Established in 1999, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation aims to empower children living in urban poverty by enhancing education, health and family economic stability. Initially rooted in Austin, Texas, the foundation has transcended local boundaries to encompass regions across the United States and extend globally, touching the lives of countless individuals.
Efforts in India
The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides improved access to financial services, employment opportunities, education and sustainable livelihoods for India’s urban poor. With 149 active projects spanning the nation, this commitment exceeds $180 million in investments, enriching the lives of children and fostering enduring changes within their communities.
In India, half of students need to catch up in reading and arithmetic, while 33% drop out before completing high school. Additionally, 60% of 18- to 21-year-olds need more preparation for the job market. To address these challenges and enhance educational outcomes for underserved students, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation invests in large-scale statewide projects to improve student learning, teaching skills, school administration and educational leadership.
The foundation has provided crucial financial support to two leading school finance companies in India. It enables school leaders to enhance learning environments and broaden access to high-quality education. This effort aims to bring about significant changes in India’s educational system and is now implementing in Rajasthan, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.
Additionally, in India, more than 400 million people are between the ages of 15 and 29, but many lack the skills needed for job opportunities. Acknowledging this pressing necessity, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation continues to work to improve families’ financial security.
One noteworthy project is a partnership with the Lighthouse Communities Foundation, which empowers young people with the horizontal and vertical skill sets necessary for workforce integration. With 16,000 job placements and 25,000 students enrolled, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation is pivotal in providing India’s youth with the essential tools to obtain meaningful employment, cultivating a road toward enduring prosperity and success.
Efforts in South Africa
Another primary goal is to provide people in South Africa with employment opportunities. The foundation plays a vital part in promoting financial stability among South African households by utilizing brilliant collaborations with entities such as SweepSouth, which provides job placement services to the unemployed.
The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation’s collaboration with SweepSouth has had a profound impact. Their technology is actively engaging more than 4,000 domestic workers, with a noteworthy 97% of them being women with children. Impressively, more than 80% of these individuals were previously unemployed. This initiative creates job opportunities and instills a sense of empowerment, enabling individuals to experience continuous personal and professional growth in South Africa.
In their commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for underserved youth in South Africa, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation supports the Funda Wande initiative, specifically the “Teach Reading for Meaning” program. This innovative project focuses on equipping teachers with advanced techniques to effectively teach reading, a skill crucial for academic success.
The distinguishing feature of this program lies in its approach. Teachers in South Africa receive training in their classrooms alongside their pupils. With this approach, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and “Teach Reading for Meaning” strive to bridge the educational gap, ensuring that all children attending no-fee schools have access to a high-quality education in South Africa.
Conclusion
The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation initially focused its charitable activities in the U.S. Its influence has expanded globally over time, becoming a positive change in the lives of children facing urban poverty. The foundation has never shied away from setting lofty objectives and this unshakable commitment will keep opening doors of transformation for those most in need.
– Olivia Pitrof
Photo: Freepik
Micro-Hydro in Uttarakhand and the Ripple Effect on Communities
Micro-Hydro Power in Uttarakhand
Nestled in the majestic Himalayas, the Indian state of Uttarakhand grapples with a constant challenge: ensuring reliable access to electricity. However, a quiet revolution is brewing in remote villages, offering a glimmer of hope, through its ripple effect on communities. Micro-hydro dams, harnessing the power of gushing mountain streams, are bringing clean and sustainable energy to communities for the first time.
Micro-hydropower plants utilize the energy of flowing water to generate electricity on a small scale. These dams are typically constructed on tributaries or streams, minimizing environmental impact while harnessing a renewable source of energy. In Uttarakhand, micro-hydro projects are proving to be a game-changer for remote villages, where conventional grid extension is often impractical or uneconomical.
Catalyst for Community Transformation
The World Bank estimates that around 759 million people globally lacked access to electricity in 2019, with the majority residing in low- and lower-middle-income countries. This lack of access hinders economic development, education and health care, perpetuating the cycle of poverty. Micro-hydropower offers a decentralized and sustainable solution, particularly in geographically remote areas where grid extension is challenging.
By illuminating homes, micro-hydropower projects are transforming lives in Uttarakhand. Families can now enjoy basic conveniences like lighting after sunset, enhancing their quality of life and safety. Children can extend their study hours beyond daylight, improving their educational opportunities. Moreover, the ripple effect on communities makes us witness the emergence of small businesses powered by micro-hydro-generated electricity, creating income-generating opportunities and fostering local economic development.
Environmental and Economic Progress
Furthermore, micro-hydropower contributes to environmental sustainability. Unlike traditional fossil fuel-based electricity generation, micro-hydro plants produce minimal greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. This aligns with India’s ambitious goals of transitioning toward a cleaner and greener energy future. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) emphasizes that micro-hydropower plays a crucial role in achieving universal access to electricity, particularly in remote areas. By embracing innovative solutions like micro-hydropower, Uttarakhand is demonstrating a promising pathway toward a brighter future, empowered by clean energy, economic growth and environmental responsibility.
Looking Ahead
Uttarakhand’s journey toward energy sustainability, marked by the implementation of micro-hydro projects, heralds a new era of empowerment and environmental stewardship. Furthermore, these initiatives not only light up homes but also spark economic and educational advancements, offering a brighter future for remote communities. Moreover, as this clean energy revolution continues to unfold, it stands as a testament to the potential of innovative solutions in overcoming challenges and driving progress.
– Vincenzo Marino
Photo: Unsplash
Child Soldiers in Sierra Leone
Between 1991 and 2002 civil war took place in Sierra Leone in which the country “recruited” children as young as 7 years old as soldiers. These child soldiers were “actual” children with families and lived at home but were abducted under the promise of protection and a sense of community as the war was raging, according to UNICEF.
Stigmatization, Poverty and Vengeance
According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), children are more likely to become soldiers when they do not have access to education and live in poverty. Armed groups often make children kill their own families or neighbors to ensure stigmatization, making a child “unable to return to his or her community.”
Sierra Leone has a long history of struggling with poverty and unemployment. According to HRW, “many children join armed groups because of economic and social pressure, or because children believe that the group will offer food or security.”
Ishmael Beah was only 13 years old when the government’s army unit recruited him to fight against Rebel forces, after losing his parents and two brothers. Becoming a soldier out of vengeance for the loss of his family led him to take part in numerous battles. “When you have lost your family and everything, you quickly learn to belong in this group—but to belong to this new group requires violence. Violence becomes the way of showing loyalty,” Beah told UNICEF. Around two years later, when he was 15, UNICEF rescued him and placed him in a rehabilitation home in Freetown.
Ishmael Beah is now a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and pledges to help children who suffer from trauma due to violence. There have now been many rehabilitation centers for child soldiers and UNICEF reports the release and reintegration of more than 100,000 children in more than 15 countries struggling with armed conflict since 1998.
Helping Child Soldiers in Sierra Leone
Save the Children began its work in Sierra Leone in 1999 in response to the civil war. After the war, Save the Children’s initial focus was on child reunification in which the organization helped children find their parents or family members and helped those children who had participated in the war as child soldiers. The organization has now implemented its 2022-24 Global Strategy to fulfill the rights of all children, including child protection, education, health and child rights governance.
On February 12, 2002, the U.N. established the Red Hand Day, the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers. Red Hand Day became an actual campaign that strives to end the use of child soldiers and to care for and protect former child soldiers, including those who were child soldiers in Sierra Leone.
Save the Children and Red Hand Day offer a glimmer of hope toward peace education, ensuring that no child under the age of 18 will end up in the army, potentially losing their own lives. Ishmael Beah’s experience is among many stories of child soldiers in Sierra Leone that bring to life how wars affect children. Hopefully, others will continue to voice their experience too, helping to end the use of child soldiers and helping provide children with the love and care that they deserve.
– Nevin Guler
Photo: Flickr
Hive Earth’s Community Development in Ghana
Poverty in Ghana
Ghana saw notable poverty reduction between 1991 and 2012 but has faced stagnation since then. In recent years, slow economic growth and high inflation have driven up poverty rates. Additionally, there are increased disparities across different demographics and regions.
According to an interview with Hive Earth’s co-founder Joelle Eyeson, there is a demand for low-cost building methods to increase access to housing and other resources among people in poverty. This is how Hive Earth’s community development in Ghana comes into play.
How Hive Earth is Supporting Ghana’s Poor
As Eyeson explained, Hive Earth supports Ghana’s poor by “actively engaging with communities.” This engagement consists of training programs teaching self-sufficiency regarding building and maintaining homes. Eyeson emphasized that the objective of Hive Earth’s community development in Ghana is to “create sustainable solutions that uplift communities and break the cycle of poverty.” Throughout the past year, Eyeson explained that this work has consisted of large-scale community projects such as constructing a family center in central Ghana.
Moreover, Eyeson advocates for Hive Earth’s approach to sustainable and affordable housing as a vital strategy to mitigate the housing crisis and support impoverished communities. However, she underscores the importance of a comprehensive strategy, highlighting that the full benefits of eco-friendly and cost-effective construction materials can only be realized when complemented by targeted political and educational efforts.
In addition, Eyeson is focused on expanding the reach and impact of Rammed Earth construction, anticipating a growth in demand. She envisions establishing more Rammed Earth companies across Africa, incorporating training programs and partnerships into Hive Earth’s business model to foster sustainable building practices and knowledge sharing.
Similar Initiatives
Hive Earth’s community development in Ghana is not the only instance where innovative methods and materials are being used to make housing and other community resources more accessible for impoverished people. Another up-and-coming unique technique to make housing more affordable is 3D printing homes.
Furthermore, companies like Tvasta Manufacturing Solutions in India, in collaboration with nonprofit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity have successfully 3D printed homes. These homes are 30% cheaper and can be built in five days or less.
Housing and Poverty Solutions
Eyeson encourages individuals passionate about reducing poverty and improving housing access to consider internships, volunteering or partnering with local projects and organizations. She highlights the Stewards of Affordable Housing for the Future (SAHF) as a key resource for those in the United States (U.S.) interested in making a difference in this field.
In addition, SAHF operates as a collaborative network involving 12 organizations dedicated to enhancing access to affordable and sustainable housing. Spanning the nation, alongside its advocacy efforts, SAHF serves as a key resource for individuals seeking to contribute to this cause.
Furthermore, Eyeson emphasizes the value of further education, whether formal or community-based, for deepening engagement in sustainable housing. She finds immense satisfaction in changing perceptions about natural building materials traditionally linked to poverty. Eyeson’s work with Hive Earth demonstrates the significance and value of building with Earth, challenging and transforming people’s associations with mud and similar materials.
– Madison Paulus
Photo: Unsplash
Organizations Tackling Senior Poverty
This has been noticed in both developed and developing nations. In fact, South Korea was found to have the highest rate of senior poverty in 2023, with poverty rates among senior adults surpassing 40%. The second highest rates were found in Estonia and Latvia, with both countries’ senior poverty rates above 30%. Additionally, countries such as Australia, Japan and the United States (U.S.) reported 20% or higher poverty rates among their senior populations.
These numbers show that, in many countries, the risk of poverty only rises with age. Babken Babajanian, an author working with HelpAge, says, “Across the world, we’re hearing shocking stories of older people going hungry, selling their assets or even begging in the street to survive.” Organizations like HelpAge International and the AARP Foundation are working hard to find a solution to the rising global senior poverty rates.
HelpAge International
HelpAge International strives to better the lives of older women and men in low and middle-income countries. They focus mainly on older individuals living in crisis-prone and economically insecure areas. The organization aims to “empower older people to lead dignified, active and healthy lives.”
HelpAge accomplishes this by responding to humanitarian crises and ensuring seniors can access livable incomes through social support systems. They focus on building a society where people of all ages can thrive. The organization advocates for the rights of older people. It challenges ageism and raises awareness about issues such as elder abuse.
HelpAge International has networks in Africa, Asia, Eurasia, Europe, Latin America and North America. With such a fantastic reach, this vast network has 170 members in more than 90 countries. Thanks to their extensive network, HelpAge assisted more than 2.4 million senior women and men in accessing health care through their interventions in 2023. In 2023, HelpAge estimates that around 659,000 older citizens were positively impacted by their humanitarian work.
The AARP Foundation
The AARP Foundation aims to build a future without senior poverty. They do this by helping economically vulnerable seniors secure essential goods, health care and knowledge. This assistance aims to help them improve the quality of their lives, thereby strengthening communities and restoring hope into the lives of older adults.
AARP helps older adults with things like receiving rent and mortgage assistance and support for social isolation. The organization also provides resume-building and job interview coaching to people aged 50 and older. Recently, Google made a $10 million grant to the foundation to help fund the digital training workshops it provides to thousands of seniors.
The AARP Foundation has helped more than 900,000 older adults who were vulnerable to becoming impoverished. They have secured more than $720 million in income for older adults living with low incomes. Like HelpAge International, the AARP Foundation is utilizing every resource available to aid them in fighting senior poverty.
– Kimber Peters
Photo: Unsplash
Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
Efforts in India
The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides improved access to financial services, employment opportunities, education and sustainable livelihoods for India’s urban poor. With 149 active projects spanning the nation, this commitment exceeds $180 million in investments, enriching the lives of children and fostering enduring changes within their communities.
In India, half of students need to catch up in reading and arithmetic, while 33% drop out before completing high school. Additionally, 60% of 18- to 21-year-olds need more preparation for the job market. To address these challenges and enhance educational outcomes for underserved students, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation invests in large-scale statewide projects to improve student learning, teaching skills, school administration and educational leadership.
The foundation has provided crucial financial support to two leading school finance companies in India. It enables school leaders to enhance learning environments and broaden access to high-quality education. This effort aims to bring about significant changes in India’s educational system and is now implementing in Rajasthan, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.
Additionally, in India, more than 400 million people are between the ages of 15 and 29, but many lack the skills needed for job opportunities. Acknowledging this pressing necessity, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation continues to work to improve families’ financial security.
One noteworthy project is a partnership with the Lighthouse Communities Foundation, which empowers young people with the horizontal and vertical skill sets necessary for workforce integration. With 16,000 job placements and 25,000 students enrolled, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation is pivotal in providing India’s youth with the essential tools to obtain meaningful employment, cultivating a road toward enduring prosperity and success.
Efforts in South Africa
Another primary goal is to provide people in South Africa with employment opportunities. The foundation plays a vital part in promoting financial stability among South African households by utilizing brilliant collaborations with entities such as SweepSouth, which provides job placement services to the unemployed.
The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation’s collaboration with SweepSouth has had a profound impact. Their technology is actively engaging more than 4,000 domestic workers, with a noteworthy 97% of them being women with children. Impressively, more than 80% of these individuals were previously unemployed. This initiative creates job opportunities and instills a sense of empowerment, enabling individuals to experience continuous personal and professional growth in South Africa.
In their commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for underserved youth in South Africa, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation supports the Funda Wande initiative, specifically the “Teach Reading for Meaning” program. This innovative project focuses on equipping teachers with advanced techniques to effectively teach reading, a skill crucial for academic success.
The distinguishing feature of this program lies in its approach. Teachers in South Africa receive training in their classrooms alongside their pupils. With this approach, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and “Teach Reading for Meaning” strive to bridge the educational gap, ensuring that all children attending no-fee schools have access to a high-quality education in South Africa.
Conclusion
The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation initially focused its charitable activities in the U.S. Its influence has expanded globally over time, becoming a positive change in the lives of children facing urban poverty. The foundation has never shied away from setting lofty objectives and this unshakable commitment will keep opening doors of transformation for those most in need.
– Olivia Pitrof
Photo: Freepik
INTERPOL’s Illegal Timber Bust a Win Against Poverty
INTERPOL partnered with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and organizations from the U.N., Norway and the region’s governments. USAID’s connection, in this case, to an international policing force may seem surprising at first, but not so when considering the organization’s longstanding commitment to biodiversity and sustainable development.
A Call for Sustainable Evaluation
USAID has striven to uphold the ideal of global development that aligns with environmental conservation for decades. For many years, funding projects have gone towards conservation efforts in areas of high biodiversity, focusing on tropical forests, home to most of the world’s biodiversity. Additionally, all projects require an environmental impact assessment before implementation to reduce the impacts of development on the environment.
In 2014, USAID developed a new Biodiversity Policy. The main features of this policy are:
These efforts align with the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goal 15, which aims to “protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems,” including through preventing deforestation.
Unveiling the Co-Benefits of Biodiversity
All the efforts by USAID and the U.N. to highlight the importance of sustainability and conservation in global development reflect how vital biodiversity is to alleviating poverty. Biodiversity is not just important for its own sake. The services provided to local communities in highly biodiverse areas are essential.
To sustain their communities, many people rely on the following:
Despite their importance in decreasing and preventing poverty, these services are nearly impossible to restore or reproduce through humanitarian relief. If there is any damage to these ecosystems, the consequences might be catastrophic, including starvation, sickness and the loss of a sustainable local economy.
Environmental Crime Across the World
Illegal threats to local ecosystems, like illegal timber or wildlife trading, can have adverse ripple effects in local communities beyond just a loss of biodiversity. These industries bring with them a level of crime and corruption. They can have vast impacts on local and even national safety and can exacerbate poverty.
The illegal timber trade is estimated to be worth as much as $51-152 billion annually, representing 15-30% of all timber traded globally. The illicit timber trade takes almost half the money in all environmental violations globally. This category also includes wildlife trafficking, overfishing and pollution crimes. Illegal industries like these leave communities with greater levels of crime and poverty.
INTERPOL’s ongoing efforts and arrests, with the support of USAID, are therefore not just a win for biodiversity but also in the fight against poverty.
– Lyle Seeligson
Photo: Pexels
Preventing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Nigeria
On the other hand, in developing countries, air pollution and the living environment are much more significant factors. Interestingly, estimates suggest that 50% of COPD cases in Sub-Saharan Africa occur in individuals who have never smoked and it often remains undiagnosed. It is a silent killer of so much of the population simply because they are impoverished.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Nigeria
The lifestyle of the people in Nigeria likely causes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the country. Whether or not people smoke tobacco, most African kitchens suffer from poor ventilation due to biomass smoke. Biomass fuel includes anything from a living thing, mostly wood or animal waste. Fires, often fueled by more biomass or kerosene, are also constant for heating or light. Although women are less likely to smoke than men, they have the same amount of COPD cases because they spend far more time inside the house.
COPD prevalence in Nigeria is attributable to factors beyond solely toxic air. Malnourishment at birth is a high-risk factor, potentially leading to weaker or misshapen lungs. Unborn and newborn infants, sharing environmental exposures with their mothers, may also encounter lung defects. Moreover, in economically disadvantaged African communities, high rates of HIV and tuberculosis persist. These diseases, if causing lung damage, contribute to the risk factors for COPD.
Prevention
COPD remains incurable, with survival strategies centered around removing oneself from potential dangers, such as tobacco use, engaging in regular exercise and maintaining optimal lung health. Ideally, addressing this concealed epidemic involves preventive measures to stop it before it begins.
However, the World Health Organization has implemented multiple steps to protect Africans from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The first is the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, approved by 180 countries, including Nigeria, which aims to help protect people from tobacco smoke. The second is the Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD), a network aimed solely at eliminating respiratory illnesses like COPD and asthma in low- and medium-income countries.
Various other proposals have been suggested to prevent illnesses caused by indoor air pollution. One approach involves the construction of homes equipped with chimneys or flues, allowing smoke to exit the living spaces efficiently. Creating infrastructure to provide homes with electricity or gas for cooking could eliminate the use of biomass fuel and its associated smoke.
Enhancing housing conditions goes beyond improving living standards; it has the potential to not only create better living environments but also to save lives.
– Varsha Pai
Photo: Pixabay
The Danish Refugee Council’s Humanitarian Aid Efforts In Lebanon
Crisis in Lebanon
The DRC is providing humanitarian aid efforts in Lebanon because the ongoing refugee crisis in the region heavily affects the Middle Eastern nation. Despite its small size, it plays host to a large number of refugees in proportion to its population, with around 1.5 million Syrian refugees seeking shelter. Ever since the onset of the Syrian conflict in 2011, Lebanon has witnessed a substantial influx of Syrian refugees. Furthermore, the country already accommodates a significant number of Palestinian refugees who have been struggling with displacement since long before the outbreak of this conflict.
Lebanon is also currently grappling with one of the most severe economic catastrophes. By 2023, the Lebanese currency has lost 98% of its value. This significant decline has caused a distressing rise in poverty levels, leading to the closure of several businesses and a surge in unemployment rates. Consequently, the prices of basic goods have skyrocketed, making it difficult for people to afford basic necessities such as food, shelter and health care.
The refugees face many significant challenges, including the lack of access to adequate housing and health care. Many live in overcrowded settlements or informal tented settlements, which only puts them at risk of further exploitation and marginalization.
Humanitarian Aid Efforts In Lebanon
DRC has been distributing humanitarian aid efforts in Lebanon since 2004, working closely with local communities, government authorities, such as the U.S. Department of State and other humanitarian agencies to address the needs of refugees and displaced people. Its presence and expertise provide rapid and effective assistance to those most in need. One of the ways this is done is through the CHASE program.
The Capable, Hopeful, Accepted, Safe and Engaged (CHASE) youth empowerment program aims to enhance social and economic empowerment and foster self-reliance among young Syrian refugees and other youths who feel the impacts of conflict. Before creating this program, the DRC conducted a study and found that Lebanese and Syrian youth are facing widespread feelings of hopelessness due to limited opportunities for further education and decent employment, leading to a lack of optimism for the future.
The program employs a holistic approach to support communities, incorporating activities such as skills training, capacity building, awareness campaigns and advocacy efforts.
Economic Recovery Programming
The DRC’s Economic Recovery Programming is a program that aims to support individuals and their households in rebuilding their financial stability after a crisis or shock. Its main focus is to empower individuals to sustain themselves through self-production for income generation in a secure manner. Within this program, there are three sub-sectors: Food Security, Financial Inclusion and Decent Livelihoods.
Supporting Refugees and IDPs
The DRC’s humanitarian aid efforts in Lebanon demonstrate its commitment to supporting refugees and IDPs. Through a comprehensive range of services, the DRC empowers displaced individuals to rebuild their lives. With a focus on long-term solutions and advocacy, the DRC contributes significantly to humanitarian efforts in Lebanon.
– Sara Hatab
Photo: Flickr
Alleviating Child Malnutrition in North Macedonia
The Interplay of Malnutrition and Poverty
Malnutrition and poverty share a complex and intertwined relationship, forming a cycle that disproportionately affects children in this country. In North Macedonia, where poverty rates remain consistently high, malnutrition intensifies the challenges faced by families already struggling to make ends meet. According to the World Bank, approximately 22% of North Macedonia’s population lived below the national poverty line as of 2021, with children being among the most vulnerable groups.
Impact on Children’s Health
Child malnutrition in North Macedonia also poses threats to physical and cognitive development, which can have effects such as weakened immune systems and cognitive impairments. These effects can extend far beyond childhood as well, affecting individuals’ long-term health outcomes and economic prospects. Malnourished children are more susceptible to illnesses and less likely to perform well academically, for example, which perpetuates the cycle of poverty into adulthood.
Economic Implications
The economic consequences of child malnutrition in North Macedonia are widespread as well. A new World Bank report warns that malnutrition is costing low-income countries up to 3% of their yearly GDP, while malnourished children are at risk of losing more than 10% of their lifetime earnings potential. This cost not only undermines economic growth but perpetuates the cycle of poverty in North Macedonia by depriving the nation of a healthy and educated workforce, however, this is a cost that can be remedied by alleviating child malnutrition in North Macedonia.
Progress and Ongoing Efforts
While these challenges are considerable, North Macedonia has taken significant steps toward alleviating child malnutrition. Government initiatives such as the National Food and Nutrition Strategy and the School Meal Programme, for example, are working to improve access to nutritious food and promote healthy eating habits among children. Collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, health care providers and communities has also been crucial in delivering services to individuals in need. These steps, as well as those listed below, provide examples of what must continue to be done to alleviate childhood malnutrition in North Macedonia.
Working with NGOs
Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in alleviating child malnutrition in North Macedonia. Organizations such as the Red Cross of North Macedonia and World Vision have implemented nutrition programs targeting vulnerable communities, providing food assistance, nutrition education and access to health care services. These approaches ensure that interventions are tailored to the specific needs of each community, fostering lasting change in North Macedonia.
Investing in Nutrition Education and Health care
Nutrition education is another key to alleviating child malnutrition in North Macedonia. Schools, health care facilities and community centers can serve as platforms for delivering nutrition education to children and caregivers throughout the country. Similarly, improving access to health care services, particularly in underserved areas, is critical for early detection and treatment of child malnutrition. Investing in health care infrastructure and training health care professionals can strengthen the system’s capacity to address the nutritional needs of children in North Macedonia more effectively.
Looking Forward
North Macedonia stands at a crucial juncture in its fight against child malnutrition and poverty. While the country has made significant progress, more work is necessary to guarantee every child the chance to thrive and fulfill their potential. Collaborative efforts among government agencies, NGOs, health care providers and communities are essential to further reduce child malnutrition in North Macedonia, ensuring a future where no child falls behind due to malnutrition and poverty.
– Olivia Pitrof
Photo: Unsplash
Organizations Fighting for Mental Health in Liberia
In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that one out of five of Liberia’s population experienced a mental disorder. Subsequent research by WHO indicates an improvement in Liberia’s mental health, with a notable increase in the mental health workforce. Initially, only one psychiatrist served the country, but as of 2020, Liberia has more than 450 mental health professionals, including four psychiatrists, two psychologists and more than 400 mental health nurses. That said, here are some organizations fighting mental health in Liberia.
LiCORMH
The Liberia Center for Outcome Research on Mental Health’s (LiCORMH) health initiatives target unique, often ignored, areas of mental health in Liberia. For instance, LiCORMH now situates sexual abuse under a “fallout of war,” raising attention to the issue as connected to disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many of the citizens reaching adulthood today are survivors of a civil war in the country that began when they were children. A study showed that 50% of Liberians are coping with PTSD. The country’s growing dedication to mental health helps these survivors deal with their PTSD.
The Carter Center
The Carter Center, as indicated by its motto prominently displayed on the front page of its website — “Waging Peace, Fighting Disease, Building Hope” — grapples with the challenge of realizing this mission in Liberia’s fight against mental afflictions. The organization has trained an army of public health workers in mental health care, ranging everywhere from crisis intervention to diagnoses of mental health afflictions. Additionally, The Carter Center has played a crucial role in community education on mental health, empowering individuals with tools for self-help. Furthermore, the organization focuses on training health workers in self-care.
John F. Kennedy Medical Health Center
Located in the capital city, Monrovia, boasting 50 years of experience, 1000 employees and 57,000 patients a year, the JFK Medical Health Center is Liberia’s “largest referral hospital.” The E.S Grant Mental Health Hospital, a part of the JFK Medical Health Center, is the only hospital combatting mental health in Liberia. It has enough room to care for 80 patients and the workforce to offer outpatient advice to those suffering from mental health concerns.
Child Resource Institute
Tackling mental health is a lofty goal and its aims and strategies must have broad reach and circumspect plans. The Child Resource Institute connects women and children to programs that enable them to become self-sufficient and proactive members of their societies. Despite its economic goals, the institute’s actions affect mental health, too. It builds pathways for Liberian citizens toward brighter futures.
Final Remark
The struggle is far from over, but support for mental health in Liberia will guarantee that the country continues to move in the right direction and that every citizen receives the care they deserve.
– Antonio Muhs
Photo: Flickr