The Pacific Islands are composed of 12 countries, including Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Samoa, each with its own vibrant culture and environment. However, according to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, a quarter of Pacific Islanders cannot attain basic needs, especially as natural disasters drastically destroy livelihoods and food security. Nonetheless, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) programs in the Pacific Islands address development, illegal fishing and adverse weather conditions.
Protecting Biodiversity: OurFish OurFuture
Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing threatens the livelihoods of coastal communities and ocean ecosystems. It costs the global economy between $26 and $50 billion annually, harming local and international economies. In the tuna industry in the Pacific Islands, commercially caught Pacific tuna generated $22 billion in 2012 and 2014, while IUU fishing generated $616 million a year. IUU fishing affects more than the economy; it also affects fish populations and oceanic biodiversity, as it accounts for one out of every five fish caught.
The OurFish Our Future program works to combat IUU fishing. It is five years long, spanning from 2021 to 2026 and provides $15 million to address the factors of IUU fishing that degrade coastal biodiversity and impact food stability. This program focuses on the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
The program brings together communities, providing opportunities for all ages and genders to participate in the design and implementation of security programming. Its ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAFM) contributes to policies that will “improve coastal fisheries data systems, improve enforcement capacities and strengthen collaboration of enforcement authorities.”
Fostering Development: Pacific American Fund
As a result of the Pacific Island Countries’ (PICs) geography, they are vulnerable to environmental disasters perpetuated by changing climatic conditions, instability in government and present gender inequities, all while maintaining a critical role in the global economy. PICs are small and isolated, which leaves them prone to tsunamis, floods, earthquakes, droughts and volcanic activity that destroys their buildings and crops. PICs also suffer from unsafe living conditions, including unclean water, pollution and harmful chemicals, which lead to a rate of 70% of deaths related to noncommunicable diseases such as cancer and chronic respiratory diseases.
The Pacific American Fund (PAF) is a “five-year grant facility that addresses critical development challenges.” It supports the countries of the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. The PAF aims to “improve the quality of life in vulnerable communities and improve access to services for remote communities in the region” through increased preparation for natural disasters and climate change, economic development and access to health care and education. One of its programs is small-scale construction in the Malita Province to improve and adapt the environment for increased trade and expansion into agribusiness.
Agribusiness in the Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands are prone to natural disasters that affect their economy, requiring their communities to seek agribusiness advancements to protect and revive their economy. In October 2023, tropical cyclone Lola caused severe damage, affecting more than 22,000 people and 100 buildings and damaging water sources. Furthermore, many of the crops were destroyed, including breadfruit trees, which are one of the Solomon Islands’ main sources of carbohydrates. This left locals scared of starvation as they relied on their local agriculture for sustenance.
USAID programs in the Pacific Islands include the Solomon Islands Strengthening Competitiveness, Agriculture, Livelihoods and Environment (SCALE) plan. SCALE is a five-year, $25 million project focused on developing the agribusiness sector in the Solomon Islands. Additionally, SCALE Trade and Investment (T&I) “focuses on reducing the cost and steps of obtaining business permits and licenses; strengthening trade and investment facilitation; and improving agribusiness value chain growth.”
SCALE engages community members in its program through its T&I plan. It aims to increase its exports and the role of women in trade. SCALE T&I oversaw the creation of the Advisory Committee for Agribusiness in Malaita Province, which will work with the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce. USAID programs in the Pacific Islands, such as SCALE, improve conditions of poverty by providing funding and opportunities for locals to work, innovate and protect against environmental factors.
Impact of USAID Programs in the Pacific Islands
USAID programs in the Pacific Islands strengthen their economic and environmental resilience through advancing policies and funds. Through USAID help, PICs have accessed more than $500 million in climate financing to prepare for adverse climatic conditions and natural disasters. USAID programming supports local development, marine ecosystems and access to affordable energy. Its work in the Pacific Islands will continue through these long-term programs to ensure stability.
One success story from USAID’s programs for Pacific Islanders came through its partnership with Aquaculture Technologies of the Marshall Islands. USAID provided a $1.7 million grant to allow the company to manufacture its own fish feed and to train individuals such as Sonya. Sonya remained in the Solomon Islands after her family moved because she wanted to pursue aquaculture and secure a stable future in her home country.
Sonya now manages the fish hatchery and nursery, inspiring more women to become trained as independent aqua farmers and fish feed manufacturers. The Marshall Islands now produce 400 pounds of moi fish per week, which supplies local businesses and is exported.
– Astrid Burns
Astrid is based in Roseland, NJ, USA and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Flickr
The Current State of Education in Madagascar
Structure of Education in Madagascar
Education in Madagascar follows a structure similar to many Western schools, consisting of a five-year primary school, a four-year lower secondary school and a three-year upper secondary school. Education for 6 to 14-year-olds is compulsory. The students attend school from Oct. to Oct. and it typically runs from 6:30 am to 12:00 pm. Then at 2:00 pm it starts up again until 5:00 or 6:00 pm. They are given a two-hour lunch break so students can return home and come back to school by foot. Students in Madagascar take their classes in French and Malagasy. After the last year of each level of education, the Malagasy students must pass a national exam before proceeding to the next level. Madagascar education is set up for success, yet many do not finish their education.
Challenges Faced by Students and Educators
About one in three adults in Madagascar are illiterate. With 80% of the population living below the poverty line, it is hard for education to be a focal point in families. Many children have to start helping out in their homes as young as 5 years old. This keeps some Malagasy children from ever stepping foot into a classroom and for the children who do, only 60 out of 100 students will complete the full five-year cycle of primary school. However, even the students who stay in school lack literacy skills with 96% of students aged 6 to 10 unable to read a simple paragraph by the end of primary school. The lack of formal training for educators in Madagascar is seen as the cause for the poor literacy rates of those enrolled in school.
The State of Teaching in Madagascar
Teachers in Madagascar receive minimal training and lack support from their administrations. Only about 4% of primary teachers possess the basic pedagogical and subject matter knowledge needed for effective teaching. In addition, about 80% of the Malagasy teachers have had no formal training. This disparity is largely attributed to the teacher recruitment process in Madagascar. Instead of focusing on selecting professional educators, they try to meet the demands of civil servants, leaving many of the teachers to lack formal training. This has caused the illiteracy rates to continue to be high, even for those who have been educated.
Positive Developments in Education
Despite these educational challenges there have been strides for improvements. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) returned to the Malagasy Education Sector in Jan. 2024 after 15 years. Their new five-year, $10 million, Lova Project, is set to work on building foundational skills for a better future. Along with the National Ministry for Education, they plan to improve literacy, math and socio-emotional instruction for 65,000 students in 500 primary schools and enhance professional development for 1,500 teachers. They also aim to develop an early-grade reading curriculum. This will provide teacher training, learning materials and remedial classes focused on basic reading and math. The Lova Project shows great steps toward building a greater tomorrow for youth and teachers in Madagascar.
Looking Ahead
Madagascar’s education system faces significant challenges due to extreme poverty and insufficient teacher training. However, recent initiatives, such as the USAID’s Lova Project, aim to address these issues by improving literacy, math and socio-emotional instruction for thousands of students and enhancing professional development for teachers. These ongoing efforts represent a hopeful step toward overcoming the educational crisis and building a brighter future for Madagascar’s youth.
– Ellie Buss
Photo: Flickr
The Rwanga Foundation in Kurdistan: Support and Development
History of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq
The Kurdistan region is no stranger to instability and the 2010s were a particularly challenging decade, marked by political turmoil, economic crisis and threats to security. In February 2014, the then-Prime Minister of Iraq blocked 17% of the federal budget constitutionally allocated to Kurdistan. This triggered a crippling financial crisis in the region as many Kurds rely on employment from the Kurdistan Regional Government for their livelihoods.
In June of that year, the Islamic State (ISIS) captured Mosul, Iraq. This led to an influx of Iraqi refugees into the Kurdistan region. In August, ISIS attacked Kurstian and implemented a genocidal campaign against the Yazidi people, prompting the United States (U.S.) to intervene. Liberation from ISIS was eventually achieved in October 2016.
In 2017, the independence referendum, where an overwhelming 93% of Kurds voted in favor, was met with severe repercussions from Iraq. The Iraqi army retook Kirkuk and closed Kurdistan’s airspace and borders, leading to the displacement of more than 100,000 Kurds. Despite these challenges, the decade ended with improved relations with Iraq and although the region has yet to recover fully, Kurdistan has remained resilient in the face of significant adversity.
The Rwanga Foundation’s Mission and Vision
The Rwanga Foundation is dedicated to improving Kurdish youth’s quality of life and providing avenues for educational growth in all sectors. The foundation emphasizes creating a culture and passion for learning by enhancing education standards in Kurdistan through services, capacity-building and policy design. The foundation’s vision is a world where quality education is accessible to everyone.
How It Operates
The Rwanga Foundation operates through four main sectors:
The Rwanga Foundation’s Latest Projects
Final Remark
More than a decade after its formation, the Rwanga Foundation has significantly improved the quality of life in the Kurdish region of Iraq. The continuous efforts of the Rwanga Foundation paint a hopeful future for Kurdistan, strengthening the region’s already resilient people.
– Fatima Naqavi
Photo: Pxhere
Poverty and Dengue Outbreaks in Timor-Leste
Dengue
Dengue, a disease prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas, spreads mainly through Aedes mosquitoes. Common symptoms include fever, aches, rashes and nausea. While not always fatal, dengue can lead to death in severe cases. Currently, no specific treatment exists for the illness; the primary advice for those affected is to rest and drink plenty of fluids.
Dengue Impacts the Impoverished
Due to Timor-Leste’s low income and high poverty rate, dengue outbreaks hit especially hard. About 42% of the nation’s population lives below the poverty line and these individuals suffer more from the outbreaks than those who are not impoverished. Environmental factors often place people in poverty at higher risk. Many are displaced by natural disasters like flooding, which forces them to seek new housing and living spaces, increasing their risk of dengue transmission. Additionally, these disaster sites often lead to increased mosquito populations due to standing water, further elevating the risk of infection. Accessing health care is also challenging for many impoverished people, exacerbated by Timor-Leste’s weak health care system. Poor education and high poverty rates hinder the development of a robust health care industry, allowing illnesses to spread more widely.
Actions Being Taken
The World Health Organization (WHO) is actively combating dengue in Timor-Leste through multiple initiatives. WHO is supporting the government in strengthening its health care system and has trained many workers to provide necessary care. It has also developed national dengue control guidelines for managing future outbreaks and launched a nationwide campaign to educate the public on dengue prevention and home treatment methods. Additionally, WHO has organized cleaning efforts to maintain clean water and environments, reducing contamination risks. The organization also employs fumigation to eliminate mosquitoes from residential areas. The Timor-Leste Red Cross has also contributed, seeking assistance from the International Red Cross. From Feb. to Aug. 2022, these combined efforts successfully reduced the spread of dengue and minimized its impact.
Looking Ahead
Timor-Leste faces significant challenges due to its low income and recurring dengue outbreaks. The WHO and the Timor-Leste Red Cross have implemented various measures to combat the spread of dengue, including health care worker training, public education campaigns and environmental cleaning efforts. Despite these ongoing efforts, the country continues to struggle with the impacts of poverty and a fragile health care system, necessitating ongoing support and resources to effectively manage and reduce dengue cases.
– Tyra Brantly
Photo: Flickr
Child Human Rights Defenders in Brazil
2018 Day of General Discussion Focus
In 2018, the Committee on the Rights of the Child’s Day of General Discussion (DGD) centered on protecting and empowering children as human rights defenders. This first global discussion in 2018 significantly raised awareness and understanding of the roles and activities of child human rights defenders. It established a clear definition of a child human rights defender and laid the groundwork for state obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child regarding these defenders. In addition, this 2018 initiative marked a phenomenal achievement: 60 children attended the DGD in person. It also featured the online participation of more than 800 individuals worldwide. The efforts of the DGD brought to light the experiences of children serving as human rights defenders.
Child Human Rights Defenders in Brazil
According to Child Human Rights Defenders (CHRDs), a child human rights defender is a child who takes action to promote, protect and fulfill human rights, including children’s rights.
Support for Child Human Rights Defenders in Brazil
Set up in 1983, Child Rights Connect has played an instrumental role in influencing child rights developments across the world. Some of its notable achievements include the participation of more than 200 children, child rights experts and practitioners, 74% being girls and women, to assess the obstacles faced by child rights movements and how to tackle these ongoing challenges.
Child Rights Connect has empowered children worldwide to actively report to the U.N. Committee on the Rights of the Child. Additionally, 93% of civil society actors have reported that the technical assistance provided by Child Rights Connect has been extremely useful in connecting them with human rights mechanisms.
Contribution of the Alana Institute
The Alana Institute aims to create an equal, inclusive and plural world for children and established the Alana Center in 1994. Over the past 27 years, the center has actively engaged with local government and community stakeholders to focus on the development of children and families. This involvement, along with investments in socio-economic and geographic studies and collaborations with social actors such as residents and public agencies, has significantly improved the quality of life in the community.
Child Rights Connect and the Alana Institute have joined hands to improve the situation of child human rights defenders in Brazil. Empowering child human rights defenders in Brazil, engaging in a safe and sustainable promotion of human rights, engaging with the concerned authorities for effective recognition and providing support for the work of the child human rights defenders in Brazil is of principal focus.
Looking Ahead
The 2018 Day of General Discussion by the Committee on the Rights of the Child significantly raised awareness about child human rights defenders. Additionally, discussions defined their roles and the state’s obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Efforts by organizations like Child Rights Connect and the Alana Institute in Brazil highlight the ongoing commitment to empower these young defenders. Through initiatives that support education, digital communication and policy feedback, these organizations are helping children advocate for their rights and improve their communities.
– Caren Thomas
Photo: Flickr
$150 Million for Primary Health Care in Sri Lanka
The World Bank recognizes the hard work and dedication of Sri Lanka’s primary health care workers and aims to create a more responsive and accessible health care infrastructure. With one of the world’s fastest aging populations, this project is crucial for enabling the health care system to adapt and respond effectively to new and emerging challenges.
Sri Lanka in Context
Sri Lanka urgently needs more health care resources due to capacity challenges and the lack of formal referral mechanisms. These ongoing issues have resulted in the underutilization of primary health care facilities and overcrowding at tertiary care centers, leading to poor service and long wait times. Longstanding structural weaknesses, worsened by an economic crisis, have compromised the quality of the country’s health care. Additionally, fiscal indiscipline in Sri Lanka has led to high fiscal deficits and substantial gross financing needs, creating significant financial debt and causing severe shortages of goods in 2022.
Noncommunicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and cervical cancer are the leading causes of death and illness in Sri Lanka, responsible for 80% of all deaths. Effectively controlling and managing these diseases requires robust screening, early diagnosis, treatment and follow-up—services that primary health care can adequately provide. The Sri Lanka Primary Health Care System Enhancing Project focuses on these ongoing evolving health priorities, investing in preventive care and promoting primary care facilities as the first point of contact for health care services.
Sri Lanka Primary Health Care System Enhancing Project
The newly approved funds will establish the Sri Lanka Primary Health Care System Enhancing Project, which aims to improve the quality of care and increase the utilization of primary medical care institutions. This project is designed to provide essential health care services to local communities that currently lack access to quality health care. It includes several key components:
Looking Ahead
The $150 million financing from the World Bank aims to bolster Sri Lanka’s primary health care system by addressing critical capacity issues and enhancing service delivery. This funding can potentially increase access to essential medical supplies, strengthen the health care workforce and expand services for the aging population and those with disabilities. By focusing on primary health care, Sri Lanka seeks to improve disease management and meet the growing health needs of its population.
– Mathieu Paré
Photo: Flickr
Good Neighbors Tackles Global Poverty
Good Neighbors Korea
Good Neighbors actively supports the well-being of young adults. The organization provides 31,550 girls with feminine products, educational materials about the menstrual cycle and personal development. Additionally, it offers mentoring and therapy sessions to teach young adults how to express their emotions healthily. Between 2017 and 2023, Good Neighbors helped a total of 77,774 girls, supplying them with essential food and appliances.
In Busan, Good Neighbors has partnered with the City of Busan and other nonprofit organizations to offer a “self-reliance kit”. These kits assist young adults as they transition out of orphanage programs. These kits include bedding, cooking sets, heaters and more to facilitate a smoother move to independence. The project also provides career mentoring, driver’s license assistance and financial aid for post-secondary education. Overall, Good Neighbors has significantly improved the nutrition, education, housing and self-reliance of young adults.
Gugah Nurani Indonesia
In 2023, Gugah Nurani Indonesia (Good Neighbors Indonesia) and the Manggarai Barat Community Development Project (CDP) collaborated with the Golo Pua Village Government to enhance agricultural productivity and product availability through horticultural farming. The project implemented a drip irrigation system to increase water efficiency and boost chili production. This advancement has led to higher-quality crops, enabling farmers to earn more income. Additionally, it has provided consumers with greater access to agricultural products. Overall, this initiative fosters environmental sustainability and improves the socio-economic well-being of the village community.
From March 20 to 22, 2024, Gugah Nurani Indonesia and the Manggarai Barat Community Development Project (CDP) hosted a training session on seed breeding and pest management for Farmer Groups and Women Farmer Groups in Golo Pua Village. This training aimed to enhance seed quality and educate participants about effective pest management, improving productivity and environmental sustainability. With Gugah Nurani Indonesia’s support, the village is poised to withstand pest attacks and advance toward more productive and sustainable agriculture.
Philippines
Typhoon Rolly in 2020 severely limited water supplies from natural resources and disrupted water supply chains, primarily because residents relied on untreated water from deep wells and hand pumps. The challenging terrain requires residents to climb mountains and cross rivers just to fetch a gallon of water and adverse conditions further restrict access to these sources.
Good Neighbors International Philippines launched the “Securing Access to Flourish Empowerment for Water” (SAFE) Project. This initiative led to the construction of a water tank and reservoir, ensuring water delivery to every household and public school in the area. Additionally, the Barangay Water and Sanitation Association (BAWASA) was established, involving health care workers and community leaders from nine villages. As a result, the SAFE Project has benefited a total of 4,475 community members, significantly improving their daily lives, safety, health and overall well-being by securing access to one of life’s most important necessities: clean water.
Good Neighbors México
Xocoapa is struggling with poverty, economic adversity and a lack of health services, challenges that intensified following Hurricane Otis. In 2024, Good Neighbors Mexico responded by delivering food pantries stocked with basic foods, personal hygiene products and cleaning supplies to families in the community of Xocoapa, located in the municipality of Tlaocoapa, Guerrero. By supporting rural communities, Good Neighbors plays a crucial role in combating poverty and enhancing quality of life through sustainable development in the region.
Bangladesh
Since 2018, Good Neighbors Bangladesh has been implementing the ‘Building Resilience to Achieve Zero Hunger (BRAZH)’ project, funded by the U.N. World Food Program, in the Kurigra district. The project focuses on three main activities: Forecast Actions, Seasonal Livelihood Programming and Climate Risk Insurance. It has enhanced the capabilities of Seasonal Livelihood Programming beneficiaries by providing Entrepreneurship Development Training and practical training in various Income Generation Activities at the field level. A key goal of the training is to boost women’s participation in income-generating activities, fostering self-dependence and economic stability. So far, 2,852 people have participated, with increasing numbers receiving training. Through these ongoing efforts, Good Neighbors aims to reduce hunger and promote lasting self-reliance.
Looking Ahead
Good Neighbors’ initiatives across various countries demonstrate a commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable communities. From enhancing agricultural productivity in Indonesia to securing clean water access in the Philippines and addressing food insecurity in Mexico and Bangladesh, the organization continues to make significant strides. These ongoing efforts highlight the importance of sustainable development and empowerment in fostering resilience and self-reliance among affected populations.
– Sein Kim
Photo: Flickr
Smartphone Farmers
The development of agricultural apps for smallholders is part of an “ongoing digital agriculture revolution” in Africa. Nearly 94% of small-scale farmers in developing countries own mobile phones. While smartphone ownership lags behind basic phones, it’s growing rapidly, opening up new possibilities for agricultural innovation. Following are some of the agricultural applications at the forefront of changes.
Maano
Maano translates to “intelligent” in Tonga, one of the local languages spoken in Zambia. Developed by the World Food Programme (WFP), Maano is a virtual farmers’ market app that connects smallholder farmers directly with buyers. It eliminates middlemen, ensuring farmers get fair prices for their produce. The app was launched in May 2017 and initially targeted 2,500 Zambian farmers.
In a pilot run between June and October 2017, more than 1,000 smallholder farmers from 29 rural communities in Zambia’s Southern and Central Provinces participated, selling more than 150 metric tons of produce worth more than $50,000. By the end of 2018, WFP aimed to reach 5,000 smallholder farmers in Africa and transact approximately $200,000 through the Maano App.
Farm Drive
The app is designed to close the critical data gap that prevents financial institutions from lending to creditworthy smallholder farmers in Africa. The app collects various types of data, including financial transactions, agronomic data, environmental data and satellite data. This data is analyzed to generate credit scores that accurately capture farmers’ risk profiles. It then enables financial institutions to offer loans to smallholder farmers who were previously considered too risky. Farm Drive was selected as a World Summit Award Winner in the Business and Commerce category, highlighting its innovative approach to addressing financial inclusion for farmers.
PANNAR Sprouts
The PANNAR Sprout mobile app, launched in 2015, serves as a crucial technical support tool for grain crop farmers in Africa. Developed by PANNAR Seed, the app provides farmers with essential agronomic information and support, helping them optimize their farming practices and improve crop yields. The app is designed to be user-friendly and accessible, offering features such as crop management advice, pest and disease identification and weather forecasts.
The Impact: Beyond the Field
The benefits of these mobile innovations extend far beyond increased crop yields. Farmers are making more informed decisions, saving time and money on transportation and improving their overall production and marketing strategies. Moreover, these digital tools enhance food security and improve livelihoods. By connecting farmers directly to markets and providing access to financial services, they help lift entire communities out of poverty.
Challenges
Despite the promise, challenges remain. The digital gender gap means that women farmers often have less access to smartphones and apps. Additionally, many farmers still use basic phones, necessitating the development of SMS-based services alongside smartphone apps. Another hurdle is the affordability of smartphones and mobile services. However, as prices continue to fall and coverage expands, more farmers are expected to join the digital agriculture revolution.
– Sakshi Pillai
Photo: Flickr
Anera: Providing Relief in Gaza
Anera’s Mission and Scope
Anera was established to address the pressing needs of those affected by conflict in the Middle East. With a particular focus on Palestinians and residents of East Jerusalem, Anera provides humanitarian relief through various programs aimed at health, education and economic development. The organization’s holistic approach ensures that immediate needs are met while also paving the way for long-term improvements.
Providing Vital Medical Supplies
In conflict zones like Gaza, medical supplies are often scarce and health care facilities are overwhelmed. Anera’s intervention is critical in this context. According to its website, a donation of $30 can supply the Central Blood Bank Society in Gaza with 16 blood bags. This seemingly small contribution can have a significant impact, as it supports the health care system in handling emergencies and routine medical needs. Blood bags are essential for surgeries, trauma care and treating chronic conditions, making them a vital resource in any medical facility.
Hygiene and sanitation are fundamental to preventing the spread of diseases, particularly in areas with high population density and inadequate infrastructure. Anera’s hygiene kits, costing $80 each, can support two displaced families. These kits typically include items such as soap, disinfectants, sanitary pads and other essentials. By providing these kits, Anera helps maintain the health and dignity of displaced individuals, reducing the risk of outbreaks of illnesses that can thrive in unsanitary conditions.
Food Aid for Families
Food security is a significant concern in Gaza and the West Bank, where economic instability and blockades have severely limited access to necessities. Anera’s food assistance programs are a lifeline for many families. A donation of $100 can provide enough food for a displaced family to last seven to 10 days, ensuring that they have access to nutritious meals. For $200, Anera can supply food to two families, doubling the impact. These food parcels often include staples such as rice, lentils, canned goods and cooking oil, offering a balanced diet to those in need.
Impact on Gaza and the West Bank
Anera’s efforts in Gaza and the West Bank have been particularly impactful. In Gaza, where the blockade has created severe shortages of almost everything, Anera’s provision of medical supplies, food and hygiene kits has alleviated some of the immediate suffering. In the West Bank, Anera’s projects support not only refugees but also residents facing economic hardships. The organization’s work in these regions addresses both the symptoms and the root causes of poverty and hunger.
Beyond Gaza and the West Bank, Anera’s work extends to Lebanon and Jordan, where many Palestinian refugees reside. In Lebanon, the economic crisis and political instability have exacerbated the challenges faced by refugees. Anera’s programs in Lebanon include education, vocational training and health care services, aimed at improving the quality of life and fostering self-reliance among refugees. In Jordan, Anera supports Palestinian and Syrian refugees through similar initiatives. The organization’s comprehensive approach ensures that the assistance provided is relevant and effective, addressing the unique needs of each community.
Looking Ahead
Anera’s comprehensive aid efforts in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and Jordan address the immediate humanitarian needs of refugees and civilians affected by conflict. By providing essential medical supplies, hygiene kits and food assistance, Anera helps to improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations. These ongoing efforts not only offer relief from current hardships but could contribute to long-term stability and development in the region.
– Sakshi Bhagat
Photo: Flickr
Protecting the Future: USAID Programs in the Pacific Islands
Protecting Biodiversity: OurFish OurFuture
Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing threatens the livelihoods of coastal communities and ocean ecosystems. It costs the global economy between $26 and $50 billion annually, harming local and international economies. In the tuna industry in the Pacific Islands, commercially caught Pacific tuna generated $22 billion in 2012 and 2014, while IUU fishing generated $616 million a year. IUU fishing affects more than the economy; it also affects fish populations and oceanic biodiversity, as it accounts for one out of every five fish caught.
The OurFish Our Future program works to combat IUU fishing. It is five years long, spanning from 2021 to 2026 and provides $15 million to address the factors of IUU fishing that degrade coastal biodiversity and impact food stability. This program focuses on the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
The program brings together communities, providing opportunities for all ages and genders to participate in the design and implementation of security programming. Its ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAFM) contributes to policies that will “improve coastal fisheries data systems, improve enforcement capacities and strengthen collaboration of enforcement authorities.”
Fostering Development: Pacific American Fund
As a result of the Pacific Island Countries’ (PICs) geography, they are vulnerable to environmental disasters perpetuated by changing climatic conditions, instability in government and present gender inequities, all while maintaining a critical role in the global economy. PICs are small and isolated, which leaves them prone to tsunamis, floods, earthquakes, droughts and volcanic activity that destroys their buildings and crops. PICs also suffer from unsafe living conditions, including unclean water, pollution and harmful chemicals, which lead to a rate of 70% of deaths related to noncommunicable diseases such as cancer and chronic respiratory diseases.
The Pacific American Fund (PAF) is a “five-year grant facility that addresses critical development challenges.” It supports the countries of the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. The PAF aims to “improve the quality of life in vulnerable communities and improve access to services for remote communities in the region” through increased preparation for natural disasters and climate change, economic development and access to health care and education. One of its programs is small-scale construction in the Malita Province to improve and adapt the environment for increased trade and expansion into agribusiness.
Agribusiness in the Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands are prone to natural disasters that affect their economy, requiring their communities to seek agribusiness advancements to protect and revive their economy. In October 2023, tropical cyclone Lola caused severe damage, affecting more than 22,000 people and 100 buildings and damaging water sources. Furthermore, many of the crops were destroyed, including breadfruit trees, which are one of the Solomon Islands’ main sources of carbohydrates. This left locals scared of starvation as they relied on their local agriculture for sustenance.
USAID programs in the Pacific Islands include the Solomon Islands Strengthening Competitiveness, Agriculture, Livelihoods and Environment (SCALE) plan. SCALE is a five-year, $25 million project focused on developing the agribusiness sector in the Solomon Islands. Additionally, SCALE Trade and Investment (T&I) “focuses on reducing the cost and steps of obtaining business permits and licenses; strengthening trade and investment facilitation; and improving agribusiness value chain growth.”
SCALE engages community members in its program through its T&I plan. It aims to increase its exports and the role of women in trade. SCALE T&I oversaw the creation of the Advisory Committee for Agribusiness in Malaita Province, which will work with the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce. USAID programs in the Pacific Islands, such as SCALE, improve conditions of poverty by providing funding and opportunities for locals to work, innovate and protect against environmental factors.
Impact of USAID Programs in the Pacific Islands
USAID programs in the Pacific Islands strengthen their economic and environmental resilience through advancing policies and funds. Through USAID help, PICs have accessed more than $500 million in climate financing to prepare for adverse climatic conditions and natural disasters. USAID programming supports local development, marine ecosystems and access to affordable energy. Its work in the Pacific Islands will continue through these long-term programs to ensure stability.
One success story from USAID’s programs for Pacific Islanders came through its partnership with Aquaculture Technologies of the Marshall Islands. USAID provided a $1.7 million grant to allow the company to manufacture its own fish feed and to train individuals such as Sonya. Sonya remained in the Solomon Islands after her family moved because she wanted to pursue aquaculture and secure a stable future in her home country.
Sonya now manages the fish hatchery and nursery, inspiring more women to become trained as independent aqua farmers and fish feed manufacturers. The Marshall Islands now produce 400 pounds of moi fish per week, which supplies local businesses and is exported.
– Astrid Burns
Photo: Flickr
3 Initiatives Tackling Child Poverty in Suriname
In 1993 and again in 2014, government-led solutions sought to combat child poverty in Suriname by reinforcing children’s right to education and decreasing the likelihood of child exploitation. Suriname’s Human Development Index figure of 0.690 in 2022, as opposed to the earliest recording of 0.667 in 2004, indicates a steady increase in child poverty alleviation, a positive achievement compared to neighboring countries. However, work remains to tackle the challenges faced by the young demographic. Therefore, here are some key initiatives working to tackle child poverty in Suriname:
Move Forward Suriname
The Move Forward Organization is a nonprofit organization based in the Netherlands, with efforts extending abroad to Suriname. In 2017, it kick-started a project in the neighborhood of Sunny Side, a suburb outside the capital Paramaribo. Move Forward Suriname offers an opportunity for greatly disadvantaged children to foster a sense of community through a program of lessons in music, dance and sport.
Between 2017-2018 and again in 2023, the initiative proved successful in providing these children with facilities, coaching and, crucially, a positive environment that prioritizes their well-being. The initiative is free and accessible, with bus transport provided for the weekly events.
The organization launched a new funding target of $3,000 with the ambition of returning to Sunny Side and providing the local children with these benefits once again. Currently, this round of funding aims to use its growing team of coaches to grant these children a robust skill set for employment opportunities as they move into adulthood. These skills include filming, photography and social media creation.
School Meals Coalition
According to the World Factbook, around 6.7% of children younger than the age of 5 in Suriname were underweight in 2018. This level of malnourishment often leads to multifaceted issues for young, growing children. These include diseases such as anemia, stunting during critical stages of growth and a general lack of concentration in day-to-day life. All of these issues pose a threat to these children’s well-being and future.
School Meals Coalition is an organization that focuses on policy change and works both in Suriname and internationally. Its initiative ensures that school children are entitled to meals that are equally nutritious and sustainable. Accordingly, it works closely with local producers and farmers to monitor and ensure the quality of the products fueling children as they learn and play.
In September 2023, the Surinamese government joined its scheme, supported by the Minister of Education, H.E. Henri Ori. Currently, 15,000 children are recipients of these life-altering meals and the Minister’s goal is to have all Surinamese children across the country benefit from this initiative by the end of the decade.
UNICEF and Telesur Partnership
For Suriname’s youth, mental health decline relating to living in deprived conditions presents an urgent issue. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), around 36% of young Surinamese people have thought about committing suicide and 76% have recorded feeling anxiety and depression in their day-to-day lives.
In March 2024, UNICEF Suriname announced a cooperative effort with the Latin American news service Telesur to help improve the well-being and prosperity of all Surinamese children. The new partnership seeks to incorporate awareness programs to support children’s mental health. More specifically, it is concerned with developing assertiveness, self-confidence and self-sufficiency in the underprivileged Surinamese youth.
At the signing of this partnership, the UNICEF representative for Guyana and Suriname, Nicolas Pron, argued that private “partnerships are at the heart of how we deliver results for children” and that the devised programs will be stimulated by private equity. The partnership also targets private companies wielding influence in the region. It aims to rally their corporate responsibility to pursue aid for Surinamese children.
Final Thoughts
For Suriname, alarming figures surrounding malnourishment, mental health and lack of opportunity jeopardize hope for prosperity among the country’s youth. However, nongovernmental initiatives intend to turn those statistics on their head, tackling child poverty in Suriname by improving immediate conditions and fostering wider, long-term social development.
– Ramiro Ruiz Martinez
Photo: Wikimedia Commons