The use of child soldiers has long been a tragic consequence of war, affecting countless regions across the globe. The Kosovo War (1998–1999) was no exception, with reports highlighting the involvement of child soldiers in armed groups like the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA). Today, Kosovo has largely transitioned from its wartime past to a period of relative stability. However, there is little evidence to suggest current use of child soldiers in Kosovo.
Kosovo War
The Kosovo War, a violent struggle for independence from Yugoslavia, saw widespread human rights violations, including the use of child soldiers.
In February 1998, the Kosovo War broke out between Albanian Kosovo residents, who sought independence and self-determination, from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Serbian government forces as there was deep-seated animosity between the Albanian majority and the Serbian minority. Serbia’s policies of repression, including the systematic denial of rights to ethnic Albanians, escalated tensions. The Kosovo War lasted 15 months and 15,000 people lost their lives. In 1999, the war concluded with the withdrawal of the Serbian army and the establishment of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo.
Child Soldiers
The KLA, otherwise known as the Ushtria Clirimtare e Kosoves – UČK, a mostly Albanian Kosovan paramilitary group fighting for Kosovo’s independence, reportedly recruited children as young as 15. While some joined voluntarily, inspired by nationalist sentiments or familial pressure, however, there were also cases of coercion and manipulation. Furthermore, during the war, widespread poverty fueled the vulnerability of children to exploitation and becoming child soldiers.
In October 2000, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) revealed that among the 16,024 registered members of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), approximately 10% were under the age of 18. Most of these minors were 16 or 17 years old, while around 2% were younger than 16. The youngest recruits, predominantly girls, were typically assigned roles such as cooking and logistical support rather than direct combat. Other girls also joined the KLA, such as a 15-year-old whose father proudly declared, “I am a soldier, my son is a soldier, my daughter is a soldier, and all my 11 children will become soldiers. We will fight until we achieve our freedom.”
Legislature After War
After the war concluded in 1999, Kosovo has since claimed independence in 2008, but the scars of war, particularly among youth, continue to be felt.
Despite this, Kosovo has made strides in ensuring the safety and future of its children. Legislative reforms in Kosovo have played a pivotal role in aligning the country’s child protection policies with international standards. Kosovo’s implementation of its 2003 Criminal Code incorporates provisions at criminalizing recruitment of child soldiers.
Articles 151 and 153 specifically address the conscription or recruitment of children under the age of 15 into national armed forces, armed groups, or their use in hostilities during international or non-international armed conflicts. These acts are considered grave violations, punishable by sentences ranging from 5 years to life imprisonment. However, these provisions apply only during an actual armed conflict.
In addition, Article 155 criminalizes the recruitment of children aged 15 to 18, irrespective of whether an armed conflict exists. This offense carries a penalty of 1 to 10 years in prison. These protocols have strengthened Kosovo’s legal frameworks to protect children from exploitation in armed groups in any future armed conflict.
Economically
Prior to the war and changes that took place on the Balkan peninsula, Kosovo was the poorest by the region’s standards. By the draw of the war, nearly half of Kosovo’s population lived below the poverty line. The conflict significantly reduced the number of able-bodied workers, caused extensive damage to most infrastructure, and severely disrupted commercial activity. Poverty was directly correlated with child soldier recruitment, as impoverished families often faced coercion, or children voluntarily joined for the promise of basic needs or nationalist fervor. Today, while progress has been made, Kosovo still grapples with significant poverty levels, with over 30% of its population living below the poverty threshold. This underscores the ongoing need to address poverty as a root to prevent the cause of child exploitation and can help reduce ethnic tensions to prevent another war.
Conclusion
During the Kosovo War, child soldiers were a significant percent of soldiers, showing how poverty and conflict affects vulnerable populations.
Today, while the recruitment of child soldiers in Kosovo has largely ceased, the scars of war remain in economic hardship. Addressing ongoing economic hardship and strengthening child protection laws are essential steps in preventing future exploitation. By fostering education, economic opportunity and community resilience, Kosovo can continue its post-conflict recovery for peace and stability.
– Avery Hazard
Avery is based in Spain and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Flickr
Women’s Empowerment International: Disrupting Poverty
WE Organization’s Focus
WE focus on regions where women are in dire need and lack adequate social support from states or governments. The organization carefully selects nonprofit partners to deliver tailored programs for women in need. These partners develop and run high-impact programs aimed at improving the livelihoods of women below the poverty line. The programs address key issues such as violence against women’s sustainability and ensure regular and responsive communication among all participants.
WE measure the progress of its programs using the ‘WISE: Women’s Impact Sustainability and Empowerment Project’ data metric. This tool evaluates improvements in financial literacy, shifts in provider roles, changes in decision-making and business sustainability to ensure that women are the primary beneficiaries. WE’s expansive reach includes impactful work in Guatemala, San Diego, Haiti, Honduras, Uganda and El Salvador. Each program is specifically tailored to the goals of the women in each locale and the resources available to maximize success.
Honduras
In Honduras, 70% of the population lives in poverty, with half of the population in some areas surviving on less than $1.25 per day. Rural illiteracy rates are as high as 40% and child malnutrition exceeds 60%. Residents of these areas, often isolated with no transportation or access to clean water, primarily rely on subsistence farming, logging and livestock raising for income. Since 2007, WE has collaborated with the Adelante Foundation to offer small business loans to 2,100 women in these impoverished rural communities. It also provides educational resources, achieving a loan repayment rate of 94.4%. Women receiving loans support each other as guarantors, creating solidarity groups that foster collective success. These entrepreneurs have launched ventures ranging from local stores and bicycle repair shops to greenhouses, using their profits to educate their children and reinvest in their communities.
Guatemala
In Guatemala, WE has formed a partnership with Multicolores. The organization assists women in creating sustainable sources of income independent of formal education or long-term external aid. Based in rural villages, Multicolores supports Indigenous Mayan women through the ‘Stitching New Narratives’ program, which enhances their traditional stitching and design skills. This initiative not only celebrates their indigenous heritage but also enables them to produce garments that foster economic prosperity, helping to elevate them from poverty. The program supports these artists in their creative and economic development, which in turn improves their living conditions, health, well-being, and social mobility.
Uganda
Uganda has been severely affected by the AIDS epidemic, which has left many children orphaned. Thousands of grandmothers have become primary caregivers, often supporting up to six children single-handedly. In 2024, WE partnered with the Nyaka AIDS Orphans Foundation to launch the Nyaka Granny Microfinance Project. This initiative provides loans to grandmothers to start small businesses, generating income to support their families. More than 7,000 grandmothers have benefited from the program, engaging in activities such as animal husbandry, handicrafts, produce cultivation and crop sales. By earning an income, these grandmothers can improve their living conditions. Additionally, they can ensure their grandchildren receive an education, thus breaking cycles of poverty and empowering women across generations.
Driving Change
Women’s Empowerment International have made incredible strides in empowering women in areas of high poverty. Its programs enable women to develop the tools and infrastructure needed for sustainable economic progression. Furthermore, by providing initial assistance and resources, the organization allows women to drive their success rather than remaining dependent on external aid.
– Rebecca Barry
Photo: Flickr
Bridge International Academies: Education and the Poverty Cycle
Transforming Lives in Low-Income Communities
The link between education and poverty alleviation is well-documented. Children who receive quality education acquire skills to secure better jobs, earn higher incomes and lift themselves out of poverty. In countries such as Bangladesh and Kenya, organizations have invested in educating children from impoverished backgrounds to create generational change.
For example, the nonprofit organization Bridge International Academies in Kenya provides affordable, high-quality education in underserved communities. With more than 500 schools across Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria, Bridge International has helped students achieve scores significantly above national averages, creating a pathway out of poverty for thousands of students. Through affordable tuition, comprehensive teacher training and tech-integrated classrooms, Bridge International exemplifies how education can change the trajectory of low-income communities.
In Bangladesh, BRAC operates one of the largest education programs in the world. BRAC’s education model empowers young girls in rural villages to attend primary and secondary school. BRAC has proven that education dramatically reduces poverty and gender inequality: its alumni reveal a 30% increase in household income compared to nonparticipants, effectively breaking the poverty cycle within these communities. By prioritizing girls’ education, BRAC addresses poverty and promotes gender equity.
Challenges
Despite these successes, significant obstacles remain in delivering quality education to all children in poverty. In many developing countries, children face barriers, including inadequate school infrastructure, a shortage of qualified teachers and insufficient government funding.
Moving Forward
Ending poverty through education requires global cooperation and sustained investment in educational access and quality. Governments, NGOs and private organizations must work together to fund schools, train teachers and ensure equitable access to education. Programs that prioritize marginalized groups, improve teaching quality and address barriers like gender inequality and conflict could create the most substantial impact.
Countries that prioritize education see the rewards in their workforce, economy and social development. Bridge International Academies, BRAC and Teach For All demonstrate that breaking the poverty cycle through education is possible. While significant challenges remain, these success stories underscore the transformative power of education in reducing poverty globally.
– Olivia Barker
Photo: Flickr
5 Facts About Zambia’s Energy Crisis
Long Blackouts
These blackouts have lasted as long as three days, with some areas receiving only one or two hours of electricity daily. Zambia generates 84% of its electricity from water sources, 13% from coal and just 3% from “solar, diesel and heavy fuel” combined. Without sufficient hydroelectric power, the country struggles to meet its energy demands.
Many people visit restaurants not to eat or drink but to charge their phones and a growing business has emerged around charging phones for a fee. These blackouts have worsened matters considerably for a country that already struggles with energy distribution. “Less than half of Zambia’s 20 million people had access to electricity before Kariba’s problems.” Zambia’s energy crisis has only made matters worse.
Industries Impacted by the Blackouts
Health care facilities are under great strain. Hospitals in Zambia are in dire straits because their patients need electricity. “Fortunately, the government has installed huge generators in some markets, government offices and hospitals,” reports the BBC. Also, many small businesses cannot run during the day, putting immense pressure on owners to buy expensive diesel generators.
Mining, an important industry in Zambia, is struggling as well. In fact, two miners were recently saved after a power outage trapped them underground. Luckily, they were able to be rescued.
Political and Economic Ramifications
Zambia is “one of the most functional democracies on the continent,” says President Hakainde Hichilema. With no electricity, jobs or general well-being, Hichilema expresses fear about the future of that system. AP news reports that small businesses are “the backbone of the country,” and there is fear that an economic downturn will hurt the nation.
Economist Emmanuel Zulu notes that the energy crisis is weighing heavily on Zambia’s economy, contributing to rising unemployment. Meanwhile, Zambian economist Trevor Hambayi estimates that the crisis has cost the nation approximately $1.3 billion, around 5% of its gross domestic product (GDP).
Impact on Agriculture
Farmlands are also heavily impacted. The drought is not only creating an energy crisis, but it is also creating a historically dry farming season. Places that have been hit badly by the drought are producing “half” of the maize they usually make and “three-quarters” of Zambia’s livestock live in areas that have been hit particularly hard by the drought. Food and water have become increasingly scarce due to these developments, exacerbating food insecurity. This crisis has also contributed to a cholera outbreak, with 20,000 reported cases.
Solutions to Zambia’s Energy Crisis
The Zambian government is promoting a “solar explosion” as a solution to avoid relying on polluting energy sources such as coal and charcoal. Together with other organizations, the government is working to implement solar power to help alleviate Zambia’s energy challenges. The government has negotiated with China, India and Canada to bring in as much solar power as possible. In addition, it has made it easier for citizens to buy solar on their own by removing “imported duties and value-added taxes on solar equipment.”
Though the government is working to install major solar infrastructure in the future, this process may take some time. While that process continues, groups like SolarAid support businesses and people who need aid now. SolarAid is a charity that fights poverty, climate and energy crises by providing solar power to rural areas in sub-Saharan Africa.
SolarAid was founded in 2006 and since its start, the charity has distributed 2.3 million solar lights, provided 12.5 million people with light and saved many families $297.9 per year. SolarAid is working to make solar power available to as many Zambians as possible. Through its Zambian office, SunnyMoney, the organization has been working to create a thriving “solar market in Zambia.” Since its inception in Zambia in 2008, SolarAid has given out 413,000 solar lights. While Zambia’s energy crisis continues, the sales at SunnyMoney have gone up 540%.
Final Note on Zambia’s Energy Crisis
Zambia’s energy crisis is a massive problem for the nation. However, it may open the door for a brighter, more energy-resilient nation. Even more, Zambia’s energy crisis may lead the way for green energy, which could be an important example for the rest of the world.
– Michael Messina
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Fight Against Malaria in Ethiopia
Causes
Malaria, a disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite, has historically been a significant threat to Ethiopia. One notable example is the devastating 1958 epidemic, which affected 3 million people in a 100,000-square-mile radius and resulted in an estimated 150,000 deaths. Ethiopia’s battle against malaria is deeply rooted in its geographic and climatic conditions. The severity of the 1958 epidemic was partly attributed to the harsh natural conditions of the area where the outbreak occurred, where the altitude range was estimated to be between 1,600 and 2,150 meters above sea level.
The country’s varied landscapes, from lowland plains to highland areas, create ideal environments for the Anopheles mosquito, which carries the malaria parasite, to thrive. Seasonal rains, especially in the western and southern regions, such as in and around the Gambella National Park, help mosquitoes breed, leading to spikes in malaria cases. Varying climatic conditions have made weather patterns less predictable, making it even harder to control the spread of the disease.
Combating Malaria in Ethiopia
Efforts to combat malaria in Ethiopia have evolved over the decades. The country has implemented various strategies, including widespread distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs). Further measures include indoor residual spraying (IRS) and access to effective antimalarial drugs. Community health programs, such as the Health Extension Program, have played a crucial role in improving early diagnosis and treatment in rural areas.
Despite these efforts, gaps remain in reaching the most vulnerable populations, particularly in remote regions with limited health care infrastructure, such as the Benishangul-Gumuz state in northwest Ethiopia. Additional challenges are posed following the rise of insecticide resistance among mosquito populations and the potential for drug-resistant malaria strains. This underscores the need for sustained investment in research, developing new tools such as next-generation antimalarials and vaccines and adapting strategies to local contexts.
Ethiopia’s partnership with international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Fund has been vital. However, the scale of the problem demands a coordinated and persistent effort from local and global stakeholders.
Final Remark
Addressing the socioeconomic factors contributing to malaria transmission in Ethiopia is equally essential. Poverty, inadequate housing and limited access to clean water and sanitation exacerbate the spread of the disease. Strengthening health systems, enhancing community awareness and promoting economic development are essential components of Ethiopia’s comprehensive approach to malaria elimination.
Maintaining a strong fight level for Ethiopia is paramount, as malaria looks like it will be around for a while. The disease is a health issue and a developmental challenge affecting education, economic productivity and overall well-being. By intensifying its efforts and leveraging innovations in public health, Ethiopia can move closer to a future free from the devastating impact of malaria.
– Joe Lockett
Photo: Flickr
Child Soldiers in Kosovo
The use of child soldiers has long been a tragic consequence of war, affecting countless regions across the globe. The Kosovo War (1998–1999) was no exception, with reports highlighting the involvement of child soldiers in armed groups like the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA). Today, Kosovo has largely transitioned from its wartime past to a period of relative stability. However, there is little evidence to suggest current use of child soldiers in Kosovo.
Kosovo War
The Kosovo War, a violent struggle for independence from Yugoslavia, saw widespread human rights violations, including the use of child soldiers.
In February 1998, the Kosovo War broke out between Albanian Kosovo residents, who sought independence and self-determination, from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Serbian government forces as there was deep-seated animosity between the Albanian majority and the Serbian minority. Serbia’s policies of repression, including the systematic denial of rights to ethnic Albanians, escalated tensions. The Kosovo War lasted 15 months and 15,000 people lost their lives. In 1999, the war concluded with the withdrawal of the Serbian army and the establishment of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo.
Child Soldiers
The KLA, otherwise known as the Ushtria Clirimtare e Kosoves – UČK, a mostly Albanian Kosovan paramilitary group fighting for Kosovo’s independence, reportedly recruited children as young as 15. While some joined voluntarily, inspired by nationalist sentiments or familial pressure, however, there were also cases of coercion and manipulation. Furthermore, during the war, widespread poverty fueled the vulnerability of children to exploitation and becoming child soldiers.
In October 2000, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) revealed that among the 16,024 registered members of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), approximately 10% were under the age of 18. Most of these minors were 16 or 17 years old, while around 2% were younger than 16. The youngest recruits, predominantly girls, were typically assigned roles such as cooking and logistical support rather than direct combat. Other girls also joined the KLA, such as a 15-year-old whose father proudly declared, “I am a soldier, my son is a soldier, my daughter is a soldier, and all my 11 children will become soldiers. We will fight until we achieve our freedom.”
Legislature After War
After the war concluded in 1999, Kosovo has since claimed independence in 2008, but the scars of war, particularly among youth, continue to be felt.
Despite this, Kosovo has made strides in ensuring the safety and future of its children. Legislative reforms in Kosovo have played a pivotal role in aligning the country’s child protection policies with international standards. Kosovo’s implementation of its 2003 Criminal Code incorporates provisions at criminalizing recruitment of child soldiers.
Articles 151 and 153 specifically address the conscription or recruitment of children under the age of 15 into national armed forces, armed groups, or their use in hostilities during international or non-international armed conflicts. These acts are considered grave violations, punishable by sentences ranging from 5 years to life imprisonment. However, these provisions apply only during an actual armed conflict.
In addition, Article 155 criminalizes the recruitment of children aged 15 to 18, irrespective of whether an armed conflict exists. This offense carries a penalty of 1 to 10 years in prison. These protocols have strengthened Kosovo’s legal frameworks to protect children from exploitation in armed groups in any future armed conflict.
Economically
Prior to the war and changes that took place on the Balkan peninsula, Kosovo was the poorest by the region’s standards. By the draw of the war, nearly half of Kosovo’s population lived below the poverty line. The conflict significantly reduced the number of able-bodied workers, caused extensive damage to most infrastructure, and severely disrupted commercial activity. Poverty was directly correlated with child soldier recruitment, as impoverished families often faced coercion, or children voluntarily joined for the promise of basic needs or nationalist fervor. Today, while progress has been made, Kosovo still grapples with significant poverty levels, with over 30% of its population living below the poverty threshold. This underscores the ongoing need to address poverty as a root to prevent the cause of child exploitation and can help reduce ethnic tensions to prevent another war.
Conclusion
During the Kosovo War, child soldiers were a significant percent of soldiers, showing how poverty and conflict affects vulnerable populations.
Today, while the recruitment of child soldiers in Kosovo has largely ceased, the scars of war remain in economic hardship. Addressing ongoing economic hardship and strengthening child protection laws are essential steps in preventing future exploitation. By fostering education, economic opportunity and community resilience, Kosovo can continue its post-conflict recovery for peace and stability.
– Avery Hazard
Photo: Flickr
Impact of UK Foreign Aid Cuts on Global Health and Education
Impact on Health Programs
Reducing U.K. foreign aid is expected to significantly impact health initiatives supporting some of the world’s most vulnerable populations. For decades, U.K. foreign aid has funded essential health programs, including vaccination campaigns against diseases like malaria, HIV and tuberculosis and maternal and child health services.
The U.K., for example, has been a major contributor to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. In 2022, the U.K. pledged £1 billion to the Global Fund over three years. This funding has helped provide antiretroviral therapy to about 23 million people living with HIV, distribute 133 million insecticide-treated nets to prevent malaria and detect and treat 5.5 million cases of tuberculosis. The cuts can potentially reduce the U.K.’s contribution, impacting these life-saving interventions.
Vaccination and Disease Prevention
Reduced funding could immediately affect vaccination and disease prevention efforts in low-income regions. U.K. aid or ODA has been instrumental in helping programs such as the Global Fund and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to supply vaccines and improve health infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa and other high-need areas. With less funding, these organizations may struggle to provide adequate immunization, increasing the risk of outbreaks.
Maternal and Child Health
Programs focusing on maternal and child health are likely to face significant challenges due to the cuts. An assessment by civil servants warned that thousands of women will die in pregnancy and childbirth and hundreds of thousands more will face unsafe abortions because of cuts to the U.K.’s foreign aid budget. For instance, the U.K. has been a key supporter of UNICEF’s maternal and child health programs.
In 2022, the U.K. contributed £39 million to UNICEF’s core resources. These funds have supported initiatives like providing skilled birth attendants and essential newborn care in low-income countries. A reduction in funding could limit the reach of these critical services, potentially affecting maternal and child mortality rates.
Clean Water and Sanitation
The U.K. has long supported clean water and sanitation initiatives in low-income regions. Reduced funding could limit the scale of these programs, compromising access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation in areas that need it most. This, in turn, could lead to a rise in preventable illnesses linked to poor water quality and inadequate hygiene.
Impact on Education Programs
The U.K. foreign aid cuts are also expected to have a significant impact on education initiatives in developing countries. These programs have been crucial in improving access to primary education, particularly for girls and children in remote areas.
A specific initiative that could be affected is the Girls’ Education Challenge (GEC), funded by the U.K. government. Since 2012, the GEC has supported up to 1.5 million girls in 17 countries to improve their learning outcomes and find pathways for progression. The program has been particularly effective in conflict-affected areas like South Sudan and Afghanistan.
Reduced funding could limit the scope and reach of such transformative programs. Moreover, support for education has been particularly affected by previous cuts, dropping from a high of 13.5% of the aid budget in 2013 to just 3.7% in 2022. Further reductions could exacerbate this trend, potentially leaving millions of children without access to quality education.
U.K.-funded programs have been instrumental in promoting girls’ education in many countries. The cuts may limit the reach of initiatives aimed at keeping girls in school, potentially affecting gender equality in education and long-term economic opportunities for women.
Organizations Working to Mitigate the Impact
Despite the challenges posed by these cuts, several organizations are working tirelessly to mitigate the impact. Education Cannot Wait (ECW) is one such organization, a global fund dedicated to education in emergencies and protracted crises. ECW is actively mobilizing resources and partnerships to ensure that children in the most vulnerable situations continue to have access to quality education.
In 2022, ECW investments reached 7 million children and adolescents – 48% of whom are girls – with quality education in 32 crisis-affected countries. The organization has also leveraged an additional $1.1 billion in co-funding toward these programs. Such efforts demonstrate the ongoing commitment of the international development community to finding innovative solutions in the face of funding challenges.
Looking Ahead
While the U.K. foreign aid cuts pose significant challenges to global health and education programs, the international development community remains committed to finding innovative solutions. By supporting organizations like ECW and advocating for sustained investment in global development, organizations and individuals could work toward ensuring that the world’s most vulnerable populations continue to receive the support they need.
– Isabel Gallagher
Photo: Flickr
Digital Skills Training in Cameroon: Employment and Poverty
Unemployment, Women and Poverty in Cameroon
Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated unemployment, with women disproportionately affected due to caregiving responsibilities and job losses in sectors with high female participation. In 2020, the equivalent of 255 million full-time jobs were lost. This has particularly affected women, those in informal employment and those in developing nations. In Cameroon, women’s labor force participation has declined over the decades and they face a higher unemployment rate of 6.1% compared to 3.8% for men.
More than 80.5% of employed women are in vulnerable positions compared to 64% of men, meaning their work lacks the protections to shield them from economic shocks. Such systematic disparities heighten the risk of poverty for women in Cameroon. Limited access to education and societal biases further compound their challenges, narrowing their pathways to stable, high-quality employment.
Digital Skills Training in Cameroon: The Benefits
The digital economy offers a transformative opportunity to address unemployment and poverty among women in Cameroon. New pathways open up for secure employment in growing sectors like digital marketing, web development, content creation and data analysis by equipping women with digital skills. Unlike informal jobs, digital professions often provide flexible conditions, opportunities for self-employment and higher income security.
These jobs empower women economically and contribute to broader economic growth by tapping into an underutilized segment of the workforce. In Cameroon, the digital economy has steadily grown, contributing 3.5% to the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2016, with even more tremendous potential for the future. However, women currently represent only 20% of digital workers, highlighting the need for targeted initiatives to bridge this gap.
Data Girl Technologies: Driving Change
Organizations like Data Girl Technologies are pivotal in this transformation. Dedicated to empowering women through digital skills training in Cameroon, Data Girl Technologies provides education and mentorship tailored to young African women. Through hands-on workshops and practical training, participants gain job-ready skills in programming, website design and digital marketing.
Data Girl Technologies creates pathways to overcome unemployment and vulnerable work by equipping women with these skills. These efforts enable women to achieve financial independence, pursue entrepreneurial ventures and contribute meaningfully to Cameroon’s economic growth.
Digital Training: A Catalyst for Poverty Reduction
Addressing unemployment among women through digital skills training in Cameroon has a cascading effect on poverty reduction. Digital professions reduce women’s vulnerability to economic shocks by providing access to secure, high-quality jobs. At the same time, the inclusion of women in the digital workforce fuels broader economic development, creating a virtuous cycle that benefits communities and the nation as a whole.
As policymakers and organizations like Data Girl Technologies continue to invest in women’s digital education, they are addressing immediate employment challenges and laying the groundwork for long-term poverty eradication. By closing the gender gap in digital professions, Cameroon can unlock the full potential of its workforce, ensuring a more inclusive and prosperous future.
– Sarah Maunsell
Photo: Flickr
Givelight and Poverty in Cambodia
Less than half of the youth in Cambodia receive a comprehensive education. Generational poverty compels older children and teenagers to start working immediately after primary school, perpetuating the cycle of poverty. The scarcity of teachers and inadequate governmental infrastructure further hinder access to quality education, which is crucial for pursuing successful careers and futures beyond Cambodia’s borders. Additionally, the high student-to-teacher ratio limits personalized attention and academic support. Many students in rural areas also lack the transportation needed to reach government schools, leaving them with options like work training, homeschooling or no education.
Givelight Foundation’s Role in Supporting Orphans
Recently, a representative from the Givelight Foundation, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared insights with The Borgen Project about the organization’s efforts in Cambodia. This nonprofit organization focuses on providing shelter and support to orphans across the country. Since opening a large orphanage in Cambodia in 2013, it now cares for more than 70 children. The representative described the acute challenges these children face, highlighting the scarcity of essential resources.
Anonymous shared that the children in the orphanage undergo thorough vetting and typically come from single-parent households or have no parents at all. Many enter the orphanage because their surviving parents cannot financially support them due to job insecurity, illness or unsafe living conditions. She also shared insights into the children’s daily activities and interests at home in Cambodia. The children enjoy participating in group games led by team leaders and supervisors. They are particularly keen on learning new Western games like Simon Says and various dance moves and they also love drawing, coloring and writing short stories and poetry.
Educational and Health Care Support
The orphanage has dedicated space specifically for learning, equipped with all necessary educational resources, including books that match the academic level of the children. It also provides school uniforms, textbooks, meals and writing materials to support their educational journey. After completing secondary education, children are encouraged to pursue higher studies with the help of available scholarships. On the health care front, the orphanage ensures that each child receives a monthly stipend to cover health-related needs. Due to stringent sanitation measures and routine vaccinations, most children remain healthy throughout the year. The stipend is distributed equally among all children, ensuring consistent support regardless of individual health changes.
Establishment and Expansion of the Orphanage
Despite numerous challenges in developing countries, Givelight and similar organizations strive to deliver comprehensive education and essential resources to children, aiming to break the cycle of poverty. Givelight operates in 13 countries and supports more than 1,000 orphans. Anonymous detailed the development of its facility in Cambodia, established in 2013, starting with a land donation that facilitated the registration of Givelight as a nonprofit. Identifying orphans in need within the region soon followed.
The organization then repurposed 2 hectares of rubber plantations for the orphanage, renovating the space to meet the children’s needs. She highlighted that this was one of Givelight’s initial projects and spurred further global expansion due to the clear need in various communities. The Cambodia orphanage has grown significantly with the support of full-time supervisors and teachers. Initially supporting 50 children, it has expanded its capacity and funding to accommodate more than 70 orphans, continuously enhancing their educational opportunities.
Additional Support for Cambodian Youth
Many organizations support marginalized youth, including Empowering Youth in Cambodia, which offers free quality education in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Serving students aged 6 to 24, the organization operates three community centers providing English and coding classes, libraries, scholarships and job training and placement. It emphasizes personal development through sports, art, music and leadership camps while also engaging in community outreach. Each school features a medical clinic accessible to the community and collaborates with local family planning clinics to assist women in the area.
Organizations like Caring for Cambodia run programs focused on providing food to youth in need. The Food for Thought initiative serves two daily meals to students enrolled in Caring for Cambodia’s educational programs. These meals encourage parents to send their children to school and significantly improve students’ focus in class. The meals typically include Manna Packs of fortified rice and protein, enhanced with fish sauce containing added vitamins and locally grown vegetables to boost nutritional value. These well-planned meals play a critical role in addressing widespread malnutrition among Cambodian youth.
Looking Ahead
Organizations supporting Cambodian youth are fostering critical changes by enhancing access to education, health care and nutritional support. Their initiatives provide vulnerable children with the resources needed to pursue better opportunities and escape poverty. By creating sustainable programs tailored to local needs, these ongoing efforts build a foundation for long-term community development and improved living conditions for future generations.
– Sophia Kharal
Photo: Flickr
The Fight Against Child Poverty: UNICEF’s World Children’s Day
As a U.N. charity, UNICEF operates in more than 190 countries, defending children’s rights and ensuring access to education, health care, nutrition, shelter and protection from conflict. The organization amplifies the voices of children living in poverty and advocates for global action to combat child poverty.
UNICEF and Celebrity Support
To mark World Children’s Day 2024, UNICEF’s Celebrity Ambassadors led a fundraising campaign to support the organization’s work. President Olivia Colman and Ambassadors Robbie Williams, Andy Murray, Ramla Ali and Claudia Schiffer collaborated to design T-shirts sold to raise donations. All profits went directly to helping children in crisis, with a focus on Sudan, Gaza and Ukraine.
Reflecting on the campaign, Claudia Schiffer said, “I hope [the T-shirts] will raise vital funds for UNICEF’s work for children, protecting their rights, so they can experience things all children need […] some in the most difficult circumstances.” To further support the fight against child poverty, UNICEF hosted the “Once Upon Our Time” celebrity gala at Frameless in London to mark World Children’s Day. The evening featured celebrations, stories from children impacted by UNICEF’s work and a celebrity auction.
Samar’s story, an 11-year-old among 5 million children displaced by conflict in Sudan, was a key focus of the event. UNICEF highlighted its efforts to provide safe spaces and improve access to mental health support for children in the region. The live auction included exclusive experiences, such as a golfing session with James Nesbitt and a meet-and-greet with UNICEF President Olivia Colman. The gala raised £670,000 to support the organization’s World Children’s Day 2024 fundraising initiatives.
World Children’s Day Helps Children in Gaza
UNICEF used World Children’s Day to spotlight the urgent need for humanitarian aid to support children in Gaza. At least 14,000 children have been killed and nine in 10 residents are displaced. Children face extreme poverty, with little access to food, water, shelter and health care.
World Children’s Day raised awareness and funds to provide critical aid in Gaza. With 96% of the population experiencing extreme food insecurity, UNICEF has delivered nutrition services to families and screened more than 125,000 children for malnutrition. Additionally, the organization has also ensured safe water for more than 800,000 children and continues to distribute medical supplies, polio vaccinations, hygiene kits and basic sanitation support.
Other Charities Supporting World Children’s Day
Save the Children plays a vital role in fighting child poverty worldwide, working to ensure children have access to food, education, health care and social protection. The charity focuses heavily on supporting children during crises when they are most vulnerable. For World Children’s Day 2024, Save the Children joined calls for educational reform, the reopening of schools and improved access to health care.
World Vision actively supports World Children’s Day and the fight against child poverty. As a Christian charity, it focuses on aiding vulnerable children and providing immediate relief during crises. World Vision has worked with communities for up to 15 years, ensuring children are safe and healthy before concluding its efforts. On World Children’s Day, the charity highlights progress in improving children’s lives and advocates for investments in their futures. World Vision has helped more than 200 million children globally, with its feeding program achieving an 89% cure rate and its tuberculosis program reaching an 88% success rate.
Looking Forward
The annual World Children’s Day helps charities like UNICEF, Save the Children and World Vision help children most vulnerable in the fight against global poverty. Other charities assisting the cause include Feed the Children, Plan International and Mission Together. The day serves as recognition for their work and an opportunity to increase fundraising for future aid and assistance.
– Ellie Western
Photo: Flickr
Top 10 Facts About Hunger in New Zealand
10 Facts about Hunger in New Zealand
– Staff Reports
Photo: Flickr – Daniel Orth