More than 40 million children worldwide suffer from severe hunger yearly. Child hunger is a barrier to learning. Hunger stints focus and affect behavior. But it is a barrier we can break down—a barrier that, with a simple solution, can be eradicated. Globally, different organizations and governments have adopted programs to feed hungry children. Universal Free School Meals programs (UFSM) can be vital in reducing the stigma associated with child poverty. From spaghetti bolognese to chicken curry, here are some of the ways that free school meal provision supports children and families facing poverty.
Estonia
The UFSM program in Estonia began in 2002 and is supported by government spending and international donors. The program aims to provide all children in primary and secondary education with a universal model. The Estonian food pyramid influences it and includes education in nutrition and physical health.
Additionally, Estonia has implemented a fruit, vegetables and milk scheme to support local farmers and provide children with these foods to take home. This program not only benefits children in the classroom but also provides long-term health benefits by offering nutritionally rich foods and imparting knowledge about healthy eating habits.
In 2021, Estonian feeding programs received $46,697,172 of funding. With this support, 221,479 children, representing the total number of students enrolled in primary and secondary education, received a free school meal. The universal component of this scheme reduces stigma, making school more enjoyable.
These programs also support parents, as students from lower-income backgrounds are identified as needing more resources. Schemes in Estonia have close ties with local food banks within the communities they operate in. Parents can receive extra support from food banks without the fear of shame that may be associated with seeking this service. These partnerships support all members, enabling families to be better supported and fed.
Sweden
Sweden, during WW2, demonstrated that promoting UFSM concerns more than just hunger. The lack of nutritional quality in some packed lunches negatively impacts the health and focus of children in schools. By 1969, all municipalities had implemented UFSM programs, a scheme that maintains its positive impact today.
The program is almost entirely government-funded, with a budget of $151,332,6795 in 2021. This year, out of the 2,333,942 students enrolled, 2,177,882 students received lunches in schools. This scheme focuses on ensuring that children have a pleasant experience with food, meaning they accumulate positive associations with healthy eating. This can keep children from missing school due to ill health or dental issues.
Accompanying this program, teachers eat with their students at lunchtime. This forges a positive bond between teachers and students, further contributing to children’s positive experiences of education and increasing the likelihood of them wanting to stay in education long term.
The lifelong impacts of Sweden’s UFSM programs demonstrate that such schemes are beneficial for reducing the risk of poverty in adulthood and in children. Recipients from lower-income families throughout their school years had higher earnings of up to 6% during their professional lives. This demonstrates the long-term economic benefits UFSM programs can have for children.
Australia
In Australia, an organization called Eat Up advocates for an approach to UFSM provision. The scheme was established in 2015, targeting children from low-income backgrounds in schools. In addition to feeding children in schools, Eat Up has strong community ties and helps both children and their families.
In 2021, the organization’s budget was $489,628, which was spent feeding children across the country. Through this budget, 85,000 children in schools received food. The most vulnerable children felt nourished and supported in their education, which enhanced their capacity to focus in the classroom.
The scheme allows children who may otherwise go without to have what could be their only meal in a day. This encourages children to go to school and relieves parental pressure.
Final Remark
Universal Free School Meals programs are highly beneficial and a great solution to child poverty. Schemes in Estonia and Sweden demonstrate that government-led schemes with a universal, targeted approach can positively impact education experiences. Australia’s advocacy through the Eat Up program presents an alternative that shows organizations can also play a crucial role in feeding children in schools.
Turning to the figures, in 2022, the European Union (EU) average for the risk of children falling into poverty was 24.7%. In Sweden, it was 19.9%, which is lower than the average. Lower still, Estonia’s rate was 16.6%. The success of these programs in terms of poverty alleviation is evident, as countries with established programs see rates below the average.
These programs can play a crucial role in solving child poverty. By helping families and children, their benefits inspire a reminder that there is a solution to poverty.
– Sarah Littleton
Sarah is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Pexels
Ending Child Marriage in Guinea
Affected Population
In Guinea, though the law states that the minimum age of marriage is 18, this is not always upheld in practice. According to Girls Not Brides, 47% of girls marry before 18 and 17% of girls marry before the age of 15. This compares with 2% of boys who are married before age 18.
Rates of child marriage differ based on location. Rates of child marriage are two times higher in rural than urban areas, which may coincide with higher levels of poverty in the countryside. Child marriage in Guinea is more common in some areas of the country than others, with the highest rate being in Labé where 76% of children marry before 18, according to Girls Not Brides.
Reasons behind Child Marriage
Child marriages are often done with parental consent and because of financial worries, as children can be offered in exchange for goods. Other reasons include religious beliefs and fears of girls falling pregnant outside of marriage, Girls Not Brides reports.
Child marriage brings many dangers to these girls; 95% of girls married before 18 experience FGM/C, according to Girls Not Brides. Girls who are married as children are more likely to give birth earlier and experience complications in these pregnancies. They also have a higher chance of contracting infections like HIV and are at a higher risk of experiencing domestic violence.
Child Marriage and Poverty
Guinea is experiencing high levels of poverty with, according to the World Bank, 43.7% of people living below the poverty line – this equates to 5.8 million people. Statistically, there is a strong positive correlation between rates of poverty and rates of child marriage. This can be seen in Guinea; Labé is one of the poorest areas of the country with 66% of people living below the poverty. The city also has the highest rate of child marriage in Guinea.
UNICEF has identified that increasing access to education is a significant contributing factor to reducing rates of child marriage. According to Girls Not Brides, 63% of women without an education marry before 18, compared with 26% with secondary level education or higher. Therefore, a key aspect of tackling child marriage is increasing access to education; this is also an important aim of downsizing poverty.
Solutions
Though Guinea is amongst the highest in the world for child marriage, some changes are taking place. The country signed up to the SDGs, one of which aims to end child marriage. Guinea also signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child and in 2017 launched the African Union Campaign to End Child Marriage in Africa, according to Girls Not Brides. This campaign began in 2014 and aims to target the countries in Africa most affected by child marriage. It has given countries and leaders space to advocate for girls’ rights and has encouraged many countries to change their laws regarding child marriage. It has also led to more research on child marriage, providing important information on its impacts.
UNICEF has implemented the Fundamental Skills Improvement Programme, which trains teachers with the overall aim of improving the reading and mathematical abilities of children in Guinea. At the beginning of the program, 61% of students could not identify numbers. Just six months into the scheme this decreased to only 4%. Because of this success, many other schools are applying to the program, increasing its reach from 1,500 students to almost 6,000.
Equity Committee
The U.S. government has also offered help to increase access to education; the USAID education programme created an Equity Committee to grow the number of girls in education. The World Bank also joined this to fund studies into how to educate girls, as it was such uncharted territory, as well as running publicity campaigns to encourage more girls, and their families, to access education. This resulted in the percentage of girls attending school increasing from 23% to 36% and the percentage of boys rising from 51% to 66% in just four years.
This increase in education has had an impact on the number of child marriages in Guinea. There has been an overall decrease in the number of child marriages: the World Bank has reported that the mean age of marriage in 18-22-year-olds is 15.5, compared with 16.8 in 18-49-year-olds, therefore showing a decline.
There have been notable improvements and the future opportunities are looking brighter for Guinea’s young people as work continues to decrease child marriage in Guinea. By continuing to increase the number of children, especially girls, accessing education and by downsizing poverty, Guinea can further the progress made to eradicate child marriage.
– Eryn Greenaway
Photo: Flickr
Human Appeal Is Helping Alleviate Poverty in Somalia
Human Appeal is a global nonprofit organization that has been combating poverty for more than 30 years. The organization is dedicated to improving the lives of people around the world who are living in poverty. The organization’s slogan, “Whoever saves one life- it is as if he had saved mankind entirely,” summarizes its mission to alleviate poverty worldwide.
Human Appeal’s Work in Somalia
Human Appeal has been active in Somalia since 2016 and is dedicated to supporting vulnerable groups and individuals nationwide. The nonprofit is improving lives in Somalia by fighting against poverty, social injustice and natural disasters. Its work in Somalia entails providing relief and establishing self-sufficient programs that aim to invest in places experiencing higher poverty rates so that these people can find sustainable solutions and independently improve their lives.
Human Appeal is helping alleviate poverty in Somalia through various initiatives, including:
Human Appeal also addresses poverty in Somalia through sustainable efforts that aim to build a lasting future rather than merely provide temporary relief. The projects are managed by local staff, with local doctors and nurses operating hospitals. This approach focuses on reducing poverty and creating a better future for the people of Somalia.
Human Appeal has also been able to reach some of the most remote regions of Somalia, which are often the most in need of aid and struggling with extreme poverty. During these vulnerable times, the Human Appeal team provides critical assistance, saving lives and improving the quality of life for many citizens.
In 2023 alone, Human Appeal reached 287,142 people in Somalia, providing food support for more than 170,000 and health care for 98,000. The organization also provided access to clean water and improved sanitation for more than 11,000 people in the country.
Final Remark
Although much good work by Human Appeal and other aid organizations has already taken place in Somalia, the need for aid is increasing. Due to widespread drought and civil war, the demand for assistance within the country has doubled. Addressing coverage gaps and unmet needs of the affected population remains critical.
– Lachlan Wellington
Photo: Unsplash
Fighting Child Poverty with Universal Free School Meals
Estonia
The UFSM program in Estonia began in 2002 and is supported by government spending and international donors. The program aims to provide all children in primary and secondary education with a universal model. The Estonian food pyramid influences it and includes education in nutrition and physical health.
Additionally, Estonia has implemented a fruit, vegetables and milk scheme to support local farmers and provide children with these foods to take home. This program not only benefits children in the classroom but also provides long-term health benefits by offering nutritionally rich foods and imparting knowledge about healthy eating habits.
In 2021, Estonian feeding programs received $46,697,172 of funding. With this support, 221,479 children, representing the total number of students enrolled in primary and secondary education, received a free school meal. The universal component of this scheme reduces stigma, making school more enjoyable.
These programs also support parents, as students from lower-income backgrounds are identified as needing more resources. Schemes in Estonia have close ties with local food banks within the communities they operate in. Parents can receive extra support from food banks without the fear of shame that may be associated with seeking this service. These partnerships support all members, enabling families to be better supported and fed.
Sweden
Sweden, during WW2, demonstrated that promoting UFSM concerns more than just hunger. The lack of nutritional quality in some packed lunches negatively impacts the health and focus of children in schools. By 1969, all municipalities had implemented UFSM programs, a scheme that maintains its positive impact today.
The program is almost entirely government-funded, with a budget of $151,332,6795 in 2021. This year, out of the 2,333,942 students enrolled, 2,177,882 students received lunches in schools. This scheme focuses on ensuring that children have a pleasant experience with food, meaning they accumulate positive associations with healthy eating. This can keep children from missing school due to ill health or dental issues.
Accompanying this program, teachers eat with their students at lunchtime. This forges a positive bond between teachers and students, further contributing to children’s positive experiences of education and increasing the likelihood of them wanting to stay in education long term.
The lifelong impacts of Sweden’s UFSM programs demonstrate that such schemes are beneficial for reducing the risk of poverty in adulthood and in children. Recipients from lower-income families throughout their school years had higher earnings of up to 6% during their professional lives. This demonstrates the long-term economic benefits UFSM programs can have for children.
Australia
In Australia, an organization called Eat Up advocates for an approach to UFSM provision. The scheme was established in 2015, targeting children from low-income backgrounds in schools. In addition to feeding children in schools, Eat Up has strong community ties and helps both children and their families.
In 2021, the organization’s budget was $489,628, which was spent feeding children across the country. Through this budget, 85,000 children in schools received food. The most vulnerable children felt nourished and supported in their education, which enhanced their capacity to focus in the classroom.
The scheme allows children who may otherwise go without to have what could be their only meal in a day. This encourages children to go to school and relieves parental pressure.
Final Remark
Universal Free School Meals programs are highly beneficial and a great solution to child poverty. Schemes in Estonia and Sweden demonstrate that government-led schemes with a universal, targeted approach can positively impact education experiences. Australia’s advocacy through the Eat Up program presents an alternative that shows organizations can also play a crucial role in feeding children in schools.
Turning to the figures, in 2022, the European Union (EU) average for the risk of children falling into poverty was 24.7%. In Sweden, it was 19.9%, which is lower than the average. Lower still, Estonia’s rate was 16.6%. The success of these programs in terms of poverty alleviation is evident, as countries with established programs see rates below the average.
These programs can play a crucial role in solving child poverty. By helping families and children, their benefits inspire a reminder that there is a solution to poverty.
– Sarah Littleton
Photo: Pexels
Solution in Sight for Drought in the Horn of Africa
Current Situation
In the past three years, the region has been grappling with a severe lack of precipitation, with some areas receiving minimal to no rainfall. This prolonged drought has had devastating consequences, particularly for the communities whose livelihoods depend on livestock and the rain. Approximately 10 million animals have perished due to drought, resulting in displacement for millions of herders who are forced to flee their homes for areas where water is available and seek humanitarian assistance.
The drought-related food insecurity has pushed them to the brink, where they face hunger, malnutrition, starvation and even death. Furthermore, the drought has increased transportation costs and food prices, exacerbating the situation and plunging more individuals into poverty. These dire conditions have also heightened the risk of conflicts in the region.
Good News
Recurrent droughts have led to collaborative efforts between governments and aid agencies to explore long-term sustainable solutions. These efforts have yielded promising results, with numerous studies revealing substantial regional underground water reserves. This finding offers hope in this crisis, as these reserves have the potential to sustain millions of people for an extended period, reducing their dependency on rainwater and mitigating the effects of drought and other such phenomena.
Project – Africa Groundwater Access Facility
Implementing a cross-border initiative presents challenges and opportunities of paramount significance to the region. Essential to this project is the necessitated exchange of knowledge and comprehensive research across participating nations. The primary objectives of this strategic plan are as follows:
Other Solutions – Land Restoration
Certain countries, like Burkina Faso, are implementing nature-based solutions to challenges such as drought and flooding. These strategies involve tree planting, utilizing innovative agricultural practices and integrating agriculture, farming, fruit crops and livestock pastors within a single area. This holistic approach, which is cost-effective and sustainable, has the potential to not only help millions of people but also save billions of hectares of land in low-income countries in the years to come.
Final Remark
Approximately 1.84 billion people worldwide are impacted by drought, with 85% residing in low-income countries. According to estimates, drought will displace 700 million in the next decade and affect one in every four children. Therefore, the urgency of finding sustainable solutions to reduce the effects of drought cannot be overstated.
– Maria Waleed
Photo: Flickr
Direct Relief and Bungie’s Humanitarian Efforts
A Bungie Crash Course
Bungie is a “Triple A” video game development studio and publisher. It is best known for creating the Destiny series of live-service first-person shooters. The series is wildly popular and currently has two games; both installments have released several expansions. Within Destiny’s first week on the market in 2014, it made back its $500 million investment.
Work with Direct Relief Gaming
Direct Relief is a humanitarian organization focused on combating global poverty and responding to natural disasters. A lesser-known division, Direct Relief Gaming, collaborates extensively with gaming content creators and hosts its own charity livestream series, the Direct Relief Colosseum. This division has uniquely partnered with a game developer, Bungie, through the Bungie Foundation. While the Bungie Foundation primarily supports children’s initiatives, it has joined forces with Direct Relief several times to aid in disaster relief and pandemic responses, leveraging its community’s engagement for broader humanitarian impact.
Work In Nepal
In 2015, Nepal suffered from two high-magnitude earthquakes within three weeks, causing widespread devastation, displacement and critical injuries. In response, Direct Relief partnered with Bungie to raise funds for the victims. Bungie offered T-shirts and digital in-game items like shaders and emblems for sale, with all proceeds going to earthquake relief. The gaming community enthusiastically supported the initiative, purchasing more than 50,000 shirts. This effort successfully raised more than $1 million, making Bungie the largest single contributor to the relief efforts and marking the campaign as Bungie’s most successful charitable fundraiser. Due to this partnership, Direct Relief distributed essential medical supplies to organizations operating in Nepal.
Guardian’s Heart and COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Direct Relief emerged as one of the largest humanitarian organizations distributing supplies globally. Partnering with Bungie, they launched the Guardian’s Heart fundraiser, which offered a special in-game emblem in Destiny 2 to donors contributing at least $20. The campaign successfully raised more than $780,000, funding critical medical supplies for first responders, especially in low- and middle-income countries with limited access. This initiative was part of Direct Relief’s broader impact during the pandemic; within a year, the organization donated 82 million units of personal protective equipment, 173 million defined daily doses of essential medicines and 36,000 pieces of diagnostic and intensive care equipment. Its efforts spanned more than 100 countries and distributed more than $50 million to health care providers worldwide, demonstrating a profound and far-reaching impact.
Looking Ahead
Bungie’s partnership with Direct Relief has made substantial impacts on global humanitarian efforts, particularly during crises like the Nepal earthquakes and the COVID-19 pandemic. Through innovative fundraising campaigns involving their gaming community, Bungie has raised significant funds to support disaster relief and medical supply distribution. These ongoing efforts highlight the role that the gaming industry can potentially contribute to global humanitarian causes.
– Meredith Wyrick
Photo: Flickr
Economic Growth and Trade in India
Evolution of India’s Trade Policy
After gaining independence in 1947, India implemented a protectionist trade policy to foster domestic production and self-reliance, heavily regulating industries and maintaining high import barriers. This strategy emerged from India’s colonial history and its pursuit of economic independence. By 1948, India’s merchandise exports exceeded $1 billion, dominated by jute, cotton, oil seeds and tea, while imports focused on food grains and basic consumption goods. From the 1950s to the late 1980s, India operated under the ‘licence raj’ system, which required businesses to secure permits and adhere to production quotas. By the 1980s, the drawbacks of this model became evident, as the economy grew at a mere annual average GDP rate of 3.6% and the trade deficit widened significantly.
Shift Toward Economic Liberalization
In 1991, facing a severe balance of payments crisis, India dismantled the licence raj, liberalized trade and shifted toward a market-oriented economy. This change opened India to global trade and investment, sparking rapid growth in the services sector, especially information technology. In 1999, a World Trade Organization ruling required India to remove remaining import restrictions on consumer goods, further enhancing trade and economic efficiency. These reforms contributed to accelerated economic growth and significantly reduced poverty.
Impact of Recent Policies
The Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) of 2004-09 launched initiatives to support economic sectors, introducing the Vishesh Krishi Upaj Yojana for agricultural exports and the SEZ Act of 2005 to boost exports. However, the 2008 financial crisis significantly impacted global trade, leading to a decline in India’s exports. In response, the 2009-2014 FTP aimed to diversify exports to stabilize and reverse the downturn. Despite becoming the world’s fifth-largest economy in 2019, India recently adopted a more protectionist stance with initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) to reduce the trade deficit and promote domestic industries, while still seeking to attract foreign direct investment and integrate into global value chains.
Looking Ahead
Trade has significantly boosted India’s GDP growth, job creation and poverty reduction, yet challenges persist. The trade deficit, intense global market competition and the need for infrastructure improvements continue to be prominent issues. Moreover, bureaucratic red tape hampers economic progress and the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified these ongoing challenges. Despite these obstacles, India remains committed to trade reform and economic liberalization, promising sustainable development and inclusive growth across all societal segments.
– Sandeep Kaur
Photo: Flickr
Transforming Lives in Rwanda’s Progressive Legislation
Economic Rebound of Rwanda
The NST1 is a pivotal framework designed to boost Rwanda’s economic growth and sustainable development. Key initiatives under NST1 include promoting industrialization, creating jobs and enhancing agricultural productivity. These initiatives have significantly contributed to Rwanda’s economic progress, with the World Bank reporting a 7.6% gross domestic product (GDP) increase in the first three quarters of 2023 despite external challenges and inflation control measures.
Moreover, educational reforms have led to universal enrollment in primary schools and substantial improvements in secondary education attendance and completion. Completion rates have increased by 57% in students and if we count late completion, this number jumps to 71%. This multifaceted approach underscores the effectiveness of NST1 in driving Rwanda’s economic and social advancements.
Securing the Future in Rwanda
To secure its upward projection, Rwanda implemented the Economic Recovery Fund (ERF). The Rwandan government’s initiatives under the ERF, particularly its focus on supporting key sectors like tourism, have indeed shown significant results. The first phase of the ERF, which included substantial support for the tourism sector, helped many businesses survive the impact of COVID-19. This support, along with continued funding, allows for more jobs to be created; it is estimated that 1,328 additional jobs will arise from tourist-based activities per million invested. As ERF fulfilled its duties, the second phase of the fund launched $250 million to increase access to finance and to continue the economic recovery that the country still feels.
Protection for Everyday
In 2024, Rwanda introduced the Social Protection Transformation Project (SPTP), a new initiative aimed at enhancing the country’s social protection system. Funded by the World Bank and coordinated by the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) and the Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (LODA), the SPTP focuses on strengthening social safety net programs, supporting economic inclusion and improving delivery systems.
The project includes various components such as direct support, nutrition-sensitive programs, public works, early childhood development and skills development. It aims to ensure that vulnerable households have better access to human capital and economic opportunities, thereby improving their overall resilience and well-being.
The Role Model
When compared to other African nations, Rwanda’s approach to social and economic development stands out due to its innovative use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in governance and service delivery. Unlike many of its peers, Rwanda has integrated ICT into nearly all facets of public administration, which has streamlined processes and increased transparency. Initiatives such as the Irembo platform allow citizens to access a wide range of government services online, reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies and fostering greater civic engagement.
This digital transformation is a key reason why Rwanda’s model is considered progressive and effective; it not only improves service delivery but also supports data-driven decision-making and policy implementation. Additionally, Rwanda’s focused and comprehensive strategies, like the NST1 and the ERF, have led to measurable successes in poverty reduction and economic growth, further distinguishing its approach from other nations on the continent.
Rwanda’s innovative and effective strategies position it as a potential model for other nations striving for sustainable development and poverty reduction. The country’s success underscores the critical role of community resilience and Rwanda’s progressive legislation in driving economic and social progress. By learning from Rwanda’s experience, other nations can adopt similar approaches to foster inclusive growth and enhance the well-being of their citizens.
– Demi Olin
Photo: Flickr
Australia Awards – Direct Aid Programs Impacting Millions
Australia Awards – Scholarships for Thousands
The Australia Awards are a scholarship program in Australia designed to recognize the achievements of individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. Australia has historically offered favorable opportunities for individuals seeking higher education in developing countries neighboring Australia. This is part of the agreement with Tuvalu, the Falepili Union, which includes the establishment of a visa allowing Tuvaluans to live, study and work in the country.
What makes the Australia Awards particularly impactful is the targeted nature of the Awards. Applications from often marginalized groups such as women and those with disabilities are encouraged. The Awards also target specific areas of study and the program, in particular, seeks to elevate those studying in fields such as education, tourism and engineering. Providing forward-thinking and relevant fields of study like this, especially in developing countries, allows thousands of individuals across the Pacific to access resources they may not have had the opportunity to come across otherwise.
Australia and the Indo-Pacific
A significant amount of Australia’s development budget is earmarked for Official Development Assistance (ODA). That said, ODA is only one of many ways the country assists the many countries impacted by its outreach. Australia is committed to helping many countries enact their specific development plans. One way these programs are effective is the way Australia is committed to assisting Tuvalu.
In 2023, the two countries announced the formation of the Falepili Union, which serves to strengthen the two-way partnership between the two countries. In a joint effort, Australia allocated $88 million to Tuvalu’s development budget. Out of this amount, $50 million was utilized for the construction of Tuvalu’s inaugural undersea telecommunications cable. This marks a significant milestone for a nation that has historically relied on the internet as a steady revenue stream.
Another example of work being done to extend aid to developing countries is Australia’s dedication to development in Southeast Asia. Australia allocated $1.3 billion ODA toward the region in 2023. Programs targeting specific initiatives such as the Australia-Indonesia Climate and Infrastructure Partnership (KINETIK) and the Aus4Adaptation initiative in Vietnam. Taking a position at the forefront of the development in countries shows that when economic powers commit to developing countries impactful change can be made.
In Summary
Providing educational grants to underrepresented communities and directly putting funding and resources in the pockets of local, boots-on-the-ground programs working to enact lasting change are just a few ways Australia’s Direct Aid Programs can impact millions around the world. This is just a glimpse into how the $4.96 billion Australian developmental budget can create a tangible impact.
– Malik Vega
Photo: Flickr
Recycling in Kakuma Refugee Camp: Waste into Opportunity
Several factors compound the camp’s waste management problems. The demand for wood fuel has led to deforestation in the surrounding areas. The reliance on diesel power generators contributes to air pollution. The shortage of potable water for both humans and livestock has exacerbated sanitation concerns. The lack of disposal space in the overcrowded camp has also created a pressing need for innovative waste management solutions.
However, amid these challenges, community-led recycling initiatives work to protect the camp’s natural environment and the inhabitants’ livelihoods. One such initiative is the Fraternity for Development Integrated (FRADI), founded by Raphael Basemi, a Congolese refugee who arrived in Kakuma in 2009.
FRADI
Basemi’s journey from a refugee with nothing but a bag of clothes and education certificates to the founder of a thriving recycling enterprise exemplifies the resilience and ingenuity of the camp’s residents. Established in 2013, FRADI has transformed the waste management landscape in Kakuma. FRADI’s approach is comprehensive, addressing not only waste management but also other refugee limitations, such as language barriers and lack of technical skills.
The Impact of FRADI’s Work
Since November 2019, the organization has recycled more than 10 tons of plastic, significantly improving living conditions in the camp. FRADI’s recycling initiative has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm, with 2,000 applicants vying for positions in the program after the first call for volunteers. In the last three years, the organization has created more than 500 jobs for refugees and local community members, providing much-needed income opportunities.
FRADI’s Plastic Recycling System and Products
The collection process involves individuals gathering plastic and nonbiodegradable materials. The collected waste is then categorized and sent to a central processing facility in Kakuma. Two specialized machines recycle plastics into new products through melting and reforming. Thirty-eight tons of semi-recycled materials have been sold to Nairobi-based companies so far.
Its product range includes everyday items such as pegs, buttons, rulers, plates and cups, all made from recycled plastic. These products are sold in a shop at the Kakuma incubation center, a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)-funded economic development initiative supporting start-up businesses.
The Future of Kakuma Refugee Camp
The future looks promising for waste management initiatives in Kakuma. Kenya’s signing of the Refugee Act in November 2021 has ushered in new policies supporting refugee economic success and inclusion. This legislative change has enabled FRADI to expand its operations, reaching out to larger companies that collect plastic for recycling.
Moving forward, the success of FRADI and similar initiatives offers a blueprint for addressing waste management challenges in refugee camps. These community-led efforts not only improve environmental conditions but also create economic opportunities. Furthermore, they foster a sense of purpose among refugees. As Basemi aptly puts it, “When I see the volunteers bringing in the plastic they have collected, I see a community that is coming together for a greater cause.”
With continued support and innovation, the transformation of waste into opportunity in Kakuma serves as an inspiring model for sustainable development in challenging environments.
– Lauren Thompson
Photo: Flickr
Mental Health in India: Community-Based Care
Mental Health in India
India lacks a unified health infrastructure, leading to exorbitant prices and unequal access to mental health care. High treatment costs have a detrimental effect on vulnerable populations, pushing some families into poverty as they seek treatment. While the country provides free health care to the most impoverished 40% of its population, significant gaps in coverage remain. Many people are left to pay out of pocket for up to 50% of their healthcare needs, including prescriptions.
This inconsistency in healthcare contributes to the 55 million people who are pushed back into poverty every year in India. Despite these numbers, India, the most populated country in this region, spends less than 2% of its gross domestic product on health care. Low spending has resulted in a shortage of medical staff and resources. To combat this mental health epidemic, leaders are looking toward implementing more community-based care models.
Community-Based Care
Traditionally, institutionalization has been the mainstay in treating people with mental disorders. This was first thought to provide people with a safe place to heal while struggling with a mental disorder. However, new research has shown that it is not the most effective method. New understandings push public health leaders to advocate for and develop a new community-based care system. The care system will center the individual and their community at the core of treatment. The Southeast Asia Director of the World Health Organization (WHO), Ms. Saima Wazed, explains how “as our understanding of mental health has evolved, so too must our methods of care.”
As WHO Southeast Asia transitions to a community-based care model, it is emphasized that this shift will reduce the negative impacts of institutionalization. It will provide more community support for individuals with mental disorders. This new model of care will increase the number of people with access to mental health care and offer improved treatment outcomes. In March 2024, a three-day meeting was held in Bangkok, Thailand, to discuss how best to implement community-based care in the region.
Those working to create more awareness and implement community-based care are also fighting the deep stigma that surrounds mental health in India. Often fueled by misinformation, the stigma prevents many people from accessing the care they need for fear of social marginalization. This is contributing to an underutilization of available resources.
Final Words
India, having one of the highest percentages of individuals affected by mental health disorders, stands to gain the most from implementing community-based care as a pillar of mental health treatment. This new development from WHO Southeast Asia will aim to eliminate institutionalization as the region’s focal form of therapy and instead explore community as a highly researched alternative.
– Carlee Unger
Photo: Flickr