Globally, in 2020, AIDS-related illnesses claimed 680,000 lives, while 1.5 million people contracted HIV, marking a persistent public health challenge. Wales has made significant strides in recent years in the fight against HIV. Here’s a look into the comprehensive approach embraced by the Welsh Government to combat HIV in the country.
Despite Wales having a relatively low infection rate, there has been a troubling increase in HIV cases from 2021 to 2022, with 48 newly diagnosed individuals and around 2,800 people seeking care for HIV. Between 11% and 18% of them are unaware of their infection, perpetuating transmission and compromising health outcomes. New diagnoses of HIV in Wales are prevalent among males, particularly those aged 35 to 49 and white people.
The Welsh Government’s Response
In 2022, the Welsh Government unveiled its ambitious HIV Action Plan, outlining a strategic initiative aimed at eliminating new cases of HIV by 2030. Grounded in the principles of zero tolerance for HIV-related stigma and active involvement of people living with HIV, the plan comprises five priority areas:
1. Prevention
The Welsh Government’s proposal to improve access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a significant stride in the battle against HIV in Wales. PrEP, a preventive medication that reduces the risk of vulnerable groups contracting the virus, has played a major role in reducing the risk of HIV transmission. The Welsh Minister for Health and Social Services, Vaughn Gething, championed a trial in the summer of 2017 that provided PrEP to those at the highest risk of HIV in the country, resulting in a remarkable 75% decrease in new HIV diagnoses between 2015 and 2021.
2. Testing
The Welsh Government’s efforts to increase testing have been pivotal in combating HIV in Wales. In 2021, new HIV diagnoses increased by 56.5%, with 60 reported. The year 2022 saw an 11% increase in HIV testing, with 64,505 people screened. Early detection and intervention are crucial to curb the virus’s spread.
3. Clinical care
The Welsh Government promises to provide specialist care swiftly to newly diagnosed individuals, ensuring they see a specialist within two weeks of diagnosis. These individuals can then receive clinical support and psychological assistance, promoting ongoing care and support for people living with HIV.
4. Living well with HIV
Further, the Welsh Government launched a national peer support program in March 2023. Based on research by Cardiff University, this program aims to provide comprehensive support to people living with HIV, promoting overall well-being in physical and mental health.
5. Tackling HIV-related stigma
The Positive Voices National Survey in 2017 revealed alarming statistics. One in seven HIV-positive patients in Wales admitted to never disclosing their HIV status outside the health care setting. Similarly, 21% of HIV patients in Wales avoided seeking health care when they needed it in the last year due to fear of discrimination or judgment. The Welsh Government’s plan underscores the importance of eradicating HIV-related stigma, advocating for widespread promotion of the message that effective treatment prevents HIV transmission and ensures consistency in HIV training modules.
Charity Spotlight: The Terrence Higgins Trust Cymru
The Terrence Higgins Trust Cymru (THTC) is committed to aiding Wales in achieving its ambitious goal of zero new HIV cases by 2030. Rhys Goode, Head of THTC, conveyed in a statement to The Borgen Project: “Sexual health services across the U.K. are at breaking point as they are overstretched and underfunded while STI rates are at record highs. The rollout of free postal STI testing, which is available 365 days a year in Wales, has been a game changer and had a huge impact in driving up testing and diagnosing people with STIs. But there are still barriers that prevent thousands across the nation and in England and Scotland from taking charge of their sexual health. These must be addressed urgently for Wales to stay on track to end new cases of HIV by 2030.”
Media Sparking Conversation: An Alternative Angle
The 2021 acclaimed British TV drama series “It’s a Sin” had a profound impact on societal perceptions of HIV and AIDS, particularly in Wales. The show prompted a surge in awareness and proactive responses; the Terrence Higgins Trust charity reported a remarkable spike in demand for HIV testing kits, with 8,207 orders placed in a single day, a substantial increase from the previous record of 2,709.
Conclusion
While Wales has made commendable progress in reducing new HIV diagnoses, the fight is far from over. The HIV Action Plan for Wales 2023-2026 serves as a robust framework, illustrating the government’s commitment to achieving zero new cases by 2030. The nation is taking strides towards a future free from new HIV cases, exemplifying a comprehensive and collaborative approach to combat the virus.
– Madeleine Norris
Photo: Pixabay
Combating HIV in Wales
Despite Wales having a relatively low infection rate, there has been a troubling increase in HIV cases from 2021 to 2022, with 48 newly diagnosed individuals and around 2,800 people seeking care for HIV. Between 11% and 18% of them are unaware of their infection, perpetuating transmission and compromising health outcomes. New diagnoses of HIV in Wales are prevalent among males, particularly those aged 35 to 49 and white people.
The Welsh Government’s Response
In 2022, the Welsh Government unveiled its ambitious HIV Action Plan, outlining a strategic initiative aimed at eliminating new cases of HIV by 2030. Grounded in the principles of zero tolerance for HIV-related stigma and active involvement of people living with HIV, the plan comprises five priority areas:
1. Prevention
The Welsh Government’s proposal to improve access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a significant stride in the battle against HIV in Wales. PrEP, a preventive medication that reduces the risk of vulnerable groups contracting the virus, has played a major role in reducing the risk of HIV transmission. The Welsh Minister for Health and Social Services, Vaughn Gething, championed a trial in the summer of 2017 that provided PrEP to those at the highest risk of HIV in the country, resulting in a remarkable 75% decrease in new HIV diagnoses between 2015 and 2021.
2. Testing
The Welsh Government’s efforts to increase testing have been pivotal in combating HIV in Wales. In 2021, new HIV diagnoses increased by 56.5%, with 60 reported. The year 2022 saw an 11% increase in HIV testing, with 64,505 people screened. Early detection and intervention are crucial to curb the virus’s spread.
3. Clinical care
The Welsh Government promises to provide specialist care swiftly to newly diagnosed individuals, ensuring they see a specialist within two weeks of diagnosis. These individuals can then receive clinical support and psychological assistance, promoting ongoing care and support for people living with HIV.
4. Living well with HIV
Further, the Welsh Government launched a national peer support program in March 2023. Based on research by Cardiff University, this program aims to provide comprehensive support to people living with HIV, promoting overall well-being in physical and mental health.
5. Tackling HIV-related stigma
The Positive Voices National Survey in 2017 revealed alarming statistics. One in seven HIV-positive patients in Wales admitted to never disclosing their HIV status outside the health care setting. Similarly, 21% of HIV patients in Wales avoided seeking health care when they needed it in the last year due to fear of discrimination or judgment. The Welsh Government’s plan underscores the importance of eradicating HIV-related stigma, advocating for widespread promotion of the message that effective treatment prevents HIV transmission and ensures consistency in HIV training modules.
Charity Spotlight: The Terrence Higgins Trust Cymru
The Terrence Higgins Trust Cymru (THTC) is committed to aiding Wales in achieving its ambitious goal of zero new HIV cases by 2030. Rhys Goode, Head of THTC, conveyed in a statement to The Borgen Project: “Sexual health services across the U.K. are at breaking point as they are overstretched and underfunded while STI rates are at record highs. The rollout of free postal STI testing, which is available 365 days a year in Wales, has been a game changer and had a huge impact in driving up testing and diagnosing people with STIs. But there are still barriers that prevent thousands across the nation and in England and Scotland from taking charge of their sexual health. These must be addressed urgently for Wales to stay on track to end new cases of HIV by 2030.”
Media Sparking Conversation: An Alternative Angle
The 2021 acclaimed British TV drama series “It’s a Sin” had a profound impact on societal perceptions of HIV and AIDS, particularly in Wales. The show prompted a surge in awareness and proactive responses; the Terrence Higgins Trust charity reported a remarkable spike in demand for HIV testing kits, with 8,207 orders placed in a single day, a substantial increase from the previous record of 2,709.
Conclusion
While Wales has made commendable progress in reducing new HIV diagnoses, the fight is far from over. The HIV Action Plan for Wales 2023-2026 serves as a robust framework, illustrating the government’s commitment to achieving zero new cases by 2030. The nation is taking strides towards a future free from new HIV cases, exemplifying a comprehensive and collaborative approach to combat the virus.
– Madeleine Norris
Photo: Pixabay
Tackling Poverty With Remittances in India
The Impact of Remittance
India’s extremely high population and political conflicts have subjected the country and its citizens to poverty for decades. When India gained independence from British Rule in 1947, the poverty rate was at an estimated 80%. Today, however, approximately 15% of Indian residents live in extreme poverty. Although this vast improvement may be accredited to the implementation of a full democracy, remittances have played a large role in driving internal growth.
NRIs have helped India combat poverty and greatly improve its GDP since the 1990s. Remittance money was one of the factors that prevented a serious recession following the Gulf War, which had damaged India’s trade with both the West and the Middle East.
Economic Initiatives
Since then, the continued flow of remittances has allowed banks and banking systems to improve significantly. Additionally, with NRIs being required to obtain income high enough to be able to sustain themselves and afford remittances, education has become one of the primary objectives of India’s continued development. Highlighting education has served to place a focus on schooling and reduce child labor, as children are deemed to be more useful as students overseas than as workers.
Changing Public Policy
India has continued to encourage NRIs through public policy. The Emigration Act of 1983 was passed to protect the exploitation of Indian workers overseas for 18 specific countries and to assist them with travel, which gave them additional rights to make the process of sending money home even easier. More than 370,000 Indians used this Act in 2022 to emigrate to one of these 18 countries.
International Benefits
India can contribute to its sustainable development goals such as innovation because the amount of money earned via remittance is so high. Unlike many other countries, both the upper and lower classes can emigrate to a different country and succeed in sending money back to their families. NRIs serve as a boon to the United States in that many of them are highly skilled, highly educated workers. According to the Pew Research Center, NRIs tend to make more than double in salary in comparison to other nationalities [?].
Conclusion
Remittances in India play a large and positive part in India’s economy. They help Indians stay connected worldwide, and motivate travel, trade, and education. Remittance is vital to help keep the economy afloat, which the government has recognized through public policy.
– Varsha Pai
Photo: Pexels
The Great Green Wall and Its Impact in Ethiopia
Ethiopia, a low-income country grappling with severe deforestation, became a participant in the Great Green Wall initiative in 2011. This engagement reflects the nation’s commitment to reforesting and addressing challenges such as desertification and land deterioration. While work remains, the Great Green Wall in Ethiopia has had many successes in the years since.
Achievements of the Great Green Wall in Ethiopia
The efforts of the Great Green Wall in Ethiopia focus on 58 woredas or districts, stretching across the north of the country. The initiative has generated five billion plants and seeds. Approximately one million hectares of land have been restored, including more than 150,000 hectares of forests. Efforts have also resulted in 240 hectares of multifunctional gardens, plots of land where many plant species grow.
Another success of the initiative in Ethiopia is creating 91 kilometers of windbreaks or rows of trees or shrubs. By reducing wind speed, windbreaks improve soil quality, promote agricultural growth and protect people and animals. Efforts also significantly improved watershed management. Watersheds are land areas that drain water and their management supports land restoration and agriculture.
The creation of employment opportunities is partially attributed to the newly planted trees. Specifically, the cultivation of Boswellia papyrifera, a native plant known for producing frankincense, allows communities to sell frankincense and earn income. Importantly, the process of harvesting frankincense does not entail tree felling, promoting the sustainable maintenance of forests.
The Future
In 2021, nearly 15 years after the Great Green Wall’s initiation, officials announced its next phase, called the Great Green Wall Accelerator. In the next phase, which runs through 2030, stakeholders hope to improve their coordination with one another and increase their impact. The focus narrowed to creating landscapes in 11 countries, including Ethiopia.
The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture published a review of the milestones and challenges of the Great Green Wall in Ethiopia in January 2023. The report calls for increased organization and monitoring of the nation’s restoration projects. It also highlights the need for financial communication, as funding sources and allocations are not transparent to all parties. These improvements can help implement the knowledge gained thus far and scale up future efforts.
– Kelly Carroll
Photo: Unsplash
How Video Game Streamers Are Making a Global Difference
Over the last decade, the gaming industry has witnessed numerous charitable acts, whether initiated by game streamers, in-game purchases or gaming studios. Here are some of the most notable donations and acts, showing how charitable video game streamers are.
Carryminati (Ajay Nagar)
Carryminati is among the most popular gaming YouTubers, boasting a subscriber count of more than 40 million. He is mostly famous for his ability to make compelling gaming and roast videos with fresh humor. However, one of his recent acts of charity gave his long-term fans and new viewers a different reason to respect him.
On June 2, 2023, a tragic incident unfolded in Odisha, India, as three trains collided, resulting in the loss of 275 lives and leaving more than 1,100 individuals injured. In response to the situation, Carryminati conducted a live stream, raising more than £11,000 (almost $14,000), to which he contributed an additional £1,500 (approximately $2,000). Expressing deep sorrow over the tragic situation, he conveyed his thoughts and prayers for all those impacted. The goal of the fundraiser was to assist the families impacted by the incident.
PewDiePie (Felix Kjellberg)
PewDiePie, also known as Felix, has long been a prominent figure on YouTube. Rising swiftly through the ranks as a YouTuber specializing in horror gaming, he surpassed all competitors to claim the title of the most subscribed creator on the platform, a title he proudly held for more than six years. Although eventually dethroned by a music label company, PewDiePie showcased not only the magnitude of his subscriber base but also the generosity of his heart through frequent charitable acts and fundraising streams. His commitment illustrates the philanthropic spirit inherent in charitable video game streamers.
In 2016, Felix started a fundraising campaign for Charity: Water, a “nonprofit organization bringing clean and safe water to people around the world.” With the combined effort of his subscribers, he raised more than $445,000, surpassing his initial target of $250,000. Similarly, teaming up with Humble Bundle and his extensive subscriber base, he played a key role in generating a substantial sum of $630,000 for the Save the Children campaign. Over the years, Felix has actively participated in numerous charity initiatives, including those for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), (RED) and Child Rights for You (CRY), among others, contributing to a cumulative total of more than $3 million raised for various causes.
Ninja
In 2016, the French gaming charity stream, Z Event, took place from September 20 to 23. During this event, Ninja made a remarkable contribution by donating an astonishing €26,000 (about $29,000). This generous act aimed to propel the fundraising efforts beyond the already impressive sum of €3 million (approximately $3.24 million) for medical research and treatments. Ninja’s donations sparked a trend among his followers and supporters, motivating them to contribute, ultimately surpassing the initially set target for the event. Additionally, during the COVID-19 outbreak, Ninja drew inspiration from the charitable efforts of Ryan Reynolds and Jimmy Fallon. In response, he contributed $150,000 to support relief initiatives and encouraged others to stay positive and practice social distancing.
– Siddharth Thampi
Photo: Unsplash
Women’s Rights in Cameroon
Politics
In 1949, under British and French rule, women in Cameroon submitted a petition to the U.N. They demanded the elimination of racial discrimination, increased economic opportunities and better economic services for women and children. The New Constitution 2012 and the 2015 National Gender Policy got more women elected to cities, legislatures and senators. In 2020, women in Cameroon occupy 33% of parliamentary seats, compared to only 11% at the beginning of 2000. Nonetheless, the total time in parliament is still dominated by men, at 95%.
Education
About 70% of Cameroonian girls are illiterate. Cameroon’s Ministry of Women’s and Children’s Empowerment notes that only 80% of girls attend school. It is also reported that 40% of Cameroonian girls drop out in their fourth and fifth years of primary school.
According to cultural norms and expectations of women in Cameroon, they assume that they do not need education like boys. The main barriers for women to education are poverty, early marriage and early pregnancy
Improving Women’s Rights in Cameroon
Some organizations advocating for the rights of women and girls in Cameroon include:
1. Women for a Change Cameroon (WFAC)
Founded in 2009, WFAC is a feminist advocacy organization working with and for women’s sexual and reproductive health rights, leadership and development. Through the African Women’s Development and Communications Network (FMNET), WFAC educates women and girls on gender equality and sexual reproductive health. By strengthening women’s voices, WFAC is committed to the advancement of women, gender health and complete service to society.
2. Women in Alternative Action Cameroon (WAA)
WAA Cameroon was founded in 2004 with a vision to promote communities free from gender-based violence, stigmatization, discrimination and exclusion of women, youth and girls in Cameroon and the Central African sub-region. The nonprofit supports young people by allowing them to speak out, discuss and promote peace in their environment.
3. Mother of Hope Cameroon
Mother of Hope Cameroon (MOHCAM) is a nonprofit youth and women’s organization in the North West Region of Cameroon. MOHCAM promotes and fosters the rights and development of youths and women. The organization advocates and fights against all forms of abuse faced by youths and women in homes, schools and communities.
– Afra Amirah
Photo: Flickr
The Importance of Mental Health Services in Afghanistan
Mental Health Crisis Post-Taliban Takeover
Introducing mental health services in Afghanistan aims to support many women and vulnerable individuals facing dire circumstances. The Taliban’s takeover has instilled fear in many, including a young pregnant woman named Fatima, who, amid reports of sexual abuse and the killing of men by Taliban members, fears for her life.
In 2023, the BBC reported that half of Afghan women were already suffering from mental health issues before the Taliban’s return, with many now facing even greater mental decline and contemplating suicide.
Revamping Afghanistan’s Mental Health Care
Years of war and poverty have shattered Afghanistan’s mental health care systems. After the Taliban’s initial fall in 2001, the shortage of health care staff and supplies hampered efforts to rebuild the Afghan care system. The Ministry of Public Health now prioritizes the reconstruction of Afghanistan’s care system, incorporating Afghan mental health into the Basic Package of Health Service by 2003.
Moreover, the Basic Package of Health Service has collaborated with the United Kingdom’s (U.K.) National Health Service (NHS) to manage health care for the Afghan people, reflecting a shared responsibility for Afghanistan’s mental health care alongside the U.K.’s health care system.
The Role of HealthNet TPO
The Basic Package of Health Service, inspired by the Mental Health Act of 1983, aims to help individuals struggling with mental health issues by ensuring they can access health care professionals.
A survey conducted by the Basic Package of Health Service found that 48% of Afghanistan’s population is under 35 years old, with 20% of Afghan youth requiring mental health care and an additional 10% possibly needing services but inclined to decline treatment. Services like HealthNet TPO are available to help, dedicating themselves to rebuilding communities affected by disasters and conflicts.
Aid for Afghan Refugees: Support Services
Support from donors like the European Union has made significant progress in treating mental health disorders in Afghanistan, training more than 325 psychological counselors to provide counseling and emotional support. The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy suggests incorporating therapeutic support services into resettlement programs as a standard practice.
Fostering Hope
The Taliban’s resurgence in Afghanistan poses significant challenges to the progress of mental health initiatives, particularly for women challenging traditional roles and men grappling with societal expectations of aggression and strength. Despite these obstacles, the focus remains on delivering one-on-one support to address the deep-seated mental health issues within the community. Increasing mental health services in Afghanistan is crucial for reducing aggression among men and boosting the confidence of women. Continuous efforts and support aim to empower the Afghan people, allowing them to lead fulfilling lives and find solace during conflicts, embodying a vision of resilience and hope for the future.
– Phoebe Vaughan
Photo: Pexels
Technology and Poverty in Jordan
Technology and Poverty
Takaful is a World Bank-backed National Aid Fund program designed to identify in-need, low-income families and provide them with financial aid within what its limited budget affords. The algorithm would evaluate different households, assigning eligibility for the program based on a series of 57 undisclosed factors.
These factors aim to determine the appropriate allocation of aid that can be customized to support families with the most pressing needs. Human Rights Watch (HRW), in its assessment of the program, identified it as excessively inflexible in its criteria for support and aid delivery. This rigidity has resulted in the exclusion of essential assistance to particularly vulnerable families that depend on the support to survive.
Consequences of Technology and Poverty
Data provided by households in need and compared against government records from more than 37 agencies reduced the nuance of poverty down to quantitative statistics. However, these statistics failed to convey the full scope of the issues in question and the required support to alleviate them. The rigid nature of the computer systems presented unrealistic roadblocks. There is an inability for households to apply if their expenses were deemed higher than their income within a range of 20%.
Owning a car could be counted against the valuation of poverty, irrespective of the practical role the vehicle plays in the household’s daily life. HRW’s report on the algorithm running the program even identified gender-based discrimination, disproportionately affecting households led by women. This discrimination manifested in lowering eligibility or cutting such households from the program entirely.
A Cautionary Tale
The intersection of technology and poverty in Jordan, coupled with the emergence of poverty-targeting algorithms, aims to streamline the formidable challenge of addressing poverty. However, the danger lies in the potential neglect of how poverty uniquely affects everyone it touches. Takaful has found its way into 120,000 households since launching in 2019. However, this algorithmic hiccup has undermined the impact this program could have had in establishing economic sustainability on a household-to-household level.
This whole affair has gone some way to highlighting the pitfalls of blanket classifications. It underscores the importance of multidimensional assessments and feedback. This could contribute to reinforcing future initiatives, ensuring that future iterations inside Jordan and any other developing country struggling to balance limited aid amongst a struggling populace retain that all-important human touch.
The Way Forward
The World Bank, using the data discovered in the report, has fortified its stance that human-run institutions should not and could not be replaced by algorithms. HRW has guided this matter, pushing for governmental reforms and the establishment of substantive universal societal protections similar to those championed by the World Bank and the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
– Brandon Murphy
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Supporting the Indian Health Service
Native Americans have always experienced relatively worse health problems than other races. One can observe this trend since the beginning of America, with different waves of diseases like smallpox wiping out tribes. Forced isolation has weakened their immune system considerably. When combined with poverty, Native people, in almost every case, have a lower life expectancy than Caucasian people suffering from the same diseases, from heart disease to diabetes. Additionally, Native Americans die at higher rates from things like suicide and homicide.
The Indian Health Service (IHS)
The Indian Health Service, or the IHS, addresses the challenges Native Americans face regarding health issues. This division of the Department of Health and Human Services provides direct medical care and advocates health for native tribes and people in the U.S. The program covers and assists anyone of native lineage.
Panics over modern diseases, such as COVID-19, led to the creation of this division to prevent diseases from spreading throughout the entire country by stopping them among the indigenous people first. Nevertheless, this program may have been one of the brightest moments in American history, offering equality to a minority at a time when this was unthinkable, recognizing both native and white people as worthy of government care. It acknowledged both Native and White populations as deserving of government care.
Throughout various administrations, the Indian Health Service has often been the first to face budget cuts, limiting its resources to a mere few billion for comprehensive assistance. The IHS has struggled to adapt to telemedicine and lacks many facilities, making it difficult for tribe members to access them all the time.
Improving and Funding
The good news is that Washington DC and lawmakers fully understand the difficulties the Indian Health Service faces and know it needs rapid improvement. The Trump administration provided an extra billion to the IHS during the COVID pandemic, acknowledging its underfunding. The Biden Administration’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act contributes an extra $700 million annually until 2026 to support tribal water and sanitation systems.
Further, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently granted $55 million to the IHS to modernize and expand the health care facilities of 15 tribes. The money will be used to buy the medical technology many facilities lack and hire more indigenous workers. The solution to the health issue Native Americans face already exists in the Indian Health Service. The goal is to help it thrive as a program now.
– Varsha Pai
Photo: Freepik
Palwal District School in India Offering Affordable Education
Poverty remains a significant challenge in the northern Indian state of Haryana despite its rapid economic growth and industrialization. According to the latest available data from the Niti Ayog, the state’s poverty rate stood at 7.07% from 2019 to 2021. While this represents a decrease from previous years, the persistence of poverty highlights the need for targeted interventions. One of the contributing factors to poverty in Haryana is the unequal distribution of wealth. The state has witnessed substantial economic development, but its population has yet to share the benefits equitably. Additionally, rural areas face unique challenges as communities reliant on agriculture contend with unpredictable crop yields and limited access to modern farming techniques.
Regional Challenges and Affordable Education
Lack of affordable education perpetuates the cycle of poverty, limiting opportunities for individuals to secure well-paying jobs. Palwal, an agriculture-dependent region, has long grappled with poverty, limiting many children’s access to secondary education. Consequently, education often takes a back seat due to financial constraints, making it difficult for students to break free from the cycle of poverty.
Kishora Vidya Mandir has emerged as a beacon of hope in these challenges. The school was established in 1994 with 90 students enrolled and since then, it has been committed to providing quality education to every child in the community, irrespective of their financial background. The institution believes education is the key to breaking the chains of poverty and is determined to make it accessible to all. One of the unique aspects of Kishora Vidya Mandir is its focus on offering education at a low cost. This initiative has proven to be a game-changer, enabling families, even those facing financial difficulties, to afford quality education for their children.
The success stories emerging from Kishora Vidya Mandir are a testament to the impact of its commitment to education. The results have been excellent in the last five years, with more than 90% of students graduating from 10th grade and almost 87% graduating from 12th grade. It is worth mentioning that some students were the district toppers in rural areas and the school has grabbed the 10th state position among the thousands of state-run schools.
Practically, Sharma also shared with us that Ms. Poonam, a student who graduated from Kishora Vidya Mandir, eventually cleared the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) for engineering and went on to study engineering from the notable NIT Kurukshetra, a renowned engineering college in India. These achievements bring pride to the school and instill confidence and empowerment among the students.
Growth, Partnerships and Collaborations
Over the years, Kishora Vidya Mandir has experienced significant infrastructure and student enrollment growth. Today, around 650 students are a part of the school and receive up to senior secondary education in all three streams, i.e., science, commerce and arts. In addition to affordable school fees, school buses are provided to students from distant villages. The institution’s success can be attributed, in part, to the partnerships and collaborations it has fostered.
Local businesses, philanthropic organizations and government initiatives have supported the school’s mission. These collaborations have provided financial assistance and brought in expertise and resources to enhance the overall educational experience for the students. One such collaboration is a computer diploma course certified by India’s Ministry of Human Resource Development. It is run after school hours and on Sundays to educate the students who have completed 12th grade or anyone willing, irrespective of age.
Looking Ahead: A Brighter Future for Bamnikhera
Kishora Vidya Mandir stands as a beacon of hope in the Bamnikhera village, demonstrating that education can be a powerful tool in eradicating poverty and empowering communities. The school’s commitment to providing affordable and quality education has transformed the lives of countless children, breaking down barriers and opening doors to a brighter future. As Kishora Vidya Mandir continues to grow and inspire, it serves as a reminder that education is about acquiring knowledge and building a foundation for a more equitable and prosperous society.
– Srishti Arora
Photo: Pixabay
Fighting Poverty With Data in Africa
Data in low-income countries is typically collected through in-person household surveys that are on paper, extensive, often costly and infrequent. Organizations throughout Africa are partnering on projects that strive to change that. Here are four projects fighting poverty with data in Africa.
Open Data in Sierra Leone’s Mining Communities
Mining communities in the West African country of Sierra Leone are vulnerable to extreme poverty. The diamond mining industry in Sierra Leone generates hundreds of millions of dollars; however, there is a lack of transparency regarding the allocation of these funds. Evidence suggests that a significant portion rarely returns to local communities, highlighting issues such as a lack of oversight in the sector and inadequate compensation for the labor involved.
In 2022, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) launched the Disclosure to Development “D2D” Sierra Leone Project to tackle the lack of data surrounding mining revenue flows. The project seeks to address this issue by forming partnerships with local government agencies and engaging local individuals interested in data collection. The IFC aims to utilize the collected data to create markets and opportunities for the local community.
Boosting Data Accumulation in Kenya
In 2007, the World Bank collaborated with the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) to improve data collection to bolster development. In 2019, they improved data collection efforts from a 15-year gap between population reports to a quarterly gap. This included technical assistance to create an online archive for the government, transitioning over from pen and paper. KNBS also implemented several surveys to ascertain updated labor and poverty statistics quarterly.
The frequent dissemination of results also boosted the Kenyan economy by providing more frequent and reliable financial metrics for figures such as GDP. Although the data collection project concluded in 2020, the World Bank reported in Nairobi in 2023 that the Kenyan government is actively working to ensure that the benefits of the partnership’s progress are equally distributed among the poor and vulnerable populations.
Data Collection Framework in Madagascar
Data and Evidence to End Extreme Poverty, a consortium of universities and governmental organizations, developed Measurement Indicators for Resilience Analysis (MIRA) as part of their central mission in fighting poverty with data in Africa. MIRA is a data collection framework that collaborates with community members who take surveys via mobile applications. The data collected measure factors such as the persistence of natural disasters and statistics contributing to a household’s resilience.
This gathered data is then provided to relief organizations serving the populations most affected. Using low-cost, platform-based systems and relying on “enumerators,” who are locals from within the community of focus, the data is updated monthly. This frequent updating ensures the availability of actionable information for communities and organizations seeking to provide support.
Multilateral Data Project in Mozambique
In 2022, the African Development Bank (AFDB) and the World Bank’s Geo-Enabling Initiative extended membership of their Remote Appraisal Supervision, Monitoring and Evaluation (RASME) project to Mozambique (the sixth African country to join). With Mozambique’s Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance, the program launched with the capability for both online and offline usage in remote areas using satellite and smartphones.
RASME allows for more timely and accurate monitoring of multilateral AFDB initiatives in Mozambique, focusing on wide-ranging sectors to help the population. These include “agriculture, transportation, water, sanitation, energy, communications, mining and finance.” Beyond helping the populations in these areas, the partnership has resulted in more than a billion U.S. dollars of investment into Mozambique.
Final Remark
As the digital revolution continues to progress, the necessity for timely and accurate data collection to increase solutions and aid for the areas that are most in need cannot be under-appraised. From protecting local populations to creating multilateral economic opportunities, data collection can have positive impacts on countries that need it most.
– Ava Johnson
Photo: Flickr