With a growing population of young, working age people, Kosovo’s potential for economic development is evident. In spite of this, it continues to be ranked one of the poorest countries in Europe, the poverty rate in 2023 standing at 21.7%. By understanding how poverty and troubles with fragility and the rule of law in Kosovo are interconnected, the roots of underdevelopment in this new nation can be illuminated.
Where: The Origins of Fragility
The present difficulties with fragility and the rule of law in Kosovo have deep ties to its historically tumultuous path to sovereignty. Kosovo originally existed as a province in the former Yugoslavia, however, demands for Kosovan self-determination increased after the final breakup of Yugoslavia in 1992. Kosovo gained independence in 2008, though this process proved to be difficult. The Kosovo War exemplifies this troubled journey, a context in which the ethnic cleansing of Kosovar Albanians sparked international outrage.
Demographically, Kosovo is predominantly ethnic Albanian (93%), although there is a minority of Kosovar Serbs that reside in the country, particularly in the North where Serbia maintains de facto rule. Kosovo, then, is still an area of significant political and cultural importance to Serbia. While the civil conflict between ethnic Serbs and ethnic Albanians peaked during the Kosovo War, the legacy of this ethnic tension post-1999 remains, continuing to threaten stability in Kosovo.
What: The Present Manifestations of Fragility
In 2022, violent protests began to emerge as the national government cracked down on ethnic Serbs who failed to adopt Kosovo license plates. Following this civil unrest, there was a mass withdrawal of ethnic Serbs from national institutions as a second form of protest, according to the 2024 Research Briefing from the House of Commons.
The events of April 2023 are a similar case: ethnic Serbs boycotted the local elections in the Northern municipalities. These events are related to the demand that ethnic Serbs were not represented sufficiently in government, which the poll data further reflects, showing that the majority of Kosovans recognise that the nation is governed in the interest of some groups, but not all.
In a similar way to many post-conflict countries, political and social fragility also manifests itself in an undermined rule of law. In post-conflict and fragile states, there tends to be a significant state “capacity gap” making the enforcement of law difficult. This capacity gap occurs at the judicial level in Kosovo, with U.N. military peacekeepers having to establish Civilian-Military Centres to deal with crime reports, according to USAID.
Government corruption and organized crime continue to plague the nation, taking advantage of these gaps in institutional and judicial capacity. The prevalence of bribery is an exemplary case of how the rule of law in Kosovo is weak at the state level, along with the proliferation of the drug trafficking and human smuggling industry.
Hindering Development
Generally, evidence shows that fragility causes poverty to become more deeply entrenched. As Carolina Sánchez-Páramo, Global Director for the World Bank’s Poverty and Equity Global Practice, states: “Unless we tackle the drivers of fragility and conflict, we won’t be able to win the fight against extreme poverty.” In line with this rhetoric, then, the potential for increasingly heightened ethnic conflict in Kosovo puts poverty alleviation initiatives at risk of failure or stagnation.
Furthermore, whilst organized crime has proliferated, other industries have failed, according to Per Concordiam Magazine. The 2023 polls show that the lack of jobs in Kosovo is a major concern, second only to the cost of living and this unemployment is exacerbated amongst the Kosovan youth leaving much of their younger, working-age population little to no sustainable income, according to the Center for Insights in Survey Research.
In turn, reliance on organized crime for income makes little room for sustainable industry development or legal employment opportunities, whilst also significantly reducing fiscal tax revenues. On average, countries in the Balkans lose between 20% and 30% of their annual revenues to this sort of activity, Per Concordiam Magazine. These revenues could be useful for the development of public infrastructure, health care and education services and other public spending projects.
Long-Term Solutions
Despite the evident difficulties with fragility and the rule of law in Kosovo, there is certainly a possibility for sustainable development, guided by international initiatives looking to support private industry development and regional integration.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) recognizes the complexities of Kosovo’s situation, acknowledging the intricacies of its relationship with Serbia, its multi-ethnic population and the flaws in the state’s institutional capabilities. Through a five-year investment and policy strategy that promotes deeper regional integration, The EBRD aims to stimulate the domestic private sector by opening up the Kosovan industry to new markets.
The EBRD’s previous 2016-2021 strategy was successful in a multitude of fields by financing the country’s first two large-scale renewable energy projects, Baigora wind farm and KITKA wind; rehabilitating Kosovo’s Rail Route 10, helping to improve connectivity with North Macedonia and Serbia; and setting up Women in Business specific lending schemes.
The road to sustainable economic development in Kosovo has, so far, been difficult, hindered notably by a fragile socio-political context, underdeveloped state institutions and extensive crime networks. But the untapped potential of Kosovo’s youthful population remains, and so does the international initiatives looking to support Kosovo economically.
– Tilly Phillips
Tilly is based in Surrey, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Flickr
USAID in the Sahel: Resilience and Security
Background
The World Bank estimates one-third of development funding is lost to disasters and crises. Resilience measures enhance coping mechanisms for hardships like natural disasters, terrorism and failed harvests.
Economic vulnerabilities and a growing youth unemployment fuel grievances and radicalization. It is now the epicenter of terrorism according to the Global Terrorism Index. The Sahel experienced 47% of global terrorism deaths in 2023. The UNOCHA estimates that 35 million people in the Sahel need humanitarian assistance. 11.6 million are food insecure, 2.2 million children suffer from severe acute malnutrition, 5.6 million people are internally displaced and 1.7 million refugees, according to the 2024 Humanitarian Programme Cycle.
The Sahel is exceptionally vulnerable to natural disasters; rising temperatures and droughts worsen already poor agricultural conditions. These factors and flawed farming practices increase desertification and soil erosion, leading to unsustainable economic approaches and shock vulnerability.
The Impact of USAID in the Sahel Region
Working with civil society, international partners and local government, USAID helps provide humanitarian and development support. In 2022, the Sahel Regional Office managed approximately $235 million for development activities and USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) allocated $857 million for humanitarian assistance.
According to the 2023 Sahel Regional Office Factsheet, that year, USAID funding in the Sahel:
USAID spent $2.392 billion total in the Sahel in 2023, and $1.154 billion so far in 2024 for food, health, agriculture and governance assistance.
USAID and Resilience Measures
USAID’s Resilience in the Sahel Enhanced (RISE) initiative focuses “on systemic solutions” that coordinate relief and development efforts with international donors “to support country-led plans.” RISE focused on agricultural opportunities and disaster management for chronically vulnerable households, according to a 2022 USAID report.
The program’s first stage disbursed $348 million and reached 1.9 million of the Sahel’s most vulnerable people in Burkina Faso and Niger. It mitigated the rise in food insecurity and the effects of shocks by expanding access to loans and insurance, educating people on risk and disaster preparedness and supporting social cohesion networks.
The RISE I program directly prevented one in five extremely vulnerable individuals from experiencing severe food insecurity. It mitigated the increase in food security between 2017 and 2020 to a rate of 2.9% compared to 16.5% in non-RISE areas. The program also mitigated the increase in moderate to severe food insecurity between 2017 and 2020 to an increase of 35.6% compared to 74.6% in non-RISE households.
RISE II, implemented from 2019 to 2025, focused on building resilience to economic, natural, conflict and health shocks in Burkina Faso and Niger. It secured $446.3 million in funding through 2023.
USAID in the Sahel supported economic well-being by improving access to financial services and market infrastructure. It strengthened governance through natural resource, risk and conflict management programs. USAID improved health by improving water access, nutrition, family planning and sanitation.
Security Interests
USAID in the Sahel aims to strengthen state legitimacy and curb terrorist groups and adversarial powers. However, international counter-terrorism support and regional leadership are failing. Several Sahelian countries recently experienced coups or attempted coups, including Russia-supported military regimes.
Weak infrastructural power catalyzes conflict. States cannot provide adequate social services or security, increasing local armed group influence. For example, Mali’s backing of ethnic militias and Burkina Faso’s reliance on less civil and accountable security forces created rivalries over resources and territory.
USAID in the Sahel reduces regional conflict by improving disaster reliance and addressing underlying causes of terrorism. USAID serves U.S. foreign interests by supporting regional partnerships and counter-terrorism efforts to maintain the U.S.’s presence.
Conclusion
USAID in the Sahel helped those living in extreme poverty mitigate economic and environmental risks. RISE targeted the systemic causes of poverty and promoted resilience to shocks caused by climate change, conflict and economic shifts.
The U.S. has ceded significant regional influence and failed to prevent coups and radical insurgent groups. USAID recognizes the Sahel’s security-environment-poverty nexus and has made substantial, lasting impacts on people living in extreme poverty.
– Luke Ravetto
Photo: Pxhere
Roots of Underdevelopment: Fragility and Rule of Law in Kosovo
Where: The Origins of Fragility
The present difficulties with fragility and the rule of law in Kosovo have deep ties to its historically tumultuous path to sovereignty. Kosovo originally existed as a province in the former Yugoslavia, however, demands for Kosovan self-determination increased after the final breakup of Yugoslavia in 1992. Kosovo gained independence in 2008, though this process proved to be difficult. The Kosovo War exemplifies this troubled journey, a context in which the ethnic cleansing of Kosovar Albanians sparked international outrage.
Demographically, Kosovo is predominantly ethnic Albanian (93%), although there is a minority of Kosovar Serbs that reside in the country, particularly in the North where Serbia maintains de facto rule. Kosovo, then, is still an area of significant political and cultural importance to Serbia. While the civil conflict between ethnic Serbs and ethnic Albanians peaked during the Kosovo War, the legacy of this ethnic tension post-1999 remains, continuing to threaten stability in Kosovo.
What: The Present Manifestations of Fragility
In 2022, violent protests began to emerge as the national government cracked down on ethnic Serbs who failed to adopt Kosovo license plates. Following this civil unrest, there was a mass withdrawal of ethnic Serbs from national institutions as a second form of protest, according to the 2024 Research Briefing from the House of Commons.
The events of April 2023 are a similar case: ethnic Serbs boycotted the local elections in the Northern municipalities. These events are related to the demand that ethnic Serbs were not represented sufficiently in government, which the poll data further reflects, showing that the majority of Kosovans recognise that the nation is governed in the interest of some groups, but not all.
In a similar way to many post-conflict countries, political and social fragility also manifests itself in an undermined rule of law. In post-conflict and fragile states, there tends to be a significant state “capacity gap” making the enforcement of law difficult. This capacity gap occurs at the judicial level in Kosovo, with U.N. military peacekeepers having to establish Civilian-Military Centres to deal with crime reports, according to USAID.
Government corruption and organized crime continue to plague the nation, taking advantage of these gaps in institutional and judicial capacity. The prevalence of bribery is an exemplary case of how the rule of law in Kosovo is weak at the state level, along with the proliferation of the drug trafficking and human smuggling industry.
Hindering Development
Generally, evidence shows that fragility causes poverty to become more deeply entrenched. As Carolina Sánchez-Páramo, Global Director for the World Bank’s Poverty and Equity Global Practice, states: “Unless we tackle the drivers of fragility and conflict, we won’t be able to win the fight against extreme poverty.” In line with this rhetoric, then, the potential for increasingly heightened ethnic conflict in Kosovo puts poverty alleviation initiatives at risk of failure or stagnation.
Furthermore, whilst organized crime has proliferated, other industries have failed, according to Per Concordiam Magazine. The 2023 polls show that the lack of jobs in Kosovo is a major concern, second only to the cost of living and this unemployment is exacerbated amongst the Kosovan youth leaving much of their younger, working-age population little to no sustainable income, according to the Center for Insights in Survey Research.
In turn, reliance on organized crime for income makes little room for sustainable industry development or legal employment opportunities, whilst also significantly reducing fiscal tax revenues. On average, countries in the Balkans lose between 20% and 30% of their annual revenues to this sort of activity, Per Concordiam Magazine. These revenues could be useful for the development of public infrastructure, health care and education services and other public spending projects.
Long-Term Solutions
Despite the evident difficulties with fragility and the rule of law in Kosovo, there is certainly a possibility for sustainable development, guided by international initiatives looking to support private industry development and regional integration.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) recognizes the complexities of Kosovo’s situation, acknowledging the intricacies of its relationship with Serbia, its multi-ethnic population and the flaws in the state’s institutional capabilities. Through a five-year investment and policy strategy that promotes deeper regional integration, The EBRD aims to stimulate the domestic private sector by opening up the Kosovan industry to new markets.
The EBRD’s previous 2016-2021 strategy was successful in a multitude of fields by financing the country’s first two large-scale renewable energy projects, Baigora wind farm and KITKA wind; rehabilitating Kosovo’s Rail Route 10, helping to improve connectivity with North Macedonia and Serbia; and setting up Women in Business specific lending schemes.
The road to sustainable economic development in Kosovo has, so far, been difficult, hindered notably by a fragile socio-political context, underdeveloped state institutions and extensive crime networks. But the untapped potential of Kosovo’s youthful population remains, and so does the international initiatives looking to support Kosovo economically.
– Tilly Phillips
Photo: Flickr
KickStart International: Lifting Farmers out of Poverty with Irrigation
The Impact of Irrigation on Farming
Irrigation pumps, though effective, are expensive and underutilized in sub-Saharan Africa, with only 4% of farmers employing this technology. Most farmers depend on seasonal rainfall, which limits crop production to certain times of the year. Irrigation enables year-round farming, boosting crop output and profits, stabilizing market conditions and eliminating the “hungry season” when food scarcity peaks due to reduced rainfall. KickStart International highlights the transformative impact of irrigation: families who install these systems see an average farm income increase of 370% within the first 18 months and 1,230% after five years, marking significant economic advancements for those adopting the technology.
KickStart’s Sustainable Business Model
KickStart International collaborates with farmers and local businesses to create sustainable supply chains for irrigation pumps rather than distributing them for free. As a nonprofit, KickStart works with manufacturers, importers and distributors who profit by selling these pumps at affordable prices. This model fosters sustainable solutions and builds a self-sustaining market ecosystem. By establishing a profitable, independent supply chain that includes importers, distributors, retail shops and service providers, it creates a robust infrastructure. This system enables farmers to learn about irrigation, purchase pumps and obtain spare parts and services, ensuring longevity beyond KickStart’s direct involvement, explains KickStart. The organization respects existing markets, opting not to sell in areas where a local supply chain already exists.
Educating Farmers About Irrigation
Many small-scale farmers do not realize that irrigation is a viable and affordable option. KickStart International actively promotes irrigation practices through live demonstrations, advertisements on television and radio and public educational events. The organization collaborates with many partners, including UNICEF, the World Food Programme and other prominent nonprofits, to increase awareness about the benefits of irrigation.
KickStart’s Innovations and Recognition
KickStart’s Innovations Hub in Nairobi, Kenya, continues to develop products that provide unique value additions for farmers and significantly improve the affordability, efficiency and impacts of existing products. The organization is also launching a program that allows farmers to rent irrigation pumps instead of buying them. Under this plan, Irrigation Agents—individual sellers—can potentially earn income by renting out the equipment. Meanwhile, farmers can increase their profitability sufficiently to buy a pump for the next growing season.
KickStart International’s success is noteworthy. Martin Fisher, the co-founder, has earned recognition as a Time European Hero. Fisher also appeared on the Forbes Impact 30 List, among other honors. Since its inception in 1991, the nonprofit has lifted 1.5 million people out of poverty, enabled the production of enough irrigation-grown crops to feed 15 million people and generated $210 million in profits for small-scale farmers.
– Maren Fossum-Wernick
Photo: Flickr
Increasing Access to Child Care in South Africa Supports Women
In South Africa, many waste pickers and domestic workers leave their children with neighbors as a form of child care. In Durban, a group of waste pickers collectively pays an elderly couple for child care, choosing this option for its affordability and flexibility in payment terms. The female caregiver accepts materials collected by the waste pickers as part of the payment. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, 68% of child care workers in South Africa said they were in danger of closing permanently due to rising costs. This threatened to decrease the number of child care options available further. However, different initiatives are addressing child care in South Africa.
Child Care South Africa
Child Care South Africa is one initiative aiming to provide quality child care in the country. Between 2017 and 2019, the Cash Plus Care (Qhawekazi) project was established to empower women aged 19 to 24. A total of 5,087 young women completed all 12 Cash Plus Care Empowerment sessions, highlighting the project’s extensive impact on their lives.
SmartStart
Furthermore, SmartStart provides communities in South Africa with access to high-quality early learning programs for children aged 3 to 4. About 80% of lower-income families in South Africa lack access to early learning for children younger than 5, making child care crucial not only for mothers but also for children’s futures.
One of SmartStart’s goals is to create a women-led care economy by empowering them to become early learning practitioners. Since 2015, a community of 9,000 practitioners has emerged. These Early Learning Practitioners are trained to secure government funding as microentrepreneurs.
South Africa’s Expanded Public Works Program
Started in 2004, South Africa’s Expanded Public Works Program (EPWP) trains unemployed beneficiaries, mostly women, in areas such as day care activities. By 2015, approximately 20,000 care practitioners had been trained. Reports indicated that this scheme contributed to income growth more than any other similar project. Women particularly benefited from paid care work, as they represented 90% of the home-based care workers who participated in the program.
The ECCE Program
By 2030, the government in South Africa aims for all children aged 0 to 5 able to access an early childhood care and education (ECCE) program. The National Integrated Early Childhood Development Policy (ECD) allows more women to have paid jobs because it alleviates the need for women to be responsible for child care during working hours. The following three benefits arise from supporting ECCE services:
The Future
The highlighted initiatives aim to increase the amount and quality of child care in South Africa. The additional support enables women to engage with the economy. This will improve the position of women while also benefiting the wider community and combating poverty by raising household income levels.
– Amy Fox
Photo: Unsplash
How SEWA Aids Self-Employed Women in India
SEWA’s Grassroots Support for Self-Employed Women
Founded in 1972 in Ahmedabad, SEWA is one of India’s 12 officially recognized central trade unions. The organization has a membership of 2.9 million. SEWA adopts a grassroots approach, offering microloans, health care, childcare and other benefits to support self-employed women. According to the World Bank, it represents poor women working in India’s informal sector, which constitutes 94% of the Indian workforce.
SEWA’s Philosophy and Operational Strategies
SEWA operates under the Gandhian principles of Ahinsa (nonviolence), Satya (truth), Sarvadharma (inclusivity of all faiths and peoples) and Khadi (promotion of local employment and independence) to achieve its dual goals of full employment and self-reliance. Full employment encompasses complete work, income, food and social security—including health care, insurance, childcare, housing and pensions. SEWA’s 85 composite cooperatives function as localized trade unions empowering women in the informal sector. Additionally, SEWA runs 60 health care centers and a bank with 130,400. Account holders made deposits totaling 454.3 million rupees in 2002. The union also partners with national insurance companies to offer accessible insurance programs, benefitting 11,000 women with 15 million in claims over the decade leading up to 2002.
SEWA’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
SEWA networks have been crucial for supporting informal workers during COVID-19, especially amid harsh lockdowns. Reema Nanavaty, director of SEWA, explained in an interview with the Center for Foreign Relations how SEWA disseminated vital public health information through posters and voice memos to rural communities neglected by government efforts. Leveraging its long-standing initiatives in digital literacy and technology access for impoverished women in urban slums and remote areas, SEWA effectively used digital platforms to spread important health information via social media and WhatsApp. Additionally, SEWA members produced more than 200,000 masks, distributing them to governments, local hospitals and communities.
Despite numerous challenges, self-employed women in India are finding economic empowerment and social uplift through grassroots organizing, collective action and institutionalized labor movements. SEWA exemplifies the significant impact of these ongoing efforts.
Looking Ahead
SEWA’s efforts continue to provide critical support for self-employed women in India, ensuring their access to essential services and resources. By promoting financial inclusion, health care and social security, SEWA empowers these women to achieve greater economic stability and independence. The organization’s proactive response during the COVID-19 pandemic further highlights its vital role. As SEWA expands its initiatives, it remains a beacon of hope for millions of self-employed women across the country.
– Josephine Koch
Photo: Flickr
Fighting Food Insecurity in Laos: Agriculture for Nutrition
With a $120 “Garden Grant” from the AFN, Sengphet purchased 10 chickens, feed and seeds for an at-home garden. From the initial investment, she has expanded her farm’s capacities from chicken to garlic, fish and frogs. This expansion helped her to earn up to $420 monthly since 2021. With AFN, Sengphet has grown her farm to fight food insecurity in Laos, which is faced by one in seven population members.
Malnutrition and Food Insecurity in Laos
Despite falling poverty levels, food insecurity in Laos remains a significant concern, particularly in rural areas where food shortages are twice as high as in urban regions. Three-quarters of households produce subsistence food and two-thirds of farmers grow rice exclusively. The lack of diversity contributes to malnutrition in addition to food shortage.
Limited access to nutritious food has resulted in high stunting rates among children, with 32.8% of those younger than 5 years of age affected. In some of the more impoverished provinces, this rate rises to 54%. The Lao government has prioritized tackling malnutrition by enacting the National Nutrition Strategy for 2025 and the National Nutrition Action Plan for 2021-2025. However, addressing food insecurity remains challenging due to high inflation and strong debt pressure in the past two years.
How APN Is Targeting Food Insecurity
The AFN program implements targeted initiatives to ensure sustainable food access. In 2016, the WFP, IFAD and the government launched the first phase in 400 villages across four provinces in Northern Laos. The program takes a holistic, community-based approach, emphasizing long-term self-sufficiency and various aspects of production. AFN collaborates with villages to develop road infrastructure, irrigation and market access, both with enterprises and through local market facilitation.
A significant part of AFN’s programming is its training initiatives and grants. AFN helps form and funds Agricultural Production Groups to farm selected products such as fish, poultry and vegetables. Furthermore, the program provides training for production techniques and opportunities for learning exchange via its Farmer-to-Farmer Extension Activities. These services are in addition to the Farmer Nutrition School and Garden Grant from which Sengphet benefitted.
Program Success
The first phase, which ended in 2022, has successfully met its targets to reduce food insecurity in Laos. It has reached 210,684 people, representing 92.5% of its goal. Around 57% of the people reached were women. Furthermore, it has helped bring 17,850 households out of poverty out of its targeted 21,000, defined by an income per capita of $270.
AFN’s impacts compound over time. In Nam Lee village, residents participating in a Village Development Planning session expressed a need for better road access to farmland and more profitable crops. With an AFN grant, the villagers constructed a 4km road to support their farming activities. By January 2021, this road access had increased productivity, with families generating $36,000 annually.
Sengpeut also highlights what the added income has provided for her family: “With my additional income,” she says, “I have been able to pay for my children’s education and build a new house. I have learned how to give medicine and vaccines to my animals and I am now part of making decisions in my house with my husband.”
With the success of Phase I, the three cosponsors are launching Phase II of the program. This phase expands to three additional provinces, targeting an extra 168,000 people. As Laos grapples with macroeconomic challenges, the AFN continues to offer sustainable solutions and combat food insecurity across small and medium scales, reaching the nation’s most vulnerable communities.
Final Remark
With the success of Phase I, the three co-sponsors are rolling out Phase II of the program. They have added 3 more provinces to the program, targeting an additional 168,000 people. As Laos continues to face macroeconomic challenges, the AFN provides sustainable solutions and fights food insecurity in Laos across small and medium-scales to the nation’s most vulnerable communities.
– Imme Koolenbrander
Photo: Flickr
Alleviating Poverty in Honduras
Water Crisis and Educational Challenges
According to the 2019 National Survey of Demography and Health, only 50% of Hondurans have access to clean, e-coli-free water. The pandemic and Hurricanes Eta and Iota exacerbated these ongoing issues by damaging critical infrastructure and restricting access to water systems.
As of March 2023, official data revealed 14% of Hondurans could not read or write. Additionally, a study by Bless the Children found that children typically require 9.4 years to complete grades one through six. Financial struggles within families often force children to contribute to household income, significantly complicating their ability to balance school and work.
Government Initiatives Alleviating Poverty in Hondorus
In 2020, along with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Honduran government launched the Single Voucher Program, supporting families struggling particularly from the pandemic. This initiative gave families a one-time voucher of $82 that can be redeemed for food, medicine and/or medical supplies.
As of 2022, the Inter-American Development Bank approved a $75.9 million loan outlined to support 50,000 households through conditional cash transfers and 165,000 children through nutrition and early child development programs. This loan also works toward keeping children in school until seventh grade, at least. This loan is meant to be dispersed over four years. Honduras has collaborated with various international organizations to improve living conditions.
Nonprofit Initiatives
Food for the Poor, a nonprofit organization, actively improves water quality in areas affected by Hurricanes Eta and Iota. Immediately following the disasters, it installed temporary emergency water treatment systems in Bosques de Santa Lucia, Campo Las Flores and Los Achiotes. In Bosques de Santa Lucia, the organization provided 145 families with safe running water and functioning toilets. Additionally, in Campo Las Flores, Food for the Poor has diligently repaired damaged equipment and pipes affected by the hurricanes.
JustOne International has significantly boosted high school graduation rates in Aguas del Padre, Honduras. Since beginning its mission in 2019, the community has seen a 600% increase in graduation rates, with 89% of graduates advancing to higher education or securing high-paying jobs. This organization is making a substantial impact by helping thousands of young Hondurans complete their education.
Looking Ahead
As the country faces widespread issues, various initiatives are showing promise in alleviating poverty in Hondorus. Efforts by the government, supported by international organizations like the UNDP and the Inter-American Development Bank, are providing essential aid and educational support to vulnerable families and children. Nonprofits like Food for the Poor and JustOne International play crucial roles in improving water quality and boosting educational outcomes, respectively. These ongoing efforts aim to create a more resilient and self-sustaining future for Honduras.
– Madeline Rozmus
Photo: Flickr
3 Ways UNHCR Is Addressing Venezuelan Displacement
More and more children have been separated from their families and reported fleeing alone. This adds another layer of difficulty in getting proper sustenance and education for their growth and development. As a response, a nonprofit organization, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), has stepped up to support the journey of Venezuelans. Here are three ways the UNHCR is addressing Venezuelan displacement:
The Graduation Model Program
One way UNHCR addresses Venezuelan displacement is through the Graduation Model program in Colombia. Launched in 2019, this model includes a series of support programs designed to help displaced Venezuelans. It offers workshops, training and mentorship to assist them in building their own businesses and achieving self-sufficiency. The workshops cover various skills, including business management, finance, marketing and customer service.
Yuli, who relocated to Colombia from Venezuela in 2019, launched her jewelry-making business after participating in the Graduation Model program. Referred to UNHCR by a local humanitarian aid partner, Yuli gained essential skills in budget management and business sustainability through the program. With her business, she could be independent economically and socially, which brought security and hope. She shares her experience: “Everything has changed for the better. Joining the project was my starting point to bring my family happiness, peace of mind and confidence — all I aimed for when I came to Colombia.”
The PPN Program
UNHCR also created the project called Pedagogy and Protection for Refugee and Migrant Children with a Mixed Approach (PPN) in 2019 to help Venezuelan children’s social integration into Colombia. Additionally, the project aims to teach children the value of interculturality through various programs and technical support to school staff.
Mariangelis, an eighth grader from Venezuela, attends Tierra Bomba school in Colombia, where the project has made a significant impact. She expressed her gratitude for receiving quality education and protection. She shared that her experiences have inspired her to pursue studies in human rights. Mariangelis is determined to address the challenges and mistreatment faced by refugees and migrants. Overall, PPN has raised awareness of the importance of quality education, emphasizing interculturality and diversity.
The Trust the Toucan Campaign
In May 2023, UNHCR initiated the Trust the Toucan campaign to address misleading information about relocation on social media that affects Venezuelans’ decisions. The campaign involves creating verified content for Venezuelans through interviews with refugees and sharing their experiences. Many refugees begin their journey without knowing the risk it takes and the dangers along the way, such as crossing the Darién jungle itself.
To ensure that people are well-informed about their journeys, the Trust the Toucan campaign has been informing people’s decisions. The trust aims to mitigate the risk factors with proper preparation. In its first year, it published 334 pieces of content and gained 16 million views.
UNHCR has taken crucial steps to help the refugees through the rebuilding of their lives in search of secure homes in a new country. Furthermore, continuous steps toward long-term solutions for improving the lives of Venezuelan refugees can gradually improve their quality of life and social integration in a new community.
– Sein Kim
Photo: Flickr
Voices of Women: Empowering Women’s Rights in Burkina Faso
Voix des Femmes (VDF), which translates to Voices of Women, was established in September 2000 to empower children’s and women’s rights in Burkina Faso. Recognized by Burkinabe authorities as a nongovernmental organization (NGO), VDF has implemented numerous projects in Burkina Faso.
The Goals and Strategy of Voices of Women
VDF conducts projects geared toward:
Alongside these contributions, VDF primarily mobilizes women to advocate for their rights. Regarding VDF’s strategy, it leverages its diverse human capital, comprising professionals such as lawyers, chemists and health, social work and communication experts. Moreover, in choosing beneficiaries to power these projects, VDF is open to all persons with no discrimination of gender, race or status.
VDF’s Projects in Burkina Faso
One significant VDF project is the “Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Women and Girls, Economic Empowerment and the Fight Against Violence in the Central Region.” The project aims to train people from the community. Those trained will conduct awareness sessions for women and girls and empower their rights. Women involved are trained in “micro-project management” and “income-generating activities.” This training promotes women’s financial liberty and socioeconomic development.
Similarly, men and adolescents are educated on “positive masculinity” to support women’s rights. Positive masculinity is rejecting the negative attributes of traditional masculinity, such as aggression. The focus on this behavior contributes to the reduction of GBV. This project also aims to have 60,000 women as direct beneficiaries, with 200 women for their psychological, legal, medical and social care and 120 women for income-generating activities.
Women, here, are the actors of change and social mobilization. They identify and refer cases of GBV and suggest beneficiaries for income-generating activities. As indirect beneficiaries, 20,000 people, including men, adolescents and 300 community leaders, participate in advocacy sessions to spread awareness.
Furthermore, the AIDS 2024 project involves educational talks on sexual violence and child marriage with internally displaced persons in various communities. On April 30 and May 2, 2024, a meeting was held to discuss and implement the project, known as the “Integrated Emergency Protection Response and Management of GBV in the Boucle du Mouhoun Region.” Moreover, the Sini-Gnèsigui project provides “listening clubs” for young survivors of child marriage and school-related violence. Listening clubs are like counseling groups that empower the youth to combat these abuses.
Projects and Workshops
On May 15, 2024, a workshop was held with Moundasso’s Center for Economic Growth listening club members. The discussion highlighted ways to identify signs of violence and to make an effective report and referral. The project’s objectives strive to enhance the resilience of girls and adolescents.
Finally, the project “Women’s Rights and Health in Burkina Faso: Preventing and Reducing Vulnerabilities in the Context of Crisis and Post-Crisis COVID-19” aimed to enhance medical, legal, judicial and psychological care for women survivors of GBV during the COVID-19 restrictions. VDF partnered with the Association of Women Lawyers of Burkina Faso, the Pananetugri Initiative for Women’s Welfare and Equipop.
The project sought to empower women and girls to address the socioeconomic impacts of the pandemic. This was achieved by fostering young female leaders who could drive positive change within their communities. In two years, the project reached more than 170,000 direct beneficiaries in three regions of Burkina Faso and concluded in March 2023.
Final Remark
The efforts made through the projects of Voices of Women have helped women understand and fully exercise their civil liberties. In addition to empowering women’s rights, VDF provided educational and financial support and contributed to reducing GBV across the country.
For the organization’s significant impact, the president of VDF, Mariam Lamizana, was awarded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for “the promotion of the abandonment of female genital mutilation.” This prize recognizes VDF’s substantial achievements in eliminating these harmful traditional practices.
– Caroline Albright
Photo: Pexels
Uplifting Haiti’s Vulnerable: Disability and Poverty in Haiti
Disabled Population in Haiti
In 2010, Haiti saw a significant increase in the number of disabled individuals following an earthquake that injured nearly 10% of households. Disability, affecting about 4% of Haitians aged 5 and over, is defined as experiencing some difficulty in at least two functional domains or serious difficulty or incapacity in one domain. Post-earthquake, 16% of households reported having a family member with a disability, which has drastically impacted individuals’ work capabilities and family financial stability.
Beyond natural disasters, disabilities in Haiti also stem from birth anomalies and noncommunicable diseases. The Disability Data Initiative reports that 24.9% of Haitians aged 15 and older face functional difficulties, with vision issues being the most common. Furthermore, a survey of more than 53,000 people found that 43% suffered from physical mobility disabilities.
How Disabilities Impact Poverty
Disability and poverty in Haiti severely limit the social mobility of a significant portion of the population. Poverty in Haiti often manifests as multidimensional poverty, which encompasses multiple social disadvantages such as unsafe living conditions and low educational attainment.
Approximately 86.2% of Haitians with significant functional difficulties are also multidimensionally poor. Compared to the general population, disabled individuals in Haiti face harsher socioeconomic conditions and have more difficulty entering the workforce. This perpetuates a cycle where impoverished and disabled communities struggle to achieve social mobility, affecting future generations.
According to the 2020 Human Capital Index, children in Haiti are projected to achieve only 45% of their potential productivity if they have access to stable education and health care. Moreover, the literacy rate among the disabled community is under 30%, nearly 30% lower than the national average.
Uplifting the Disabled Community
An initiative tackling disability and poverty in Haiti is the Promoting Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in Social and Employment Programs. This program strives to enhance the presence of PwDs in the labor force by integrating them into the social registry, offering professional training and conducting awareness campaigns about the status of PwDs in Haiti and how to support them.
The World Bank has funded this initiative with a $2.29 million grant and collaborates with Humanity and Inclusion, a nongovernmental organization that aids people with disabilities. This partnership focuses on providing training and methodologies. So far, 127 PwDs have completed training in various fields, which has enabled them to boost their income and explore opportunities like starting their businesses.
The World Bank funds the Adaptive Social Protection for Increased Resilience (ASPIRE) program, which offers a financial safety net through the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor. This program ensures that vulnerable households receive regular financial support and health care. ASPIRE aims to give individuals the opportunity to stabilize their lives and seek employment, mitigating the risks of extreme poverty and food scarcity.
PwDs in Haiti often fall victim to violence from natural disasters and gang-related activities. The U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA) supports these individuals by providing crutches, wheelchairs, dignity kits and assistance in organizing work documentation, enhancing their autonomy. These services help PwDs return to work, secure protection from violence and promote economic independence.
Looking Ahead
As Haiti endures another year of economic decline, compounded by environmental hazards and political crises, the disabled community remains particularly vulnerable. Efforts like the Promoting Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Social and Employment Programs and the ASPIRE program are crucial in providing professional training and financial support. Additionally, the UNFPA’s initiatives to supply mobility aids and essential services are vital in empowering disabled individuals to achieve economic independence and protection from violence. The ongoing efforts aim to improve the living conditions and prospects for Haiti’s disabled population.
– Astrid Burns
Photo: Flickr