Nauru is a small island country in the Pacific Ocean with a population of slightly more than 12,000 people. Once known as the world’s wealthiest nation, it now ranks among the lowest in national income, with an average gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of $10,000 to $12,000. About one in four people live below the basic needs poverty line, giving Nauru the worst human development indicators in the region.
In Nauru, poverty often reflects a lack of opportunity to participate fully in socioeconomic life and insufficient resources to meet household and community needs, according to the 2006 Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) report. Living in poverty in Nauru is challenging due to limited social services and resources, which can lead to restricted access to education, health care and other necessities.
Historical Background
Nauru gained independence from Australia in 1968 and simultaneously became the owner of a highly profitable phosphate industry. Considering the size of its population and territory, which can be equated to that of an international airport, the income generated from phosphate mining made Nauru one of the wealthiest countries in the world. From 1970 to the early ’80s, Nauruans benefited from universal health care and education and many were unemployed by choice.
Yet, inadequate governmental management and the notion that the nation’s financial standing was never-ending drove it into its current impoverished state. By 1990, the land had been stripped of its natural resources and the phosphate mining industry collapsed, sending Nauru into a deep socioeconomic crisis. In an attempt to reestablish its vigorous economy, the government attempted to sell banking licenses and passports. However, this decision further fueled Nauru’s debacle as, in 2002, the U.S. treasury defined it as a “money-laundering state” for allowing the “establishment of offshore banks with no physical presence.”
Health Care
Health care specialists and Nauruans consider the health care system unsatisfactory and less equipped to serve the community. The Nauruan government faces a worsening health crisis. Although Australia invests considerably in Nauruan health facilities, the medical treatment is still inadequate.
Patients often required medical treatment overseas, as many doctors and residents alike described the Republic of Nauru hospital as “substandard, poorly staffed and ill-equipped,” according to Dr. Nick Martin in an article for The Guardian. Nonetheless, many have been denied transfer to Australian hospitals, which has led to exacerbated health concerns and fatal consequences.
Food Poverty
One of the most prominent issues in Nauru is food poverty and malnutrition. The original Nauruan diet mainly consisted of seafood and various vegetables. However, after 20 paradisiacal years that transformed Nauru into a consumer society and left behind an environmental wasteland, the people moved away from fishing and agriculture in favor of less expensive and more convenient imports.
Mass imports of alcohol and industrial foods further encouraged a sedentary lifestyle, which Nauruans still need to recover from. Consequently, Nauru has the highest obesity and type 2 diabetes rates in the world, with 71% of the population classified as obese and more than 90% considered overweight.
In a 2021 ministerial statement at the U.N. Food Systems Summit, Rennier Gadabu, Nauru’s minister for commerce, industry and environment, called for increased cooperation to prevent price spikes and food shortages in “vulnerable countries,” as Nauru relies heavily on imported food. Gadabu also reaffirmed Nauru’s commitment to restructuring its agriculture to boost domestic food production and improve food security and nutrition.
Education
Nauru is currently facing high levels of truancy, which results in decreased youth literacy and numeracy rates. A lack of job prospects primarily fuels this as graduates fail to see returns from their investment in education. In response, the Waqa government implemented the Nauru Education Assistance Trust Scheme (NEATS). NEATS provides trust funds for primary and secondary school students, who receive $5 each day they attend school.
According to teachers and school officials, this scheme has already produced efficient outcomes in reversing truancy rates. “Every day the children come to school, they’re investing in their future with the allowance they receive, because it’s not given to them on a daily basis but put into a trust fund which they can access when they leave school,” said Charmain Scotty, Nauru’s Minister for Education. In addition, the scheme will be monitored to encourage responsible spending and the money saved will be invested toward a bright future, “such as starting a business or buying a home.”
Measures and Possible Solutions
Australia is Nauru’s largest bilateral donor. Australian official development assistance (ODA) to Nauru totaled $32 million in 2022-23, with an estimated $46 million for 2023-24. The aid aims to improve public sector management, invest in infrastructure and support human development. Nauru’s 2024-25 development plan prioritizes health, education and climate-resilient infrastructure. Australia’s program aligns with these goals, supporting broader health initiatives, including funding for talent, training and infrastructure to strengthen medical services and the Ministry of Health.
Furthermore, the Raña Tsimorum (“Look After Your Life”) program will be implemented in 2025 to support specific population groups and bolster the Nauruan health system. The program aims to build a more robust health system through health-strengthening interventions and the efficient delivery of quality health services, including public health. It also seeks to improve health outcomes focused on demand, as prioritized in the National Health Strategy.
Further plans focus on reinforcing governance and resource allocation and enabling an environment for economic diversification through the Nauru-Australia Partnership on Economic Governance. As of May 2024, Australia reassured its commitment to supporting Nauru’s financial sustainability and contributing to its long-term budgetary self-reliance as a Nauru Intergenerational Trust Fund Committee member. More than ever, it is of utmost importance to build a more sustainable culture and society so that Nauruans can return to their once healthy and prosperous lifestyle, alleviating the challenges of experiencing poverty in Nauru.
– Beatriz Cicci
Beatriz Cicci is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Flickr
Traid: Fighting Fast Fashion
Traid
Traid is a U.K.-based charity retailer that collects and curates second-hand clothes for retail in charity shops. Globally, it funds causes that empower those involved in clothing production, including farmers and garment workers. It has several inspiring projects, including its 2024 initiative in Benin, in collaboration with Pesticide Action Network U.K. and OBEPAB (a Benin-based organization promoting organic agriculture). Traid has committed £336,382 to this 18-month project to improve incomes, health and soil quality for thousands of cotton farmers in Benin.
Cotton farmers often work in hot temperatures and engage in labor-intensive work for long hours with little breaks. They face exposure to harmful pesticides, which can cause health issues but continue to be used to keep yield production high and remain competitive with other farmers.
The Traid project has worked to build the capacity of smallholder farmers through education and the deployment of “Farmer Field Schools.” The organization has strengthened transnational supply chains for local farms and positively promoted Benin’s organic cotton, according to its website.
Consequently, organic cotton farmers have earned more than triple the net income of conventional farmers, and there has been a much higher rate of female inclusion. Not only has the physical health of the farmers improved through reduced pesticide exposure, but their financial, social and emotional health has vastly improved.
GoodWeave
Looking to the area of garment production, a notable non-profit is GoodWeave, founded in 1994, which endeavors to stop child labor in global supply chains. Goodweave works to expose hidden supply chains, empower workers and protect workers’ rights. It also operates a certification system where through its logo certification, it assures consumers that those particular products are free from child labor.
Employing approximately 75 million factory workers worldwide, the fashion manufacturing industry has no small reach. Of these workers, less than 2% make a living wage, often struggling with poverty and barely covering basic living costs like food. The working conditions are also often unsafe – cramped conditions, poor regulations on equipment and lack of ventilation.
GoodWeave has funded rescue and rehabilitation centers that have had transformative impacts on children’s lives. To date, GoodWeave has restored freedom to 10,868 children and provided 99,526 children with direct access to education.
In Nepal, for example, its Hamro Ghar home is populated by young individuals previously exploited and abused in the textiles industry, now with the opportunity to pursue education and break the cycle of poverty and exploitation.
Labour Behind The Label
Labour Behind the Label takes a more lobbying and activism approach to fighting fast fashion. This organization builds solidarity between garment makers and consumers. This helps to breach the socio-spatial difference formed through the production line, which increases consumers’ connection with those who make their clothes and the conditions they endure. Activists from all angles can then collectively lobby companies to improve worker rights.
The organization contributes to the fight against exploitation in the fashion industry, and campaigns for the instigation of a living wage. Its successes so far have seen U.K. retailers sign the “Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety” to protect workers’ safety, as well as ensuring that victims of the Rana Plaza disaster in 2013, whereby a factory tragically collapsed due to unsafe conditions, have access to long-term compensation. Its policy work and campaigning are significant contributors to ensuring workers’ health, equity and safety.
Looking Forward
The fast fashion industry has, in some instances, become an exploitative and destructive entity, prioritizing money over welfare. However, it does not have to remain this way, thanks to the work of the organizations that are fighting fast fashion. Taking action through political and social activism, advocacy, policy change and spending consumer money more ethically can work to reinvent existing labor chains into fair and just production lines.
– Rebecca Barry
Photo: Flickr
The Evolution of Uruguay’s Technological Infrastructure
Expanding Fiber Optic Infrastructure in Rural Areas
In 2021 and 2022, ANTEL, Uruguay’s largest telecommunications company, invested $161 million into the country’s telecommunication sector, with 80% of that allocated to expanding fiber optic infrastructure in rural areas. ANTEL currently holds 57% of the market share, followed by Spain’s Telefónica/Movistar with 26% and Mexico’s Claro with 17%. The company is focused on replacing outdated copper connections with fiber optic technology. This aims to improve and strengthen internet access, particularly in the country’s rural regions.
The 2025 Digital Agenda
In May of 2021, Uruguay approved a guideline for further digital developments called the “2025 Digital Agenda,” which is managed by the Knowledge Management Agency. This will open doors to more opportunities for hardware and software providers, as well as telecommunication and network service companies. The basis of the plan is to expand the “fiber-to-the-home” networks to remote locations. Additionally, the plan looks to increase the range of 5G networks and new digital health services.
Programa Ibirapitá
This program in Uruguay focuses on the digital inclusion of older adults, aiming to improve social inclusion, participation and equity. Through workshops designed to increase digital literacy and consultations, the initiative empowers elderly individuals. The program specifically targets individuals aged 65 and above whose annual income is at most $30,885. These participants are granted access to mobile devices through the Ibirapitá Mobile Plan, a service provided by ANTEL, which helps bridge the digital divide and fosters greater connectivity and independence for older adults.
Plan Ceibal
In 2007, Uruguay launched a program aimed at promoting nationwide digital literacy and skill development by providing each student with access to a laptop in school. This initiative became a key part of the country’s education strategy. Furthermore, it has been supported by tax incentives for tech companies and significant investments in communications infrastructure. Furthermore, the program has helped bridge the digital divide and enhance technological skills among students across the country.
Looking Ahead
Uruguay’s next step in its technological evolution is focusing on the “Internet of Things” (IoT). Development will be driven by both public and private stakeholders. Indeed, these efforts are taking place in the “Open Digital Lab,” a dedicated test space for IoT technologies and their applications. As the country continues to grow and expand its technological capabilities, discussions around artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics have become more prevalent, reflecting Uruguay’s ongoing push to enhance its telecommunications infrastructure and embrace emerging technologies.
– Isabella Chavez
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Academics Stand Against Poverty: Solutions for a World in Need
The Challenge: A Complex Web of Poverty
Poverty is not simply a lack of resources; it’s a complex web of interconnected issues. ASAP focuses on the structural drivers of poverty, which include:
These systemic issues create barriers that keep individuals and communities trapped in cycles of poverty. In our current “post-truth” world, where “alternative facts” often overshadow evidence-based research, ASAP’s work is crucial.
Academics Stand Against Poverty and Its Innovative Solutions
ASAP is tackling these challenges through a multi-faceted approach:
Global Network: Fellowship Program and Chapters
ASAP’s global network of 19 chapters across the globe is a testament to its commitment to fostering academic dialogue and collaboration. With a strong presence among universities and academics in the global South, ASAP focuses on creating opportunities for those who face barriers to full participation in global academic dialogue.
ASAP’s growing network of members and national and regional chapters is the driving force behind its impact on global poverty. The organization connects like-minded faculty, students and researchers from different disciplines around the world with a common goal: to look at practical and achievable ways to tackle the systemic root causes that perpetuate poverty.
Success Stories
ASAP’s innovative approach is already yielding results. In its first year of operation, the AGAPE initiative made four awards in India, demonstrating the program’s commitment to supporting grassroots solutions. One notable project is the Snekithi Charitable Trust in Tamil Nadu, which received more than $2,300 for an initiative to raise the productivity and incomes of Dalit women farmers in the rain-fed areas of Karur District.
This project not only addresses poverty but also tackles issues of gender and caste inequality. While the full impact of these projects is still unfolding, they represent a promising start in ASAP’s mission to eradicate severe poverty. By supporting local initiatives with global expertise, ASAP is creating a model for sustainable, community-driven change.
Final Note
ASAP’s work offers hope in the face of daunting global challenges. By combining rigorous academic research with practical, on-the-ground solutions, ASAP is paving the way for a world structured to avert poverty. Its efforts show that when knowledge meets action, real change is possible.
In a world often divided by ideology and misinformation, ASAP stands as a beacon of evidence-based hope. ASAP challenges us all to think critically about the causes of poverty and to act decisively in creating a more just and equitable world for all.
– Staff Reports
Photo: Flickr
Crisis and Humanitarian Needs in the DRC
Corruption and Humanitarian Needs in the DRC
Corrupt governmental structures lead to a misappropriation of funds that hinder its effectiveness. This erodes public trust and complicates the implementation of future aid programs. Doner countries often hesitate to channel funds through government systems due to concerns over corruption, opting instead for parallel structures that can diminish local capacity and autonomy. DRC’s economy is reliant on foreign aid rather than fostering self-sustaining growth through industrialization or agricultural development.
Aid is directed toward immediate humanitarian needs, for example, food and water. The DRC faces environmental issues that have been exacerbated by climate change, which can further complicate development efforts. The degradation of natural resources due to conflict and poor governance limits opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. The country’s biodiversity is under threat from exploitation by armed groups and the impacts of climate change, thereby increasing socioeconomic divides.
Strategic Interventions for Stability and Peace
At a United Nations (U.N.) Security Council meeting, Bintou Keita, Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Head of the U.N. Stabilisation Mission there (MONUSCO) reported a dire security situation despite ongoing military operations by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). Keita highlighted violent retaliation by armed groups in South Kivu’s Fizi and Uvira territories, leading to increased population displacement, particularly in North Kivu and Ituri, due to actions by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
Trine Heimerback, representing Norway, pointed out that illegal exploitation of natural resources funds armed conflicts, reduces national revenue and causes civilian harm. She raised concerns about child labor in mining and the exploitation of women, underscoring the necessity for regional cooperation to tackle these ongoing issues. Heimerback advocated for implementing the 2021 Great Lakes Region Workshop on Natural Resources recommendations. She also emphasized that MONUSCO’s effectiveness hinges on a transition strategy prioritizing civilian protection and argued that achieving stability in the DRC goes beyond military efforts. Heimerback called for including civil society, local leaders, women and youth in stabilization and dialogue efforts, tailoring these processes to actual conditions rather than rigid schedules.
Need for Regional Cooperation in DRC
At a U.N. meeting, delegates highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in stabilizing the DRC. Brazil’s representative, João Genésio De Almeida Filho, praised the collaborative military efforts between the FARDC and the UPDF, noting enhanced cross-border partnerships with Rwanda. Brazil proudly contributed to the MONUSCO by appointing its distinguished officers as Force Commanders, which, De Almeida Filho suggested, could help create more favorable conditions for regional stability.
Representing Ghana and Kenya, Gabon’s delegate expressed concerns over the DRC being a “victim of its abundant mineral resources,” pinpointing the exploitation of these resources by armed groups as a significant factor in ongoing instability. Furthermore, he supported the DRC Government’s National Strategic Plan for the Exploitation and Certification of Mineral Resources and called for the implementation of sanctions against those involved in the illegal trafficking of these resources, underscoring the need for effective measures to combat the financing of conflicts through resource exploitation.
Local Capacities for Sustainable Development
Local community empowerment is essential for fostering self-sufficiency and sustainable peace in the DRC. By strengthening local governance and institutions, communities gain control over decision-making processes, thereby enhancing accountability. Additionally, promoting economic self-sufficiency through microfinance programs and vocational training helps individuals develop sustainable livelihoods and reduces their vulnerability to recruitment by armed groups.
Sustainable Land Management and Community Ownership
The Congolese government has launched the Sustainable Land Use Programme to promote food self-sufficiency through strategic land management. This program involves local communities in decision-making about land usage, addressing deforestation and environmental degradation and enhancing food security. Community Forest Concessions (CFCs) grant local communities collective control over their ancestral lands, allowing them to manage forests sustainably and benefit from their resources while preserving the environment.
In South Kivu, 23 communities have received CFCLs, enabling them to negotiate directly with external entities seeking to exploit forest resources. This initiative fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members. Additionally, the OPEC Fund for International Development has provided significant funding to improve rural infrastructure and access to clean water, essential for food security and community health. The International Rescue Committee supports recovery efforts by providing vital services that facilitate community rebuilding after conflicts, emphasizing local engagement in these processes.
Looking Ahead
Achieving sustained peace in the DRC may require a nuanced approach beyond traditional humanitarian aid. Indeed, empowering local communities through sustainable development initiatives may help to foster self-sufficiency and resilience. By enhancing local governance and promoting economic independence, communities could actively shape their futures, reducing vulnerability to conflict. Furthermore, enhanced collaboration between the Congolese government and international organizations can potentially dismantle exploitative practices and address the root causes of instability.
– Hannah Ravariere-Moakes
Photo: Flickr
Brazil’s Waste-to-Energy Conversion Systems
Urban Waste as an Energy Source
With rapid urbanization and increased consumption, Brazil faces mounting waste disposal challenges. The nation produces approximately 79 million tons of waste annually and managing this output has long been a complex issue. While traditional landfills have been the mainstay for waste disposal, they come with environmental costs, such as methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. Recognizing this, Brazil has started investing in waste-to-energy projects, using organic waste and other municipal refuse to generate clean, renewable energy.
These waste-to-energy projects follow a relatively simple process. Organic waste, which includes everything from food scraps to sewage sludge, undergoes anaerobic digestion—a process where microorganisms break down waste in an oxygen-free environment, according to Global Recycling. This decomposition releases biogas, a combination of methane and carbon dioxide, which can be converted into electricity. By transforming waste into energy, Brazil not only diverts a substantial amount of refuse from landfills but also reduces its carbon footprint.
Landmark Projects Leading the Way
In São Paulo, one of Brazil’s largest and most densely populated cities, a pioneering waste-to-energy plant exemplifies the potential of the Brazil waste-to-energy conversion system. This facility transforms various organic waste types, such as food scraps and biodegradable materials, into biogas, Global Recycling reports. This biogas is then distributed locally, helping reduce waste and reliance on fossil fuels. São Paulo’s waste-to-energy project underscores the city’s commitment to environmental sustainability and urban resilience, offering a model for other cities to follow.
Curitiba, known for its eco-friendly efforts, has launched a large-scale composting project that further enhances Brazil’s waste-to-energy conversion strategies. This project primarily turns organic waste into compost for agriculture and green spaces, yet it also captures methane for modest energy production, showcasing that diverse approaches can strengthen Brazil’s waste-to-energy conversion efforts.
Meanwhile, Rio de Janeiro is making headway with biogas initiatives aimed at capturing landfill gases. The city’s main landfill, the Seropédica Landfill, is one of Latin America’s largest and includes a biogas recovery system that extracts methane emissions and converts them into energy. Rio’s biogas initiatives provide enough electricity to power thousands of households, highlighting waste-to-energy’s potential to meet urban energy needs sustainably.
Economic and Environmental Impact
These projects represent more than just waste disposal solutions—they contribute to economic growth and energy security. By tapping into waste-to-energy technologies, Brazil can reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels, foster local employment in green technology, and promote innovation in renewable energy. The environmental benefits are equally substantial, as waste-to-energy systems drastically reduce methane emissions from organic waste, a critical factor in the fight against climate change.
Moreover, the success of Brazil’s waste-to-energy conversion initiatives could encourage other Latin American countries to explore similar strategies. Brazil has become a regional leader in green energy solutions, showing that waste-to-energy systems can be both economically viable and environmentally beneficial. This leadership extends beyond borders as Brazil collaborates with international organizations to improve its waste-to-energy capabilities, drawing on global expertise to optimize local projects.
A Sustainable Future for Brazil
Brazil’s commitment to waste-to-energy conversion solutions showcases the country’s forward-thinking approach to sustainability. By converting waste into energy, Brazilian cities are cleaning up their streets, reducing emissions, and powering communities—all while supporting a circular economy. As these projects expand, Brazil is not only addressing today’s waste and energy challenges but also paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
– Laila Alaya
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Sex Trafficking in Bangladesh
Sex Trafficking in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is a South Asian country bordered by India, Myanmar and the Bay of Bengal. It is a densely populated country with a population of roughly 174 million people. Poverty in Bangladesh stands at a rate of 18.7%, with women suffering the most. In 2022, Concern Worldwide reported that the unemployment rate for women in Bangladesh was double that of men, with 6.7% of women unemployed compared to 3.3% of men. Despite this disparity, Bangladesh ranked among the top South Asian countries advancing toward gender equality.
One form of work women in Bangladesh can find rather easily and often involuntarily is sex work. Research from 2016 conducted by Asad Islam and Russell Smyth suggests that there are currently between 150,000 and 200,000 female sex workers in Bangladesh. Many of them started working as teenagers. In a poll conducted by the pair, 283 sex workers were interviewed and less than 10% reported entering sex work by choice. Many of them were driven into the profession due to poverty in Bangladesh. With 14 official brothels and 18 red-light districts, if the survey is representative of the broader population, it suggests a significant number of women and children are subjected to forced sexual labor.
Bangladesh’s Red-Light Districts
Daulatdia is one of Bangladesh’s largest brothels, resembling the size of a village. It houses more than 2,000 sex workers in 2,300 single-story rooms and serves nearly 3,000 customers daily. Children are also exposed to this environment, with almost 300 living in the brothel with their mothers. Across Bangladesh, close to 20,000 children reside in brothels and red-light districts, many of whom are groomed to take on the same roles as their mothers eventually. The conditions in Bangladesh’s brothels and red-light districts are dire. The Guardian reported that poverty is rampant in these areas. In the article “The Living Hell of Young Girls Living in Bangladesh’s Brothels,” one woman shared her experience of living in a room with four other girls, where only small sheets separated them from one another.
Efforts and Aid
The United States Department of State has reported that Bangladesh remains lax in its efforts to eliminate trafficking. However, efforts to combat the issue have increased, particularly in law enforcement. Despite these efforts, the involvement of police in trafficking has not been adequately addressed. Convictions and prosecutions of traffickers increased, but most of the time, the courts would sentence offenders to fines instead of jail time. This has resulted in a weakened deterrence from the crime, thus allowing it to continue. Protection of victims also remains insufficient, housing and shelter services remain unstable and government aid to victims remains low.
There are positive developments, particularly in the attitude toward girls’ education. According to the Asian Development Bank, in 2004, an equal number of girls and boys were enrolled in primary school. By 2022, it was reported that 77% of girls were enrolled in school. Another positive news is that in September 2024, the U.S. voted to provide Bangladesh with $202 million in aid. This funding is part of the U.S.’s ongoing support for the Rohingya refugee crisis and efforts to uplift the country and alleviate poverty in Bangladesh.
Final Remark
Efforts to stop sex trafficking in Bangladesh are increasing. According to the United Nations (U.N.), in 2006, the poverty rate in Bangladesh stood at 41.5%; the number has significantly decreased to just 18.7% in 2022. Poverty in Bangladesh has been on the decline in the last 20 years. The trend only continues.
– Maya Renfro
Photo: Flickr
Inclusive Education: Agatha Obiageli Aghedo Memorial Foundation
The Challenge: A Community in Need
Satellite Town is a microcosm of the broader challenges facing many urban areas across Nigeria. The town is home to a significant population of children who come from low-income families, where the struggle to make ends meet often means that education becomes a luxury rather than a necessity. For children with disabilities, the situation is even more dire. The lack of specialized schools or programs that can accommodate their needs often leaves them excluded from the education system entirely.
These children are not just missing out on learning; they are being denied their fundamental right to grow, develop and participate fully in society. Despite the high rate of migration into Satellite Town, driven by its commercial activities, many families continue to struggle for survival. The community is marked by stark economic disparities, where the influx of new residents seeking opportunity overshadows the persistent needs of the most vulnerable.
The Agatha Obiageli Aghedo Memorial Foundation
The Agatha Obiageli Aghedo Memorial Foundation, founded and registered in 2012, was established out of a strong commitment to address these inequities. Led by Dr. Akhere Marian Aghedo-Akran, a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Strategist with a Ph.D. in Educational Management specializing in inclusion strategies, the Foundation passionately advocates for inclusive education and the dignity of all individuals.
Born and raised in Satellite Town, Aghedo-Akran has a deep personal connection to her community and strongly believes in giving back to uplift those in need, especially in the place where her mother lived until her passing. The foundation honors her mother’s legacy, who was a dedicated humanitarian. She treated everyone with love and fairness, never perceiving anyone as less or impaired and the foundation continues this commitment to inclusive support for all.
St. Agatha’s Inclusive Learning Center
The organization launched St. Agatha’s Inclusive Learning Center eight year ago. The center is a free school dedicated to providing equitable and inclusive education for all children, regardless of their physical abilities or socioeconomic status. This initiative has since become a lifeline for more than 200 children and their families in the community. The Foundation’s approach extends beyond traditional education, aiming to create an environment where every child feels valued and included.
One of its most impactful initiatives has been the introduction of sign language in its school, which has inspired some private schools in the community to adopt similar inclusive practices. This initiative has significantly reduced the stigma and isolation that many children with disabilities face, fostering a sense of belonging and community. Additionally, through its #NoChildShouldBeLeftBehind campaign, the Foundation has worked tirelessly to reintegrate out-of-school children into the educational system. These children receive free education, meals, uniforms, shoes and writing materials, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed.
Transforming Lives and Communities
In 2024, the Foundation expanded its impact through the launch of the Disability Arts, Robotics, Technology and Safety (DARTS) Project. This innovative program provides persons with disabilities in the community with free training in essential life skills. Participants have learned fire safety, basic life support, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and information technology, empowering them to live more independently and safely. The DARTS Project is a critical step in its ongoing mission to equip individuals with disabilities with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
The Agatha Obiageli Aghedo Memorial Foundation’s efforts extend beyond education into the broader community. Since its inception, the Foundation has organized more than 20 quarterly community outreaches, distributing relief items to vulnerable families. These initiatives have impacted more than 500,000 people, providing essential support to those facing daily struggles to make ends meet. Additionally, during the COVID-19 lockdown, the Foundation distributed relief packs to more than 3,000 families consistently for 11 weeks, ensuring they had essential supplies to survive the difficult period.
Conclusion
The Agatha Obiageli Aghedo Memorial Foundation has made a lasting impact through its commitment to inclusive education and community support. The initiative is committed to continuing its work until every child in Satellite Town and beyond has the opportunity to access quality education, regardless of their circumstances.
– Staff Reports
Photo: AOAMF
How IWAYEC Is Transforming Livelihoods in Borno State, Nigeria
This initiative aims to boost agricultural productivity and ensure food security in a region where farming is a primary source of livelihood. However, it has been severely disrupted by ongoing conflicts. Here is how IWAYEC is impacting lives in these conflicted-affected regions:
Uplifting Women
In addition to supporting farmers, IWAYEC is dedicated to uplifting women across Borno State through skills acquisition programs. More than 6,000 women in six LGAs have benefited from training in petty trading, cattle rearing and oil extraction. These skills are vital for enabling women to generate sustainable incomes and support their families. By focusing on both agricultural and entrepreneurial empowerment, IWAYEC is not only addressing immediate economic needs but also laying the groundwork for long-term resilience and self-sufficiency in these communities.
Integrating Communities and Local Stakeholders
IWAYEC employs a holistic, multi-layered approach to tackling the diverse challenges faced by vulnerable groups, especially in conflict-affected regions. Central to its strategy is the integration of community engagement and stakeholder collaboration. IWAYEC actively involves local leaders, civil society organizations and government agencies to ensure that its interventions are culturally sensitive and community-driven.
By facilitating open dialogues with beneficiaries, the organization tailors its projects to address the specific needs and challenges of each community. This grassroots approach fosters trust, strengthens local ownership and ensures the long-term sustainability of its programs.
Addressing Gender-Based Violence
Prioritizing child protection and safeguarding, IWAYEC implements initiatives that address abuse and exploitation, creating safe spaces for children and adolescents. A flagship initiative, the School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV) project, funded by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), prevents and responds to violence in schools, ensuring safe learning environments for both girls and boys.
These initiatives, alongside community engagement efforts, have fostered economic empowerment, improved educational access and strengthened the social fabric of some of Nigeria’s most vulnerable communities, bringing IWAYEC’s mission and vision closer to reality. The organization also engages in advocacy efforts to address systemic issues affecting women and children, working to influence policy changes and promote social justice.
Final Remark
IWAYEC operates with a deep commitment to inclusivity and sustainability. Beyond its core projects, the organization places a strong emphasis on monitoring and evaluation to ensure the effectiveness and impact of its initiatives. IWAYEC regularly assesses the progress of its programs through feedback from beneficiaries, data analysis and collaboration with local stakeholders.
This continuous learning approach allows for the adaptation and enhancement of strategies to better meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves. Through its comprehensive approach and commitment to community-driven solutions, IWAYEC is making a meaningful and enduring impact on the lives of its beneficiaries.
– Staff Reports
Photo: Flickr
Poverty in Nauru: The Country That Had and Lost It All
In Nauru, poverty often reflects a lack of opportunity to participate fully in socioeconomic life and insufficient resources to meet household and community needs, according to the 2006 Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) report. Living in poverty in Nauru is challenging due to limited social services and resources, which can lead to restricted access to education, health care and other necessities.
Historical Background
Nauru gained independence from Australia in 1968 and simultaneously became the owner of a highly profitable phosphate industry. Considering the size of its population and territory, which can be equated to that of an international airport, the income generated from phosphate mining made Nauru one of the wealthiest countries in the world. From 1970 to the early ’80s, Nauruans benefited from universal health care and education and many were unemployed by choice.
Yet, inadequate governmental management and the notion that the nation’s financial standing was never-ending drove it into its current impoverished state. By 1990, the land had been stripped of its natural resources and the phosphate mining industry collapsed, sending Nauru into a deep socioeconomic crisis. In an attempt to reestablish its vigorous economy, the government attempted to sell banking licenses and passports. However, this decision further fueled Nauru’s debacle as, in 2002, the U.S. treasury defined it as a “money-laundering state” for allowing the “establishment of offshore banks with no physical presence.”
Health Care
Health care specialists and Nauruans consider the health care system unsatisfactory and less equipped to serve the community. The Nauruan government faces a worsening health crisis. Although Australia invests considerably in Nauruan health facilities, the medical treatment is still inadequate.
Patients often required medical treatment overseas, as many doctors and residents alike described the Republic of Nauru hospital as “substandard, poorly staffed and ill-equipped,” according to Dr. Nick Martin in an article for The Guardian. Nonetheless, many have been denied transfer to Australian hospitals, which has led to exacerbated health concerns and fatal consequences.
Food Poverty
One of the most prominent issues in Nauru is food poverty and malnutrition. The original Nauruan diet mainly consisted of seafood and various vegetables. However, after 20 paradisiacal years that transformed Nauru into a consumer society and left behind an environmental wasteland, the people moved away from fishing and agriculture in favor of less expensive and more convenient imports.
Mass imports of alcohol and industrial foods further encouraged a sedentary lifestyle, which Nauruans still need to recover from. Consequently, Nauru has the highest obesity and type 2 diabetes rates in the world, with 71% of the population classified as obese and more than 90% considered overweight.
In a 2021 ministerial statement at the U.N. Food Systems Summit, Rennier Gadabu, Nauru’s minister for commerce, industry and environment, called for increased cooperation to prevent price spikes and food shortages in “vulnerable countries,” as Nauru relies heavily on imported food. Gadabu also reaffirmed Nauru’s commitment to restructuring its agriculture to boost domestic food production and improve food security and nutrition.
Education
Nauru is currently facing high levels of truancy, which results in decreased youth literacy and numeracy rates. A lack of job prospects primarily fuels this as graduates fail to see returns from their investment in education. In response, the Waqa government implemented the Nauru Education Assistance Trust Scheme (NEATS). NEATS provides trust funds for primary and secondary school students, who receive $5 each day they attend school.
According to teachers and school officials, this scheme has already produced efficient outcomes in reversing truancy rates. “Every day the children come to school, they’re investing in their future with the allowance they receive, because it’s not given to them on a daily basis but put into a trust fund which they can access when they leave school,” said Charmain Scotty, Nauru’s Minister for Education. In addition, the scheme will be monitored to encourage responsible spending and the money saved will be invested toward a bright future, “such as starting a business or buying a home.”
Measures and Possible Solutions
Australia is Nauru’s largest bilateral donor. Australian official development assistance (ODA) to Nauru totaled $32 million in 2022-23, with an estimated $46 million for 2023-24. The aid aims to improve public sector management, invest in infrastructure and support human development. Nauru’s 2024-25 development plan prioritizes health, education and climate-resilient infrastructure. Australia’s program aligns with these goals, supporting broader health initiatives, including funding for talent, training and infrastructure to strengthen medical services and the Ministry of Health.
Furthermore, the Raña Tsimorum (“Look After Your Life”) program will be implemented in 2025 to support specific population groups and bolster the Nauruan health system. The program aims to build a more robust health system through health-strengthening interventions and the efficient delivery of quality health services, including public health. It also seeks to improve health outcomes focused on demand, as prioritized in the National Health Strategy.
Further plans focus on reinforcing governance and resource allocation and enabling an environment for economic diversification through the Nauru-Australia Partnership on Economic Governance. As of May 2024, Australia reassured its commitment to supporting Nauru’s financial sustainability and contributing to its long-term budgetary self-reliance as a Nauru Intergenerational Trust Fund Committee member. More than ever, it is of utmost importance to build a more sustainable culture and society so that Nauruans can return to their once healthy and prosperous lifestyle, alleviating the challenges of experiencing poverty in Nauru.
– Beatriz Cicci
Photo: Flickr
Disability and Poverty in Georgia
Background on Disability and Poverty in Georgia
In 2021, the Social Service Agency registered about 128,285 people with disabilities living in Georgia. This number could be greater due to the lack of statistical data on people with disabilities in the country, according to a 2022 UNDP report. The types of disabilities that one may encounter within the country are those with physical, mental, sensory or intellectual long-term impairments, UNDP reports.
Life for those with disabilities within Georgia is incredibly difficult. They often face discrimination due to their impairments and they live out their days in boarding houses and institutions for an indefinite amount of time, according to UNDP. Those with disabilities are more likely to be a part of the impoverished population of Georgia as the society sees them as not being capable of contributing to the workforce within Georgia’s economy, with the right to employment being one of the biggest issues that people with disabilities face within the country, according to UNDP.
The general poverty rate within Georgia stood at 4.3% as of 2022. In 2023, the total population of Georgia is around 3,760,365 people. Given the Social Service Agency of Georgia’s registered amount of people with disabilities in 2022, of 128,285 people, one can assume that the general poverty rate of people with disabilities could be at around 29.3%.
Georgian Young Lawyers Association
To help aid those suffering from disabilities and poverty in Georgia, several NGOs are helping to fight for people with disabilities to have rights in Georgia. One of which is the Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA).
GYLA has been fighting for human rights since its establishment in 1994. It set out to protect human rights, strengthen the country’s democratic institutions and create fair governance by promoting transparency and governance accountability within the country. So far, GYLA has helped to provide Georgia with a Legal Aid Program that has helped to provide Georgians with 1.3 million consultations in free legal aid assistance. The Legal Aid Program that GYLA has established focuses on offering its assistance to those with disabilities, representatives of minorities, women and children, and those that face discrimination, by providing them with lawyer services both in local and international courts.
Organizations such as GYLA, as well as other companies and their consumers, are also helping to fight poverty in Georgia and have been able to see drastic results early this year. Specifically, companies like the Asian Development Bank (ADB) that develop year-long contracts to help provide the country with a more sustainable economy have helped to decrease Georgia’s unemployment rate by 14% in 2024, alone. With the increase in domestic consumption of goods and services within the economy by consumers, it is projected that the GDP will continue to increase in 2025, by about 7%.
Results
The country is not only working to reduce poverty, it is also working toward providing people with disabilities with personal agency. In 2014, Georgia ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities. This ratification would allow them to make reforms to policies and legislation that would enable people with disabilities to be better represented within the country, as well as within their own families and communities. More recently, the country passed a 2020 Law on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities. This law would further allow for people with disabilities to be on an equal basis with their peers, by encouraging deinstitutionalization and essentially shifting the mindset of the country’s views towards people with disabilities to be that of a more inclusive one.
Conclusion
Not only is Georgia beautiful to visit, but it has also been steadily and successfully addressing disability and poverty in Georgia. Georgia has been fighting against poverty since the early 2000s and has managed to increase GDP and monetary circulation throughout the economy. Overall, it would seem Georgia is headed for a bright future with the consistent fulfillment of the country’s SDG goals for the elimination of poverty and providing rights to those with disabilities and poverty within the country.
– Sadie Treadwell
Photo: Flickr