerment
If the gender gap were closed entirely, the impact would be even more significant, potentially raising GDP in these nations by an average of 23%. Empowering women economically fosters greater income equality and diversification, contributing to more inclusive and sustainable growth. Overall, closing the gender gap could add $7 trillion to the global economy.
Gender Disparity and Poverty in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in gender equality, but disparities remain, particularly in economic participation. While the country has seen significant progress in recent years, women still face challenges accessing capital, business networks and certain industries. One in every 10 women globally is living in extreme poverty and economic barriers in Saudi Arabia have historically contributed to gendered income disparities.
Despite these challenges, Saudi Arabia’s recent economic reforms have drastically improved opportunities for women in the workforce and entrepreneurship. “Between 2017 and 2021, the Saudi female labor force participation rate doubled from 17.4% to 35.6%,” surpassing the Vision 2030 target of 30%. These numbers indicate a shift in economic priorities, but further policy support is needed to ensure long-term sustainability and equal access to financial resources.
Legal Reforms
Over the past decade, Saudi Arabia has implemented key legal reforms that have removed barriers for women in business. The World Bank’s Women Business and the Law 2024 report states that Saudi Arabia now scores a perfect 100 in laws affecting women’s decisions to work, pay equity, business ownership and pensions. These reforms include:
These legal changes have fostered an environment where female-led businesses can thrive, further accelerating Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification goals.
Women Entrepreneurs Leading Economic Transformation
As a result of these reforms, Saudi women are increasingly shaping the country’s startup ecosystem. According to the 2021-2022 Women’s Report for Saudi Arabia by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, 95% of Saudi women consider entrepreneurship a good career choice, 93% see viable opportunities for new businesses and 90% believe it is easy to start a business.
One standout entrepreneur is Mounira Jamjoom, cofounder of Aanaab, an online professional development platform for teachers across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Aanaab collaborates with local and global institutions to offer short courses, qualifications and licensing programs that assist educators and strengthen the education sector.
Another trailblazer, Bayan Linjawi, launched Blossom, Saudi Arabia’s female-focused accelerator, which supports women-led startups in securing funding and scaling their businesses. Today, initiatives like Monsha’at, Saudi Arabia’s Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) authority, promote female entrepreneurship by providing grants, training and business development support.
A Future Driven by Women Entrepreneurs
The rise of women entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia signals a transformative shift in the country’s economic landscape. With legal reforms, social acceptance and government-backed initiatives, the path for women in business is auspicious. However, sustained efforts are required to ensure that all women, including those in rural areas and lower income brackets, have the same opportunities.
As Saudi Arabia progresses toward its Vision 2030 goals, empowering women entrepreneurs will be crucial in driving economic diversification and long-term prosperity. The momentum is strong, but the journey toward full gender equality in business is far from over. By continuing to invest in policies that support female-led enterprises, Saudi Arabia can set a global example of economic inclusion and sustainable growth.
– Linnéa Matlack
Photo: Flickr
Multidimensional Approach to Reducing Poverty in Thailand
Understanding Multidimensional Poverty
Multidimensional Poverty is an indicator that assesses poverty across three categories: monetary poverty, education and basic infrastructure services. The MPI measures the intensity of poverty by evaluating how individuals experience deprivation. Within these categories, specific indicators include nutrition, housing, clean water, education and sanitation. In the 2024 MPI report, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) chose not to classify countries as rich or poor. Instead, they identified 10 ways people experience poverty within the categories of monetary poverty, education and infrastructure. This approach allows officials to implement targeted reforms based on regional needs.
Challenges in Addressing Poverty
Poverty reduction strategies vary based on regional disparities. While Thailand has lowered poverty rates nationally, poverty remains concentrated in rural and remote areas. In urban centers, challenges include job insecurity and the high cost of living, whereas in rural areas, limited infrastructure and access to quality education are key concerns. Recognizing these differences, Thailand has adopted a multidimensional approach to poverty alleviation, tailoring programs to regional needs.
Strategies for Reducing Poverty in Thailand
Looking Ahead
Thailand’s commitment to poverty reduction has yielded significant progress, but ongoing efforts are needed to ensure long-term economic stability. Expanding cash transfer programs, improving infrastructure and refining data-driven policy strategies could be key to sustaining these gains. The country’s multidimensional approach serves as a model for other nations striving to reduce poverty through holistic, targeted interventions.
– Ella Burke
Photo: Flickr
How Tahea Mwanza Relieves Poverty in Tanzania
Early Childhood Education
While access to education has improved in recent years, 1.2 million children in Tanzania have still never attended school. Tahea Mwanza addresses this issue by expanding early childhood education opportunities for children aged 0 to 8 years. The organization has established 30 community centers, providing play-based learning environments that support cognitive and language development. These centers also serve as childcare facilities, enabling mothers to work and support their families while ensuring their children receive a strong educational foundation. In addition to early childhood education, Tahea Mwanza trains community counselors to support parents in nurturing their children’s cognitive, language and social skills. By focusing on parental involvement, the organization aims to strengthen early childhood development efforts and prepare children for formal schooling.
Affordable Housing
Limited access to affordable and livable housing remains a significant challenge in Tanzania, particularly in rural areas. Poor housing conditions disproportionately affect women and youth, limiting their economic opportunities and overall well-being. Tahea Mwanza helps address this challenge by facilitating access to land and property ownership through saving and lending programs. The organization has played a pivotal role in establishing housing cooperatives and has contributed to the construction of more than 1,800 homes, providing safe and affordable housing to thousands of families. In addition to its housing initiatives, Tahea Mwanza collaborates with local communities to advocate for policy solutions that promote affordable housing for all.
Health and Nutrition
Malnutrition and food insecurity remain major public health concerns in Tanzania. Nearly 53% of children aged 2 to 5 experience developmental delays due to poor nutrition and limited access to essential food resources. Tahea Mwanza combats these ongoing issues through health and nutrition programs focused on child development. The organization provides community-based nutrition education for pregnant women and young mothers, teaching food preparation, preservation and storage techniques. Additionally, Tahea Mwanza promotes the cultivation of nutrient-rich and climate-resilient crops, such as sweet potatoes, equipping local farmers with training on best agricultural practices. By integrating sustainable farming methods with nutrition education, the organization helps reduce food insecurity and improve overall health outcomes for families.
Looking Forward
Tahea Mwanza’s initiatives have directly benefited nearly 80,000 people and indirectly impacted more than 283,000 across the Mwanza region. Through early childhood education, housing assistance and nutrition programs, the organization has contributed to tangible improvements in local communities. With more than 800 active projects, the organization continues to expand its impact by empowering local communities and strengthening economic resilience. Continued funding and support could allow the organization to broaden its reach, helping more families break the cycle of poverty and build sustainable futures in Tanzania.
– Matthew Wornom
Photo: Flickr
Recent Efforts to Improve Water Quality in the Philippines
Water in The Philippines
Home to nearly 115 million people, the Philippines consists of more than 7,000 islands in Southeast Asia. Surrounded by oceans and with stunning rivers running throughout, it is especially troubling that the Philippines struggle with water quality and pollution. In fact, the Philippines is the world’s leading plastic polluter of the ocean. Of the country’s major bodies of water, 56% are polluted, alongside 43% of rivers.
More than half of the country lives without access to clean drinking water. While some regions have access to safe water, this access is not widespread, and only 48% of the nation has safe drinking water at home. Easy access to safe, clean drinking water is important, as it can prevent many waterborne diseases. Between 2010 and 2019, almost 50,000 people were diagnosed with a waterborne disease each year, according to Energy Tracker Asia.
Efforts to Improve Water Quality in The Philippines
There have been many efforts to improve water quality in the Philippines in recent years. The Sustainable Development Goals Fund (SDGF) recognized that poor water quality in the Philippines is a result of pollution, poor sanitation and open defecation, and also significantly impacts socioeconomic development. According to the SDGF, more than 30% of rural communities in the Philippines practice open defecation, which disproportionately affects women and girls who utilize water for sanitation and hygiene.
SDGF aims to improve water access, sanitation, and hygiene in six provinces in the Philippines with significantly low water-access rates. Its program, Integrated Safe Water and Hygiene (iWaSH), approaches these issues at the local level. Since its launch in 2015, iWaSH has been a priority in water safety by local governments. In 2015, 46% of The Philippines had access to clean water. In 2017, 91% had access to basic water services.
WASH Master Plan
More recently, the Philippine government has made strides in addressing the inequities in water access throughout the country. In the Philippine Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Master Plan, the government aims to achieve WASH access universally by 2028. To do this, it has an integrated approach that is creating and improving pre-existent sanitation facilities to combat open defecation, promoting hygiene and sanitation, and creating safe water management.
The Philippine government has also made several efforts to infrastructure to improve both water quality and access throughout the Philippines. For example, it has introduced new standards that regulate the release of untreated waste from treatment facilities into rivers and other bodies of water, to preserve clean water and reduce pollution.
Rainwater Harvesting
The Philippines has up to more than 4,000 millimeters of rain each year. To collect safe, clean water (and prevent flooding,) local governments have turned to rainwater harvesting. There are different ways rainwater harvesting may occur. There are large tanks that may be placed by the government to collect rainwater, but it can also occur on a much smaller, but still effective, scale.
Gutters on a roof can direct rainwater into a storage system on the ground where rainwater will collect. Simple mesh filters may be placed in the storage containers to prevent contamination. Individuals gain access to this water through a tap on one of their storage containers, or in more complex setups, the water will flow directly into their home’s plumbing.
In many efforts, the Philippines has worked to improve water quality and access throughout the country by implementing new initiatives, integrated programs and new infrastructures. The WASH Master Plan and iWaSH have both effectively increased access to safe water across the Philippines. New infrastructure, such as new sanitation buildings and rain harvesting systems, have also played a positive role in combatting the water access inequities that plague the Philippines.
– Hannah Pacheco
Photo: Flickr
How Footprints Family Is Transforming Lives in Shimba Hills
Primarily, the youth of Shimba Hills face a lack of quality schools, limited access to health care and essential medications, poor infrastructure and inhumane living conditions. The primary catalyst of these issues is the lack of government support. Both at the local and national level, there is little to no federal interference to resolve these life-threatening matters.
Poverty in Kenya
The overall poverty rate of Kenya in 2022 was 39.8%, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. In Kwale County, the child poverty headcount rate is 51.1%, with almost 1,000 children below the poverty line.
Rural areas are also hit at an unequal rate compared to urban areas, forcing them into a more difficult cycle of poverty. In 2022, the hardcore poverty rate in rural Kenya was 9.3%, affecting around 3.2 million people. Along with being hit at an unfair rate, rural areas such as Shimba Hills also show weaker recovery from poverty rates yearly, especially post-COVID-19.
Footprints Family
In 2007, Kerry Watson visited East Africa. Her trip turned from simply volunteering to a widespread child poverty activism project in Kwale County. That same year, Watson bought land and created the U.K.-based charity Footprints Family. After opening its doors in 2010, Footprints Family has profoundly helped more than 200 people in the Shimba Hills community.
After nearly two decades, Footprints Family has achieved numerous milestones in supporting Kwale’s most vulnerable children. Hundreds have benefited from free education programs, secure on-site accommodations during school terms and improved access to education through dedicated transportation services.
Along with nurturing relationships among families facing unfortunate situations, Footprints Family offers three programs to target specific problems at home.
Mama Kerry’s Home-Based Care
Introduced in 2019, Mama Kerry’s Home-Based Care program offers essential support tailored to the unique dynamics of children’s families. In partnership with the Children’s Welfare Society of Kenya, the program conducts assessments and provides financial assistance and food packages to those in need. As a result, most children are successfully reintegrated into kinship care, with regular follow-up visits ensuring continued support.
The Mkwakwani Stepping Stone Youth Program
The Mkwakwani Steppingstone Youth Program supports children in their transition to adulthood, equipping them for a brighter future. Upon completing formal education, participants receive continued assistance through counseling, educational programs, cyberlearning centers and more.
The Early Years Academy
In 2021, the nonprofit introduced Early Years Academy to address education and learning poverty by creating a school accessible to children ages 4-11. The staff consists of trained educators and transportation is provided to and from schools in surrounding villages. The extensive grounds allow each child to learn hands-on and make the most of the nature surrounding them.
Conclusion
Footprints Family remains a lifeline for vulnerable children in Shimba Hills, filling the gaps left by inadequate government support. Through education, family reintegration and youth empowerment programs, the organization transforms lives and creates lasting change. With continued support and donations, Footprints Family can expand its impact and provide a brighter future for the children of Kwale County.
– Rachael Wexler
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