Bangladesh has made significant strides from poverty to becoming one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. The poverty rate has gone from 41.6% to 18.7% in the past decade. While improvements in health care and education are notable, many areas still lack essential resources. Bangladeshis living in poverty-stricken areas have inadequate access to healthcare, education and food, with about 25% of the country being food insecure.
In addition, Bangladesh has the fourth highest child marriage rate in the world, primarily affecting rural populations living in poverty. These populations often turn to child marriage as they are unable to provide for their daughters. Despite progress, disparities persist, leaving some regions underserved.
To address these challenges, several charities are actively working on the ground in Bangladesh. They aim to ensure equitable access to vital resources for all citizens. These organizations play a crucial role in bridging the gap and empowering communities through supporting health care, education and poverty alleviation. Here are five charities operating in Bangladesh:
Save the Children
Save the Children is a global nongovernmental organization (NGO) that stands as a vigilant guardian for children worldwide, committed to shielding them from potential harm. Operating in Bangladesh since 1970, its initiatives encompass essential programs such as health, education and protective measures.
Noteworthy achievements include spearheading the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) MaMoni Maternal Care Strengthening Project, a five-year program that began in 2018. It aimed to increase access to quality maternal and newborn health care and to reduce the maternal and neonatal mortality rate for marginalized communities.
Additionally, there’s the Reading Enhancement for Advancing Development (READ) project, a five-year program that took place from 2013 to 2018. This initiative provided training for teachers and reading materials for students, impacting more than one million learners. Moreover, Save the Children’s efforts extend to aiding Rohingya refugees residing in southeastern Bangladesh by building facilities such as toilets, health care centers and learning centers, exemplifying its unwavering commitment to the well-being and production of vulnerable children in the region.
Jaago Foundation
Jaago Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 2007 that is dedicated to empowering underprivileged individuals across Bangladesh, with a focus on education, youth development and women’s empowerment. Currently, its endeavors include blistering technological skills among students and expanding access to education through digital platforms.
In addition, it provides scholarships to women, ensuring they can pursue and continue their education, thus fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. Through its efforts, it has helped provide access to education to more than 3,500 students and engaged 16,000 children in reading initiatives. Through these initiatives, the Jaago Foundation is catalyzing transformative change and paving the way for a brighter future for all.
Thrive Global
Thrive Global has been on a mission to combat child hunger in Bangladesh by providing nutritious meals to schools. It has collaborated with local NGOs since 2012. USAID approximates that 25% of Bangladesh remains food insecure, including 36% of kids under 5 years of age. Children remain one of the most vulnerable populations to malnutrition.
Thrive Global’s targeted efforts are concentrated in underprivileged areas, particularly urban slums, where access to adequate nutrition is often scarce. Each day, it provides meals to about 2,100 students at 11 different schools across Bangladesh; 20 more schools are currently on the waiting list to receive daily meals.
Recently, Thrive Global has extended its reach to the Philippines, expanding its impactful initiatives beyond borders to address the pressing issue of childhood malnutrition in more communities. Through dedicated work, the nonprofit is sowing seeds of hope and nourishment for a brighter future for children in need.
Girls Not Brides
Another of the charities operating in Bangladesh is Girls Not Brides, an international organization that is at the forefront of the global movement to eradicate child marriages. Launched in Bangladesh in 2013, it focuses on nurturing youth leadership and empowering young activists, as well as advocating for increased investment in programs aimed at ending child marriage.
In 2017, the organization was involved in the technical revision of the Child Marriage Restrain Act, a law intended to make sure that girls under the age of 18 and boys under the age of 21 are protected from unlawful marriage. It continues to lobby the government for the enforcement of the act while simultaneously striving to raise public awareness throughout the country.
Girls Not Brides has reached nearly 50,000 girls across Bangladesh through its efforts to end child marriage. This nonprofit is driving meaningful change toward a future free from child marriage in Bangladesh and beyond.
Brackett Refugee Foundation
Brackett Refugee Education Fund is a nonprofit foundation established in 1997 and dedicated to providing education for refugees, particularly internally displaced children. It supports children in poverty-stricken regions by providing financial contributions so they can go to school. With a focus on Burma, Bangladesh, India and Thailand, it supports students at various levels, including to hundreds of university students, offering them a chance at a brighter future amid adversity.
In Bangladesh, the organization supports educational assistance to Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar through the Children on the Edge program, which sets up learning centers and digital initiatives. By focusing on providing access to education, it empowers these vulnerable populations to foster resilience and opportunities for a brighter future.
Looking Forward
Bangladesh’s progress in tackling poverty is evident, but challenges persist, particularly regarding regional disparities in access to essential resources. Charities operating in Bangladesh play a vital role in bridging these gaps and fostering a more equitable society. As Bangladesh continues to develop, ongoing efforts to address inequality are essential for ensuring that all citizens have the opportunity to thrive in the country’s evolving landscape.
– Adrita Quabili
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Fighting disability and poverty in Guinea-Bissau
According to a mapping process that the Federation of Associations for the Defense and Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Guinea-Bissau developed, as of 2021, there are 11,548 people with disabilities in all regions of the country. However, Oio has the highest number of people living with disabilities. Specifically, around 16% of children between the ages of 5 and 17 have been found to live with some form of disability.
In light of this, international organizations like the World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Humanity & Inclusion (HI) are partnering up with government officials and local organizations to combat the looming poverty and stigma among Guinea-Bissau youth living with disabilities.
Guinea-Bissau’s Barriers to a Fulfilling Life
Disability and poverty in Guinea-Bissau are intricately linked phenomena, reinforcing each other. In Guinea-Bissau, people living with disabilities experience higher levels of poverty, malnutrition and social marginalization. This is because low- and middle-income countries, in particular, tend to have inadequate access to essential resources and services such as health care, clean water, sanitation and nutritious food. Consequently, this leads to exclusion from work, education and social services, thus widening inequalities and exacerbating poverty.
In fact, it is estimated that at least 59% of youth with disabilities do not attend school. Education and social inclusion have become profound realities for many people living with disabilities in Guinea-Bissau. However, like numerous countries in the region, the nation still grapples with cultural discrimination against people with disabilities.
Throughout West Africa, there persist prevailing beliefs that children with disabilities are “bizarre” or “demonic,” resulting in countless stories of neglect, discrimination and ostracization. These cultural beliefs are often deeply influenced by religious backgrounds. In the rural areas of Guinea-Bissau, children with disabilities usually endure heightened levels of social marginalization. It hinders their access to education and, in some cases, leads to their confinement within their homes.
Disability Inclusive School Feeding
Inclusive approaches to children’s rights remain vital in combating high illiteracy rates. They are also beneficial for extreme inequalities between urban and rural areas. Children with disabilities are at much greater risk of malnutrition and food insecurity. As a result, organizations have shifted focus toward education and food security as a way to promote disability rights and inclusive education. According to WFP’s 2023 Practice Guide on “Disability Inclusive School Feeding,” “countries with high levels of malnutrition and nutrient deficiency often report higher rates of disability and developmental delays.”
School feeding has emerged as an innovative solution to addressing disability and poverty in Guinea-Bissau. Providing access to education and free nutritious meals has empowered children living with disabilities and their families, instilling hope for a brighter future.
In collaboration with the government and various nonprofit organizations, the WFP has spearheaded initiatives to support the integration and well-being of children with disabilities into the public school system. One initiative is Bengala Branca, Guinea-Bissau’s inaugural inclusive school catering to both children with and without disabilities.
Additionally, Mariposa is a school located in Guinea-Bissau’s capital that offers specialized education for hearing and speech-impaired learners. The school now integrates the WFP’s take-home rations program for students. Since May 2023, a pilot program has been actively establishing vegetable gardens in schools, including Mariposa, for children with disabilities. This initiative involves providing training for youth, enabling them to procure locally produced food and learn more about self-sufficiency and food diversity.
WFP provides nutritious and hot meals to nearly 179,000 primary school children in Guinea-Bissau, including those with disabilities. In a concerted attempt to tackle disability and poverty in Guinea-Bissau, along with entrenched prejudice and discrimination, the WFP’s project Education Without Borders, launched in 2020, has now successfully reached all 852 schools in the country.
Other Efforts
Other efforts have also been witnessed across Guinea-Bissau. Between 2020 and 2022, HI actively worked to increase access to education among children with disabilities by improving the accessibility of school canteens. Additionally, it conducted campaigns to raise awareness of disability issues in the regions of Bissau, Oio, Bafata, Biombo and Cacheu.
Despite having feeding programs, schools in the country frequently lack training on inclusive education and equality. They also lack accessible-friendly school infrastructure, including sanitation facilities, which makes it difficult for students with disabilities to attend.
To address this issue, UNICEF, in collaboration with HI, has directly supported the construction of WASH infrastructure in 27 schools. Under the sanitation and hygiene program, UNICEF has also trained approximately 3,000 teachers in disability accessibility. This is in addition to creating initiatives that include inclusive hygiene clubs. These steps help to reduce some of the sanitation-related barriers that prevent children with disabilities from enrolling and attending school.
– Irene Suvillaga
Photo: Flickr
5 Charities Operating in Laos
GreenHeart Foundation
GreenHeart Foundation is a humanitarian nonprofit organization that has made a “continuous pursuit to address issues of poverty, gender inequality, sex trafficking and unexploded bombs and promote creative expressions through the Preservation and Perpetuation, and Promotion of culture and arts in Asia.” Alongside USAID, the foundation has helped “establish and promote cottage weaving industries along with Consortium and the Lao Women’s Union.” The project provided various benefits to more than 533 weavers. GreenHeart Foundation has helped women express themselves through their artwork which is a part of their life through their traditional cultures. Expressing themselves through creativity can help these women get recognition in a country that’s struggling with social and economic rights.
The Asia Foundation
The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organization that focuses on improving lives and expanding opportunities across Asia and the Pacific. It plays an active role in working “with the Lao government to improve human rights and help communities manage the development and safeguard their natural environment.”
Natural resources account for more than a third of Laos’ total economic growth, which puts increased pressure on the environment. The Asia Foundation provided support to three villages in the Xe Bang Fai district and Khammouane province, helping the people “develop sustainable and economically viable wetland management plans.” Allowing people to use wetland resources can help them financially while also supporting “smallscale riverbank erosion protection measures,” according to The Asia Foundation.
Laos Educational Opportunities Trust (LEOT)
Established in 2006, Laos Education Opportunities Trust (LEOT) aims to “supplement local efforts and ensure students can access quality education and the skills they need to be successful in the future.” This includes community projects, scholarships and sponsorship programs that support children as students and work with isolated or rural villages to “improve the health and sanitation of families and communities.” This has posed an equal opportunity for all children regardless of their social or economic status within their family households.
Laos Rehabilitation Foundation (LRF)
Laos Rehabilitation Foundation (LRF) is a nonprofit, nonreligious, and nonpolitical organization that aims to “provide medical services to Laotian people and surrounding communities with a greater focus on children and the poor.” LRF has had many accomplishments, including “providing items of personal hygiene and clothing to the children of Home of Light, a school for blind children” in Vientiane. LRF has also completed various construction projects for the country including building various health centers and schools to help provide children the best care that they deserve.
The World Health Organization (WHO)
The World Health Organization (WHO) has been “involved in supporting the development of health services and health systems in Laos since the country became a member of the organization in 1950.” WHO’s mission towards Laos is to “achieve the highest level of health for all health sector reforms and universal health coverage for the country by 2025.” Providing health care to all people living in both rural and urban areas could help the country improve its human rights and fight poverty.
It is through these five charities operating in Laos that Laos continues to receive help to better improve their country environmentally, economically and socially. Laos could potentially improve its human rights record through charities that have helped make a difference in providing better human rights.
– Nevin Guler
Photo: Unsplash
Udaan’s Efforts in Nepal: Giving Girls a Second Chance
The Challenges Girls Face in Nepal
According to the Educational Equality Institute, societal norms, affordability issues and a lack of parental motivation hinder girls’ access to education in Nepal. Notably, 5.1% of Nepal’s population lived on $1.90 a day in 2022 and 20.27% lived below the poverty line in 2023. Poverty increases the likelihood of children, especially girls, dropping out of school. Approximately 18% of Nepalese children do not complete primary education, with girls making up 49% of this group. Parents often prioritize marriage over education for their daughters, believing they cannot secure jobs to support their parents in the future, unlike their sons. This mindset leads to many girls leaving school early, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.
Transformative Education through UDAAN
Udaan has become a driving force for change, offering girls a chance to overcome societal barriers and chase their dreams. The project delivers comprehensive support through scholarships, mentorship programs and community engagement efforts. These scholarships pay for tuition, books, snacks and other educational expenses, eliminating financial hurdles and allowing girls to continue their education without interruption. Aimed at girls aged 9 to 14, Udaan features an intensive 11-month curriculum designed to challenge damaging social norms and provide a stable, secure environment for girls’ education. This enables them to catch up on missed education and rejoin the public school system within a year.
Udaan’s Efforts in Nepal: Shaping the Future
Beyond offering education to girls, Udaan also aims to prevent child marriage by providing quality education. This empowers them to make informed life decisions, secure sustainable jobs and support themselves and their families. As Udaan expands its impact, the outlook for girls in Nepal is bright. Empowering each girl to follow her dreams and contribute to her community, Udaan’s influence reaches well beyond the classroom, fostering a more equitable and inclusive society for future generations.
Looking Forward
Udaan’s comprehensive approach promises a brighter future for girls in Nepal, breaking the chains of poverty and gender bias. Udaan’s efforts in Nepal are pivotal to this mission. Through education and empowerment, this initiative paves the way for young women to achieve their potential and contribute significantly to their communities. The ripple effects of their success are bound to foster greater gender equality and economic development across Nepal. As these girls soar to new heights, they exemplify the transformative power of education in shaping societies.
– Erika David
Photo: Unsplash
Disability and Poverty in Greece
The Link Between Disability and Poverty in Greece
The country has particular issues with access when it comes to disability and poverty in Greece. According to a policy brief done by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in 2021, people with disabilities deal with problems in getting the appropriate health care they need. The report cites how people have to resort to private health care because of the lack of public health care. Private health care is generally more expensive and is an option that impoverished people likely do not have.
Greece also has issues with children who have disabilities. Children who have what is described as physical disabilities often do not have the correct equipment to support them in classrooms. The education system in Greece also lacks sufficient personnel to help children who have physical and mental disabilities.
The theme of access for people with disabilities appears to extend to various areas in Greece. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Confederation of Disabled People Greece reported in 2020 that there was a lack of assistance provided to physically disabled individuals who were confined to their homes during the crisis.
In Greece, the majority of people with disabilities face challenges due to inadequate access to physical buildings. This encompasses a lack of access to buildings, transportation and mainstream areas. It’s crucial to highlight that, according to the U.S. Department of State, such access is mandated by law. Further, according to the report, some governmental agencies within Greece stated that certain work companies excluded people who have disabilities from jobs. This includes hiring boards looking over people who have disabilities.
Actions to Help
Tactics like these are what inadvertently cause people with disabilities to fall into instances of poverty. The disability unemployment rate rose to 31.1% in 2018 from 8.9% in 2002, with predictions of the pandemic to increase the number, according to the European Commission report on disability equality in 2021.
Greece is working to solve the issue of disability and poverty in the country. In 2021, the government launched the Child Guarantee Program in partnership with UNICEF. The program is designed to support children who have disabilities in getting the quality social services they need. Together for Children, a network of different aid organizations, also provided aid for those with intellectual disabilities.
The initiative has contacted more than 2000 families to help these young people. The Upraise Disability project also helped many people with disabilities in terms of online access. The project helped around 17 people get the assistance they needed through online programs, including things like access to their therapy, among other things, during the pandemic.
– Madison McCray
Photo: Flickr
Addressing Mental Health in Lesotho
These problems compromise the state of mental health in Lesotho. In fact, the latest report shows that the country had one of the highest rates of suicide in the world for that year, with 87.5 suicide-related deaths for every 100,000 deaths. These numbers are alarming and justify claims that state that there is a mental health crisis in Lesotho. The existence of such a severe mental health crisis serves as a testament to the challenges and stressors endured by the Basotho people.
Despite the acknowledgment of such a crisis, many Basotho will not seek help, whereas many others cannot afford to do so. Lesira Rampa, a Lesotho native, wrote, “Unfortunately, there are numerous challenges in accessing mental health treatment in Lesotho, as evident from the alarming suicide statistics. Despite facing stigma, we encounter several problems, including a shortage of mental health care services and limited financial resources to afford expensive treatments.” In light of these obstacles that prevent Lesotho citizens from accessing mental health services, many organizations such as Help Lesotho, Dolen Cymru and Sentebale are working within the country to assist those in need.
Increasing the Number of Mental Health Care Providers
Lesotho has been suffering from what experts call a “brain drain,” which is the emigration of trained professionals from their country of origin to other countries in order to find jobs. This brain drain has made it difficult for Lesotho to retain a stable number of health care workers, causing a great amount of strain on the physicians and nurses who choose to stay. This shortage has detrimentally impacted the quality and quantity of mental health services available to those suffering from mental illnesses.
Paul Myres, Vice-President of the nonprofit organization Dolen Cymru, told The Borgen Project in an interview that, currently, there are no psychiatrists in Lesotho. In order to remedy this issue, Dolen Cymru administers mental health training, which was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), to upskill general health care providers within the country. Myres describes the training program as a WHO-designed, multi-professional training program that Dolen Cymru was tasked with implementing. It involved just five days of instruction and relied heavily on algorithms, with a structured approach of asking questions to gather patient information and proceeding accordingly based on the responses.
More than 100 health practitioners received this training, which has aided in improving the understanding of mental health among general Lesotho nurses and doctors. Myres says that the philosophy of Dolen Cymru is to capacitate rather than to provide direct care. Such a unique and innovative philosophy can prove effective in empowering citizens to seek out more information on mental health concerns while preserving their dignity.
One-On-One and Group Counseling
There are a generous number of organizations working in Lesotho to provide help during this mental health crisis, each with its unique approach. Help Lesotho is an organization that focuses on providing one-on-one and group counseling to those in need. Help Lesotho offers a range of non-intensive and long-term intensive self-help and life-skills programs. Its variety of programs is designed to benefit parents, children and communities. These programs address mental health concerns stemming from issues such as poverty, grief and loss, HIV/AIDs and much more.
In 2023, Help Lesotho’s long-term intensive programs had more than 2,000 participants and the organization had one-on-one psychosocial support conversations with more than 960 people. Those who received assistance and guidance from Help Lesotho noticed an increase in confidence, a new-found sense of belonging and a desire to inspire others.
Stigmas: Obstacles To Providing Mental Health Support
Although several organizations are addressing the need for mental health services in Lesotho, certain obstacles can stand in the way of their efforts. It is especially difficult to reverse the effects of the social stigmas surrounding mental health in Lesotho. Meyers mentioned in his interview with The Borgen Project that mental health issues are often seen as a punishment in Lesotho, either for the individual or even their parent’s behavior.
Ms. Mota, a psychiatric nurse at Mohlomi Hospital, has spoken out about these stigmas, stating that “Because of misconceptions and stigma surrounding mental health issues, people sometimes suffer in silence and do not seek treatment for their conditions.”
Thankfully, training and programs such as the ones offered by Dolen Cymru can help reduce the influence of such stigmas. Meyers says that when trainers ask doctors to come up with a list of words describing their initial response to mental health, fear is always at the top of the list. “The good news,” he says, “is that by the end of the week, we ask the same question and that’s all gone.”
Conclusion
Lesotho, just like any country, has its own unique set of stressors and difficulties. Fortunately, organizations such as Dolen Cymru and Help Lesotho are going to great lengths to provide Lesotho with the assistance it needs. However, there is definitely still work to be done.
– Kimber Peters
Photo: Pexels
Cultivating Hope: Urban Farming in São Paulo
Urban Farming in São Paulo
Urban farming refers to growing fruits, vegetables and herbs within urban areas, utilizing limited space such as rooftops, vacant lots and community gardens. In São Paulo, where access to fresh, nutritious food can be scarce in low-income neighborhoods, urban farming initiatives are playing a crucial role in addressing food deserts and improving food security. By bringing agriculture closer to urban dwellers, these initiatives reduce the distance food needs to travel from farm to table, thereby lowering costs and increasing accessibility.
Despite the numerous benefits of urban farming, it still faces challenges and limitations. Land tenure issues, limited access to resources and bureaucratic hurdles can hinder the scalability and sustainability of urban farming initiatives. In addition, the unequal distribution of wealth and resources within the city exacerbates existing disparities, making it difficult for some communities to fully engage with urban farming efforts.
Environmental Impact of Urban Farming
Urban farming in São Paulo has environmental benefits that extend beyond its economic and social impacts. By converting vacant lots into green spaces, urban farms help mitigate the urban heat island effect, improve air quality and promote biodiversity. Additionally, these initiatives often employ sustainable farming practices such as composting, rainwater harvesting and organic cultivation methods, thereby reducing the city’s ecological footprint and enhancing its resilience to climate change.
Hortelões Urbanos
The Hortelões Urbanos network or Urban Horticulturists, stands out as a leading initiative in São Paulo. Its members champion food autonomy and strive to lessen reliance on traditional farming practices, agribusiness and large retailers. Key principles of the network include fostering equal partnerships between rural and urban communities and opposing the adverse effects of agribusiness on natural resources, transportation, excessive packaging, waste production and labor exploitation.
Nagib and Nakamura report that initiatives like these promote the sharing of experiences and information about urban agriculture, whether at the household or community level. Involving residents in the cultivation process fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment within these communities.
Urban farming in São Paulo offers economic opportunities for vulnerable populations, thereby contributing to poverty alleviation. Through training programs and cooperatives, individuals living in impoverished areas are equipped with the knowledge and resources to grow their food or even start small-scale agricultural businesses. By selling surplus produce at local markets or participating in community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, urban farmers can potentially generate additional income, thus reducing their reliance on expensive store-bought groceries and improving their financial stability.
Looking Ahead
Urban farming offers significant potential as a strategy for reducing poverty and developing communities in São Paulo. The ongoing initiatives enhance access to fresh food, generate economic opportunities and promote environmental sustainability, presenting a comprehensive solution to the intricate issues urban populations encounter. As São Paulo expands and progresses, urban farming is poised to play a crucial role in the city’s endeavors to create a more equitable and resilient environment for all residents.
– Rhys Woodward
Photo: Flickr
5 Charities Operating in Bangladesh
In addition, Bangladesh has the fourth highest child marriage rate in the world, primarily affecting rural populations living in poverty. These populations often turn to child marriage as they are unable to provide for their daughters. Despite progress, disparities persist, leaving some regions underserved.
To address these challenges, several charities are actively working on the ground in Bangladesh. They aim to ensure equitable access to vital resources for all citizens. These organizations play a crucial role in bridging the gap and empowering communities through supporting health care, education and poverty alleviation. Here are five charities operating in Bangladesh:
Save the Children
Save the Children is a global nongovernmental organization (NGO) that stands as a vigilant guardian for children worldwide, committed to shielding them from potential harm. Operating in Bangladesh since 1970, its initiatives encompass essential programs such as health, education and protective measures.
Noteworthy achievements include spearheading the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) MaMoni Maternal Care Strengthening Project, a five-year program that began in 2018. It aimed to increase access to quality maternal and newborn health care and to reduce the maternal and neonatal mortality rate for marginalized communities.
Additionally, there’s the Reading Enhancement for Advancing Development (READ) project, a five-year program that took place from 2013 to 2018. This initiative provided training for teachers and reading materials for students, impacting more than one million learners. Moreover, Save the Children’s efforts extend to aiding Rohingya refugees residing in southeastern Bangladesh by building facilities such as toilets, health care centers and learning centers, exemplifying its unwavering commitment to the well-being and production of vulnerable children in the region.
Jaago Foundation
Jaago Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 2007 that is dedicated to empowering underprivileged individuals across Bangladesh, with a focus on education, youth development and women’s empowerment. Currently, its endeavors include blistering technological skills among students and expanding access to education through digital platforms.
In addition, it provides scholarships to women, ensuring they can pursue and continue their education, thus fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. Through its efforts, it has helped provide access to education to more than 3,500 students and engaged 16,000 children in reading initiatives. Through these initiatives, the Jaago Foundation is catalyzing transformative change and paving the way for a brighter future for all.
Thrive Global
Thrive Global has been on a mission to combat child hunger in Bangladesh by providing nutritious meals to schools. It has collaborated with local NGOs since 2012. USAID approximates that 25% of Bangladesh remains food insecure, including 36% of kids under 5 years of age. Children remain one of the most vulnerable populations to malnutrition.
Thrive Global’s targeted efforts are concentrated in underprivileged areas, particularly urban slums, where access to adequate nutrition is often scarce. Each day, it provides meals to about 2,100 students at 11 different schools across Bangladesh; 20 more schools are currently on the waiting list to receive daily meals.
Recently, Thrive Global has extended its reach to the Philippines, expanding its impactful initiatives beyond borders to address the pressing issue of childhood malnutrition in more communities. Through dedicated work, the nonprofit is sowing seeds of hope and nourishment for a brighter future for children in need.
Girls Not Brides
Another of the charities operating in Bangladesh is Girls Not Brides, an international organization that is at the forefront of the global movement to eradicate child marriages. Launched in Bangladesh in 2013, it focuses on nurturing youth leadership and empowering young activists, as well as advocating for increased investment in programs aimed at ending child marriage.
In 2017, the organization was involved in the technical revision of the Child Marriage Restrain Act, a law intended to make sure that girls under the age of 18 and boys under the age of 21 are protected from unlawful marriage. It continues to lobby the government for the enforcement of the act while simultaneously striving to raise public awareness throughout the country.
Girls Not Brides has reached nearly 50,000 girls across Bangladesh through its efforts to end child marriage. This nonprofit is driving meaningful change toward a future free from child marriage in Bangladesh and beyond.
Brackett Refugee Foundation
Brackett Refugee Education Fund is a nonprofit foundation established in 1997 and dedicated to providing education for refugees, particularly internally displaced children. It supports children in poverty-stricken regions by providing financial contributions so they can go to school. With a focus on Burma, Bangladesh, India and Thailand, it supports students at various levels, including to hundreds of university students, offering them a chance at a brighter future amid adversity.
In Bangladesh, the organization supports educational assistance to Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar through the Children on the Edge program, which sets up learning centers and digital initiatives. By focusing on providing access to education, it empowers these vulnerable populations to foster resilience and opportunities for a brighter future.
Looking Forward
Bangladesh’s progress in tackling poverty is evident, but challenges persist, particularly regarding regional disparities in access to essential resources. Charities operating in Bangladesh play a vital role in bridging these gaps and fostering a more equitable society. As Bangladesh continues to develop, ongoing efforts to address inequality are essential for ensuring that all citizens have the opportunity to thrive in the country’s evolving landscape.
– Adrita Quabili
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Foreign Aid to Ukraine
Humanitarian Aid
Humanitarian aid is an incredibly important resource that serves as a crisis response to poverty and disease. It helps save lives and often provides the most basic needs to survive, such as housing, food and medical supplies. Currently, more than 40% of the Ukrainian population (14.6 million people) are in need of humanitarian aid in 2024. However, with the collective aid efforts directed toward Ukraine, millions can access vital necessities, including water, food, cooking fuel, heating for homes and health care services.
The U.S. has sent $1.6 billion in humanitarian aid to Ukraine to cover health care, emergency food assistance and refugee support. Additionally, the U.S. government offers family reunification support to Ukrainians who have been separated from their loved ones. The war has also caused significant destruction to public utilities. In response, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have provided:
Economic Aid
In February 2024, the Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA3) revealed that it would cost approximately $486 billion for Ukraine to recover from the destruction of war in the next decade. The most important needs consist of housing, transport and commercial industries. Ukraine’s government feels the financial burden not only on its citizens but also on the country. Currently, social assistance is being used to combat economic distress due to a 15.9% rise in inflation in 2022 and low earnings from a lack of available jobs. Additionally, the Ukrainian government is capping the cost of energy and reducing the price of public transport to help households and businesses.
Loans, grants and technical assistance are the most common ways for countries to send economic aid. An example of financial aid comes from The European Investment Bank (EIB). In July 2023, the “EU for Ukraine” initiative was passed to finance an approximately $2 billion recovery effort that included transport, renewable energy and corporate innovation. Foreign aid to Ukraine will help contribute to Ukraine’s long-term stability, financial dependence and economic growth in the aftermath of conflict.
Military Aid
The U.S. currently provides the largest amount of military aid to Ukraine, totaling $46.3 billion. Military assistance includes weapons, logistics support, training and additional grants and loans. On March 12, 2024, the U.S. announced that it would send a new military aid package worth about $300 million to Ukraine. This is the first aid package from the U.S. since December 2023. Further, Denmark will be providing $336.6 million, which includes artillery systems and ammunition. The EU is also set to agree to a $5.46 billion fund to help with military finances.
While the main objective of such aid is to support Ukraine’s military and deter further hostility from Russia, its implications extend beyond that. Investments in defense contribute to economic growth and poverty reduction by creating stability and national security. Helping Ukraine defend itself helps prevent further destabilization of social welfare systems such as educational institutions, pensions, social assistance and housing.
Conclusion
Foreign aid to Ukraine plays a crucial role in its success against Russia. Despite major contributions from multiple nations, it’s evident that the current foreign aid assistance is falling short. Nonetheless, there remains hope that Ukraine will emerge stronger than before. With continued solidarity and collaboration, Ukraine will be able to succeed in its journey toward independence.
– Gabrielle Schwartz
Photo: Flickr
The Cure Tuberculosis Project In The Kyrgyz Republic
The Struggle with Drug-Resistant TB
TB ranks among the most lethal infections, causing 1.3 million deaths in 2022 alone. It disproportionately affects those in lower-income households, exacerbating the cycle of poverty. Infected individuals often face reduced earning capacity, leading to diminished access to health care and increasing health issues.
In addition, people with TB often spend more time indoors, heightening the risk of spreading the illness among both adults and children. This transmission within households can perpetuate a cycle of poverty across generations. Moreover, drug-resistant TB poses a growing global concern as certain treatments lose effectiveness. In 2022, about 410,000 individuals contracted drug-resistant TB, but only 43% received treatment, highlighting the urgent need for more effective interventions.
The Kyrgyz Republic faces a significant challenge with drug-resistant TB, with 29% of new drug-resistant TB cases compared to the global average of 3.3%, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In addition, several factors contribute to this high incidence, including ineffective health care services, a shortage of medical resources and widespread difficulties in accessing medication for drug-resistant TB.
Addressing Drug-Resistant TB
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) supported the Kyrgyz people by funding the Cure Tuberculosis Project from 2019 to 2024. This initiative aimed to assist the Kyrgyz government in identifying and treating individuals diagnosed with drug-resistant TB. Additionally, the project focused on ensuring rapid diagnosis for drug-resistant TB patients and facilitating their access to treatment, collaborating closely with the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic. Moreover, the Cure Tuberculosis Project focused on four key areas for improvement:
Impacts of the Cure Tuberculosis Project
The Cure Tuberculosis Project achieved success in all four targeted areas.
Looking Ahead
The Cure Tuberculosis Project has laid a strong foundation for ongoing efforts to fight drug-resistant TB in the Kyrgyz Republic. This marks a significant stride toward health security and poverty reduction. Furthermore, sustained collaboration and innovation could be essential in consolidating these gains and ensuring a healthier future for the Kyrgyz people.
– James McAlinden
Photo: Flickr
Nonprofits Address Elderly Poverty in Georgia
Elderly Poverty in Georgia and Medical Accessibility
Social programs, such as government-provided subsidies and universal health care, have created optimistic results in the last quarter century. However, poverty is still a large burden for many Georgians. Though life expectancy has risen, the quality of life for the aging population has not improved satisfactorily.
The government offers retired Georgians a pension, but this rarely covers all of their expenses. In recent efforts, Georgia has invested in a universal health coverage plan. Despite this, the policy is not widely accessible and the cost of co-payments is still too high for many working-class households: “The high cost of outpatient medicines is the biggest barrier to accessing care for the lowest income households.”
Poverty is least prevalent in the elderly population (14.4%) compared to children (25.5%) and the working-age population (19.5%). However, as a vulnerable population, older people suffer disproportionately from a lack of medical accessibility and unemployment, especially in rural areas. Challenges in health care accessibility include low pension, job scarcity and an inability to commute.
Proposed Solutions
A large issue in modern-day Georgia is that people do not see elderly workers as valuable. This view is due to the idea that age causes physical deterioration and a lack of skill. In addition, there is a belief in Georgia that the youth should have uninhibited access to the job market and that the older generations should not be impeded. However, this has created a rise in the poverty of older adults in Georgia. Older Georgians are not expected to partake in the workforce. However, because health care and other social services are not widely accessible to them, especially in rural areas, many still require an income.
Many older Georgians also require more health care than the average citizen due to their age, which increases medical expenses. Despite this, employers are hesitant to hire older Georgians due to age-related discrimination. The United Nations (U.N.) suggests that the Georgian government establish programs that aid older workers through education and training. It also notes that the government could create more jobs suitable for older workers, as well as provide tax-related incentives to employers hiring older workers.
In addition, the U.N. stresses that government-provided pensions are not sufficient means to live off of and that citizens be encouraged to accumulate private savings earlier in life. As discrimination against the elderly population is prevalent in the workforce, the U.N. notes that the Georgian government could implement stricter measures to forbid workplace and hiring discrimination. The U.N. necessitates a shift in this negative view of older generations: “Awareness-raising should target employers, helping them to understand the benefits of an age-balanced workforce, encouraging them to employ and retain older workers and to provide age-friendly workplaces.”
Beacons of Positive Change
A key way that Georgia has improved health and wellness accessibility for elders is by establishing free senior care centers. Though these are largely independent, nonprofit organizations, they have tremendously impacted communities. They provide resources to meet the needs of aging citizens and combat elderly poverty in Georgia.
One such provider is Catharsis: The House of Charity. A pioneer in its field, it was established in 1990 as the economy took a hit. Unfortunately, this affected various social services and worsened poverty rates. It focuses primarily on senior care and offers free medical assistance, food, clothing and other enrichment resources. The organization advocates elderly independence and expression by cultivating a “warm, family-like setting.” It has multiple branches operating in several regions of Georgia and has helped more than 1500 individuals since its establishment.
Another essential elderly care provider is American Friends of Georgia, working out of Tbilisi. It is a nonprofit organization that provides free care to vulnerable populations. This includes the sick, the disabled, children and the elderly. It is also focused on furthering education and aims to diversify accessibility through technology donations, higher-education scholarships and a basketball academy. For older patients, the initiative has created a hospice program and in-home care. It has tended to more than 800 elderly patients since 2003. It also focuses on empowering elderly Georgians in their careers through skill-building and job training.
The Future
Though there are barriers to job and social service accessibility in Georgia, steps are being taken to care for the growing elderly population and to ensure their wellness. Though organizations specializing in these efforts are largely privatized, normalizing programs that aid in elderly welfare will instigate the growth of such resources. Finally, there are several plausible solutions, as suggested by the U.N., to help alleviate financial disparities among Georgians, thus alleviating elderly poverty in Georgia.
– Anna Williams
Photo: Flickr