Aiming to eradicate extreme poverty, Global Citizen has developed an app that combats poverty and promotes digital activism. The app offers educational resources, details about grassroots organizations and avenues for political action toward systemic change. It serves as a comprehensive guide on poverty and has attracted more than 500,000 downloads from social activists and changemakers globally.
Global Citizen’s Platform
Originally co-founded by Hugh Evans, Simon Moss and Wei Soo as the Global Poverty Project in 2008, the Global Citizen movement has grown from strength to strength and has become a world-leading humanitarian organization advocating for solidarity in the fight for poverty reduction.
Since its debut in 2012, the Global Citizen platform has gained fame for organizing the Global Citizen Festival, an annual music event that unites prominent artists and activists to pledge support and fundraise for initiatives aimed at alleviating global poverty.
Featuring headliners like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Alicia Keys and Stevie Wonder, among others, the festival, in conjunction with various projects, partnerships and Global Citizen’s programs, has distributed $46.3 billion in funds to date, which amounts to almost three times the $15.8 billion spent on Official Development Assistance (ODA) by the United Kingdom (U.K.) in 2022.
The App
With the continued success of the Global Citizen Festival, the newest addition to the Global Citizen platform is the app fighting poverty from the comfort of users’ pockets. Designed in collaboration with L+R, a global design and technology studio, the innovative app prompts users to take daily actionable steps to impact the fight for global poverty reduction.
With four primary categories encompassing actions, campaigns, content and goals & journeys, the app gives users autonomy to choose how to contribute to poverty reduction with activities ranging from re-tweeting important information to signing petitions and learning how to email MPs and government representatives.
Similar to several social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter) the Global Citizen app provides access to the latest poverty-related news but uniquely links trending and breaking stories to actionable tasks in support of poverty reduction.
For example, adjacent to an article about implementing human rights reforms in Saudi Arabia, the Global Citizen app will use a ‘take action now’ button and directly link to relevant petitions calling on governmental bodies to act and acknowledge the voices of global citizens demanding for equity and justice worldwide.
The app further hosts quizzes addressing a variety of poverty-related topics which test users on their knowledge in an informal and gratifying setting while incentivizing further learning. Additionally, the app boasts rewards according to the number of points collected through actions taken. Each completed action amounts to a certain number, which, when combined, can be used to enter a variety of competitions. Prizes range from one-year subscriptions to online classes, to concert tickets for a variety of artists and together, bring the fight to end extreme poverty to the forefront of daily life.
Global Citizen: Shaping the Future
The Global Citizen motto, “This is our world and the actions of one can have a profound impact on many” is the incentive needed for people to collectively recognize their voice as a vehicle for impactful and long-lasting change. Through voting, tweeting, emailing, signing and petitioning, the Global Citizen app has created the nexus of digital technology and activism, making the personal political.
Not only does this close the gap between two intersecting systems, the public and their governments, but it also raises awareness and educates about the power of harnessing digital technology in the fight against extreme poverty. By downloading the Global Citizen app and fighting poverty at the touch of a button, real, impactful, systemic change can take place. Demanding action from world leaders and those in positions of power is not only a basic human right but the future of activism in a digital age.
– Zoe Winterfeldt
Photo: Flickr
2024 Wildfires in Chile
Geographic Challenge in Chile
Chile is victim to, not only wildfires but a great number of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, droughts and floods. This is due to the country being located in the “Pacific Ring of Fire.” National Geographic reveals that 90% of all earthquakes across the globe occur on this path. Although these disasters often impact different locations, with wildfires occurring in forests and floods near rivers, the continuous risk of natural disasters has an enormous detrimental effect on the community, particularly minorities.
Wildfires in Chile: Poverty Cycle Intensified
These wildfires are not a one-off disaster. Some areas of Chile see an average of 3000-5000 fires each season. The constant risk of such disasters creates a poverty cycle that is very hard to escape. The 2024 wildfires in Chile destroyed up to 15,000 homes and left over 1600 people homeless. Many lost their livelihood alongside their homes as crops were turned to dust. These disasters have the power to drive people into poverty.
Those already living on a low income struggle to recover from such disasters altogether. Prevention Web suggests that “social exclusion” results in them being “overlooked during emergency responses.” Those suffering from poverty do not have the luxury of being able to afford insurance or put preventative measures in place. In previous incidents, education has been disrupted as schools are damaged by the blaze. Fires have also damaged water systems that ensure communities have safe drinking water.
Therefore, the impact of the fires extends further than the casualties and goes on to affect multiple poverty indicators.
Minority Vulnerability to Disasters
Minorities such as the elderly, women and children and those living with disabilities are disproportionately affected. For example, a single mother has been raising her 4-year-old son, Ignacio, who suffers from severe disabilities. Ignacio was born with cerebral palsy spastic diplegia and refractory epilepsy and severe dysphagia. The 2024 wildfires in Chile have taken everything from them. Most importantly Ignacio’s neurological wheelchair an “essential for her little one’s daily life.” Those in minority groups are often hit the hardest and must use limited resources to make up the loss which strengthens the grasp that poverty has on their lives.
Desafio Levantemos Chile
This charity helps communities in Chile get back on their feet after disasters like the wildfires. It has more than 700 projects across the country and has assisted in more than 24 emergencies. Usually one of the first on the ground after a disaster and has helped more than a million citizens in Chile in the 14 years it has been running. In the 2024 wildfires in Chile, the organization delivered hundreds of debris removal kits and thousands of liters of water. It acts as “the bridge between those who need help and those who want to help.”
Desafio Levantemos Chile has been a part of many initiatives to raise money for the 2024 wildfires in Chile. It created an online program with famous singers, actors and influencers, gathering more than 100,000 people online and raising more than 6 billion in total. The organization is also working with the Vina del Mar Festival to create the Arriba Vina campaign. This campaign aims to build 2000 emergency homes for those left homeless by the fires. This festival will take place from the 25th of Feb. to the 1st of March and host many artists. The charity is supporting those affected by the fires by using music and TV to raise awareness and funds.
Rebuilding Hope Amid Flames
In the wake of the devastating wildfires in Chile, the resilience of communities and the pivotal role of organizations like Desafio Levantemos Chile highlight a beacon of hope for recovery and rebuilding. Through innovative fundraising and direct aid, this charity is significantly aiding those affected, proving the power of solidarity in overcoming disaster. The collective efforts to support vulnerable groups and reconstruct homes underscore a commitment to not only restore what was lost but also to fortify the nation against future adversities.
– Liz Johnson
Photo: Unsplash
Energy Firms Tackling Poverty
Oil and Gas has made a few firms incredibly profitable, with the likes of ExxonMobil and Shell emerging as the long-run leaders of the industry, which has turned more than $4.4 trillion as of 2023. Their diverse investments in the green energy sector move towards sustainable economic growth in the 21st century. It indicates that these companies have a clear understanding of future advancement. However, their contributions to reducing poverty still need to be acknowledged. These are examples of how the cornerstones of the energy sector tackle poverty.
ExxonMobil
As part of ExxonMobil’s commitment to philanthropy, they have set up the ExxonMobil Foundation, a branch of the firm that focuses on social issues around the world and contributes to poverty reduction on a global scale. Since 2000, Exxon has donated more than $1.6 billion to education and training programs globally.
A teacher training program that spans more than 60 countries hopes to accelerate education progress in countries such as Senegal, Sierra Leone and South Africa, which will boost economic development in the future. Another example of the energy sector tackling poverty is donating its revenue to charities.
Shell
Since 2000, Shell Foundation has become the vessel of Shell’s philanthropic work. Operating independently, away from Shell, the foundation has developed a keen focus on economic development within Asia and Africa. Their methodology consists of providing small-scale businesses with affordable and clean energy, allowing them to afford lower costs and helping to achieve more commercial funding.
They have promoted sustainable economic growth by reducing more than 58.18 million tonnes of carbon emission, helping them leverage more than $8 billion and securing supporting more than jobs worldwide as of 2021.
The foundation’s work exemplifies how the energy sector tackles poverty by partnering with their business. They have been able to promote sustainable economic development within various impoverished countries. To escape the poverty cycle, this foundation allows for financial stability and further progression in living so that the future generation can afford higher education and training opportunities.
Conclusion
While it is hard to distinguish their philanthropic motive away from their branding of corporate social responsibility, it is encouraging to see that the cornerstones of the energy sector take on poverty. Whether through charitable donations or by incorporating other considerations into their business to improve economic conditions in impoverished countries, the efforts of energy firms have made a significant difference in livelihoods on a global scale.
– Matthew Fung
Photo: Flickr
Satellites: How Technology Is Combating Hunger
On the Ground
Established in 1978, South-South Cooperation is a technical collaboration among developing countries in the Global South to foster effective communication to share skills and knowledge. This partnership has proven essential in facilitating technology transfer and quicker emergency responses, especially in times of disaster.
South-South has significantly influenced the current battle against hunger by focusing on new technology and its practices. The networking has proven monumental to the region and its contribution to the global economy. More than half of the world’s growth in recent times can be attributed to Southern countries. South-South leads the exchange of knowledge and expertise through diverse programs and projects to address specific issues in each country or region.
In the Air
Above the clouds lies an intricate satellite system with a program name as extensive as the day. The Global Agricultural Conditions Remote Sensing Early Reporting System (CropWatch) is the global leader in all remote monitoring systems. CropWatch currently covers six major grain-producing regions and 46 grain-producing and exporting countries.
CropWatch technology plays a crucial role in addressing hunger in various South-South regions by monitoring rainfall, temperatures and vegetation health. This comprehensive approach aids local farmers and growers prepare for diverse conditions, including El Niño. Established in 1998, CropWatch has become indispensable worldwide, contributing significantly to research and intuition and promoting healthy and sustainable crop growth.
Working Together
South-South and CropWatch share a longstanding collaboration, frequently joining forces on various projects and workshops. Their concerted efforts in disseminating theoretical knowledge and practical know-how play a vital role in the global fight against hunger through technology. Thus far, 11 African and Asian countries have benefitted from the assistance provided by these two collaborative programs.
Together, the programs implement effective warning systems for pest and plant diseases and help with action plans in the event of either. In August 2023, in efforts to combat crop growth issues, both programs hosted a workshop assisting farmers in the central regions of Africa to learn the CropWatch systems to manage irrigation.
What’s Next
The future looks promising, with technology firmly embedded in our lives and advancing rapidly. Each update and breakthrough brings us closer to a lasting solution for global hunger. Thanks to initiatives such as CropWatch and South-South, the trajectory toward sustainable food is already a reality. Notably, the impact of technology on combating hunger is evident, with food insecurity declining. As of 2023, more than 160 countries around the globe downloaded information about CropWatch, recognizing its pivotal role in each nation’s development.
– Ryan Johnson
Photo: Pixabay
Why and How Poverty in Japan is Concealed
However, according to the 2022 Basic Survey on National Living published by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, Japan’s poverty rate was 15.4%, the highest among the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) members then. This raises the question: How does the country keep its poverty issue relatively concealed?
Historic Cause of Poverty in Japan
Modern Japanese poverty is often attributed to the “Lost Decade,” a period from 1991 to 2001 caused by a heightened Bank of Japan interest rate and characterized by real estate equity values lowering 70% through the decade. Before the “Lost Decade,” Japan was seen as the epitome of economic prosperity. It had an economic system called “keiretsu,” promoting entrepreneurship by forming a close-knit group of businesses able to invest in each other through the national bank.
Keiretsu allowed an entrepreneurial cushion for businesses to test new products before exporting them internationally, which, in turn, boosted the country’s economy. However, as the rapid growth of the Keiretsu system continued to succeed, the banks, also believing the government cushioned them, took riskier investments and eventually began to fail.
The Japanese government attempted to create new jobs by building new infrastructure. Similarly, the Bank of Japan boosted its monetary base by 60% with the quantitative easing program. However, deflation and fiscal deficit persisted, even as the nation exited the “Lost Decade.”
The Cultural Intersection With Poverty
Along with the economic growth, often called the “bubble economy,” there was a movement of “Nihonjinron,” the idea of defining the Japanese culture and identity. Though the concept of assuming a single, homogeneous Japanese identity was problematic, it provides a loose definition of Japanese sentiment at the time as prizing economic advancement, collectivism and a level of modernization.
However, after the “Lost Decade” and its ensuing insecurity, Japanese culture took on a “no excess” mentality, no longer prioritizing economic advancement by allowing for riskier odds. Economically, this lowered Japan’s place in the rapidly expanding world economy. Socially, this created a mindset centered around economic stability, thoroughly tabooing open poverty.
The manifestation of the nonacceptance of open poverty can be seen through Shinjuku Central Park in Tokyo. Though the park is filled with unhoused people at night, during the day, the individuals pack their belongings, often into remote, makeshift shelters or stay in government-funded homeless encampments. People living in poverty also do not typically ask for money and stay away from popular locations. This furthers the illusion of Japan’s lack of poverty.
Final Remark
With Japan’s rising poverty rate, the country has been implementing programs such as soup kitchens, public awareness campaigns, mental health support and the Housing First approach, which provides shelter to people without homes. However, as long as poverty in Japan remains invisible, it will not receive the aid it needs to help those in need to access just support.
– Aria Desai
Photo: Flickr
How Foreign Aid Is Addressing Tuberculosis in Tajikistan
A History of Tuberculosis Struggle in Tajikistan
Poverty is an influential determinant of TB. Poor living and working conditions directly increase the risk of transmission among people. For decades Tajikistan has had one of the worst rates of infection and TB mortality of any Central Asian country. However, a brief look at these rates offers signs of a promising future.
In 2002, the reported rate of TB per 100,000 people was 219. An encouraging downward trend saw the rate drop to 82 in 2019. This decrease in infection rates could be due to new successful treatments of the disease. By the time of recording in 2019, 91% of cases had been treated successfully, according to The Global Fund. Despite making significant progress in the past two decades, Tajikistan remains ranked 23rd out of the drug-resistant tuberculosis countries throughout the world.
The Front Line
Since 2011, Zufliya Dusmatova has worked for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Tajikistan as part of a program that focuses on pediatric TB. She knows all too well how hard the battle against the disease is in this part of the world. “Children have different symptoms of TB than adults…the symptoms in children often resemble other diseases and therefore pediatricians might treat children for viruses or diseases, like a cold or bronchitis,” she explained.
A considerable barrier to accurate diagnosis is the expense of CT scans in the region. Without the aid of life-saving equipment stopping the transference and growth of TB within patients can lead to death. Furthermore, the social stigma associated with the disease presents a further challenge to caregivers as those suffering from TB are less likely to seek treatment should it affect employment opportunities or even marriage prospects, MSF reports.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has since consolidated guidelines on drug-resistant TB treatment, doing much to help and identify those suffering from TB in Tajikistan, according to MSF.
Foreign Aid to Tajikistan
Foreign aid to Tajikistan is vital in the fight back against diseases like TB. As a low-income country largely reliant on labor remittances, any economic shock can be disastrous for health care initiatives in Tajikistan. This is why in 2020 state aid to Tajikistan from the U.S. continued to support the fight. The $51.3 million assistance, not including an additional $6.3 million for COVID-19 assistance, is essential in continuing to safeguard Tajikistan’s national health.
Furthermore, in 2021, USAID donated TB detection equipment to Tajikistan’s Ministry of Health. The equipment included smartphones, tablets, video conferencing devices and equipment for climate control.
In addition to U.S. support, the World Bank has agreed to support the new Tajikistan Millati Solim (Health Nation) project with $57.25 million. The project and funding will support improvements in primary health care services throughout the country. As well as to better prepare Tajikistan for any future health care emergencies.
A Brighter Future
The past two decades have seen many successes in Tajikistan’s battle to control TB infection within the country. However, that fight is not over. On March 24, 2023, the UNDP reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating TB in Tajikistan by celebrating World TB Day. The day’s theme of “Yes! We can end TB!” both provides hope for Tajikistan’s future and a reminder of how far the nation has come.
– Thomas Field
Photo: Flickr
Hunger and Poverty Among Small-Scale Farmers
Empowering Small-Scale Farmers
Small-scale farmers and rural residents often rank among the poorest, with a single poor harvest impacting their livelihoods for years. These farmers primarily produce basic goods, placing them low in the value chain and limiting their earnings.
Addressing rural poverty and ensuring the rights of small-scale farmers are essential for sustainable food systems. This article examines the Decent Work for Equitable Food Systems Coalition, a joint initiative by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), CARE International and the International Labour Organization (ILO), focusing on its role in combating rural poverty and supporting small-scale farmers.
The Coalition’s Impact on Rural Farmers
The Decent Work for Equitable Food Systems Coalition aims to ensure social and economic equity, along with access to adequate, nutritious food for all food system workers. It upholds human rights and labor laws, advocating for jobs in the agri-food industry that offer fair, livable wages.
In addition, the coalition concentrates on rural youth, addressing their specific challenges and fostering opportunities and promotes social inclusion to support small-scale farmers who may feel isolated and disempowered in rural areas. Through advocacy and the creation of knowledge, the coalition aims to solve these issues and move toward sustainable, equitable food systems.
Upholding Workers’ Rights
The coalition emphasizes creating better jobs in the agricultural sector to assist the rural poor. It targets an industry critical for the livelihoods of 4.5 billion people who depend on food systems, where 90% work in informal employment.
In fact, these workers, often among the world’s poorest and most vulnerable, include indigenous peoples and impoverished women whose livelihoods depend on agriculture. The 2021 United Nations Food System Summit underscored “Advancing Equitable Livelihoods, Decent Work and Empowered Communities” as a critical area for action to support the Sustainable Development Goals.
Furthermore, to eliminate rural poverty, it’s essential that agricultural jobs offer fair wages and uphold the rights of workers. Although the Decent Work for Equitable Food Systems Coalition is relatively new and data on its impact is still emerging, its efforts in research and advocacy for fair wages and rights for small-scale farmers are available for review on its website.
Looking Ahead
The Decent Work for Equitable Food Systems Coalition represents a beacon of hope for small-scale farmers, promising a future where fair wages and labor rights are not just ideals but realities.
By focusing on the empowerment of rural youth and the inclusion of marginalized groups, this initiative is laying the groundwork for sustainable and equitable food systems. As efforts continue to unfold, the promise of a world where every agricultural worker receives just compensation and recognition for their invaluable contribution grows ever more tangible.
– Sara del Carmen Navarro Galvan
Photo: Pexels
Global Citizen App: Fighting Poverty from Your Pocket
Global Citizen’s Platform
Originally co-founded by Hugh Evans, Simon Moss and Wei Soo as the Global Poverty Project in 2008, the Global Citizen movement has grown from strength to strength and has become a world-leading humanitarian organization advocating for solidarity in the fight for poverty reduction.
Since its debut in 2012, the Global Citizen platform has gained fame for organizing the Global Citizen Festival, an annual music event that unites prominent artists and activists to pledge support and fundraise for initiatives aimed at alleviating global poverty.
Featuring headliners like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Alicia Keys and Stevie Wonder, among others, the festival, in conjunction with various projects, partnerships and Global Citizen’s programs, has distributed $46.3 billion in funds to date, which amounts to almost three times the $15.8 billion spent on Official Development Assistance (ODA) by the United Kingdom (U.K.) in 2022.
The App
With the continued success of the Global Citizen Festival, the newest addition to the Global Citizen platform is the app fighting poverty from the comfort of users’ pockets. Designed in collaboration with L+R, a global design and technology studio, the innovative app prompts users to take daily actionable steps to impact the fight for global poverty reduction.
With four primary categories encompassing actions, campaigns, content and goals & journeys, the app gives users autonomy to choose how to contribute to poverty reduction with activities ranging from re-tweeting important information to signing petitions and learning how to email MPs and government representatives.
Similar to several social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter) the Global Citizen app provides access to the latest poverty-related news but uniquely links trending and breaking stories to actionable tasks in support of poverty reduction.
For example, adjacent to an article about implementing human rights reforms in Saudi Arabia, the Global Citizen app will use a ‘take action now’ button and directly link to relevant petitions calling on governmental bodies to act and acknowledge the voices of global citizens demanding for equity and justice worldwide.
The app further hosts quizzes addressing a variety of poverty-related topics which test users on their knowledge in an informal and gratifying setting while incentivizing further learning. Additionally, the app boasts rewards according to the number of points collected through actions taken. Each completed action amounts to a certain number, which, when combined, can be used to enter a variety of competitions. Prizes range from one-year subscriptions to online classes, to concert tickets for a variety of artists and together, bring the fight to end extreme poverty to the forefront of daily life.
Global Citizen: Shaping the Future
The Global Citizen motto, “This is our world and the actions of one can have a profound impact on many” is the incentive needed for people to collectively recognize their voice as a vehicle for impactful and long-lasting change. Through voting, tweeting, emailing, signing and petitioning, the Global Citizen app has created the nexus of digital technology and activism, making the personal political.
Not only does this close the gap between two intersecting systems, the public and their governments, but it also raises awareness and educates about the power of harnessing digital technology in the fight against extreme poverty. By downloading the Global Citizen app and fighting poverty at the touch of a button, real, impactful, systemic change can take place. Demanding action from world leaders and those in positions of power is not only a basic human right but the future of activism in a digital age.
– Zoe Winterfeldt
Photo: Flickr
USAID in Guatemala: Growth, Education and Food Security
However, Guatemala is in a position of significant potential, being rich in natural resources and biodiversity, to capitalize on its proximity to the U.S. for trade, tourism and resource opportunities. Guatemala has yet to reach its full potential for wealth, nevertheless. There are signs of progress, such as the country’s Gini Index Coefficient reduction over the last few decades.
Furthermore, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Guatemala has been present for some time and has far-reaching benefits in education, food security and economic growth. This article will provide a broad overview of how USAID in Guatemala is helping the Guatemalan authorities to alleviate poverty and how current and scheduled programs will build on this.
Education
The Puentes Project “aims to improve skills and abilities for work and access to employment or entrepreneurship opportunities for young people between 15 and 29 years of age.” This type of program is arguably one of the most important since Guatemala is struggling with a staggering 29.6% of its youth population not in education, employment or training. The project aims to enhance opportunities, employment scope, entrepreneurship prospects and adolescent access to social support.
The story of Irma Torres highlights the success of this program. After participating in the Puentes Project, she gained technological knowledge and skills such that she is now a teacher empowering the next generation, significantly improving her income.
Food Security
Like education, food security projects are also essential since rural Guatemalans face some of the most challenging conditions: “Families living in poor rural communities often eat only one meal a day.” This landscape makes it nearly impossible for rural Guatemalans to seek higher living standards and, unfortunately, is estimated to have driven “1.5 million Guatemalans to emigrate in the last 20 years.”
The “Feed the Future” program collaborates with many institutional agents and regional players within Guatemala to reduce poverty through sustainable rural development and increase private sector investment and job creation. The broadness of this initiative has led to several successes, such as the generation of 75,000 jobs since 2017. Further, more than 145,000 small-holder farmers have received help and more than 53,000 people have adopted new technologies for more efficient farming. Guatemalans who have participated in “Feed the Future” activities have been less likely to return to poverty and more likely to escape growth stunting due to malnutrition.
Economic Growth
Guatemala had a strong recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic, with GDP growth of 8% in 2021 and 4.1% in 2022. Still, most development depended on the country’s reliance on remittances. A lack of valued opportunity is the most significant driver behind the exodus of Guatemalans over the years. So, USAID in Guatemala seeks to form partnerships with the private sector to strengthen small and growing businesses and remove obstacles to access to finance, markets and large-scale foreign direct investment.
By working with the private sector directly, USAID in Guatemala can strategically provide training for jobs already identified, meet demand and support local economic prosperity.
The organization has heavily invested in manufacturing sectors to incentivize production at home for Guatemala to take advantage of the U.S. market and its benefits through the Dominican Republic-Central America FTA (CAFTA-DR) trade agreement.
Conclusion
The poverty rate among indigenous groups in Guatemala is as high as 79% and it is still a severe worry. USAID is leading several promising initiatives in the country and these efforts have already yielded some good results. Continued success will hinge on the ability of USAID and the Guatemalan authorities to carefully pinpoint decisive geographical and economic areas of the country where socioeconomic development is feasible and sustainable.
– Arshiya Eslamdoust
Photo: Unsplash
Tosepan Tetataniske: An Indigenous Solidarity Economy in Mexico
Rooted in the vision of its founders, Tosepan Tetataniske emerged as a response to the pressing need for basic provisions among the indigenous population. Comprised of eight regional cooperatives, Tosepan Tetataniske has become a lifeline for 34,000 families across 29 municipalities. At its core, the organization embodies the principles of an indigenous solidarity economy, where community resistance is not merely opposition but is accompanied by practical proposals for alternative economic practices. The cooperative movement has improved the quality of life for families and fostered sustainable development within the region.
Award-Winning Cooperatives
One of Tosepan Tetataniske’s flagship projects, the Tosepantomin (Everyone’s Money), was awarded the prestigious European Microfinance Award in 2017 for its innovative approach to “Microfinance for Housing.” This initiative targets rural communities in marginalized areas, offering savings and loans for housing improvements and construction. With a focus on ecological sustainability, the cooperative promotes eco-friendly building techniques and renewable energy solutions, ensuring long-term resilience for its members.
In tandem with its housing program, Tosepantomin has expanded its reach to provide financial services to its cooperative members through initiatives like the “Yolchicaualis” (strength energy) credit product. Additionally, the cooperative has embraced the Year of Youth and Recovery of Values, launching programs to empower young people through job training, life plan development and social ventures. Tosepantomin is transforming individual lives and revitalizing entire communities by investing in its youth’s future.
Mitigating Risks
One of the Tosepan cooperatives, the Maseual Xicaualis (Indigenous Force), has revolutionized the local coffee industry while navigating complex financial markets with finesse. By pooling resources and expertise, the cooperative shields itself from market fluctuations by estimating crop sizes and locking favorable prices on New York’s ICE Futures exchange. However, this journey to financial resilience was challenging, requiring more than a year of intensive training with Mexican firm GAMAA Derivatives to navigate the intricate world of derivatives markets dominated by significant hedge funds and multinational importers.
Despite the challenges, Maseual Xicaualis’s partnership with GAMAA proved invaluable, enabling the cooperative to avert potential disasters such as the price slump experienced in 2009. Through strategic hedging, the cooperative ensures stability and prosperity for its members, underscoring its unwavering commitment to the well-being of indigenous coffee growers and the sustainability of their livelihoods. Maseual Xicaualis exemplifies the transformative potential of collective action and financial acumen within marginalized communities, setting a precedent for resilience and empowerment in the face of systemic challenges.
Indigenous Alternatives
In conclusion, cooperatives that comprise Tosepen Tetataniske, like Tosepantomin and Maseual Xicaualis, exemplify the transformative power of an indigenous solidarity economy within marginalized indigenous communities. By fostering collective ownership, mutual support and sustainable practices, these cooperatives offer improved quality of life and increased economic opportunities for their members. As beacons of hope amid adversity, they demonstrate the potential for grassroots initiatives to effect positive change and build brighter futures for future generations.
– Spencer Springob
Photo: Flickr
The Rosie May Foundation: Empowering Communities
Backstory of the Foundation
Rosie May Storrie was a bright 10-year-old girl who “drew everyone towards her like a magnet.” But just after Christmas of 2003, she was viciously murdered by a 17-year-old boy at a Christmas party. A year later, the family decided to take a trip to Sri Lanka, where they planted a palm tree in her memory. Unfortunately, the Storrie family faced a second tragedy while staying in Sri Lanka. They coincided with the devastating Indian Ocean earthquake of 2004. This earthquake triggered a tsunami that hit the coast of Sri Lanka and many other countries.
Although the 9.1 magnitude earthquake was the third largest since 1900, it did not contribute largely to the death toll. The deadly tsunami that followed 20 minutes later raised the number of fatalities from 1000 to more than 60,000 across 14 countries. In Sri Lanka alone, the death toll was 35,322.
Rosie’s palm tree stood tall among the carnage and damage, surprising the Storrie family. They were inspired to “turn tragedy into hope” by this. They wanted to protect children and families who had suffered in Sri Lanka, so the Rosie May Foundation was born.
Their Work
They started by providing shelter for kids suffering from the tsunami’s loss in Sri Lanka. The Rosie May Foundation has many projects addressing different issues raised by the disaster and has expanded its work to Nepal. They focus on keeping families together, educating the vulnerable and giving them the tools to escape poverty.
The Future Is Pink
The pink tuk-tuks are part of a “the Future is Pink” project. The program provides women with a regular income and allows other mothers to earn money elsewhere as they do not need to escort their children to school. The foundation has given 215 single mothers the education and opportunity to generate income independently.
Girls Can Surf
“Girls Can Surf” is another program of the Rosie May Foundation that pushes the cultural boundaries in Sri Lanka. Oxfam reports that 80% of those who drowned during the tsunami were female and yet there is still a stigma associated with women swimming. “Culturally, women and girls in rural Sri Lanka do not swim, even though the country is an island.” The 2020 Drowning Prevention Report identifies that, in Sri Lanka, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death among 1- to 14-year-olds. The Rosie May Foundation tears down this stigma and teaches young girls how to swim and surf.
One Light, One Child
The project “One Light, One Child” tackles the issue of the energy sector and poverty concerns in Nepal. According to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), 60% of the population has no access to electricity. The Rosie May Foundation has distributed more than 500 solar lights across rural areas to ensure children can do their homework and that their education is uninterrupted.
Conclusion
The Rosie May Foundation boldly defies gender expectations with its projects and tackles various poverty aspects impacting Southeast Asia. The Storrie family intends to keep Rosie May’s legacy alive through their hard work.
– Liz Johnson
Photo: Pixabay