Creative writing often emerges as a valuable coping mechanism for mental health challenges. With many individuals experiencing situational depression, such as isolation, creative writing can serve as a means to connect and find solace within a community. Writing groups have increasingly become a famous avenue for individuals to gather, share their passions and support one another. In Brazil, where mental health services are overseen by the Psychological Care Network, i.e., Rede de Atenção Psicossocial (RAPS), incorporating creative writing initiatives into existing support structures could offer isolated individuals a pathway to community connection and emotional well-being.
Challenges in Mental Health Care: The Landscape in Brazil
In Brazil, individuals with disabilities are categorized as disability-adjusted life years (DALY), accounting for more than 7.5% of the nation’s mental health patients. Additionally, there are individuals classified as Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), encompassing a range of physical and psychological health conditions. Regrettably, the prevalence of mental health disorders has been increasing by 0.5% annually, resulting in 57.7% of the population experiencing such conditions as of 2023.
With more than half its population grappling with mental health issues, Brazil finds itself among the nations with the most significant challenges in mental health care. Despite efforts such as World Mental Health Day and other awareness campaigns, considerable strides are needed to address the nation’s mental well-being. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted the globe, imposing lockdown measures in many countries and exacerbating isolation for individuals battling depression. Among the people of Brazil, those residing in the northern regions bore the brunt of the pandemic, with around 84% experiencing depression or anxiety induced by isolation.
Strategies for Coping With Severe Depression
Individuals grappling with severe depression are frequently provided with coping mechanisms aimed at alleviating their anxieties. These strategies encompass a range of approaches, including breathwork, engaging in physical activities, practicing mindfulness and seeking support from loved ones or professional therapists.
Many therapists and mental health advocates endorse writing as a means to express and manage emotions, particularly anger or sadness, offering individuals a sense of empowerment over their narratives. The University of Cumbria promotes writing poetry as a therapeutic activity for National Poetry Day, encouraging students to explore a common theme and gather to share their creations.
In the United Kingdom (U.K.), poetry clubs have emerged as popular venues for isolated individuals to connect with like-minded peers and bond over shared literary interests while enjoying tea or coffee. Established organizations like the Poetry Society, which has been operating since 1909, offer platforms for writers worldwide to showcase their work, including through competitions. Notably, the organization has expanded its reach to publish the works of poets from countries beyond the U.K., such as Brazil, featuring poets like Adelia Prado.
Empowering Mental Health Initiatives
Regrettably, the mental health campaign in Brazil has not reached as many individuals as intended, possibly due to inadequate funding for mental health services and historical reports of patient mistreatment in psychiatric hospitals during the ‘70s and ‘80s, which has left many Brazilians distrustful of such institutions.
Establishing a creative writing society in Brazil is an attainable goal. Taking inspiration from organizations like UK’s Poetry Society, a Brazilian-based website dedicated to creative writing, could gain traction swiftly and independently without relying on government funding.
With access to the internet and basic computer skills, individuals can learn to set up and publish their websites, showcasing their literary creations to a global audience. Utilizing website builder tools like HubSpot, WiX, Adobe and IONOS, individuals can customize their platforms and even feature works from friends and family. This endeavor can evolve into a prominent creative writing platform, fostering community engagement and artistic expression. Pre-made platforms like YouTube or TikTok dedicated to content creation can be viable alternatives for those hesitant about website creation.
Individuals without internet access or those who prefer in-person interaction can distribute invitations via community boards or public information centers to promote poetry or creative writing gatherings. Numerous community facilities across Brazil offer spaces for both educational and recreational purposes, serving as ideal venues for hosting writing groups.
In 2018, an exceptional community center called Community Center Camburi was opened. It was built entirely from bamboo! Building the center from bamboo it saves Brazilian financial resources. Centers like Camburi can be used to serve as a place for creative writing groups and those artists can use their creative writing skills to influence others to be more environmentally friendly.
Conclusion
Through diligence, commitment and leveraging available resources, individuals in Brazil can unite around a common theme, fostering connections and reducing feelings of isolation as they exchange thoughts and ideas. Socializing can provide a reprieve from negative thoughts for those experiencing depression, igniting their interests and engaging with others, ideally leading to a more optimistic, vibrant and innovative future.
– Phoebe Vaughan
Photo: Unsplash
Elderly Poverty in the Dominican Republic
Consequently, as the elderly population increases, the strain on existing government and familial support systems to meet their financial needs also increases. Below is information regarding elderly poverty in the Dominican Republic and the efforts undertaken to address it.
Familial Care
The increasing population of individuals aged 60 and above raises concerns, particularly in light of the Dominican Republic’s declining crude birth rate, which has steadily decreased over the past decade from 21.79 % in 2011 to 18.43% in 2021.
Given the Dominican Republic’s solid cultural emphasis on familial caretaking of senior citizens, much of the social welfare for older adults comes from within their own families. However, the declining birth rate and growing elderly population create a disproportionate imbalance that could jeopardize the financial security of older adults in the future. With families facing the responsibility of caring for more elderly members and fewer supporting members, the financial strain on both families and older people could exacerbate poverty rates for both groups.
The Systems in Place
The pension and care systems for older adults in the Dominican Republic undergo a similar acceleration in change and funding as the rapidly growing elderly demographic. Of the population aged 80 and above, only 9.3% receive pension income, while 46% rely on familial support. Overall, merely 18% of economically active individuals benefit from pensions.
It leaves undocumented elderly individuals, such as those lacking legal residency status or involved in the informal economy, ineligible for pensions. The primary government social welfare system for older people excludes these individuals. Improving pensions and the quality of elderly care is necessary to address elderly poverty and ensure secure social welfare.
The scarcity of trained caregivers and the absence of affordable care homes also contribute to the elderly poverty issue. Families unable to afford care for their elderly bear the financial burden themselves, further exacerbating their strain. With more than 40% of Dominicans living in precarious conditions, vulnerable to climate issues and economic instability, this strain could quickly escalate poverty rates among older adults and the wider population.
Future Perspectives
The Dominican Republic’s increasing elderly population reflects a significant achievement in health care and economic progress, evidenced by a notable rise in life expectancy over the past eight decades. However, this advancement brings challenges in supporting this burgeoning community and ensuring their social welfare. Taking proactive measures before substantial increases in this demographic can significantly mitigate elderly poverty in the Dominican Republic.
Additionally, assisting in alleviating extreme poverty in the country can benefit older people, as their cases are often intertwined. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) like the Dominican Institute of Integral Development address internal issues contributing to elderly poverty by fostering the development of more than 40,000 microenterprises to bolster family economies. They also continue to combat changes in the climate, which has the potential to disrupt the social and economic foundations of families supporting their elderly. By sustaining such efforts, the government can create room to reinforce existing systems to assist older adults adequately.
– Chinua Ebereonwu
Photo: Unsplash
Access to Electricity in the Central African Republic
About CAR
CAR is one of the poorest and most unstable countries in Africa and the world. Violence and conflict have been a reality in the country for decades and a military coup in 2013 resulted in various groups fighting within the country since then. This violence has displaced approximately 1.4 million people, with almost 750,000 people having to flee the country altogether.
This ongoing cycle of conflict has made humanitarian assistance difficult in CAR, which has posed a devastating problem to those living in extreme poverty, a population that numbers approximately 71% of the country’s 6.1 million people. Consequently, the rates of acute hunger and gender-based violence in CAR are both high. Additionally, education rates are low and the country’s economy has experienced an ongoing crisis in recent years.
A Glimpse of Hope in CAR
However, not all is dark in CAR. Funding for humanitarian aid from the international community is working to address poverty. One hardship that some actors are aiming to tackle is access to electricity. At present, only 14.3% of the population in the country has access to electricity. This service is largely limited to the capital city, Bangui. The figure drops dramatically in rural areas, with just 2% of the population having electricity. Almost all energy production in the country currently comes from biofuels like wood or charcoal or fossil fuels like diesel.
Renewable Energy in CAR
Renewable energy can open the door to electricity access for thousands in the Central African Republic. Currently, multiple actors are taking different routes to realize the potential of the country’s renewable energy resources. The African Development Fund, a part of the African Development Bank, has provided millions in funding for rehabilitating the Boali hydroelectric plant, which is expected to provide electricity to 100,000 people in CAR and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The World Bank has also rolled out multiple projects to increase solar energy production in the CAR. These efforts have included not only improvements to existing electricity infrastructure and the creation of new and improved transmission lines but also the building of a 25-megawatt solar panel site that was completed in November 2023. This solar park will provide electricity to 250,000 people in the capital city of Bangui.
Final Remark
The effects of increased electricity access in the Central African Republic will enormously benefit the country. According to Ousmane Diagana, the World Bank Vice President for Western and Central Africa, “Thanks to this project, health centers, schools and businesses will have increased access to electricity and this will enhance productivity and promote job creation.” Access to electricity in CAR, brought on by tapping into the country’s renewable energy potential, has and will continue to bring progress to the country’s economy and the quality of life for the millions living in poverty.
– Lyle Seeligson
Photo: Flickr
What All for One Is Doing To Reduce Child Poverty in Belize
Child Poverty in Belize
Belize faces multiple obstacles as a country, making alleviating poverty extremely challenging. Belize faces internal social and economic pressures, alongside coping with the effects of climate change, regional economic and political events and migration patterns, all contributing to its challenges.
UNICEF found that only 55% of children have access to quality early childhood education, but 27% of the schools that UNICEF inspected have contaminated water, contributing to the high numbers of diseases among children in Belize.
There’s a significant link between education and poverty, underscoring children’s need to attend school. Education is crucial for equipping them with the skills they need in adulthood. It is also essential for the community to break the perpetual cycle of poverty. Education offers a way out of this cycle, improving the quality of life for the children and society.
What All for One Is Doing
All For One, a nonprofit international and domestic organization, aims to improve communities worldwide through focused efforts to develop children and create healthy environments and educational opportunities. The organization works worldwide, especially in Africa, but has worked considerably in Belize to improve the lives of so many children.
All For One has provided financial assistance to the Mesopotamia Human and Social Development Foundation in Belize City. The foundation aims to empower children through a resource center that offers after-school programs. These programs include computer literacy training for high school students, youth leadership workshops, creative arts, sports and entrepreneurship coaching.
All these programs aim to enable children to have the best possible start in life and equip them with the skills necessary to succeed. Not only does the foundation offer education, but it also provides a food bank and a school feeding program to address the high number of malnourished children.
All For One aims to improve children’s learning potential. To achieve this, the organization has partnered with an educational outreach program to provide basic educational supplies such as book bags, pens, pencils and notebooks. These essential items are typically out of reach for many children due to financial constraints and providing them can help children thrive in their education.
Conclusion
There is a clear connection between poverty and education. All for One aims to improve children’s learning experience through funding to prevent more children from living in poverty in Belize.
– Cordelia Moore
Photo: Flickr
Creative Writing Helps Isolated Individuals Find a Community
Challenges in Mental Health Care: The Landscape in Brazil
In Brazil, individuals with disabilities are categorized as disability-adjusted life years (DALY), accounting for more than 7.5% of the nation’s mental health patients. Additionally, there are individuals classified as Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), encompassing a range of physical and psychological health conditions. Regrettably, the prevalence of mental health disorders has been increasing by 0.5% annually, resulting in 57.7% of the population experiencing such conditions as of 2023.
With more than half its population grappling with mental health issues, Brazil finds itself among the nations with the most significant challenges in mental health care. Despite efforts such as World Mental Health Day and other awareness campaigns, considerable strides are needed to address the nation’s mental well-being. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted the globe, imposing lockdown measures in many countries and exacerbating isolation for individuals battling depression. Among the people of Brazil, those residing in the northern regions bore the brunt of the pandemic, with around 84% experiencing depression or anxiety induced by isolation.
Strategies for Coping With Severe Depression
Individuals grappling with severe depression are frequently provided with coping mechanisms aimed at alleviating their anxieties. These strategies encompass a range of approaches, including breathwork, engaging in physical activities, practicing mindfulness and seeking support from loved ones or professional therapists.
Many therapists and mental health advocates endorse writing as a means to express and manage emotions, particularly anger or sadness, offering individuals a sense of empowerment over their narratives. The University of Cumbria promotes writing poetry as a therapeutic activity for National Poetry Day, encouraging students to explore a common theme and gather to share their creations.
In the United Kingdom (U.K.), poetry clubs have emerged as popular venues for isolated individuals to connect with like-minded peers and bond over shared literary interests while enjoying tea or coffee. Established organizations like the Poetry Society, which has been operating since 1909, offer platforms for writers worldwide to showcase their work, including through competitions. Notably, the organization has expanded its reach to publish the works of poets from countries beyond the U.K., such as Brazil, featuring poets like Adelia Prado.
Empowering Mental Health Initiatives
Regrettably, the mental health campaign in Brazil has not reached as many individuals as intended, possibly due to inadequate funding for mental health services and historical reports of patient mistreatment in psychiatric hospitals during the ‘70s and ‘80s, which has left many Brazilians distrustful of such institutions.
Establishing a creative writing society in Brazil is an attainable goal. Taking inspiration from organizations like UK’s Poetry Society, a Brazilian-based website dedicated to creative writing, could gain traction swiftly and independently without relying on government funding.
With access to the internet and basic computer skills, individuals can learn to set up and publish their websites, showcasing their literary creations to a global audience. Utilizing website builder tools like HubSpot, WiX, Adobe and IONOS, individuals can customize their platforms and even feature works from friends and family. This endeavor can evolve into a prominent creative writing platform, fostering community engagement and artistic expression. Pre-made platforms like YouTube or TikTok dedicated to content creation can be viable alternatives for those hesitant about website creation.
Individuals without internet access or those who prefer in-person interaction can distribute invitations via community boards or public information centers to promote poetry or creative writing gatherings. Numerous community facilities across Brazil offer spaces for both educational and recreational purposes, serving as ideal venues for hosting writing groups.
In 2018, an exceptional community center called Community Center Camburi was opened. It was built entirely from bamboo! Building the center from bamboo it saves Brazilian financial resources. Centers like Camburi can be used to serve as a place for creative writing groups and those artists can use their creative writing skills to influence others to be more environmentally friendly.
Conclusion
Through diligence, commitment and leveraging available resources, individuals in Brazil can unite around a common theme, fostering connections and reducing feelings of isolation as they exchange thoughts and ideas. Socializing can provide a reprieve from negative thoughts for those experiencing depression, igniting their interests and engaging with others, ideally leading to a more optimistic, vibrant and innovative future.
– Phoebe Vaughan
Photo: Unsplash
Nepal Knotcraft Centre: Macrame Fighting Poverty
Helping Women
NKC employs hundreds of women from every ethnic group in Nepal. The center sends teams to remote regions to train women and girls in producing goods for the company, which equips them with the necessary skills to work for the company and become self-sufficient employees.
It is worth noting that all artisans receive salaries from the company. The Nepal Knotcraft Centre also offers education scholarships to younger girls from the families working for them. Even a small wage immensely benefits poor women, often transforming their situation into a two-income household and granting them pocket money that they don’t need to request from husbands or fathers to spend on luxuries like toys and clothes for the family.
Helping the Environment
The Nepal Knotcraft Centre uses macramé techniques and a wide variety of sustainable materials to make its products. When the company began in the ’80s, it would import cotton just like any regular enterprise. However, over time, it aimed to create an authentic Nepali product. Therefore, it expanded to using various materials based on indigenous knowledge, such as corn, wheat, bamboo, pine, banana, cardamom, hyacinth, rice, cattail and papyrus. All these materials require different weaving skills and result in various products.
NKC creates Nepali culture using all-natural and sustainable materials without generating any waste. The Himalayan mountains of Nepal have approximately 140,000 tons of artificial waste, which is why NKC has partnered with the Avni Center for Sustainability. They regularly strip down hiking waste, such as ropes and tents, which the craftswomen use in their projects. NKC is gradually moving beyond mere sustainability to fully recycled products.
Helping Nepal
NKC bases all its products on a traditional Nepali macramé knotted design. It sells earrings, purses, baskets, placemats and woven seats. These products are available for purchase worldwide, allowing people worldwide to connect with Nepali culture. These products carry a deep cultural significance for Nepal. By setting up a website to teach and sell Nepali macramé art, NKC is promoting Nepali culture in the international market. Furthermore, this initiative helps preserve the culture and prevent it from dying out in Nepal.
– Varsha Pai
Photo: Pexels
Innovations in Poverty Eradication in Fiji
Oxygen Access Helps Poverty Eradication in Fiji
In Fiji, oxygen access was one of the biggest health issues due to the lack of a consistent and reliable supply of medicinal oxygen. To tackle this problem and achieve poverty eradication in the nation, the Ministry of Health, in partnership with Cure Kids, launched an exciting initiative called the Oxygen Project to improve oxygen access. The Oxygen Project distributes oxygen concentrators to health care facilities all over Fiji. Oxygen concentrators are small, lightweight devices that filter the air and concentrate the oxygen, ensuring that patients receive pure, medicinal-quality oxygen.
This initiative eliminates the need for bulky oxygen tanks that require transportation between health centers. Solar power systems installed in health facilities enabled the concentrators to operate without traditional power sources. Most importantly, the project will train biomedical engineers, solar engineers and nurses in operating, maintaining, monitoring and repairing solar panels and concentrator systems.
Telecommunication Technology
Fiji is connected to major telecommunication hubs and nearby Pacific Island nations through a vast network of underwater cables. Amalgamated Telecom Holdings (ATH), which the Fiji National Provident Fund primarily owns, owns Fiji’s telecommunication providers, including Vodafone, Telecom Fiji and Fiji International Telecommunications Ltd.
The second significant player in the market is Digicel. At the same time, Starlink, a satellite internet provider and a subsidiary of SpaceX, has received government approval and is soon anticipated to launch in Fiji. Due to a lack of infrastructure development in rural areas, about 5% of the country still lacks mobile network coverage.
Due to a lack of infrastructure development in rural areas, about 5% of the country still lacks mobile network coverage. Telecommunications play an essential role in poverty eradication in Fiji because they expand access to information, enhance communication networks, create economic opportunities, support education and skills development and improve health care access.
The World Bank’s Role in Sustainable Recovery
The World Bank’s executive directors approved an operation to support Fiji’s ongoing efforts to recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and multiple tropical cyclones. The World Bank’s Fiji Recovery and Resilience First Development Policy Operation (DPO) with a Catastrophe-Deferred Drawdown Option (Cat-DDO) will accelerate the nation’s recovery while enhancing economic, social and climate resilience.
Fiji experienced a severe economic contraction that left one-third of its workforce without full-time employment. The project perfectly aligns with the recently authorised World Bank Group Country Partnership Framework for Fiji (2021–2024) and the Fijian National Development Plan. Enhancing Fiji’s debt and public financial management is a top priority for the operation, which also encourages women’s participation and breaks down barriers between the sexes in industries where males predominate.
Furthermore, the operation supports the creation of a Social Assistance Policy that will enhance the effectiveness and targeting of social assistance programs for numerous impoverished and vulnerable groups in Fiji, as well as the private sector-led economic recovery supported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
Conclusion
Innovative methods for poverty eradication in Fiji are starting to emerge to meet the multifaceted issues that disadvantaged communities face. These include projects like social enterprise development, digital technology, community-based tourism, climate-smart agriculture, microfinance and financial inclusion, social protection programs and participatory planning and governance.
These inventions seek to strengthen livelihoods, empower communities and increase resistance to environmental difficulties and economic shocks. These poverty innovations support inclusive growth and sustainable development in Fiji by integrating business models with social impact goals and encouraging local ownership and cooperation.
– AuiCha Conley
Photo: Unsplash
5 Charities in Malaysia
SOLS Foundation
The SOLS Foundation, formed in 2000, is a Malaysian organization that aims to help the bottom 40% of the population with low socioeconomic statuses by providing free education and employment support. SOLS initially began providing free English teaching. However, this organization has now grown to offer further support through digital skills and social empowerment programs. SOLS has contributed immensely to many communities around Malaysia by providing more than 800 scholarships to disadvantaged children and setting up more than 1000 community programs for the youth.
Hope Malaysia
Hope Malaysia is an “emerging civil society organization (CSO),” founded in 2016, that focuses on “empowering poverty-stricken remote and rural villages” in Malaysia. The charity has started many supportive projects, such as installing gravity water systems in more than eight remote villages and implementing sustainable farming methods, which has helped more than 250 families spanning 10 rural villages. Such projects have allowed many Malaysians access to more water and food security.
Dignity for Children Foundation
The Dignity for Children Foundation, founded in 1988, is a nongovernment organization that now provides “holistic care and education for urban poor children in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.” The organization is dedicated to providing quality education and a safe learning environment for disadvantaged children between the ages of 2 and 19 in urban Malaysia. The organization “is now a learning center for more than 2,300 children.”
Epic Homes
Epic Homes is a program that aims to bridge the urban and rural divide by constructing homes for underprivileged communities such as the Orang Asli indigenous people in Malaysia. The program was initiated in 2010. It has successfully built more than 175 homes around more than 10 villages, ultimately developing and strengthening sustainable rural communities.
MyKasih
Created in 2009, MyKasih is a nongovernmental foundation that effectively distributes food aid to impoverished students and families in Malaysia. The charity has distributed more than RM200 million ($52 million) worth of food to disadvantaged families and students nationwide, including those in Sabah and Sarawak. This foundation has also managed to provide education bursaries to up to 10,000 Malaysian children in more than 104 schools across the nation, as MyKasih goes by the philosophy that education can be “the best ticket out of poverty.”
With a wide income divide and many living in poverty, these five charities successfully provide sustainable changes and aid to disadvantaged and vulnerable people in Malaysia.
– Zaynab Yusuf
Photo: Pexels
How Netflix is Addressing Famine in Malawi
The true story-based film “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” vividly captures the harsh realities of drought in Malawi, underlining the urgency of global intervention. It aligns with the World Bank’s “Malawi Drought Recovery and Resilience Project” which aims to mitigate and prevent the dire consequences of drought. It also showcases the critical role of such initiatives in addressing environmental crises.
Depiction of Drought in the Film
The film is set in Kasungu, a town in central Malawi, where the narrative focuses on William Kamkwamba and how drought impacts both his life and the lives of his neighbors. Water shortages, primarily caused by a lack of precipitation in Malawi, mean that crops cannot grow. This also means that crop production becomes unstable, resulting in widespread food scarcity.
Drought often escalates to famine, leading to widespread hunger, as depicted in “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.” The film shows the stark realities of drought in Malawi through scenes of parched earth, crop failures and distressed children. While dramatized for emotional impact, these portrayals accurately highlight the devastating effects of drought and famine on communities.
Drought and famine in Malawi not only lead to starvation but also have devastating economic effects. The scarcity of water results in poor agricultural conditions and the loss of livestock, stripping individuals of their main sources of income and livelihood. This cycle exacerbates the country’s poverty and hinders economic development.
The agriculture sector, crucial for the majority of Malawi’s rural population, suffers significantly from drought and famine. This scenario leads to a decrease in exportable resources, making generating income for the economy challenging. Consequently, poverty intensifies in rural areas where agriculture is a primary livelihood, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions to water scarcity and agricultural resilience.
Famine in Malawi: A Promising Future
Droughts in Malawi, often triggered by natural resource scarcity such as rain, present complex challenges for prevention and control. However, effective measures exist, as highlighted by the Malawi Drought Recovery and Resilience Project. This initiative showcases how technology and financial strategies can mitigate the country’s vulnerability to climate risks and disasters, providing a practical approach to bolstering resilience against drought in low-income nations.
In addition to preventative actions, supporting communities after drought’s severe consequences is crucial, as demonstrated by the World Bank’s economic aid initiative for Malawi, which includes a $104 million grant. This funding aids in providing food relief, restoring dry lands and introducing drought-resistant crops, offering direct assistance to Malawi’s affected communities.
Looking Ahead
“The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” serves as a poignant reminder of Malawi’s resilience in the face of environmental adversities, driving home the urgency for global and local action. With initiatives like the Malawi Drought Recovery and Resilience Project gaining momentum, there’s renewed hope for sustainable solutions to combat drought and enhance agricultural resilience. As awareness spreads through powerful storytelling and concerted efforts continue, the future for Malawi looks increasingly promising, with paths paved toward recovery, sustainability and economic stability.
– Amelie Bunce
Photo: Unsplash
Elderly Poverty in Kenya
The Inua Jamii Program
The Inua Jamii Senior Citizensʼ scheme reaches approximately 763,000 older persons aged 70 years and above, more than 60% of which are women. Its primary objective is to improve the living standards of vulnerable seniors in Kenya by providing regular cash transfers to individuals. Eligible candidates must have a valid identification card and be excluded from other pension schemes.
Furthermore, the International Labor Organization (ILO) documents the program’s first year of implementation, stating that it “helped increase older people’s sense of dignity and self-worth.” The program ensures to provide individual entitlements rather than a household transfer. Through its initiative, the Kenyan government wishes to provide elders with full financial independence that does not limit them in their reliance on family for basic needs.
While the program primarily focuses on unconditional cash transfers, there are many positive conditionalities attached, such as ensuring children or grandchildren of beneficiaries attend school regularly and receive necessary vaccinations. These conditions aim to promote social inclusion, improve the overall well-being of beneficiary households and end elderly poverty in Kenya.
Reducing Elderly Poverty in Kenya
In 2024, a conversation with Kenya News Agency counselor, Ernest Onyana, praised the government’s recent financial injection, scheduled to begin Feb. 7, 2024. The government’s program has provided each pensioner with 2,000 shillings, a measure Onyona describes as essential in reducing poverty among Kenya’s elderly.
Moreover, in its five years of running, the scheme has collaborated with various banks to emphasize the creation of special services purposely designed for the pension scheme. Additionally, the program acknowledges daily challenges elderly individuals may encounter, particularly those with disabilities. As a response, the program is introducing M-PESA payments, which will prioritize disabled individuals by enabling them to conveniently receive payments from nearby, Onyona assures, in the continuous fight against elderly poverty in Kenya.
Supporting Elderly Women
Age International documents, according to the United Nations (U.N.) Women, 34% of women aged 60 have experienced violence since the beginning of 2020. The Kenyan government’s acute focus on bringing dignity to elders stricken by poverty in Kenya has positively contributed to older women and those with disabilities. ILO highlights individual entitlements, rather than a household transfer, have empowered older women to gain control over their funds.
Organizations such as the Older People’s Association (OPA), help build community groups to support the reduction of elderly poverty in Kenya by supporting seniors with health care, income and guidance in advocating for their rights. Implemented support groups such as the government-run scheme or smaller organizations such as OPA, continuously tackle and reduce the issue of elderly poverty in Kenya.
Positive Future
Over the years, the Inua Jamii program has undergone expansion to reach more elderly citizens across different regions of Kenya. The government has made efforts to increase the coverage and scale of the program to help reach the poorest communities in the fight to reduce elderly poverty in Kenya. Overall, the Inua Jamii program represents a significant government initiative in Kenya aimed at addressing elderly poverty and promoting social inclusion and dignity for older citizens.
– Kasia Flisiuk
Photo: Flickr
Addressing Youth Unemployment: YEISA South Africa
Youth Employment Initiative South Africa (YEISA)
In a country plagued by high youth unemployment rates, a new initiative called the Youth Employment Initiative South Africa (YEISA) established in 2018 has emerged as a beacon of hope for the country’s young people. To address the critical issue of youth unemployment, YEISA is dedicated to equipping young individuals with the skills are resources needed to secure meaningful employment opportunities.
In addition, the organization actively collaborates with young individuals, helping them participate in decisions that impact their lives. It offers a range of services and programs designed to support young people in their journey toward employment. These include job readiness training, career counseling, mentorship programs and networking opportunities. By providing these resources, YEISA strives to bridge the gap between job seekers and employers, ultimately creating a more efficient and effective job market for the youth in South Africa.
Skills Development and Leadership Initiatives
YEISA offers educational programs that empower young people with relevant skills. One of the key strengths of the organization is its focus on creating sustainable solutions to youth unemployment. Moreover, by emphasizing skills development, career guidance and ongoing support, the initiative aims to not only help young people secure immediate employment but also build a solid foundation for long-term career success.
In addition, the organization recognizes that leadership skills are essential for career advancement. It organizes leadership initiatives, fostering qualities like teamwork, communication and problem-solving. Empowered youth are more likely to contribute positively to the economy and job market. YEISA believes that today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders. Furthermore, by nurturing their potential, the organization ensures a pipeline of capable individuals who can drive economic growth and create jobs.
YEISA Empowering South Africa’s Youth
Since its inception, YEISA has already seen success in connecting young individuals with job opportunities across various industries. It continues to develop distinct talents, views and life experiences that diverse young people bring to businesses, fostering creativity and challenging them to do things differently.
Subsequently, as the organization continues to expand its reach and impact, it is clear that the initiative is making a tangible difference in the lives of young people in South Africa. By empowering the youth with the skills and resources they need to succeed in the workforce, the initiative is not only helping to address the issue of youth unemployment but also contributing to the economic growth and development of the country as a whole.
Looking Forward
The Youth Employment Initiative South Africa (YEISA) stands as a pivotal force in combating the high rates of youth unemployment in South Africa, offering young individuals a ladder to climb toward employment success. Moreover, through its comprehensive approach to skill development and leadership training, YEISA is nurturing a generation equipped to navigate and thrive in the workforce.
Looking ahead, the continued efforts of the initiative promise to transform the landscape of youth employment in South Africa, fostering a future where every young person has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
– Oyinkansola Adewumi
Photo: Unsplash