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Transforming Education: School Feeding Programs in Malawi

Transforming Education in Malawi: School Feeding ProgramsSchool feeding programs in Malawi, implemented by the World Food Program (WFP) in partnership with the Government of Malawi, have played a transformative role in improving educational outcomes, particularly in the country’s most food-insecure districts. Since its inception in 1999, the program has been targeting approximately 600,000 children across seven districts: Chikwawa, Dedza, Mangochi, Phalombe, Nsanje, Salima and Zomba.

Boosting School Enrollment and Attendance

Feeding programs have a clear and immediate effect on increasing school enrollment and attendance rates. In an environment where many families face food insecurity, the guarantee of a meal when children attend school provides a strong incentive for parents to send their children to school. Data from the WFP reveals that attendance rates in schools with feeding programs have improved from 77% to 92%, which is a drastic increase. Additionally, these programs have led to a 5% decline in absenteeism and a 2.9% reduction in dropout rates. 

Promoting Gender Equality

In Malawi, as in many developing countries, girls are generally disadvantaged when it comes to accessing education. Negative cultural practices, early marriages and domestic chores often make it difficult for girls to attend school. However, school feeding programs have made significant progress in bridging the gender gap in education. The implementation of the United Nations Joint Program on Girls’ Education, which includes the provision of varied school meals, has led to a notable decrease in girls’ dropout rates, from 15.6% to 5.2%. These programs help alleviate some of the economic burdens on families by ensuring that girls receive at least one meal a day, encouraging parents to support their daughters’ education. 

Enhancing Academic Performance

The benefits of school feeding programs extend beyond simply getting children to school—they also play a crucial role in enhancing students’ ability to learn and perform academically. Malnutrition, which affects cognitive development, is a significant barrier to learning. By providing nutritious meals, these programs help ensure that children are better able to focus, participate in class and retain information. 

Overcoming Challenges and Ensuring Sustainability

Since 1999, Malawi’s school meals programs have continued to grow but have not been able to reach all students. The home-grown school feeding strategy has been important in promoting education and increasing economic welfare by providing nutritious food to 605,000 children while supporting 35,000 smallholder farmers. Supported by Norway, the European Union (EU) and Iceland, this investment reveals an impressive 20:1 return on every dollar, demonstrating progress in education, nutrition and local economies.

These achievements have not been without challenges. In developing countries like Malawi, reliance on international grants could create instability and unpredictability in operations. Many schools also face infrastructural issues, such as inadequate cooking facilities, lack of water supply and insufficient electricity for meal preparation and serving. The use of wood as fuel contributes to deforestation and other environmental problems. Despite the benefits of these programs, food insecurity remains a major barrier to both school enrollment and completion. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach, including long-term funding, improved infrastructure and the adoption of less environmentally harmful fuel sources.

Looking Forward

School feeding programs in Malawi have significantly improved education, boosting enrollment, attendance and academic performance, particularly for girls. The home-grown initiative further benefits local economies by supporting smallholder farmers. However, challenges like funding instability, poor infrastructure and environmental concerns remain. Addressing these ongoing issues can potentially sustain and expand the program’s impact, ensuring a brighter future for Malawi’s children and communities.

– Aneela Agha

Aneela is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Helen’s Daughters and Saint Lucia’s Female Farmers

Saint Lucia's Female FarmersSaint Lucia is known to many as a resplendent island paradise of luminous white-sand beaches and rich tropical forests that spill into the Caribbean Sea. However, this magnificent fresco belies an often precarious living reality. The country’s tourism-dependent economy and heavy reliance on imports, coupled with its susceptibility to natural disasters, render it highly vulnerable to external shocks and trap many Saint Lucians in chronic insecurity. Saint Lucia’s female farmers and women in general find their development further impeded by deeply entrenched gender roles which limit their engagement in the formal sector and manifest in a vast wage gap of 27.4%  A 2020 World Bank estimate placed a woman’s lifetime productivity in Saint Lucia at just 63% of her potential.

Helen’s Daughters is a non-governmental organization (NGO) blending the empowerment of Saint Lucia’s women with its overall development. It trains and supports female farmers, viewing them as long-overlooked drivers of change.

The Roots of Helen’s Daughters

Keithlin Caroo, the organization’s founder, told the BBC that she established Helen’s Daughters to “address the systematic exclusion of rural women in the agricultural sector.” The strong concentration of women within the informal economy and the blurring of economic and non-economic activity on small-scale family farms have long shrouded their contributions to agriculture in Saint Lucia, limiting their access to support systems, resources and growth prospects.

In a podcast interview from February 2024, Caroo describes witnessing her grandmother’s contributions to the family’s agricultural business dematerialize as she listed her occupation as “housewife” on official records. She remembers thinking that, given more opportunity, she “would probably be one of the most successful farmers in the area”

Caroo recognized that Saint Lucia’s female farmers needed “an ecosystem of other women in farming and agriculture” and set out to create one. She points out that Helen’s Daughters exists “not to negate men’s roles in the field”, but to address “a developmental issue in the region” that confines women to the margins of the agricultural sector.

Training Programs for Saint Lucia’s Female Farmers

Since its inception in 2016, Helen’s Daughters has cultivated a thriving network of female farmers, reaching 1,200 women as of 2022. The NGO operates two training programs in Saint Lucia, as well as Saint Kitts and Nevis and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, which focus on sustainable agriculture, financial literacy, business development and marketing.

It also organizes guided commercial farm visits, where the women it serves can gain expert knowledge of sustainable and productivity-boosting farming practices. Furthermore, seeking to increase the visibility of Saint Lucia’s female farmers, Helen’s Daughters operates an agri-tourism experience, allowing visitors to learn firsthand about the women’s trials and successes through tours and markets.

In 2022, Helen’s Daughters partnered with global chocolate retailer Hotel Chocolat to establish the Agri-Apprenticeship Programme, which provides three women every year invaluable experience in managing a farm. They receive mentorship and training throughout the process and, upon completing the apprenticeship, can use start-up funds from Helen’s Daughters to establish their agricultural enterprise.

Caroo shared in a podcast that, “One of the critical and key areas of Helen’s Daughters is that seed of empowerment; of self-belief; of belief in yourself as an agricultural entrepreneur.” This focus on the nourishment of burgeoning female potential is pertinent in an economy where women engage heavily in entrepreneurship but where the vast majority of small businesses with limited growth capacity are woman-owned, according to the World Bank report.

Tilling Saint Lucia’s Socioeconomic Landscape

One of Helen’s Daughters’ major focuses is strengthening female farmers’ ability to engage in the economy. It organizes quarterly markets where women can grow their customer bases and establish firm roots within the sector through networking. In 2022, 95 of Saint Lucia’s female farmers benefited from this initiative and sales amounted to $37,415, according to Helen’s Daughters 2020 annual report. Helen’s Daughters also connects the rural women it supports to larger enterprises such as hotels and restaurants, allowing them to significantly boost their income.

This demonstrates a wider focus on Saint Lucia’s development. The Caribbean imports between 80% and 90% of its food.  However, in the podcast, Caroo points out that more than half of this produce could be grown locally. She believes Saint Lucia, and the region at large, to be “stuck in a very dangerous cycle” of dependency. Still recovering from the profound wound that the collapse in tourism triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic left in its economy, the country is now keenly feeling the sharp increase in import prices precipitated by the war in Ukraine. Helen’s Daughters’ integration of small-scale farmers into Saint Lucia’s economy is therefore testimony to a vision of increased resilience and autonomy for both the women it supports and for entire communities. As Caroo puts it, “If a nation cannot feed itself, it’s not free.”

Food Sovereignty and Health

Another facet of Helen’s Daughters’ commitment to “food sovereignty and health,” as Caroo pointed out in the podcast, of Saint Lucia is its focus on nutritional marketing within its training programs and its creation of a cooking channel showcasing local recipes and products. According to Caroo, the organization is teaching farmers how to capitalize on the fact that, currently, “health is trendy”, and is encouraging consumers to “recognize that there is value in food that’s locally available.”

Helen’s Daughters also holds quarterly wellness fairs. According to its website, these clinics allow rural people to access health information, dietary advice and checkups at no cost and pay homage to the farmers who work tirelessly to support their families at the expense of their own wellbeing.

Empowering Saint Lucia’s Female Farmers

Helen’s Daughters provides Saint Lucia’s female farmers with the tools they need to transform the island’s natural abundance into increased prosperity and agency for themselves, their families and their communities. At the organization’s core is a commitment to the living realities of rural communities, long masked by an image of tropical splendour but vibrant and beautiful in their own right.

– Leila Powles

Leila is based in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Communities Fighting Elderly Poverty in Syria

Elderly Poverty in Syria“It is alarming that a simple meal is beyond the reach of families across Syria, and this new data shows humanitarian assistance is the difference between putting a meal on the table and going to bed hungry. Lifesaving support has never been so crucial,” said the World Food Programme (WFP) Representative and Country Director Sean O’Brien. The price of a food basket in Syria was 70% more expensive than it was a year ago. Prices of key ingredients of the basket, such as rice and sugar, have increased from 70% to 140%.

Food that once fed families now leaves them exhausting their savings for every meal. Older persons struggle even harder to find jobs, especially as the conflict has pushed desperation to self-reliance, marginalizing older people and the traditional family structure. An elderly person from North-west Syria comments: “In the past, older people would reach retirement age, and the family would take care of them. However, currently, the responsibility they should rely on self-care […] has increased, placing the burden directly on them.”

Communities in Damascus

Fortunately, many community-led initiatives help fight elderly poverty in Syria. The Syrian Society for Social Development has a home-based care program for Seniors who have specific vulnerabilities. Collaborating with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (NHHCR), a team of volunteers focuses on helping and provide safety to the older population. The program dedicates itself to helping people over the age of 60 through nursing, housekeeping, hygiene, medication organization, as well as food preparation.

Taking place in several community centers of Rural Damascus, care-giving volunteers not only provide different meals and learn to use blood pressure monitors but also socialize with older people through entertaining and engaging activities. Older people are no longer excluded from younger people, therefore improving both their mental and physical well-being. Because of this, elderly people struggle and spend less on medication and health check-ups, as well as food. These responsibilities help combat elderly poverty in Syria by including older people back into a supportive system and engaging the community.

Communities in Aleppo

People residing in Southern Aleppo were suffering from a damaged rainwater drainage network that had begun to flood the streets. There was a high risk of disease as large bodies of wastewater accumulated on the ground. Further threats would ensue if younger children and elderly people fell into the water. The cost of injury and the addition of medication prices would be detrimental to the elderly Syrian population who have a higher risk of suffering from poverty and marginalization.

Successfully, the local community came together to discuss and plan a new drainage foundation. Alongside the UNHCR, both a construction team and members of the local community contributed to the excavation and installation of a new drain filter. As a result, the filter not only improved the appearance of the town and the efficiency of the drainage system but benefited 3000 residents living in Abtein town. Because of this, the town demonstrated strong values of community and kindness. Their uniting demonstration challenges elderly poverty in Syria by preventing expensive medical prices through ensuring the health and safety of the entire community.

Fighting Elderly Poverty in Syria

In conclusion, conflict and soaring expenses have split up traditional family structures. Alienising older people from the young, the older Syrian population has lost a grounded support system and the elderly have been pushed further into isolated poverty. However, community-led projects such as fixing drainage systems, and organisations such as the Syrian Society for Social Development, help to care for the vulnerable population of elders and to protect them from further elderly poverty in Syria. Volunteers and townspeople come together to provide the elderly with entertainment and physical aid, as well as essentials such as food and medication that they might otherwise struggle to afford on their own.

– Chelsey Saya McLeod

Chelsey is based in Southampton, Hampshire, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Addressing Energy Poverty in India

energy poverty in indiaDue to rapid population growth and economic development, India has a need to scale up its energy capacity to alleviate energy poverty and meet its energy demands. Energy poverty refers to household access to affordable, reliable and safe energy services. Although India could be the third largest economy by 2030, per capita income is below the global average, with regional infrastructure disparities affecting access to modern energy sources. The energy situation disproportionately impacts lower-income households, who spend a large portion of their income on energy or use less desirable energy forms, according to the 2023 Energy Research and Social Science article.

Governmental programs aim to alleviate energy poverty in India while promoting more reliable and efficient forms of energy. The Indian government will continue to subsidize all energy forms to meet growing demand while promoting technological development and private investment.

Energy Poverty In India

Energy poverty is still widespread in India because of the challenges of affordability, capacity and reliability. According to the Household Energy Poverty Index, 65% of households experienced energy poverty in 2020, but this is improving.

Energy poverty in India declined between 2004 and 2012 in most states but increased in poorer states which account for more than 30% of India’s population. It is declining slower in rural areas  — the greatest improvements being in major cities.

Energy poverty rates are higher than income poverty rates. In rural areas, 57% of households experience energy poverty while 22% experience income poverty, compared to 28% and 20% respectively for urban areas.

Energy poverty affects disadvantaged groups. It is linked to lower socio-economic status and level of education. Furthermore, lower castes and marginalized communities such as the Dalits and tribal Adivasi are particularly energy-poor or have only seen marginal rates of energy poverty decline, according to the 2019 Energy and Buildings article.

Despite nearly all Indians having access to electricity, 41% still rely on traditional biofuels like cow dung and wood for cooking because of financial insecurity. Women and girls are more likely to collect and prepare bio-fuels, detracting from time spent on education, childcare and income-generating activities, according to the 2019 Energy and Buildings article. These fuels create pollutants associated with chronic respiratory diseases, including tuberculosis and bronchitis.

India’s Energy Challenges

India has been increasing fossil fuel subsidies because of its carbon-intensive economy. Last year, 58% of energy consumption and 77% of generated energy came from coal. Crude oil accounted for 31% of energy consumption last year, but India imports approximately 87% of it, leading to vulnerability to price fluctuations and geopolitical risks that prevent lower-income households from accessing energy affordably and reliably.

Fossil fuel subsidies reinforce income inequalities by mostly benefiting higher-income individuals. They also contribute to health and environmental costs that disproportionately impact the poor.

During the global energy crisis, the Indian government instituted fuel price caps, tax cuts and budgetary transfers to help combat energy poverty. However, such measures led to overconsumption because fuel prices did not reflect their market value or social costs. This resulted in an estimated $346 billion in lost tax revenue in 2022 and less space for renewable energy and infrastructure development critical for low-income households.

Government Energy Policy in 2024

To address these issues, India is taking a hybrid approach by boosting all forms of energy. India is expected to invest more than $35 billion annually in advanced energy solutions by 2030.

Renewable energy is another focus, with a target to increase non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.  The 2024 budget allocated approximately $71.7 million to the Green Hydrogen Fund to promote green hydrogen production and stimulate private-sector investment.

The budget also allows the first public-private nuclear energy partnerships, inviting $26 billion in investments for small modular reactors and research and development. The government will also engage in joint ventures for thermal power plants.

To ensure more equitable access, approximately $1.2 billion was allocated to subsidize solar panel installation for 10 million households and provide 300 units of free electricity monthly for some lower-income households. Decentralized Renewable Energy (DRE) projects like private solar panels, micro-grids and other community-focused projects help reduce energy poverty in Indian marginalized communities.

In addition to diversifying its energy sources, India has also diversified the countries it imports oil from to reduce price fluctuations due to supply changes and geopolitical tensions.

Energy Poverty in India: Conclusion

India’s multi-dimensional approach aims to balance its energy needs with sustainable and equitable access. Investments in advanced energy solutions and private sector ventures, as well as investments in clean energy and infrastructure, are necessary to meet India’s growing energy demand while working toward sustainable development goals.

Energy poverty in India is difficult to alleviate because of reliance on fossil fuels, deep socio-economic inequalities and infrastructural and financing challenges. However, India has made spectacular progress in recent decades in other developmental areas like poverty alleviation and expanding access to electricity. While the path to ending energy poverty is complex and long-term, recent government plans demonstrate continuity in efforts to alleviate the issue.

– Luke Ravetto

Luke is based in Boston, MA, USA and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Brazil’s Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty

Brazil's Global AlliancePresident of Brazil and the G20, Luíz Inácio Lula da Silva, announced at the New Delhi G20 summit a new task force, a Global Alliance to reduce hunger and poverty across the world. This Global Alliance focuses on eradicating poverty and having zero hunger with sustainable agriculture practices. The task force is open to both G20 members and other interested countries. The official launch for the task force is in November 2024. The Global Alliance will be managed from the Food and Agricultural Organization headquarters in Rome and Brasilia.

Why Brazil’s Global Alliance

Before the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, President Lula created a national program in 2003 to eradicate hunger. In 2014, “with an undernourishment rate below 2.5% for three years,” Brazil left the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) “hunger map,” but has been unable to maintain those levels since 2021. Levels started falling again, however, in 2023, in President Lula’s new administration.

President Lula has taken his national program and turned it into a global scale. In his announcement speech, he says: “In the middle of the 21st century, nothing is as absurd and unacceptable as the persistence of hunger and poverty, when we have so much abundance, so many scientific and technological resources and the artificial intelligence revolution at our disposal.”

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) director has welcomed the Global Alliance and has stated the importance of overcoming inequalities. He said that policies and public investment in health are needed, and to ensure healthy lives, eliminating hunger and poverty is necessary.

Goals of Brazil’s Global Alliance

From Wellington Dias, the Minister of Development and Social Assistance: “The Alliance’s mission is to expand the adoption of good national programs on a large scale to end hunger and poverty; and of policies to ensure the human right to dignity and to adequate, nutritious and healthy food.”

Brazil’s Global Alliance will aim to raise and mobilize resources, both funds and technological knowledge, to expand policies and programs to help combat and eradicate inequality in terms of poverty and hunger, according to Africa News.

In President Lula’s announcement speech, he expresses how the Global Alliance’s goals go beyond eradicating hunger and poverty, but rather to ultimately bolster a just world:

“As long as there are families without food on the table, children in the streets and young people without hope, there will be no peace. A just world is a world in which people have unimpeded access to food, health, housing, education and decent jobs,” Gov.br reports.

Support

Ahead of the official launch in November 2024, President Lula has sought support for the Global Alliance. As the initiator of the initiative, Brazil is covering half of the cost, according to Africa News.

After the announcement speech in New Delhi, Brazil is hopeful to gain the support of over one hundred countries. So far, the World Bank president, Ajay Banga, has declared support for the initiative. The Inter-American Development Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have also said they would support the initiative. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved the channeling of Special Drawing Rights for development banks, Reuters reports.

– Rachel Padden

Rachel is based in Baltimore, MD, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Gardening in Conflict: Sowing seeds of hope in war zones

Gardening in ConflictGardening in conflict offers a vital antidote; the planting of seeds is analogous to the transformation of lives uprooted by destruction. Gardens offer both symbolic relief and tangible rewards for citizens as they grapple with the reality of environmental devastation and displacement. The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease Reports found that gardening promotes reminiscence and a sense of self, endowing communities and individuals with purpose.

Gardening in Conflict

Communities across the globe exhibit gardening in conflict as they cultivate alternative land and futures in the aftermath of war. War correspondent Lalage Snow writes of the desensitization associated with conflict, noting the wantonness of destruction in her book War Gardens: A Journey Through Conflict in Search of Calm.

Yet such desensitization is being challenged by community projects in areas once defined by war. From Burkina Faso to Afghanistan, gardeners display a belief in tomorrow by planting seeds that will outlast human conflict. Three projects particularly exemplify this sentiment and demonstrate that gardens can provide not only a means of survival but also sanctuary against a backdrop of unrest.

The RECOSA Project in Burkina Faso

Around 1.9 million people are now seeking refuge in disparate parts of Burkina Faso as armed groups have claimed entire regions of the country. The closure of 6,000 schools and rising food insecurity come alongside a sense of disconnection from personal land and heritage.

Initiated by the Red Cross and Handicap International, the RECOSA garden project is addressing such issues by creating shared spaces for growing crops and flowers. In Sebba, social cohesion is growing through communal gardens. Cross-border populations are particularly vulnerable to social dislocation, inhabiting a place characterized by the transitory movement of people. Seventy-five Sebba households learned to create shared gardens which has been transformative for those experiencing food insecurity and isolated from their communities.

Chihilsitoon Garden in Kabul

The Chihilsitoon Garden, like much of Afghanistan, suffered the civil war of the 1990s. It lay in ruins, a remnant of looting and destruction, for 25 years. However, in 2015, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture restored the 12.5-hectare Chihilsitoon garden to its former glory. By planting 5,000 new trees and populating the park with native flowers from nearby hills, a space became a sanctuary for the citizens of Kabul.

This drastic landscaping has created multifaceted opportunities for those still recovering from the turmoil of war and occupation. Waterways and paths, long lost under the rubble of conflict, have been recovered to form trails that connect various spatial experiences. Picnic and an amphitheater are linked through paths lined with flowers now tended by a team of Afghan farmers.

The rehabilitated garden provides citizens a sanctuary to socialize and form new associations with a place once tainted by war. The preservation of green spaces is restoring Afghan culture and social history; the planting of native flowers supplants former devastation.

Since its restoration, the gardens have annually attracted more than 400,000 visitors. The transformation of a former warzone into a green sanctuary has provided newfound hope for Afghanis.

Gardening in the War Zone of Kharkiv

Alla Olkhovska lives 20 miles south of the Russian-Ukraine border in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Confronted with daily air raid sirens, a reminder of the battlefield surrounding her, she seeks solace in the flowers and trees in her garden. Lacking the means to escape the country after Russia’s invasion, she has sought refuge in clematis and wild flowers. Her remarkable work has garnered international attention, allowing her to make a documentary, Gardening in a War Zone.

The documentary shows her horticultural skills and the therapy she finds in tending to her plants. At one point she admires the seedlings in her hand and the ability to hold multiple lives and future lives in one hand. This sentiment offers relief against a backdrop of conflict which threatens to destroy a generation’s future.

Alla’s work has also spawned a book, Clematis, which covers how best to cultivate the flower. In a message to the reader Alla says that writing the book during the war was particularly taxing and, faced with ‘constant missile attacks’ and a volatile psychological state, writing conditions were far from ideal. Yet a passion for gardening drowned out the wail of sirens in the distance. It has provided her with a sense of purpose, helping it grow into hope for her nation.

Whilst the reality of war can not be ignored, she refuses to accept defeat when confronted with the life found in plants every day. Her story is a testament to the power of gardens in reminding us that new life will prevail despite imminent threats to it.

Gardening in Conflict: Final Thoughts

The cultivation of seeds produces more than just plants; each seedling spawns newfound hope and autonomy. Gardening in conflict offers social cohesion. Yet it also speaks of human fortitude, and a remarkable ability to see potential in spaces once threatened by war.

– Lucy Tappin

Lucy is based in the UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Start2FinishUTM is Making a Difference

Start2FinishUTMChild poverty is a pressing issue in Canada, with more than one million children living in conditions that put them at risk of lifelong adverse effects. In 2021, Canada ranked 19th out of 39 countries in terms of child well-being, with poverty rates worsening over the years. The consequences of this poverty are profound, affecting children’s physical health, mental well-being and academic success. For many, the lack of adequate resources, nutrition and educational support makes it incredibly challenging to break out of the cycle of poverty. Education, a key pathway to a better future, is often compromised for these children, leading to long-term disadvantages that can last a lifetime.

Start2Finish is a Canadian charity committed to breaking this cycle of child poverty by offering continuous educational support to at-risk children. Its mission is clear: to empower children from low-income families to succeed in school and life by nurturing their minds, bodies and social health. Through programs like the Running and Reading Clubs and Backpack Program, Start2Finish provides children with the tools they need to thrive academically and socially in their school environment.

The Start2Finish Journey

Start2Finish was founded in 2000 with a vision to eliminate the impact of child poverty in Canada. Since its inception, the organization has made a significant impact across the country, serving thousands of children each year. With a network of 700 volunteers in 70 communities, Start2Finish offers 120 sessions each week

The Running and Reading Clubs, one of Start2Finish’s flagship programs, are after-school initiatives that combine physical activity with literacy education. These clubs operate in more than 50 communities across Canada, providing children with a safe and supportive environment where they can improve their reading skills, build confidence and develop a love for physical activity.

The Backpack Program, another cornerstone of Start2Finish’s efforts, provides children in Canada with key school supplies at the beginning of the academic year. This initiative ensures that children from low-income families have the resources they need to start the school year on the right foot. Together, these programs are designed to address the multiple dimensions of poverty that affect children’s ability to succeed in school and life.

Between 2022 and 2023, Start2Finish distributed 12,000 books to children, worked alongside 37 organizations and accomplished much more. Start2Finish also provides several other initiatives, including the Brainworx program, the Junior Coach program and many more.

Start2FinishUTM: Expanding the Reach

In February 2024, a group of dedicated students at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) recognized the importance of Start2Finish’s work and decided to bring its mission closer to home. Led by co-presidents Kathy Dang and Karl Aquino, Start2FinishUTM was established as a student group with the goal of expanding the reach and impact of Start2Finish through volunteer recruitment and community engagement.

The idea for Start2FinishUTM was born during UTM’s Alternative Reading Week, a program that connects students with community organizations for experiential learning opportunities. Dang and Aquino, both passionate about giving back to the community, were inspired by Start2Finish’s mission and saw a chance to make a difference. “We really love their work and we really appreciate what they do as a nonprofit organization. So we, Start2FinishUTM, we’re basically helping them expand their volunteer outreach initiatives to help the organization,” Aquino explained.

One of the challenges facing Start2Finish in recent years has been a decline in volunteer numbers, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the organization’s long-time volunteers did not return, creating a gap that needed to be filled. Start2FinishUTM aims to address this challenge by recruiting new volunteers from the UTM student body and the broader Mississauga community.

Building a Strong Volunteer Network

To achieve its goals, Start2FinishUTM has outlined a comprehensive plan for volunteer recruitment and community engagement. The group plans to host interactive workshops, information sessions and charity events throughout the academic year. “We’re planning on tabling in September at the Clubs Fair, where we can outreach to first-year and second-year students and also during Orientation Week,” Dang shared. These events will provide students with the opportunity to learn more about Start2Finish and how they can get involved.

In addition to these outreach efforts, Start2FinishUTM is also exploring fundraising initiatives to support Start2Finish’s programs directly. “We’re in the middle of brainstorming so many different ideas that we could do as fundraising events,” Aquino said. The group hopes that these efforts will not only provide financial support to Start2Finish but also raise awareness about the issue of child poverty in the community.

A Personal Motivation

For both Dang and Aquino, their involvement with Start2FinishUTM is deeply personal. Dang, who is studying Digital Enterprise Management and Linguistics and Aquino, who is pursuing a degree in Comparative Physiology and Biology for Health Science, both have a strong desire to give back to their community. “It’s very close to my heart because I love children,” Aquino said. Coming from an Asian family where academics is one of the biggest things, providing these services for children might be small, but for me, very important,” he added.

Dang echoed this sentiment, sharing her own connection to the cause. “Our mission is to break the cycle of child poverty by providing ongoing educational support to at-risk children. My main motivation was to assist in this cause, supporting and helping children that may be struggling just as I may have once experienced in my personal life as well. And that personal connection really hits straight home to my heart,” said Dang.

Looking Ahead

As Start2FinishUTM moves forward, the group is focused on building a strong community of volunteers and supporters who share its passion for education and social change. “We’re just starting and we’re a very fresh and new student group. Hopefully in the next few years, more students will know about it and our impact on the community will snowball from there,” Aquino said.

Start2Finish UTM is more than just a student group; it is a movement dedicated to breaking the cycle of child poverty through education and empowerment. By partnering with Start2Finish, the students at UTM are not only contributing to a vital cause but also building a legacy of service and social responsibility that will inspire future generations.

– Jennifer Lee

Jennifer is based in Toronto, ON, Canada and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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3 Projects Supporting Women in Tanzania

3 Projects Supporting Women in Tanzania Tanzania, an East African nation with more than 65 million people, boasts Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain, iconic wildlife and exquisite beaches. Formed in 1964 through the union of Tanganyika, a former German colony and Zanzibar, an imperial trading island, Tanzania has a history of gender inequality. Women in Tanzania have historically faced a variety of barriers to equal opportunities. However, the country has made significant strides in social, economic and political realms. Since 2021, Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania’s first female president, has led the nation, symbolizing progress toward gender equality.

Tanzania’s 1977 constitution prohibits gender discrimination and women hold 37% of parliamentary seats. Despite a female labor force participation rate of 80%, surpassing the Sub-Saharan African average of 63%, Tanzanian women face significant challenges. Their central role in households often restricts their participation in paid employment and many lack financial education and opportunities for entrepreneurship. To address these ongoing issues, three organizations are actively working in Tanzania to help women realize their financial and societal potential.

Forever Projects

The Forever Projects program promotes self-sufficiency among Tanzanian women, guiding them from poverty to independence. Initially, the program provides essential formula milk for malnourished babies and other life-improving items. Subsequently, it trains women in disease prevention and financial security, equipping them to start businesses and assume vital community roles. An Australian family moved to address the orphan crisis in Tanzania and founded the charity. It operates at the community level, collaborating with local partners like hospitals and police forces.

A central theme of the program is “Empowerment,” designed to enable women to help themselves. For instance, a 65-year-old participant received training in nutrition and commerce. This allowed her to nurture her malnourished grandson and launch her own business. Forever Projects aims for lasting impact, helping communities escape poverty cycles. The charity reports that 91.7% of participants gain confidence in their futures, with many tripling their income, fostering socially and financially secure lives, thus reducing poverty, child abandonment and disease.

EngenderHealth

The central aim of the EngenderHealth program is economic empowerment. It targets young people and women, who face various cultural norms and educational barriers to the working world. Funded by Shell Tanzania and Equinor, it connects subjects to work for Lindi Municipal Council and Mtama District Councils in Tanzania. EngenderHealth promises to investigate the barriers to economic empowerment as part of this 2023 to 2025 program. With this evidence, it will propose points of action for economic empowerment to best match community needs. These may include proposals made by World Bank Program Leader Inaam Ul Haq, who recommended Tanzania “end child-marriage, lower school dropout rates and provide childcare support”.

Her Initiative

Her Initiative is a nonprofit organization that aims to shift negative cultural views and financial disempowerment of women via digital inclusion. Its approach is based on teaching women important skills, linking them to opportunities and developing an encouraging environment. Its impact has indirectly reached 25 million young women. Mshiko clubs is one of its projects, it seeks to combat girls leaving education prematurely. It teaches financial freedom, focusing on how to save money and find sources of income beyond the school curriculum. This sets up their vision of guiding young women to choose and create opportunities for themselves and others.

Impact

These programs exemplify the broad impact of gender-responsive empowerment in breaking the cycle of poverty and boosting a country’s economy. Tanzania’s poverty rate dropped from 35.6% in 2000 to 26.4% in 2018 and the country advanced from a low to lower-middle-income status in 2020. Mara Warwick, World Bank Country Director, partially attributed this change to the “expansion of women’s economic opportunities.” For Tanzanian women and the country as a whole, these ongoing efforts are crucial for reducing poverty and fostering growth.

Looking Forward

Tanzania has made notable strides in promoting gender equality. Organizations like Forever Projects, EngenderHealth and Her Initiative have played a key role in empowering women. These initiatives focus on providing women with the tools to achieve financial independence and improve their communities. As Tanzania continues to lower its poverty rate, the expansion of women’s economic opportunities remains critical to sustaining progress and fostering long-term national development.

– Daisy Outram

Daisy is based in Kent, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Kauai Food Bank: Island-based organization combats hunger

Kauai Food BankKauai, known as Hawaii’s “Garden Isle” for its breathtaking landscapes and lush greenery, faces a challenge not immediately apparent to its visitors–food insecurity. Despite the island’s beauty, residents of the island struggle with a food insecurity rate of 20% as of 2020, higher compared to other hunger data sources. Additionally, the state of Hawaii struggles with hunger as well, with a food insecurity rate of 22%, according to 2018 BRFSS data. To address this critical issue, the Kauai Food Bank has emerged as a vital organization dedicated to fighting hunger and providing essential resources to those in need.

How It Helps

The Kauai Food Bank plays a crucial role in the community by offering various programs to alleviate hunger. One of the primary services the organization provides is food assistance through its distribution centers. These centers are strategically located across the island to ensure food is accessible to all residents, including those living in remote areas. The organization also hosts distribution events from their Lihue warehouse every second and fourth Wednesday of the month.

Pop-Up Events

In response to the heightened food insecurity that the COVID-19 pandemic caused, the Kauai Food Bank introduced “pop-up” food distribution events. The organization designed these events to meet the urgent needs of those disproportionately affected by the pandemic. The pop-up events provide essential items such as fresh produce, pantry staples, and other groceries. By bringing food directly to the communities that need it most, the food bank has reached more people and provided immediate relief to families struggling during these difficult times. The success of these events highlights the food bank’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances and continue its mission under challenging conditions.

Partnerships

The Kauai Food Bank’s efforts are further amplified through its partnerships with other local organizations and corporations. By collaborating with corporations, schools, shelters and nonprofit organizations, the food bank has created a network of support that allows it to extend its reach and impact. An example of a contribution that resulted from a partnership with the Kauai Food Bank would be Project Keiki, a community-giving program dedicated to providing food for children when they don’t have access to school lunches. Foodland Super Market, a local Hawaii grocery store chain, helped launch this project with the state food bank, which branched out to all island-local food banks.

Achievements

A study published in 2024 revealed that Kauai has the lowest household food insecurity rate in Hawaii, at just 23%. This achievement directly results from the concerted efforts of the Kauai Food Bank and its partners. The study’s findings underscore the importance of the food bank’s work and its positive impact on the community. Continued efforts are necessary to maintain and further reduce food insecurity, ensuring all residents have access to the resources they need to thrive.

Kauai Food Bank: Even More Success

The Kauai Food Bank also focuses on serving special populations within the community, including children and families. During a recent food distribution event, the Kauai Food Bank and the Hawaii Foodbank provided enough food to support more than 500 individuals and families. This event is just one example of how the food bank’s targeted initiatives are making a tangible difference in the lives of Kauai’s residents. The ability to reach such a large number of people in a single event demonstrates the food bank’s capacity to mobilize resources quickly and efficiently, a critical factor in the fight against hunger.

Conclusion

Looking ahead, the Kauai Food Bank remains steadfast in its mission to eliminate hunger on the island. As the island’s economy continues to recover from the pandemic’s effects, the food bank’s role will be more important than ever. By providing not only food but also hope and support, the Kauai Food Bank is a lifeline for many residents, ensuring that the island’s beauty is reflected not just in its landscape, but in the well-being of its people.

– Christian Core

Christian is based in Princeville, HI, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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3 Ways Mothers Can Be Lifted Out of Poverty

MothersPoverty disproportionately affects women, particularly mothers. For instance, in 2017, 20% of women in the United Kingdom (U.K.) were living in poverty compared to 18% of men. Additionally, 90% of single mothers experience poverty. While the proportion of men facing poverty has decreased in recent years, the rate for women has remained stalled. Here are some of the ways mothers can be lifted out of poverty:

Better Provision for the Essential Living Costs

Governments can address poverty by improving support for essential living costs faced by families. By covering expenses for heating and electricity through targeted schemes for the most vulnerable, working families can make fewer sacrifices. Such programs would eliminate the difficulty of buying groceries and maintaining a warm home. This support would enable families to focus more on spending quality time with their children and provide mothers with much-needed respite.

Child Care Provisions

Child care provisions also provide a hopeful potential solution. High child care costs act as a key barrier for parents who work. Fees are an additional financial factor that particularly impacts lower-income parents during school holidays. Suppose countries can implement better universal child care provisions. In that case, the gap between accessibility for low- and high-income parents can be closed. Parents can focus on work and career progression, leading to better wages for their families. Children can interact with other children and develop their creativity and imagination. Creating these schemes will, therefore, benefit both the parents and the children. 

Turning to a success story, Sweden works as a model for other countries, providing hope that these solutions are attainable when put into practice. The “income packaging” approach to the welfare state adopted in Scandinavian countries promotes female involvement in the world of work. By providing children’s allowances, mothers can focus on work rather than entirely on ensuring that child care measures are in place. This enables greater career progression and mothers to work more hours rather than being confined to part-time roles due to child care commitments. 

Income Transfers and Support for Parents in Employment

Implementing schemes with more generous income transfers and support for working parents has effectively reduced poverty. In countries like the U.K., where social transfer systems are limited, support for vulnerable working families falls short, resulting in higher poverty rates. In contrast, Scandinavian countries provide more comprehensive support for single mothers. This targeted approach ensures that the assistance is more effective and beneficial. Additionally, the direct benefits can be assessed more efficiently, allowing for easier adjustments and improvements as needed.

Final Remark

The changes required to lift mothers and their children out of poverty are achievable. With a global commitment to supporting this group, effective tax redistribution and improved support schemes can help break the cycle of poverty. By implementing these measures, future generations of families can be lifted out of poverty and provided with greater opportunities for a better life.

   – Sarah Littleton

Sarah Littleton is based in London, U.K. and focuses on Good News, Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels