Fighting Poverty With Beekeeping in Vietnam

Beekeeping in VietnamHoneybees contribute to the planet and its ecosystems in various crucial ways, including providing and securing nutritional security, pollinating crops and maintaining overall ecosystem health. However, less known is the cultural and economic benefits they provide to countries and cultures struggling against poverty. Beekeeping in Vietnam is an example of how caring for these crucial creatures also cares for local families and communities by alleviating poverty.

The Importance of Bees

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, a third of the world’s food production depends on bees. Despite such importance, the U.N. describes many threats towards honeybees and therefore the services they provide. Fortunately, bees in Vietnam have been flourishing, and so have their handlers.

About Beekeeping in Vietnam

The art and science of beekeeping is not new. A member of the Agricultural Ministry, Mr. Pham Lee first recorded techniques of beekeeping in Vietnam. However, as global poverty has increased, threats to such crucial economic and cultural foundations are threatened. According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), as of 2021, 4.4% of the population of Vietnam live below the global poverty line and 21 children out of every 1,000 die before their 5th birthday.

The honeybee known as A. Cerana has been particularly helpful in tackling such a monumental issue. Due to its high population, new techniques and development projects have emerged in the more rural and mountainous parts of Vietnam, which then help alleviate poverty in areas with limited access to government support and resources.

How Beekeeping Can Alleviate Poverty in Vietnam

The Green Climate Fund identified beekeeping in Vietnam as a promising way to help alleviate poverty and promote healthy ecosystems. By providing education on beekeeping and technological services, their efforts have shifted the average honey production in the country from 3 kg per colony to 7 kg per colony.

This increase in honey production led to financial successes, and also strengthened community bonds as more people were allowed the opportunity to start beekeeping. Members of the community share techniques and exchange resources, fostering a sense of unified resilience.

Looking Ahead

Due to its success as a route toward alleviating poverty in Vietnam, many are now viewing beekeeping as a source of economic and cultural gain in other impoverished communities. Overall, beekeeping in Vietnam has proven to successfully help alleviate the symptoms of poverty and shows promise to do so across the world. 

– Piper Jenkins
Photo: Flickr

The SEED Program of Grenada

The SEED ProgramGrenada, classified as a low-medium income economy, contends with a poverty rate exceeding 37%, with 15% deemed vulnerable to heightened poverty in the aftermath of natural disasters.

In 2019, with guidance from the World Bank, the Government of Grenada amalgamated three cash transfer programs into a unified initiative called “Support for Education, Empowerment and Development (SEED).” This consolidation, featuring the Public Assistance Program, Necessitous Funds and the School Transportation Allowance scheme, aimed at streamlining assistance efforts.

Under the SEED Program, the Ministry of Social Development conducts annual reviews to assess fiscal requirements and incrementally aids the neediest households. This strategy targets both short-term and long-term poverty alleviation by enhancing cash transfers to impoverished families, improving educational outcomes for schoolchildren and bolstering health care within households.

SEED Program Outcomes in Grenada: Elevating Lives

To gauge the success of the SEED program in Grenada, four key outcomes were established within a consolidation framework. These outcomes include the number of households from the poorest strata benefiting from the program, the percentage of program transfers reaching these households, school attendance rates and the percentage of households receiving preventative health care services.

The aid provided to households was incrementally improved, adapting to the evolving needs of the poor. In like manner, criteria for cash transfers were meticulously determined based on specific characteristics like age, marital status, employment status and education level. In 2017, the allocation per household was EC$300 per month, and in 2018, a 30% increase in aid was implemented to counter rising commodity prices and the cost of living. The impact assessment revealed a reduction in poverty by more than 2%.

Education and Student Support

Recognizing the crucial role of education in poverty reduction and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Inclusive and equitable education for all), the Government of Grenada (GoG) focused on supporting students amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the 2017/2018 academic year, primary and secondary school enrollment exceeded 22,000 students. The SEED program played a vital role by assisting almost 17,000 students. However, the onset of the pandemic led to mandatory school closures, affecting more than 24,000 students who lacked access to online classes for an initial period of nine months. In January 2021, schools gradually resumed in-person classes, adopting a blended curriculum format.

Throughout the closures, students received support from the SEED program, addressing essential needs such as food and transportation. Confronting challenges in providing online education to the underprivileged, the government actively explores solutions, including the distribution of mobile devices to facilitate additional support and improve students’ access to education. This demonstrates the commitment to overcoming barriers and ensuring educational equity during these unprecedented times.

Government Response to COVID-19 in Grenada

In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Grenada implemented strategic fiscal adjustments with a focus on social protection initiatives. The aim was to mitigate the adverse impacts on the population. Health care expenditures went into achieving vaccination targets in 2021, contributing to the overall pandemic response.

A noteworthy initiative was the expansion of the SEED Program in 2021, accounting for approximately EC$5.3 million of a bigger EC$36 million stimulus package. This expansion aimed to extend support to individuals who hadn’t previously received SEED benefits, addressing income loss, unemployment and health care challenges resulting from the pandemic.

The government’s commitment to addressing the socio-economic fallout of COVID-19 is evident in the 2022 cash transfer increase, with households experiencing a nearly 50% rise in assistance. This boost in financial aid played a crucial role in alleviating the negative consequences of the ongoing pandemic.

These measures underscore the government’s proactive approach to providing tangible support to its citizens during the post-COVID era. The combination of increased cash transfers and targeted initiatives reflects a commitment to bolstering social protection and fostering resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges.

SEED Program Recertifications and Upgrades

As of April 2023, the conditional cash transfer program in Grenada, designed for the poorest and most vulnerable households, reached 7,373 beneficiaries. This marks a 4% increase since June 2022. The government, recognizing inconsistencies and malpractices in beneficiary determination, has undertaken a two-year effort to recertify the program. By June 2023, adjustments led to the removal of certain beneficiaries and the addition of 200 more individuals, bringing the total legitimate beneficiaries to 7,575.

Addressing the challenges outlined in the Disaster Resilience Strategy of March 2022, the SEED program’s IT infrastructure will undergo an upgrade. This enhancement will facilitate program scaling based on geo-references, ensuring direct support reaches the vulnerable population promptly following natural disasters.

The Future Of SEED in Grenada

The SEED program’s objective is to assist the poorest and most vulnerable through cash-based aid, health care and education support. Enhancements in eligibility determination, regular updates of census and labor force survey data and the adoption of cashless payments could enhance the program’s effectiveness. In addition, periodic reviews of framework adoption and outcomes could ensure improved resource access for the unserved and underserved, aligning with Grenada’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

– Sudha Krishnaswami
Photo: Flickr

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The Role of Technology for Rural Health Care in India

Rural Health Care in IndiaIn India’s vast and diverse health care landscape, technology emerges as a powerful tool to bridge the existing gaps, especially for the rural poor grappling with the challenges of poverty. As India endeavors to provide comprehensive medical care to all its citizens, leveraging technology for rural health care becomes imperative and a lifeline for those living on the fringes.

The Nexus of Poverty and Health Care Disparities in Rural India

Despite its rapid economic growth, India continues to face significant poverty-related challenges. According to the World Bank, more than 40% of Indians still live in moderate poverty. This poverty is particularly acute in rural areas, where access to quality health care remains a persistent challenge due to inadequate infrastructure, lack of medical facilities and geographical remoteness. After the COVID-19 pandemic, India has made several strides to make technology for rural health care more accessible.

Empowering Rural Healthcare Through Telemedicine

Telemedicine, a key player in the technological revolution in health care, has shown remarkable success in connecting remote communities with essential medical services. Statistics from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reveal that, as of 2021, approximately 10 million teleconsultations were conducted in rural areas with the eSanjeevani telemedicine platform, emphasizing the growing impact of technology on health care delivery.

Apollo TeleHealth Services, a pioneer in this domain, anticipates that telehealth services can largely supplement in-person consultations in rural India. This is especially significant in light of the yawning gap in the number of doctors serving in rural areas (30%) vis-a-vis the population in these areas (60%). This could potentially enhance the reach of health care services and directly address the challenges exacerbated by poverty in rural India.

Mobile Health (mHealth) Solutions: A Lifeline for Rural Communities

The ubiquity of mobile phones in India has opened up new avenues for health care delivery in rural areas. Mobile health (mHealth) solutions leverage mobile devices to provide health care information, facilitate remote consultations and enable health monitoring. For India’s poor, who often lack direct access to health care facilities, mHealth is a lifeline.

Organizations like SevaMob have been at the forefront of implementing mHealth solutions tailored for rural India. By employing a mobile-based healthcare platform, SevaMob has reached underserved communities by offering virtual consultations, health education and medication reminders. These initiatives not only enhance accessibility but also empower individuals to take control of their health.

Digitizing Healthcare Records for Seamless Patient Care

The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission aims to digitize health records and provide citizens with a unique health ID, bringing a paradigm shift to health care delivery. The need for such digital interventions becomes even more pronounced in rural areas, where a lack of organized health records compounds the challenges posed by poverty.

Studies indicate that digitizing health care records can lead to substantial improvement in health care delivery efficiency. In rural India, where poverty often hampers access to organized health care, this efficiency gain is not just a statistic but a tangible improvement in the lives of the underserved.

Innovations in Diagnostic Technology for Rural Areas

Access to timely and accurate diagnostics is a cornerstone of adequate healthcare. The lack of advanced diagnostic facilities compounds the healthcare challenges in rural areas struggling with poverty. However, point-of-care diagnostic devices have brought about a notable change in the rural Indian setting.

Implementing such devices in rural healthcare settings leads to a marked reduction in diagnostic turnaround time. This not only enables faster and more accurate diagnoses but also serves as an equalizer for those in poverty, ensuring that they receive prompt and efficient healthcare services.

Challenges and Opportunities: The Road Ahead

While the statistics and success stories demonstrate the significant impact of technology on rural health care, challenges persist. The digital divide, limited internet connectivity and inadequate technology infrastructure in some regions remain hurdles, particularly in impoverished rural areas. However, the correlation between poverty and health care disparities underscores the urgency of addressing these challenges to ensure equitable access to required resources. By leveraging technology for rural health care, India has the potential to build a robust and inclusive system.

– Srishti Arora
Photo: Flickr

Supporting Imazighen People After the Moroccan Earthquake

Imazighen PeopleThe Imazighen people are an ethnic group indigenous to North Africa, with a large population living in Morocco. While the specific size of the population here is contested, The International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA) estimates that 20 million Imazighen people live in Morocco alone. A large proportion of the Imazighen people live in the outskirts of Morocco in mountainous areas such as the Atlas Mountains across the south-west or the Rif Mountains towards the northernmost point of the country. 

Vulnerability of the Imazighen People

The Imazighen people are more at risk of natural disasters such as the September 2023 Moroccan earthquake for various reasons. The Rif is an area predominantly occupied by the Imazighen people and also a noted earthquake zone. In 2004, an earthquake in the northern Rif region caused more than 600 deaths. Additionally, the infrastructure in villages in both the Rif and the High Atlas areas cannot cope with these disasters. In an interview for Stanford News, Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow Sami Errazzouki noted that some villages in the High Atlas have building codes requiring clay rather than stable materials to preserve the aesthetics of the area.

Geographical and Infrastructural Challenges

Furthermore, these areas are very isolated and important facilities such as hospitals are difficult to reach. In 2017, hundreds marched 60 miles from the Atlas Mountain to Beni Mellal city hall to protest against the marginalization that the Imazighen people faced. Hundreds of people supported the protests, known as Hirak, yet the authorities arrested many in response, and no steps were taken to develop more effective infrastructure in the Rif or High Atlas. Therefore, the geographical and societal situation of the Imazighen people meant that they suffered particularly as a result of the September 2023 Moroccan earthquake.

The Guardian writes that the September 2023 Moroccan earthquake was the country’s deadliest in more than six decades, measuring at 6.8 magnitude and reportedly killing at least 2,000 people. The High Atlas and Rif areas, and therefore the Imazighen people, suffered greatly. In Adaseel, a village in the High Atlas, 32 students aged six to 12 years lost their lives. Homes, schools and entire communities collapsed. One village, Tafeghaghte, was almost entirely destroyed as were many others in the Al Haouz province in the High Atlas close to the epicenter of the earthquake where the authorities recorded 1,351 deaths.

Global Aid in the Aftermath of the Earthquake

During a three-day period of mourning following the September 2023 Moroccan earthquake, military forces and emergency services worked to rescue survivors in inaccessible areas across the mountains. Morocco also accepted international aid from Spain, Qatar, Britain and the United Arab Emirates. Algeria opened its airspace to flights carrying humanitarian aid and the injured. This indirectly benefited the Imazighen people as many of the roads leading to their villages had been destroyed, and receiving aid through trucks and cars was impossible or dangerous in many areas.

Within the country, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) disbursed at least $1.1 million from the Disaster Response Emergency Fund, a large portion of which was distributed to the Imazighen people. In October, World Central Kitchen established a second kitchen in the area to help distribute hot food to communities in need faster and more efficiently. 

The Rif Tribes Foundation

One charity in particular targeted their aid to help the Imazighen people. The Rif Tribes Foundation, which usually works to promote Imazighen art and culture, was among the first to respond to the emergency. Spending ten days in rural villages in the High Atlas, they provided beds, mattresses and other essentials to thousands of families and worked with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces to share resources as well as working with the local population. Many of the locals also helped those most vulnerable, with drivers carrying supplies on 100-mile-long journeys to reach distant Imazighen villages in the mountains. 

Though the September 2023 Moroccan earthquake was recent and therefore difficult to determine how financial aid will help the population rebuild in the long term. However, it is undeniable that the work of charities and NGOs using resources and methods targeted to help the disadvantaged Imazighen people saved many lives by providing food and shelter in the days and weeks following the disaster.

– Alice Brayford
Photo: Flickr

Treating HIV/AIDS in Colombia

HIV/AIDS in ColombiaLatin America has been fighting to advance health care access for HIV patients since the 1980s. Colombia’s Ministry of Health has officially recognized the importance of Colombia’s HIV treatment plans in addressing patent barriers and high costs. This acknowledgment aims to ensure public access to affordable HIV medication, specifically Dolutegravir (DTG). In October 2023, the Colombian government made a “landmark decision to declare the HIV medicine Dolutegravir of public interest, allowing the country to purchase or manufacture more affordable, generic versions of the live-saving HIV medicine,” UNAIDS reported. Here is how HIV/AIDS in Colombia is being treated.

The Breakthrough of Affordable Treatment

Countries such as Costa Rica, Argentina and Brazil have improved their access to HIV-related treatment with hopes of controlling the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Unfortunately, as of 2022, Colombia’s HIV prevalence of 0.5% was one of the highest in Latin America, with an estimated 190,000 infected adults. Colombia continues to face challenges, with 13.8% of its population earning less than $49 per month as of 2022.

In 2022, the poverty rate among Colombians decreased to 36.6%, translating to 18.3 million people out of the total population of 50 million. The proportion of people living in extreme poverty rose to 13.8%, amounting to around 6.9 million Colombians. 

However, the recent approval of Dolutegravir marks a significant advancement in Colombia’s approach to HIV treatment. The declaration challenges the pharmaceutical company, ViiV Healthcare, by allowing the import of low-cost generic versions of the HIV medicine without needing permission from the patent owner. This move enables the Colombian Government to issue a compulsory license, breaking the monopoly and making the medicine more affordable for both purchase and local manufacturing. This decision appears to be a crucial step in enhancing public health measures for HIV/AIDS treatment in Colombia.

Not only is generic Dolutegravir available internationally at a fraction of ViiV’s price, but the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends it as the preferred first-line treatment for people living with HIV, including pregnant individuals.

Treatments that utilize Dolutegravir-based medications have proved greater adherence due to fewer side effects while also presenting a reduced likelihood of drug resistance.

How HIV Treatment Access Could Impact Latin America

ViiV Healthcare excluded Colombia and other populous middle-income countries from being able to gain health advancements from the license, protecting its monopoly and its authority to charge higher prices for the medications. Now, Colombia’s declaration is going to help neighboring countries, such as Brazil, in gaining access to more affordable generics.

Issuing the compulsory license could mean that the price of the life-saving medicine is “reduced by as much as 80%.” With this decision, the Colombian government estimates that it will be able to prescribe 28 people with Dolutegravir for the same price that it is allocated today to treat just one person. The implementation of the declaration will allow the country to access less expensive, but just as effective, medications that are globally available. Projections have indicated there will be a large increase in reach with such quality medicines, benefitting HIV/AIDS treatment in Colombia and saving millions of lives.

This action is not only crucial for saving lives in Colombia but also holds significance for the broader Latin American region. Colombia currently hosts the largest population of Venezuelan migrants globally, with 2.9 million as of October 2022. These migrants rely on Colombian health resources. Recent studies indicate a 0.9% HIV prevalence among this group, nearly doubling the 0.5% prevalence in the country’s adult population. The decision allows the government to produce or obtain more cost-effective versions of the vital first-line antiretroviral treatment. This includes all people living with HIV in Colombia, encompassing Venezuelan migrants, emphasizes Luisa Cabal, UNAIDS Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Colombia’s Stand for Global Health Equity and Systematic Change

As Colombia boldly steps into the forefront of challenging pharmaceutical norms, the declaration to make HIV medicines public interest, coupled with the pursuit of affordable generic treatments, marks a pivotal moment. Colombia’s commitment to offering equal health care redefines the standards of care for those in need of Colombia’s HIV treatment. This courageous move not only transforms the accessibility of life-saving medication but also sets a precedent for global health equity. These cases have served as an initiative for growth in health care litigation generally, an expansion of the concept of a right to health and systemic transformation.

– Samantha Rentfro
Photo: Wikipedia Commons

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UN Women’s Oasis Program tackles gendered poverty in Jordan

UN Women’s Oasis Program
In 2016, U.N. Women reported that the majority of women living in Jordan were unemployed, with only 19% of Jordanian women and female Syrian refugees living in Jordan participating in the labor market. The U.N. Women’s Oasis Program has helped more than 30,000 Jordanian women and female Syrian refugees develop skills and become financially independent by working in Oasis centers — overcoming the multitude of barriers to employment that exist for women in Jordan.

Gendered Poverty in Jordan

Providing security and rehabilitation for 700,000 Syrian refugees, Jordan has become a safe haven for women and girls fleeing the violence and destruction that has plagued Syria since 2011. However, without the support of husbands, sons, or brothers, many of them are now experiencing the effects of gendered poverty in Jordan. In 2022, the World Bank found that 14.7% of Jordanian women are employed. One can accredit this low figure to obstacles such as a lack of job opportunities and limited access to higher education and skill development.

Security and Opportunity: The UN Women’s Oasis Program

The U.N. Women’s Oasis program is a humanitarian mission with 22 centers in Jordan, all of which are aimed at combating gendered poverty by empowering Syrian refugees and vulnerable Jordanian women. Originally established to aid women and young girls in refugee camps, such as Za’atari and Azraq, the program expanded its goals by incorporating cash-for-work schemes and training women in labor markets such as home maintenance and childcare. 

Not only does the U.N. Women’s Oasis program help women become financially independent and break down structures of gendered poverty, but it also supports and protects women against gender-based violence. This is accomplished by creating accessible training programs where women can earn money and enter the labor market, supporting themselves and their children without being stuck in dangerous domestic situations.

A Brighter Future for Jordan

Since 2012, the U.N. Women’s Oasis program has had an array of positive effects on Jordanian women and Syrian refugees living in Jordan who seek to improve their financial position. According to a study carried out by the program, 70% of the participants experienced a decrease in domestic violence and 78% felt that they could take on more decision-making responsibility in the household. The Oasis centers also offer a safe, empowering space for women to interact and build social relationships, which 98% of women in the program feel improves their self-esteem, reducing loneliness and depression.

Women in Jordan also cited childcare and housework responsibilities as limiting their ability to access employment. The Oasis centers are working to mitigate this by including nurseries and childcare areas in their facilities. Allowing women to bring their children to work also empowers their children to develop skills and continue their education, further contributing to breaking down gendered poverty cycles.

Conclusion

The U.N. Women’s Oasis program in Jordan equips women with valuable skills that not only motivate them to start their own microbusinesses and further their careers once leaving the centers but also empower them through workshops built around raising awareness on human rights and gender-based violence. With increasing numbers of women able to access skill development services and safe spaces to network, the gendered poverty in Jordan can, with hard work and determination, perish. 

– Zara Brown
Photo: Pixabay

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Operation Christmas Child: Hope and Global Poverty

Operation-Christmas-
In a world fraught with challenges and uncertainties, Operation Christmas Child is a ray of hope, spreading joy and tackling global poverty one shoebox at a time. This heartwarming initiative, spearheaded by Samaritan’s Purse, has gained international acclaim for its impact on children in need. With a mission to deliver gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 100 countries, Operation Christmas Child has become a powerful force in alleviating the burdens of poverty while brightening countless young recipients’ lives.

The Essence of Operation Christmas Child

At its core, Operation Christmas Child is a simple yet profound scheme that invites individuals, families and communities to pack shoe boxes with gifts and essentials for children in need. These festive parcels are shipped to some of the most impoverished regions globally, bringing holiday magic to those who may never experience such joy. The impact of this initiative is far-reaching, transcending borders and cultures. By providing children with a tangible expression of love and generosity, Operation Christmas Child delivers material goods and fosters a sense of hope and belonging. Since 1990, more than 209 million children in more than 170 countries have received shoeboxes from the charity. These small shoeboxes, filled with toys, school supplies and hygiene items, are potent symbols of compassion, reminding recipients that they are not forgotten.

Tackling Global Poverty Through Gift-Giving

Operation Christmas Child is a unique and impactful thread in the myriad efforts to tackle global poverty. The act of giving, especially during the holiday season, has the power to transcend socioeconomic barriers and create a sense of unity among diverse communities. The beauty of the operation lies in its simplicity and inclusivity. Anyone can participate, and every shoebox contribution becomes a building block in the collective effort to make the world a better place for children in need. This approach ensures that the initiative’s impact is widespread and deeply personal, as each donor contributes to the larger narrative of compassion and solidarity.

A Ripple Effect of Joy and Compassion

As these festive shoeboxes traverse the globe, they carry the spirit of giving and the promise of a brighter future. Operation Christmas Child’s ripple effect of joy and compassion is immeasurable. In tackling global poverty, addressing not only the material needs but also the emotional and psychological aspects of deprivation is crucial. Operation Christmas Child accomplishes this by fostering a sense of community and reminding children that they are part of a global family that cares for their well-being.

A Worldwide Movement of Generosity

Operation Christmas Child has evolved into a worldwide movement, engaging people from all walks of life to pursue a more compassionate and equitable world. In conclusion, is more than a seasonal charity; it is a testament to the boundless potential of human kindness.

– Genevieve Martin
Photo: Pexels

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5 Charities Operating in Cambodia

Charities Operating in Cambodia
Cambodia is predominantly associated with the world’s largest religious monument, Angkor Wat, a bucket list tourist attraction for avid travelers in South East Asia. It is this tourism, along with garment exports, that has fueled Cambodia’s economic growth over the last 25 years. According to The World Bank, this growth measured at 7.7% between 1998 and 2019. This correlates with the country’s declining poverty rate, dropping from 36.7% in 2014 to 16.6% in 2022. While these facts are impressive, it is the Cambodian people and the charities supporting them that truly demonstrate this progress. 

Here are five charities operating in Cambodia to maintain and expand on Cambodia’s elimination of poverty and encourage its people’s movement into the upper-middle income class.

1. Tiny Toones

Among the first charities operating in Cambodia in this list is Tiny Toones. This unique Cambodian charity takes an alternative approach to poverty reduction, teaching Cambodian children the art of break-dancing to prevent gang involvement, exploitative labor and substance abuse. Tuy Sobil established Tiny Toones in 2005, hosting dance lessons in his home for local kids living on the streets. As interest grew, Sobil became more than just a dance teacher; introducing English and computing lessons as well as general guidance. Fully funded by donations and staffed by former students, this grassroots Cambodian charity sees more than 100 children through its doors every day. Its scholarship program provides opportunities for students to attend university—breaking family poverty cycles and enhancing employment prospects. Tiny Toones offers a creative community for children most vulnerable to impoverishment and continues to expand with donations, sponsorship and popularity. 

2. Chab Dai

With a focus on anti-slavery, the Cambodian charity, Chab Dai, operates on various levels to empower individuals to demand their human rights. About 58% of Cambodians are vulnerable to modern slavery and 83,000 people are currently victims of these conditions. Taking a collaborative approach, this organization covers educating and resource sharing, supporting community development, counseling, legal guidance and assisting local and national authorities with policy making. Chab Dai founded the Global Learning Community in 2012, an anti-trafficking movement that connects grassroots organizations through interactive conversation and comprehensive research. The 2022 Impact Report commemorated the participation of 43 countries in their network, as well as specific milestones in Cambodia. About 69 police officers completed training to respond to trafficking cases and 172 counselling sessions occurred. Chab Dai elevates voices and pools together resources for a future far removed from modern slavery. 

3. New Hope Cambodia

Beginning as a grassroots Cambodian charity and growing into an internationally recognized NGO, New Hope Cambodia has three main objectives including education, health care and community and crisis care support. The Cambodian government’s Identification of Poor Households Programme (IDPoor) recognizes households that require targeted services. New Hope Cambodia provides 600 children from such households with free schooling, breaking the poverty cycle by enhancing the futures of the children they care for and allowing parents the time to seek employment of their own. In July 2010, the New Hope Cambodia restaurant opened, teaching Khmers skills that would lead to more prosperous lives beyond the program. 

4. Globalteer’s Helping Hands School

More than 300 students are enrolled at Globalteer’s Helping Hands School in the rural village of Prasat Char. This organization supplements the existing education system in Cambodia; while a half day at school is free to those with uniform and stationary, many do not meet these requirements. Helping Hands offers supplies and funds the other half of the day to offer its students a complete learning experience. The ‘Helping Hands Champions’ charity, a collection of individuals and social enterprises who donate their time and money to expand the school and its wider community, mitigate costs. Help did by no means come to a halt with the COVID-19 pandemic, as Helping Hands delivered 1,440 food packs in 2021 while schools were closed, and continued to provide uniforms when they reopened. It is this optimistic outlook that is guaranteeing a brighter future for rural Cambodia. 

5. Daughters of Cambodia

Poverty and sex work often have close links, especially in developing countries like Cambodia. Growing up in poverty often means a lack of basic education, which subsequently leads to very few job prospects. The desperate need to support their families, or even to fend for themselves, can often lead young girls into the commercial sex industry, selling their bodies to stay alive. Daughters of Cambodia offers these girls a way out, providing jobs and recovery programs to support them in building new lives free from exploitation. In this case, girls initially receive training to sew and craft jewelry, with their products being sold in the Daughters of Cambodia store located in Phnom Penh. While not a shelter, this social enterprise operates to provide a safe space for these young girls to improve their quality of life, working through psychological trauma and reducing the risk of re-trafficking. 

Looking Ahead

Cambodia’s aim of becoming an upper-middle income economy by 2030 remains attainable, and it is organizations like these charities operating in Cambodia that create the backbone of a society capable of such progress. Those who these organizations help are the very individuals who will fuel the future economic landscape. Therefore, maintaining and expanding their success is vital for the country’s growth out of poverty.

– Connie Champain
Photo: Flickr

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Social Change and Public Displays: Durga Puja Pandals of India

Durga Puja Pandals of India
In India, the month of October brings festivities and celebrations to each part of the country. In a nation full of people belonging to diverse religions and cultures, one witnesses the coming together of lights, colors and veneration with every festive season. One such festival celebrated in India is the nine-day-long Durga Puja, a worship of the nine avatars of the goddess, one on each day. Durga Puja pandals in India is paving the way for a fresh channel of social transformation.

Durga Puja for Social Purposes

Majorly celebrated in Eastern India, in the state of Bengal, Durga Puja has slowly permeated into being celebrated all over the country, complementing the migration of people to different states. On the other hand, the biggest celebration is still restricted to the state of West Bengal and its capital, Kolkata. Makeshift pavilions, known as pandals, are set up and decorated around the city with idols of the goddess being placed in them for worshipping. These huge spectacles of creativity are a magnificent sight to behold and the bright lights and traditional drum music only add to their imagery of grandeur. More often than not, the pandals are created around a specific theme that changes from year to year and pandal to pandal, becoming a way to make social statements in recent years.

In an interview with The Borgen Project, Priyanka Mukherjee, who recently visited Kolkata, India, during the festive season said “I think Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata have been a means to make a statement through art in the society, over the years. There was a pandal this year on the theme of menstruation with depictions of the uterus system and with the interior of the pandal showcasing the entire process. Apart from that, over the years, some pandals have taken ‘Sindoor Khela’ –a ritual only restricted to married women– to widows, pandals on the theme of child malnourishment, premature children, acid attack survivors and even pandals talking about mental health issues.” One of the pandals that gained popularity due to its theme was the one at Kashi Bose Lane, focusing on the theme of child trafficking and sexual abuse.

Child Trafficking in India

According to the 2023 Trafficking in Persons report, traffickers often target those who belong to the most disadvantaged groups, such as tribals and the poor. Nearly 8 million people are trapped in human trafficking in India as per an article published by the Exodus Report in 2022.

“Trafficking has become a terrifying shadow throughout the world as an organized crime. We wonder if children of all ages will ever be able to return to society after being auctioned off and sold into child labor, begging or sexual exploitation,” said Somen Dutta, general secretary of the pandal, in conversation with Kolkata Tales.

In the intersection of poverty and gender, the threat becomes much worse. According to the data by the National Crime Records Bureau of India in 2022, out of the 2,189 cases of human trafficking filed with 6,533 victims involved, 4,062, that is more than half, were female. Thus, it becomes more important than ever to address the issue of human trafficking in India. With the end goal being better policy and implementation, the first step needs to be to create awareness within the general public.

An Avenue for Awareness and Inspiring Change

This is where such public displays with a social message come in. Themed pandals have increasingly transformed into a platform for the artists of India to send a bold message to society. The pandal at Kashi Bose Lane, with its bright colors and intricate work, was imprinted in the mind and heart of every onlooker–inspiring them to think, if not take action, on the issue that plagues millions.

In an interview with The Borgen Project, Prerana Paul, who visited the pandal at Kashi Bose Lane this year, mused, “Something that stayed with me? Well, in the pandal there were models of girls in cages and swings–a depiction of their inability to move even though they wanted to, suggesting the experience and feeling that those who are trafficked go through.”

In his book “Brain Rules,”  John Medina says that (three days later) humans only remember 10% of what they hear but will remember 65% of information if they consume it visually. This means that such extravagant public displays, which talk about the things that matter and issues that might usually be ignored, go a long way in impacting people’s minds and thinking.

Thus, these Durga Puja pandals in India become an inspiration for the art world, opening up a whole new avenue for social change. After all, when art speaks, people listen.

– Manasvi Kadian
Photo: Flickr

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Thailand’s Increased Minimum Wage Will Help Alleviate Poverty

Thailands minimum wage.
Thailand recently announced plans to increase its daily minimum wage. This proactive measure will benefit millions of workers across multiple industries, reducing income inequality and promoting economic growth. Thailand’s increased minimum wage is vital to aiding economic recovery from the financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Increase

On December 8, 2023, a committee of representatives, labor unions and employers met, unanimously agreed on and announced Thailand’s increased minimum wage. The daily pay is expected to rise by 2.37%, making the new minimum wage 330 to 370 baht per day — roughly $9.33 to $10.38. The exact numbers will vary depending on the specific region, according to the Ministry of Labor. Government officials say this increase will begin on January 1, 2024, with another increase to 400 baht per day expected by the end of 2024. This promise of the ruling Pheu Thai Party is creating a bright future for the country.

Thailand’s Workforce

Thai workers have faced numerous challenges in the past years. The COVID-19 pandemic triggered widespread job losses, especially in sectors reliant on international tourism. Unfortunately, the Thai economy and workforce have still not recovered from the impacts of the pandemic. 

Reports from the World Bank show that the overall labor force participation rate is expected to decrease by 5%, or 14.4 million people, by 2060. Additionally, employees endure reduced working hours, inadequate job security and labor rights issues. These struggles, accompanied by an increasing cost of living, intensify the burden on households and reduce the quality of life for Thai workers.

Thailand’s increased minimum wage will help combat these struggles and support workers by providing increased financial stability and access to resources.

The Impact on Poverty Rates

Thailand grapples with persistent poverty, primarily due to drought and extreme weather. Though Thailand reduced its poverty rate from 58% in 1990 to 6.8% in 2020, 79% of those living in poverty work in the agriculture sector. Studies found that almost 40% of Thai farmers live below the national poverty line. The Equitable Education Fund estimates that 1.8 million Thai students come from extremely low-income families which earn just 34 baht, or $0.95, per day.

By elevating the minimum wage for the nation’s workforce, Thailand’s government is raising living standards for millions. A higher minimum wage will improve access to basic needs, such as health care, education and housing. Additionally, the increase will stimulate consumer spending, resulting in a boost to the economy. These factors may help break the cycle of intergenerational poverty, creating a promising future for the country. 

Conclusion

As Thailand strives to lift its citizens out of poverty, the increased minimum wage stands as a pivotal point in fostering a sustainable future for the country. Thailand’s increased minimum wage is the key to countering worsening economic conditions and poverty rates.

– Trisha Borde
Photo: Flickr