Poverty and disability are issues that significantly affect many Algerians. Despite efforts to address socio-economic development, poverty remains a persistent problem in the country as it increased in 2020 for the first time in more than 20 years. Individuals with disabilities face additional barriers, worsening their economic hardships as “integrating these individuals into Algerian society “remains insufficient.” This article will highlight the ongoing efforts from charities, organizations and the Algerian government to combat the correlation between disability and poverty in Algeria.
Poverty in Algeria
Recent statistics indicate that almost 75% of the poor in Algeria undertake informal jobs within urban areas. In Algeria, the unemployment rate reached 11.2% in 2015, with no significant changes within the first half of 2016. High unemployment levels persisted, particularly among women, at 16.6% for women and 29.9% of youth.
The World Bank found that young people experienced a higher overall unemployment rate. For instance, in 2021, Algeria’s unemployment rate was 12.7% for the total labor force, rising to 31.9% among youth aged 15 to 24. This high rate of youth unemployment suggests that young Algerians struggle to enter the job market – possibly due to factors such as a lack of experience, having little to no background in education or a general scarcity of jobs. This poses a problem as they miss out on earning potential income in order to help themselves and their family. This lack of income can make it harder to afford basic needs such as food, clothing and housing, pushing them further into poverty.
The Pandemic
Approximately, 10% of Algeria’s population is at constant risk of sinking back into poverty. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened this situation in which, “Algeria was ill prepared to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Health care workers were challenged by a shortage in hospital intensive care unit beds, ventilators, protective gear, medical oxygen, oximeters, and medications.” This lack of preparedness, coupled with job losses and increased living costs due to the pandemic, severely strains social safety nets and government resources. As a consequence, this further widens the inequality gap and perpetuates a cycle of financial instability that traps individuals in poverty.
Disability in Algeria
In Algeria, individuals with disabilities face significant challenges despite legal frameworks aimed at protecting their rights. As the charity Disability:IN states, Algerian society has an evolving outlook on people with disabilities. However, those with disabilities are often not included fully into society and often face discrimination, unfairness and exclusion.
The government has enacted legislation to promote the employment of persons with disabilities in Algeria within public and private sectors, including offering incentives for employers and establishing a 1% employment quota. Between 2005 and 2018, the National Loan Agency financed 1,522 projects to support the professional integration of people with disabilities. According to a 1998 census. there were 1.6 million people in Algeria with disabilities, a number which was now estimated to be 2 million by 2018.
There remains a significant gap between the laws and their implementation. Experts have raised concerns about outdated definitions in the 2002 Disability Law and the presence of derogatory terms. More than 7,000 children with disabilities still live in institutions rather than in family or inclusive settings, underlining a need for improved integration of disabled children within Algerian society.
Education is mandatory for all children from age six, and efforts have been made to include children with specific needs in mainstream schools. Currently, 37,000 children with disabilities are integrated into schools, with 32,500 children in mainstream settings. The government supports 232 specialized institutions and initiatives like the use of sign language have been introduced to facilitate a better understanding in classrooms. Despite these efforts, broader measures are needed to bridge the gap between legislation and the experiences of those living with disabilities in Algeria.
Addressing Disability and Poverty in Algeria
Efforts to support those with disabilities and combat poverty in Algeria also involve international organizations. Oxfam has been active in the Sahrawi refugee camps since 1975 and they work to improve food security by distributing fresh vegetables and gluten-free flour to the disproportionately large celiac population within the camps. Further to this, the World Food Programme (WFP) has supported vulnerable refugees in Algeria since 1986, covering basic food and nutrition needs. The European Union is the largest donor to the World Food Programme (WFP) in Algeria. Since 2003, the EU has contributed nearly €85 million euros to support WFP’s operations for Sahrawi refugees in the country. This year, the EU’s contributions represent almost 20 percent of the total funding required by WFP in Algeria.
Humanity & Inclusion (HI) has been active in Algeria since 1998, working to promote the rights of individuals with disabilities. HI trains teachers in understanding specific methods when working with disabled children, while also raising awareness among parents about the importance of education for children with disabilities. One of their projects focuses on the rights of disabled children without families. In partnership with national and local actors, including the Ministry for National Solidarity, the Ministry of Health, NADA, parent organizations and UNICEF, HI collects and analyzes data to improve care-management practices. The project aims to enhance conditions for children with disabilities in specialized settings. There are 232 specialized institutions providing support to children with disabilities, receiving government funding amounting to 10 billion Algerian dinars.
The Takeaway
In conclusion, Algeria faces significant challenges in addressing poverty and disability in Algeria, despite various efforts by the government, charities and international organizations. The increase in poverty rates in 2020, for the first time in over two decades, highlights the persistent socio-economic issues that high unemployment, especially among youth and women, has exacerbated. Individuals with disabilities encounter barriers within their integration into society with a gap between legislation being proposed and the actual implementation of said proposals.
However, initiatives by organizations such as Oxfam, the World Food Programme and Humanity & Inclusion, along with government efforts, are continuously providing support and improving the lives of vulnerable populations. These efforts are necessary to bridge the existing gaps and ensure a more inclusive and equal society for all Algerians.
– Fahima Begum
Fahima is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Empowering Women in Comoros: Rights and Opportunities
Employment Equality and Women’s Work Rights
Laws governing wages and employment opportunities for women are highly progressive in the country. The Union of the Comoros recognizes the equality of all citizens before the law, regardless of race, sex, religion or political belief and guarantees the full enjoyment of fundamental freedoms. This legal framework ensures that women have the right to apply for the same jobs as men, reinforcing gender equality in the workplace.
Women face few restrictions in the workplace, bolstering their rights and challenging traditional gender roles. The law mandates equal pay for equal work, regardless of the industry or the perceived danger of the job. This legislative framework supports women’s participation in all types of employment, including night shifts and industrial roles, which historically have been labeled as “manly” jobs. According to United Nations (U.N.) data, over a third of adult women in Comoros are active in the labor force. Halima Said, a 25-year-old working in the accounting unit of the interior ministry, expresses this sentiment of equality, “We have rights and I feel equal to my husband. He’s in teaching and I work in administration.”
Educational Opportunities for Women
Educational access for girls has historically been limited due to male dominance in schooling. However, significant changes occurred after the implementation of the National Gender Equity and Equality Policy (PNEEG) in 2007, which guaranteed equal educational opportunities and control over resources, including reproductive health. By 2014, the effects of this policy were evident: 48.7% of girls, compared to 46.3% of boys, completed lower secondary school. This shift over just seven years marks a significant advancement in promoting women’s educational rights in Comoros.
Marriage Laws and Family Rights
Most men who can afford to get married in Comoros opt for polygynous unions with matrilocal residences, meaning they have multiple wives but live in the wife’s family home. The Code de la Famille, Article 57, requires mutual consent for marriage, safeguarding the rights of both parties. Additionally, the law upholds women’s autonomy by granting them the right to make independent decisions without the obligation to obey their husbands.
Agreements and Women’s Rights Advancements
Comoros ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1993, setting the minimum age for marriage at 18. This aligns with the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), ratified in 1994, which mandates free and full consent for marriage. Women’s rights in Comoros have significantly improved; there are more women in parliament than ever before. The rate of intimate partner violence in Comoros is 27% lower than the global average. Since 1991, conditions in vulnerable work environments have dramatically improved. These developments highlight Comoros’ commitment to advancing women’s rights and making the islands a safer, more thriving place for women.
Looking Ahead
Comoros demonstrates a strong commitment to gender equality through progressive laws and educational advancements for women. The implementation of policies like the National Gender Equity and Equality Policy (PNEEG) has significantly increased educational opportunities for girls. Additionally, the country’s legal framework supports women’s rights in employment and family law, ensuring equal pay and autonomy in marriage. These strides highlight Comoros’ dedication to empowering women and promoting equality across all sectors.
– Sadie Virgin
Photo: Flickr
Transforming Lives: Education breaks the cycle of poverty
Breaking the Cycle of Poverty Through Education
The Galor-Zeira model, developed by economists Oded Galor and Joseph Zeira, explores the link between income distribution and investment in human capital. According to this model, income disparity widens in economies where access to education is limited, leading to persistent poverty. In contrast, broad access to education empowers individuals and communities by providing the knowledge and skills necessary to participate effectively in the labor market and improve their economic prospects. It provides long-term benefits such as higher earning potential and social mobility, pulling individuals out of the intergenerational cycle of poverty.
Successful Educational Programs and Policies
Future Directions and Implications
Education holds the transformative power to alleviate poverty and drive sustainable development by empowering individuals to achieve their full potential. Examples from developing countries demonstrate that successful educational programs and policies could create lasting positive impacts on communities. The Galor-Zeira model underscores the importance of investing in human capital for economic growth and reducing income disparity.
These educational programs and policies can potentially help break the cycle of poverty. They enable individuals to invest in their future without incurring debt. By ensuring that education is accessible and affordable, these ongoing initiatives aim to create opportunities for economic mobility. They empower individuals to contribute to their communities and economies.
– Ilgın Özkul
Photo: Unsplash
UN Initiative Curbs Afghanistan’s Opium Poppies
The Impact of the Taliban’s Opium Ban
Life changed dramatically in 2022 when the Taliban, after seizing power, banned opium farming nationwide on religious grounds. Since the ban, farmers in the former opium fields have struggled to sustain their livelihoods with alternatives like wheat and cotton, whose prices have plummeted due to market saturation. The options for growing other crops are extremely limited in this area because of the harsh climatic conditions that challenge agriculture.
Economic Consequences of the Opium Ban
The ban on opium farming has deeply impacted Afghanistan, creating a cycle of economic instability and underdevelopment showcasing its reliance on the Afghanistan economy. A sharp decline in annual revenue occurred after the ban, from $1.3 billion in 2022 to just $110 million in 2023. Projections suggest a continued economic downturn, with an estimated 6.4% reduction in GDP in the first year and approximately 8% by 2026, assuming a sustained 70% reduction in opium production. Replacing the opium poppy industry is no small feat in Afghanistan and requires substantial investment in alternative livelihoods and drought-resistant agriculture.
UNDP’s Role in Transitioning Afghanistan’s Agriculture
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and its supporters aim to guide Afghanistan toward an economically viable transition from opium production to alternative crops or industries that foster growth and create sustainable livelihoods. This objective requires supportive policies and strong foreign aid to ensure a sustainable transition.
Initiatives and Achievements of CBARD-ALL
The Community-Based Agriculture and Rural Development – Access to Licit Livelihoods (CBARD-ALL) initiative is central to these ongoing efforts, which aim to replace opium poppies with high-value crops in key production districts. CBARD-ALL aims to enhance livelihoods and incomes throughout the agricultural industry in Afghanistan by supporting farmers who are reliant on opium production. These goals are achieved through a comprehensive approach that includes providing essential farming supplies and knowledge, advisory support, building greater capacity within these farms through diverse training programs and establishing agriculture infrastructure to handle the transition.
The United States International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs is a major supporter of this initiative, providing substantial resources. The project has achieved notable accomplishments, including surpassing the target for repurposing greenhouses previously used for opium poppy cultivation, developing tools to enhance crop productivity and constructing numerous small-scale irrigation channels. Scheduled to conclude by Sept. 2025, the project seeks to establish a more sustainable agricultural future for Afghanistan.
Looking Forward
The CBARD-ALL initiative plays a crucial role in fostering sustainable alternatives to Afghanistan’s opium poppies, showing notable progress. By providing viable options rather than enforcing prohibitive measures, CBARD-ALL aims to improve the livelihoods and incomes of those impacted by the opium ban. This strategy not only reduces economic reliance on opium cultivation but also promotes economic resilience and diversification, crucial for the stability and development of rural areas. In regions dependent on agriculture and challenged by poor infrastructure and limited connectivity to major cities, this ongoing project is vital for securing a sustainable and lasting agricultural future in Afghanistan.
– Mathieu Paré
Photo: Flickr
Disability and Poverty in Algeria
Poverty in Algeria
Recent statistics indicate that almost 75% of the poor in Algeria undertake informal jobs within urban areas. In Algeria, the unemployment rate reached 11.2% in 2015, with no significant changes within the first half of 2016. High unemployment levels persisted, particularly among women, at 16.6% for women and 29.9% of youth.
The World Bank found that young people experienced a higher overall unemployment rate. For instance, in 2021, Algeria’s unemployment rate was 12.7% for the total labor force, rising to 31.9% among youth aged 15 to 24. This high rate of youth unemployment suggests that young Algerians struggle to enter the job market – possibly due to factors such as a lack of experience, having little to no background in education or a general scarcity of jobs. This poses a problem as they miss out on earning potential income in order to help themselves and their family. This lack of income can make it harder to afford basic needs such as food, clothing and housing, pushing them further into poverty.
The Pandemic
Approximately, 10% of Algeria’s population is at constant risk of sinking back into poverty. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened this situation in which, “Algeria was ill prepared to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Health care workers were challenged by a shortage in hospital intensive care unit beds, ventilators, protective gear, medical oxygen, oximeters, and medications.” This lack of preparedness, coupled with job losses and increased living costs due to the pandemic, severely strains social safety nets and government resources. As a consequence, this further widens the inequality gap and perpetuates a cycle of financial instability that traps individuals in poverty.
Disability in Algeria
In Algeria, individuals with disabilities face significant challenges despite legal frameworks aimed at protecting their rights. As the charity Disability:IN states, Algerian society has an evolving outlook on people with disabilities. However, those with disabilities are often not included fully into society and often face discrimination, unfairness and exclusion.
The government has enacted legislation to promote the employment of persons with disabilities in Algeria within public and private sectors, including offering incentives for employers and establishing a 1% employment quota. Between 2005 and 2018, the National Loan Agency financed 1,522 projects to support the professional integration of people with disabilities. According to a 1998 census. there were 1.6 million people in Algeria with disabilities, a number which was now estimated to be 2 million by 2018.
There remains a significant gap between the laws and their implementation. Experts have raised concerns about outdated definitions in the 2002 Disability Law and the presence of derogatory terms. More than 7,000 children with disabilities still live in institutions rather than in family or inclusive settings, underlining a need for improved integration of disabled children within Algerian society.
Education is mandatory for all children from age six, and efforts have been made to include children with specific needs in mainstream schools. Currently, 37,000 children with disabilities are integrated into schools, with 32,500 children in mainstream settings. The government supports 232 specialized institutions and initiatives like the use of sign language have been introduced to facilitate a better understanding in classrooms. Despite these efforts, broader measures are needed to bridge the gap between legislation and the experiences of those living with disabilities in Algeria.
Addressing Disability and Poverty in Algeria
Efforts to support those with disabilities and combat poverty in Algeria also involve international organizations. Oxfam has been active in the Sahrawi refugee camps since 1975 and they work to improve food security by distributing fresh vegetables and gluten-free flour to the disproportionately large celiac population within the camps. Further to this, the World Food Programme (WFP) has supported vulnerable refugees in Algeria since 1986, covering basic food and nutrition needs. The European Union is the largest donor to the World Food Programme (WFP) in Algeria. Since 2003, the EU has contributed nearly €85 million euros to support WFP’s operations for Sahrawi refugees in the country. This year, the EU’s contributions represent almost 20 percent of the total funding required by WFP in Algeria.
Humanity & Inclusion (HI) has been active in Algeria since 1998, working to promote the rights of individuals with disabilities. HI trains teachers in understanding specific methods when working with disabled children, while also raising awareness among parents about the importance of education for children with disabilities. One of their projects focuses on the rights of disabled children without families. In partnership with national and local actors, including the Ministry for National Solidarity, the Ministry of Health, NADA, parent organizations and UNICEF, HI collects and analyzes data to improve care-management practices. The project aims to enhance conditions for children with disabilities in specialized settings. There are 232 specialized institutions providing support to children with disabilities, receiving government funding amounting to 10 billion Algerian dinars.
The Takeaway
In conclusion, Algeria faces significant challenges in addressing poverty and disability in Algeria, despite various efforts by the government, charities and international organizations. The increase in poverty rates in 2020, for the first time in over two decades, highlights the persistent socio-economic issues that high unemployment, especially among youth and women, has exacerbated. Individuals with disabilities encounter barriers within their integration into society with a gap between legislation being proposed and the actual implementation of said proposals.
However, initiatives by organizations such as Oxfam, the World Food Programme and Humanity & Inclusion, along with government efforts, are continuously providing support and improving the lives of vulnerable populations. These efforts are necessary to bridge the existing gaps and ensure a more inclusive and equal society for all Algerians.
– Fahima Begum
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Elderly Poverty in Botswana
Elderly Poverty in Botswana
Many elderly are impoverished but unable to take part in productive economic activity comfortably. Some force themselves to partake in hard labor like land tilling and alcohol brewing to keep afloat. Caregiving further strains those who suffer from non-communicable age-related health problems, like arthritis, according to the Journal of Nursing Scholarships. These issues, however, are not restricted to caregivers. They are symptomatic of the wider condition of the Botswanan elderly.
More and more people are reaching old age in Botswana, with the number of older people (60+) as a proportion of the population reaching 7% in 2020. Yet, socio-economic development has not kept pace with this increase. Elderly poverty in Botswana is a salient issue, with 91% of the older population living below the poverty datum line, or the level of income needed by a household to achieve minimal levels of well-being across different parameters.
Vulnerability to Poverty
One answer is that many Botswanans tend to leave the labor force relatively earlier, beginning at age 50. This is often because of ill health, participation in lower-productivity activities like subsistence farming, and obligations to undertake unpaid care work, as outlined above. This significantly reduces the period over which their retirement savings can build up. It also increases the number of years that such savings must provide for, according to the 2022 UNFPA report.
For those who do not exit the workforce so early, the legal retirement age is 60, according to the Journal of Nursing Scholarships. The five-year gap between this and the state pension age – 65 – leaves many in financial insecurity.
Households headed by older persons in Botswana tend to have relatively lower per capita income and more dependents than wage-earners, UNFPA reports. A more detailed individual-level analysis finds that the elderly show higher levels of multidimensional poverty than any other age group.
Although the old-age public pension scheme mentioned above is a step in the right direction, many have trouble accessing benefits. This is because of lengthy commutes to pay points and delays in processing life certificates.
Inadequacies in Public Health Care
Botswana has an effective public health care system, with minimal out-of-pocket expenses for citizens. Recent advances have reduced the incidence of communicable diseases. But it is yet to adapt to the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases: for example, 36% of 50 to 59-year-olds now self-report hypertension. Close to 34.5% of older men and 65.8% of older women are overweight or obese.
BMC Proceedings reports that there is a lack of expertise in treating such diseases across health care providers, especially in rural areas. National health care guidelines are not adhered to strictly. It follows that those who already suffer because of elderly poverty in Botswana are hit even harder by the uneven access to high-quality health care.
Additionally, studies estimate that only 3% of older adults have a good diet. Assessment scores show poor intake of dairy, fruits and vegetables. Many older people also report irregular access to drinking water, according to the 2022 UNFPA report.
Support and Empowerment
The government has responded to these difficulties by developing a National Healthy Ageing strategic programme, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). This includes a more thorough public health response to the needs of the elderly population. According to WHO, it also adopted the WHO’s Integrated Care for Older People guidelines to roll out a comprehensive health monitoring tool in 2022.
Masego Leepile’s Beno Society, founded in 2004, focuses on empowering the elderly to be self-reliant. Along with providing palliative care, it also encourages their social well-being by organizing “community wellness days, festivals and campaigns.”
The Sisters of the Charity of Nazareth administer the Pabalelong Hospice close to the capital city of Gaborone. Its experienced team provides home care to more than 90 patients nearby, and accessible palliative care services to people throughout the country.
Botswana has witnessed remarkable economic growth since its independence and has successfully lifted thousands of citizens out of poverty.
– Shiveka Bakshi
Photo: Flickr
Poverty in France’s Banlieues: Organizations Bridging the Divide
An Issue Decades in the Making
A complex lattice of past events lies behind the present reality of France’s banlieues. In the 1950s, the French government funded the construction of Habitations à Loyer Modéré (HLM) or low-cost housing, on the outskirts of cities. These apartment complexes housed mostly working-class families and were considered a rung on the ladder to home ownership. Over the following decades, numerous waves of immigrants, primarily from ex-colonies like Algeria and Tunisia, settled on French shores. Discrimination forced many into ‘bidonvilles’ (meaning shantytowns). However, in the 1970s, the government took action to dissolve these informal settlements. By then, the initial occupants were moving out of HLM and it is there that many immigrants were re-housed.
Over time, these neighborhoods ceased to be ports in the passage to progress and became vacuums for France’s most impoverished populations. The banlieues were born.
A Social Chasm
Currently, poverty in France’s banlieues is rampant. These communities suffer from a significant lack of public investment and stark shortfalls in services, leading to unemployment rates three times higher than the national average. Furthermore, the intense stigma associated with living in a banlieue often hinders residents’ ability to participate in mainstream society, particularly in securing employment.
Banlieues also host a large minority and immigrant population (their inhabitants are twice more likely to be immigrants than the average) and have become incredibly politicized, situated at the focal point of French political discourses surrounding immigration and integration.
Over the years, feelings of state neglect and discrimination amongst the banlieues’ youth have repeatedly exploded into riots, catalyzed by police violence. In 2005, when riots raged across the country for several weeks, France declared a state of emergency. More recently, in 2023, the deadly shooting of 17-year-old Nahal M. by a police officer in Nanterre sparked renewed unrest and led the United Nations Human Rights Office to urge that France “seriously address the deep issues of racism and discrimination in law enforcement.”
Espérance Banlieues: Looking to the Future
Espérance Banlieues is a nongovernmental organization (NGO) addressing the inequalities in France’s education system that mark the beginning of long-term social tensions and lead to high rates of unemployment among underprivileged young people. Since 2012, the charity has opened 17 schools delivering high-quality teaching to children from underserved neighborhoods across France.
The organization views school as a place where children develop their first societal ties and treats education as a way of easing the crisis in the banlieues. It fosters integration by entrusting students with responsibilities in the school’s daily running, building within every child a sense of being a valuable part of their community’s fabric. It also strives to ensure no sense of exclusion from the French identity by providing access to cultural experiences that build the student’s relationship with the country’s culture and reinforce their status as its inheritors. Recent activities include a music discovery event at the Hôtel des Invalides museum in Paris and participation in a rugby tournament at the renowned Stade Français club.
With the guiding conviction that “chaque enfant est une promesse” (“every child is a promise”), Espérance Banlieues employs an approach that prizes individuality and autonomy, which has led to impressive results. In 2020, 94% of students finishing the first grade demonstrated a satisfactory reading level, compared to a 66.7% average for schools in the Réseau d’Education Prioritaire, which the government considers to serve an underprivileged student body.
Banlieues Santé: Healing a Wounded Society
Banlieues Santé is an NGO increasing access to health care and improving living conditions in the most underserved neighborhoods of Paris and Marseille. Since its inauguration in 2018, it has gathered 1,200 volunteers and serves 60,000 people annually. It partners with both on-the-ground organizations and large private corporations to operate its programs.
Through its ‘Bien-Aînés’ program, elderly residents can access support in navigating medical services and become more proactive and informed regarding their health. The program also involves events designed to engage elderly people and focuses especially on retired immigrant workers. Furthermore, the organization distributes hygiene kits throughout impoverished communities. In 2022, an incredible 80,000 people benefited from the initiative, and 1,500 volunteers and 185 organizations were mobilized.
The empowerment of women from these communities is another of Banlieues Santé’s major focuses. The ‘Papillon’ program develops women’s soft skills and coaches them throughout the professional insertion process. Participants can also access training in specific sectors through the organization’s partner companies. Additionally, Banlieues Santé invests in women as agents of development by training them as ‘health ambassadors’. The participants work toward becoming community educators, learning about various contributors to health. In 2022, 26 women graduated from the program.
Closing the Gap
In nurturing its students’ self-confidence and sense of identity, Espérance Banlieues aims to promote a spirit of inclusion. Banlieues Santé’s commitment to the dignity of those experiencing poverty in France’s banlieues and efforts to equalize opportunity demonstrate the same dedication to human potential. The present situation of poverty in France’s banlieues is the manifestation of a complex historical context. What is certain, however, is that there are people working determinedly to erode the cycle of poverty and violence that has long kept these neighborhoods stagnated and to usher in a more prosperous and peaceful future.
– Leila Powles
Photo: Flickr
3 Organizations Helping the People of Vanuatu
Progress Pikinini
Progress Pikinini is a charity dedicated to giving the children of Vanuatu a brighter future. Founded in 2015 after Cyclone Pam’s devastation, it provided schools and children with essential education tools and everyday items such as clothes, shoes, bed linen and toys. The organization also donates school supplies, arts and crafts materials and funds for special projects. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, it has focused on country-wide initiatives, including building play equipment and libraries, educational resource projects for schools and providing clean drinking water.
CARE Australia
CARE Australia is an international nonprofit organization that assists people experiencing poverty, empowers women and girls in their local communities and helps them achieve social justice and break the cycle of poverty. It works with local communities to provide equal opportunities for women, such as earning an income, gaining access to a fair share of resources, leading and participating in decisions affecting their lives and aiding climate disasters and other crises.
In Vanuatu, CARE’s Leftemap Sista project aims to help girls live without constant fear of violence, earn an income and make decisions about their lives. Operating in Tafea and Shefa, the project focuses on young single mothers, girls who have not finished school, survivors of violence and women living with disabilities.
CARE also helps communities in Vanuatu prepare for future disasters and the impacts of varying climatic conditions by establishing and training local disaster committees, conducting disaster simulations, providing First Aid training and trialing new disease-resistant crop varieties. Due to the drought and water shortages caused by El Niño in 2016, CARE has been working with local communities to rehabilitate water systems. It has also constructed toilets and run hygiene and sanitation classes in schools, focusing on menstrual hygiene for girls.
Save the Children
Save the Children is an international organization founded in 1919 that focuses on children’s rights. It supports health, education, child protection, emergency response to natural disasters, adverse weather adaptation and disaster risk reduction. Operating in Vanuatu for 40 years, Save the Children has worked with the government to strengthen the education system.
Save the Children has partnered with the Global Partnership for Education to ensure schools are well-resourced and effective learning environments for all children, including those with disabilities. The organization provides life-saving food, shelter kits and learning resources in natural disasters. It collaborates with the government to strengthen disaster response and preparedness. Additionally, Save the Children has introduced health care initiatives that include training local health care providers, strengthening health care systems and promoting preventive care, such as providing vaccinations for curable diseases.
In March 2023, Vanuatu was hit by category four cyclones that destroyed food gardens and homes, prompting the government to declare a six-month state of emergency. In response, Save the Children launched a food preservation project involving the growing, harvesting and exporting of local foods to Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila. There, the food is transformed into shelf-ready ration-pack meals that can be stored for up to two years, ensuring preparedness for future natural disasters.
Looking Ahead
Vanuatu is working toward ending poverty with the help of international organizations and innovative approaches to disaster response and preparedness. Nonprofits such as Progress Pikinini, CARE Australia and Save the Children Australia have significantly contributed by offering support and providing vital resources for the people of Vanuatu to thrive. As a result of international aid and help from the government of Vanuatu, the country is on a path toward a more prosperous future for its citizens.
– Kimran Gill
Photo: Flickr
Beatrice Ayuru and Education in Uganda
Ayuru has made a significant impact on education for children in Uganda, particularly those from impoverished backgrounds. As the first in her family to attend university, she was determined to improve education in Uganda. She founded a successful school that has helped thousands of students acquire skills to lift themselves out of poverty.
The Life of Beatrice Ayuru
Ayuru was born into a polygamous family of 16 children in rural Uganda. She left school at 16 after the birth of her first child. However, she later received a second chance at education, becoming the first university graduate in her family. Motivated by her own experiences, she aimed to create a school that not only combats illiteracy but also addresses poverty and advocates for girls’ rights.
Although raising money at the start was tough, Ayuru defied norms and traditions by building a business selling cassava. With support from her father, who gave her a piece of land, she used her profits to lay the first bricks for the school. She invested the money in teachers and resources. Ayuru established the Lira Integrated Nursery, Primary and Secondary School, which is a testament to her vision and determination.
Ayuru has received several awards for her ventures, including the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Empretec Women in Business Award in 2010. In addition, the Federation of Uganda Employers honored her with the Employer of the Year award in 2011.
The Local School and Benefits to Uganda
The Lira school was founded in 2000 and offered teaching to children from low-income families and those affected by war and HIV/AIDS. The school provides nursery, primary, secondary, vocational and agricultural classes to more than 1,000 students. The school is partly funded by local business and agriculture ventures, allowing students to learn entrepreneurial skills. Additionally, Lira School offers financial aid to more than 100 families, recognizing that fees can be prohibitive for some. This support ensures that more children have the opportunity to attend school. The school has been recognized for its excellent teaching. It has earned a three-star rating from AFRO EDUCARE, the highest ranking for a private school in the district.
Conclusion
Ayuru is a remarkable example of someone creating long-lasting change for impoverished people. Ugandan children benefit from someone who was once in their position. Despite Ayuru acknowledging that the fight for universal education is far from over, her case demonstrates how quickly things can change when someone is willing to make a difference. Ayuru has shown Uganda that local-level poverty can be addressed by creating opportunities for local children.
– Rosie Miller
Photo: Flickr
Elderly Poverty in Guinea
Reasons behind Elderly Poverty
Most of the elderly population live in rural areas (65%) and have not received education (82%). As they age and become less able to perform labor, it is hard for older adults to earn income. Deterioration in body function also leads to malnutrition, diseases and illness. Formally, in a traditional family, family members and offspring cared for older people.
However, recently, Africa has been going through a change initiated by colonialism. With development and modernization, change was made toward a Western family structure of a nuclear family or young people moving to urban areas and leaving older people behind. As a result, older adults are often left vulnerable. They have little or no support they would otherwise have had in a traditional setting.
Strategy of Governance
Some solutions to combat poverty emphasize the need for stronger governance and a more effective social pension system. A study that simulated pension systems in 15 low-income sub-Saharan African countries found that considering fiscal capability and operational feasibility, a non-contributory pension program targeting poor elderly individuals was ideal. A targeted social pension was deemed more practical than a universal pension system.
A “Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper” by the Guinean government in 2013 stated that the urban-rural divide and low-income distribution to the poor contribute negatively to national poverty. While the paper does not exclusively cover the topic of elderly poverty in Guinea, it emphasizes efforts regarding policy-making, governance and economic development to combat issues of regional growth, employment and poverty.
A Pan-African Way
However, there is another way of dealing with issues, especially in regard to older people. It is to embrace the African culture and approach rather than implement Western values and modernized social structures. Pan-Africanism is a term that calls for unity within the African region and criticizes colonialism. The book “Aging in Africa” emphasizes the importance of providing support to older adults through family generations. It writes that “this is how Africa had its strength in the decades past and this should be where it draws its strength in the future.”
Conclusion
While there are nongovernmental organizations such as the World Food Program and Helen Keller International operating inside Guinea for poverty allegations, there are not many significant measures taken to deal with elderly poverty. Continuous interest and an in-depth understanding of elderly poverty in Guinea are required. A Pan-African approach, embracing and preserving the African culture of valuing older people, can be implemented to deal with poverty.
– Minji L. Kim
Photo: Flickr
Addressing Child Poverty in Andorra
Data Behind Child Poverty in Andorra
As of 2022, 14% of under 18-year-olds and 14.7% of under 16-year-olds are at risk of poverty and social exclusion. This is an increase from 2018 when 13.3% of those under 16 were at risk of poverty (living with an expenditure below 60% of the national median). However, what is interesting is that when looking at single-parent families with one or more dependent children the proportion of those at risk of poverty increases significantly. In 2019, 24.4% of under 16s in a single-parent household were at risk of poverty, with 17.4% of single-parent households struggling with severe material deprivation.
While there is limited data on hunger or malnourishment in children, data does show that around 0.7 to 1% of children are underweight or thin. However, Andorra boasts a 100% literacy rate, making education’s prevalence very high. This is likely due to Andorra making public schooling free, reducing the impact of poverty on a child’s education.
Tackling Child Poverty in Andorra
Although child poverty is still present in Andorra the general poverty rates are still lower than the EU average of 24.8%. The Andorran Government has also implemented multiple initiatives to tackle child poverty and its sources. One example of an initiative that has helped reduce child poverty in Andorra is the Parròquies Amigues de la Infància (Child-Friendly Parishes) initiative. UNICEF Andorra runs the initiative, operating at the regional level and it promotes children’s participation through child Councils; a dedicated “child-friendly budget;” childhood data collection; and “the development of a national plan for children in conjunction with the state government.”
UNICEF Andorra measures the progress of the individual parishes under this initiative. If reviewed positively it grants the parish “the Child Friendly Parish Recognition”. This initiative has been so successful that UNICEF has claimed that “[a]s of 2023, all the seven parishes in the country are involved in the initiative, reaching almost 14,000 children, making Andorra in effect a child-friendly country.” The effectiveness of the initiative is due to its partnership with organizations such as the Community Association and Ministry of Education, facilitating its focus on educating children about their rights so they are empowered to be able to defend their rights and alter their future circumstances.
Promoting Child Rights
The Andorran Government also plans to carry out dissemination campaigns about child rights so that people are aware of these rights, are less likely to violate them and are more likely to guarantee them. The Child-Friendly Parishes initiative has also been key in involving the voices of children in decision-making so that political decisions affecting them are more likely to take into account their wants and needs, allowing these children to help shape their future.
From 2021 to 2022, 80 children from 9 to 12 years old have been elected as councillors from their respective parishes, and 611 students of the same age have participated in workshops promoting participation. Furthermore, 28 people aged 14 to 16 take part each year in the General Council of the Youth where they discuss and debate different proposals for laws on topics that interest them, replicating the operation of the General Council. All seven communal children’s councils have also maintained Child-Friendly Parish Recognition. according to a 2022 report.
Although there is a significant lack of data on the SDG trackers with 35 out of the 48 child-related SDG trackers lacking data the government still demonstrates effective measures and initiatives to reduce child poverty in Andorra. The most effective means of achieving this is through education, which includes multiple initiatives, such as the Child-Friendly Parishes Initiative. Children have been effectively involved in decisions about their future, educating them on how to change their circumstances and future for the better, enabling them to escape child poverty in Andorra.
– Archie Day
Photo: Wikipedia Commons