Thousands of marginalized girls in developing countries have been impacted by the Leave No Girl Behind (LNGB) initiative. On top of literacy, numeracy and vocational skills, many have developed a stronger sense of agency. Yet, a recent report shows that without wider collaboration and context-specific support, social and economic barriers may continue to stunt girls’ newfound confidence and skills. Shifting community and stakeholder perceptions emerges as a vital focal point, with successes in this area offering hope for progress beyond the program.
The Evaluation
The independent evaluation analyzes a U.K.-funded program targeting out-of-school girls in low-income countries. The LNGB initiative provides education pathways for marginalized girls, with options to transition into formal schooling or work environments. Reaching 230,000 adolescents across 10 African and South Asian countries, it focuses on those who have never attended school or dropped out early, mostly from impoverished backgrounds. Many are early brides, teenage mothers or face additional challenges due to disabilities.
The Research for Equitable Access and Learning (REAL) Centre at the University of Cambridge led the report. The Borgen Project interviewed the study’s lead researcher, Dr. Asma Zubairi, who shared insights about key findings and recommendations.
Girls’ Perspectives
An estimated 122 million girls are out of school worldwide, and women account for two-thirds of all adults unable to read. In low-income countries, girls are more likely to be out of school than boys, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. The recent evaluation focuses on LNGB case studies from Nepal, Kenya and Ghana, where the compounded effects of poverty and gender norms impact education outcomes. Female youth not in education, employment and training is estimated at 25.3% in Ghana, 25% in Kenya and 45.8% in Nepal.
Foregrounding female adolescent perspectives was at the heart of the study, and Dr. Zubairi emphasized the significance of participatory research methods to mitigate power imbalances and center marginalized voices. “River of Life” exercises allowed participants to chart their personal experiences visually, encouraging nuanced perspectives to emerge.
Some of the data collected was quantifiable; for instance, 91% of girls interviewed identified the basic literacy and numeracy lessons as the most positive aspects of the projects. Meanwhile, powerful stories of personal change were spotlighted through individual responses. In Ghana, for example, a 17-year-old girl who had become less shy after the LNGB program stated: “No matter the number of people available, I will be able to speak in their midst.” Meanwhile, a 19-year-old from Kenya, forced into marriage at 14, described how the project taught her to protect herself and start a business.
Contexts and Marginalization
Marginalization, according to Dr. Zubairi, has “no set definition”. While many projects focused on girls coming from ultra-poor households, others, such as in Nepal, targeted early brides. Nepal presented additional issues of familial and cultural resistance to female youth traveling to the learning centers unaccompanied.
Successes, therefore, varied according to context. One aim was to shift social norms, like perceptions of girls entering traditionally male fields. In Garissa, a county in Kenya bordering Somalia, there was “not the appetite to focus on male-dominated vocations,” Dr. Zubairi said. Instead, the program led to girls opening up tailoring businesses, a more traditionally female endeavor. In a different Kenyan town, Kilifi, girls had more success choosing non-traditional specializations, including mechanics and plumbing.
Furthermore, levels of marginalization vary within the female adolescent category according to age. “The cultural barriers that a 10-year-old will face are very different to those an 18-year-old comes across in accessing education,” Dr. Zubairi said, emphasizing older adolescents’ increased domestic responsibilities.
Community Change
Community and household sensitization programs were a significant aspect of the program. In Nepal, the project worked closely with community agents termed ‘change champions’ to sustain commitment to girls’ education. These included religious leaders from temples and mosques as well as government stakeholders.
For example, religious leaders received messages about the importance of delaying early marriage and pregnancy, with emphasis that girls should not be married until 21. With government stakeholders, a lack of “political will” to finance the projects was addressed. Dr. Zubairi said, “Funding for this type of schooling is really, really, low.” Less than 1% of the education budget is designated to education pathways outside of formal schooling across Kenya, Ghana and Nepal.
Shifting community perceptions was successful in some cases. A vocational training provider in Garissa said: “We didn’t know the importance of educating a girl child before, but now we know. They taught our village girls different skills in their program. They also discouraged FGM in our community.”
Meanwhile, in Kilifi, female youth taking up careers like plumbing and mechanics resulted in changed community perceptions of the propriety of these paths for women. Previously, investing in girls was seen as a waste of money, whereas now the community sees girls opening up their businesses as elevating household incomes and proving their competence.
Dr. Zubairi said the projects “try to communicate why investment and political will for these programs are crucial. These projects are only six to nine months, but changing community norms — that takes a generation.”
Empowerment
Empowerment is a central theme in the new report, assessing changes in girls’ decision-making. In Nepal, a female aspiring doctor whose father had initially supported her in attending the Learning Centre faced hinderance due to his changed attitude once she left the center. Now 15, he forbade her from attending school. Empowered by the program, she vocalized her desires and attended school secretly while her father worked elsewhere, stopping whenever her father returned.
The study also assessed household decision-making. Approximately one-third of the participants reported feeling confident in making informed life choices, including the ability to go to the market alone and decide what to purchase. An older girl from Kenya shared that the project had provided her with the skills to make independent decisions, allowing her to gain empowerment through her newfound income in her daily life.
Unfortunately, in some cases, empowerment increases the risk of reactionary violence. “These girls suddenly feel empowered. But often, they’re still contained within contexts where perceptions around girls’ agency have not moved. So there is a risk that if projects don’t continue to support them, girls are at extreme risk because the tools are incompatible within the community, to some degree,” the research lead said.
In Kenya, women gained independence through sewing machines that helped them generate income. However, this new empowerment sometimes created tension within the community. Although the women became self-reliant, some men held onto traditional gender roles, leading to conflict and resentment. Consequently, a few men chose to damage their wives’ sewing machines.
Continued Investment
Ongoing investment and long-term commitment are crucial to sustain female empowerment. Most participants highlighted financial barriers as a hindrance to their aspirations after leaving the program. Girls transitioning to formal school often lacked the means to acquire equipment, and some starting businesses could not afford to buy tools.
The study recommends developing multi-stakeholder relationships to ensure progress does not end with the LNGB program. The need to develop community contexts in which girls can thrive is clear. The report provides hope and actionable proposals for long-term change in this direction. “These girls are absolutely worth continuing to invest in,” Dr. Zubairi said.
Centering on personal stories, the study illustrates both the program’s successes and its current limitations, illuminating the barriers marginalized girls face and the profound potential for their empowerment.
– Anum Mahmood
Photo: unsplash
CodeBrave: Pioneering Tech Education to Empower Vulnerable Youth
The Impact of CodeBrave’s Curriculum and Partnerships
The curriculum strategically builds creative confidence and skills in addressing challenges via project-based learning. Students bring their interests and passions to the table, designing games, developing solutions for global agriculture or accessibility challenges and more based on what drives them. Divided across three age groups, the program systematically develops skills to prepare even the youngest minds for more advanced coding and robotics in the future. The foundation established in this program serves as a precursor to more specialized training, such as the two-week Web and Robotics Camp hosted by CodeBrave in the summer of 2022.
The Malala Fund and the Lebanon Family Planning Association for Sustainable Development (LFPA) partnered with CodeBrave to host a camp in Sour, Lebanon, welcoming 100 youth aged 12-18 from the city and surrounding areas. Students opted into one of two tracks. Younger participants delved into programming health Fitbits using Arduino boards and sensors, alongside exploring Agri-tech solutions to global challenges. Meanwhile, older students embarked on a project wherein they researched challenges in their local community, devised innovative tech solutions and designed their website. Camp results were resoundingly positive, with 98% of participants reporting increased confidence in coding abilities. Additionally, there were substantial improvements in technological literacy and roughly 95% self-reported significant enhancements in soft skills such as creativity, communication and problem-solving. The sheer fun and collaborative environment shone through with a 100% student enjoyment rating.
Supporting Psychological Safety and Trauma-Informed Education
CodeBrave is distinctly intentional about promoting psychological safety in its programs, given the trauma burdens facing many refugees and vulnerable Lebanese youth. Teachers receive dedicated training in trauma-informed educational practices to nurture each child’s unique potential. In addition, the organization has established a tech education project at Dar Al Awlad residential shelter and school in Beit Mery, a town in Lebanon, teaching approximately 50 students aged 11-18 two coding classes weekly. Dar Al Awlad is a nonprofit initiative providing accommodation for up to 32 Syrian and Lebanese youth severely affected by conflict in the area. Reigniting the innate love of learning in students dealing with trauma and instability takes special care and skill – this is at the heart of the CodeBrave approach.
Empowering Youth Through Scholarships and Entrepreneurship
CodeBrave also runs an annual scholarship program for youth aged 14-18, supporting them to advance their skills. In the most recent cohort, 20 scholars constructed websites, developed gaming applications, crafted professional portfolios showcasing their talents and benefitted from one-on-one mentoring in design, coding and entrepreneurship. Several secured competitive internships at tech firms and even founded their own enterprises post-graduation. The open-ended nature of the program enabled highly motivated teens to customize their experience based on personal objectives – whether launching startups, progressing to higher education or charting their vision as changemakers.
CodeBrave’s Continuing Journey
In just five years, CodeBrave has made a profound impact in Lebanon, reaching over 1,500 youth and delivering more than 50,000 teaching hours. With 53% of its participants being young women and girls, CodeBrave is contributing to diversity in the tech sector. The organization continues to lead the way in tech education, equipping children with more than just coding skills. By fostering creativity, confidence, and problem-solving abilities, CodeBrave nurtures the agency of youth to carve out their destinies and become architects of their futures.
-Haniya Rahman
Photo: Flickr
Responsible Tourism in Mongolia
Responsible tourism is a way to address this and experience a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Responsible or ethical tourism, refers to holidaymakers and travelers spending their money respectfully and consciously. This can include staying in local accommodations, residing with families from the respective countries, or opting for package deals that support excavations without exploiting the culture, environment or people.
According to the World Bank, tourism and hospitality is the third largest sector in the country. Here are some ways in which to be a responsible tourist.
Sleeping Like a Local
Poverty is more prevalent in urban areas than in rural areas and traditional nomads are experiencing the most significant impact. An effective way to support them is by actively engaging with their communities, such as by sleeping among them. More than half of the Mongolian population resides in portable homesteads known as “gers,” a round open structure without walls that symbolizes the country’s nomadic history.
Choosing to stay with nomadic families in their homesteads or “gers,” not only offers an authentic experience of traditional life but also benefits the local population. This choice provides income to herders and families while fostering cultural exchange. Furthermore, visitors can contribute financially and through labor, as specific travel organizations like Projects Abroad offer working holidays where tourists actively participate in the daily workload.
Support Local Communities
By purchasing local food, produce and locally crafted souvenirs, individuals actively support local businesses and contribute to the income of rural families. This practice also aids in reducing urban migration and fostering business growth. Numerous tour operators collaborate with community-driven projects, ensuring that a portion of their profits is invested in the community through health care, education or infrastructure development in remote regions.
For instance, “Tour Mongolia” operates a “nomad library,” supplying books to rural children who may not otherwise have access to education. Another example is “Mongolian Travel and Tours,” which directly and fully compensates families providing services for tourists.
Stay Green
Incorporating a green agenda into tourism is possible and the two concepts complement each other. For instance, in the Khovsgol province, a joint effort between the local government and nongovernment organizations has led to a community-based ecotourism initiative. This initiative offers accommodations, such as staying in a ger with a local family and extends to actively contributing to the preservation of the area’s distinctive ecosystem.
Similarly, in Ulaanbaatar, the capital, investment and initiative in green infrastructure have resulted in the installation of solar panels and green roofs. This initiative is worth exploring for those seeking an education on sustainable living.
Whether through choosing an ethical tour operator or making a conscious decision to be a responsible tourist, it is possible for a once-in-a-lifetime trip not only to bring happiness to the traveler but also to impact the communities visited positively.
– Jack Timmins
Photo: Pixabay
How Leave No Girl Behind is Empowering Marginalized Girls
The Evaluation
The independent evaluation analyzes a U.K.-funded program targeting out-of-school girls in low-income countries. The LNGB initiative provides education pathways for marginalized girls, with options to transition into formal schooling or work environments. Reaching 230,000 adolescents across 10 African and South Asian countries, it focuses on those who have never attended school or dropped out early, mostly from impoverished backgrounds. Many are early brides, teenage mothers or face additional challenges due to disabilities.
The Research for Equitable Access and Learning (REAL) Centre at the University of Cambridge led the report. The Borgen Project interviewed the study’s lead researcher, Dr. Asma Zubairi, who shared insights about key findings and recommendations.
Girls’ Perspectives
An estimated 122 million girls are out of school worldwide, and women account for two-thirds of all adults unable to read. In low-income countries, girls are more likely to be out of school than boys, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. The recent evaluation focuses on LNGB case studies from Nepal, Kenya and Ghana, where the compounded effects of poverty and gender norms impact education outcomes. Female youth not in education, employment and training is estimated at 25.3% in Ghana, 25% in Kenya and 45.8% in Nepal.
Foregrounding female adolescent perspectives was at the heart of the study, and Dr. Zubairi emphasized the significance of participatory research methods to mitigate power imbalances and center marginalized voices. “River of Life” exercises allowed participants to chart their personal experiences visually, encouraging nuanced perspectives to emerge.
Some of the data collected was quantifiable; for instance, 91% of girls interviewed identified the basic literacy and numeracy lessons as the most positive aspects of the projects. Meanwhile, powerful stories of personal change were spotlighted through individual responses. In Ghana, for example, a 17-year-old girl who had become less shy after the LNGB program stated: “No matter the number of people available, I will be able to speak in their midst.” Meanwhile, a 19-year-old from Kenya, forced into marriage at 14, described how the project taught her to protect herself and start a business.
Contexts and Marginalization
Marginalization, according to Dr. Zubairi, has “no set definition”. While many projects focused on girls coming from ultra-poor households, others, such as in Nepal, targeted early brides. Nepal presented additional issues of familial and cultural resistance to female youth traveling to the learning centers unaccompanied.
Successes, therefore, varied according to context. One aim was to shift social norms, like perceptions of girls entering traditionally male fields. In Garissa, a county in Kenya bordering Somalia, there was “not the appetite to focus on male-dominated vocations,” Dr. Zubairi said. Instead, the program led to girls opening up tailoring businesses, a more traditionally female endeavor. In a different Kenyan town, Kilifi, girls had more success choosing non-traditional specializations, including mechanics and plumbing.
Furthermore, levels of marginalization vary within the female adolescent category according to age. “The cultural barriers that a 10-year-old will face are very different to those an 18-year-old comes across in accessing education,” Dr. Zubairi said, emphasizing older adolescents’ increased domestic responsibilities.
Community Change
Community and household sensitization programs were a significant aspect of the program. In Nepal, the project worked closely with community agents termed ‘change champions’ to sustain commitment to girls’ education. These included religious leaders from temples and mosques as well as government stakeholders.
For example, religious leaders received messages about the importance of delaying early marriage and pregnancy, with emphasis that girls should not be married until 21. With government stakeholders, a lack of “political will” to finance the projects was addressed. Dr. Zubairi said, “Funding for this type of schooling is really, really, low.” Less than 1% of the education budget is designated to education pathways outside of formal schooling across Kenya, Ghana and Nepal.
Shifting community perceptions was successful in some cases. A vocational training provider in Garissa said: “We didn’t know the importance of educating a girl child before, but now we know. They taught our village girls different skills in their program. They also discouraged FGM in our community.”
Meanwhile, in Kilifi, female youth taking up careers like plumbing and mechanics resulted in changed community perceptions of the propriety of these paths for women. Previously, investing in girls was seen as a waste of money, whereas now the community sees girls opening up their businesses as elevating household incomes and proving their competence.
Dr. Zubairi said the projects “try to communicate why investment and political will for these programs are crucial. These projects are only six to nine months, but changing community norms — that takes a generation.”
Empowerment
Empowerment is a central theme in the new report, assessing changes in girls’ decision-making. In Nepal, a female aspiring doctor whose father had initially supported her in attending the Learning Centre faced hinderance due to his changed attitude once she left the center. Now 15, he forbade her from attending school. Empowered by the program, she vocalized her desires and attended school secretly while her father worked elsewhere, stopping whenever her father returned.
The study also assessed household decision-making. Approximately one-third of the participants reported feeling confident in making informed life choices, including the ability to go to the market alone and decide what to purchase. An older girl from Kenya shared that the project had provided her with the skills to make independent decisions, allowing her to gain empowerment through her newfound income in her daily life.
Unfortunately, in some cases, empowerment increases the risk of reactionary violence. “These girls suddenly feel empowered. But often, they’re still contained within contexts where perceptions around girls’ agency have not moved. So there is a risk that if projects don’t continue to support them, girls are at extreme risk because the tools are incompatible within the community, to some degree,” the research lead said.
In Kenya, women gained independence through sewing machines that helped them generate income. However, this new empowerment sometimes created tension within the community. Although the women became self-reliant, some men held onto traditional gender roles, leading to conflict and resentment. Consequently, a few men chose to damage their wives’ sewing machines.
Continued Investment
Ongoing investment and long-term commitment are crucial to sustain female empowerment. Most participants highlighted financial barriers as a hindrance to their aspirations after leaving the program. Girls transitioning to formal school often lacked the means to acquire equipment, and some starting businesses could not afford to buy tools.
The study recommends developing multi-stakeholder relationships to ensure progress does not end with the LNGB program. The need to develop community contexts in which girls can thrive is clear. The report provides hope and actionable proposals for long-term change in this direction. “These girls are absolutely worth continuing to invest in,” Dr. Zubairi said.
Centering on personal stories, the study illustrates both the program’s successes and its current limitations, illuminating the barriers marginalized girls face and the profound potential for their empowerment.
– Anum Mahmood
Photo: unsplash
Poverty Reduction in Croatia
According to the World Bank, Croatia is currently ahead of its targets of poverty reduction – the percentage of people at risk of poverty is “firmly on a downward path but remains above the EU average.” Its unemployment rate is dropping but remains persistently higher than other EU countries; according to Project World Impact, the estimated number of people below the poverty line in Croatia is 19.3%.
Many organizations are working toward poverty reduction in Croatia and reducing inequality among the country’s most vulnerable. The following is a spotlight on the active ones.
Caritas Croatia
Officially founded in 1992 in response to the humanitarian needs of the people affected by the Croatian Homeland War of the early 1990s, Caritas Croatia works toward poverty reduction in Croatia and the promotion of solidarity and social justice.
Caritas’s efforts branch out across Croatia. For example, the organization maintains a presence at Hotel Porin – a large socialist-style hotel on the outskirts of Zagreb that serves as a reception center for asylum seekers. More than 600 people live here, receiving support from Caritas to integrate into Croatian life through language classes and assistance finding work.
The charity has also raised significant amounts of money to provide safe and dignified living conditions to people made homeless by the 2020 earthquake that struck 30 miles south of Zagreb. Over a period of eight months, Caritas helped up to 200 households affected over a 2,000 square kilometer radius, providing accommodation as well as financial and technical help for those repairing their homes.
SOS Children’s Villages
SOS Children’s Villages was founded in 1949 to care for the children of a post-World War 2 world. In the 70 years since then, the organization has helped nearly 4 million children in more than 130 countries. The organization turned its attention to Croatia in 1992, working to improve the conditions of children living there ever since.
SOS Children’s Villages report that, of the 700,00 children in Croatia, one in five are at risk of poverty and 2,500 are in care. With poverty and unemployment cited as key drivers of these figures (Croatia’s young people are twice as likely to be unemployed, at a rate of around 15%), poverty reduction becomes a key focus of the charity’s work.
SOS Children’s Villages take a five-pronged approach to poverty reduction in Croatia: prevention, protection, emergency relief advocacy and safeguarding.
The charity employs a multifaceted approach to support children and families. Through workshops, counseling and educational initiatives, it strengthens families, aiming to maintain stable homes for children. Additionally, it makes provisions for mental health support. To protect children, the charity offers mentoring, training and career coaching, addressing youth unemployment. Alternative care is available for displaced or parentless children. Emergency relief efforts, including response to events like the 2020 earthquake, are in place. The organization advocates for children’s rights and sustainable futures. Lastly, it ensures the well-being of children who have lost parental care.
Domine
Addressing poverty reduction in Croatia involves acknowledging gender inequality. Disparities in wages, unpaid care work, educational access and health care contribute to women being overrepresented among the economically disadvantaged across the globe. Tackling these gender-related challenges is crucial for comprehensive poverty alleviation efforts.
Gender equality organization Domine is well aware of this, and is working hard to promote women’s rights, poverty reduction, social inclusion and an increase in economic status for women in Croatia. Founded in 2002, it runs three main programs to enable the following:
The Croatian Red Cross
The Croatian Red Cross was founded in the 1800s and is part of the IFRC, the world’s largest humanitarian network. The organization works to provide first aid, assistance to migrants, health protection, community programs and more.
A branch of the Croatian Red Cross focuses its efforts on the eastern region of Slavonia, one of the poorest regions in the EU. It has the lowest GDP, the highest unemployment rate and the lowest average salaries in Croatia; as a result, the region has one of the highest poverty levels.
Here, the Red Cross provides material help, distributing food parcels and basic material assistance to some of the country’s most disadvantaged and vulnerable people. According to estimates, project activities have impacted more than 22,000 people.
Overall, the work of charitable organizations in Croatia is positively contributing to improving the quality of life in the country’s most impoverished areas.
– Peggy Hughes
Photo: flickr
COVID-19’s Impact on NGOs in India
Lack of Funds and Infrastructure – The Biggest Challenge for the NGOs in India
The pandemic severely impacted India’s social sector, redirecting funds to emergency relief and causing financial challenges for NGOs. About 33% of Indian NGOs faced a six-month survival crisis due to inadequate funds. As rightly pointed out by Sri Gopalakrishnan, although the specific needs of the NGOs may have evolved, addressing the basic needs continues to be the main driver for several local charities in India as COVID-19’s virulence continues to morph since the onset.
Lack of government support and unethical practices by some of the unregistered NGOs usually result in investors and the public losing trust and turning away from donating, exacerbating COVID-19’s impact on the NGOs in India. Moreover, public fundraising activities shifted to online events and social media campaigns due to COVID-19, compelling NGOs to scale back their operations.
Loss of Jobs & Disruption at Schools Impact the NGOs
The closure of schools, businesses and workplaces led to the loss of jobs and income for employed individuals and disruption for children. About 10 million Indians lost their jobs during the second wave of the pandemic. COVID-19’s impact on the NGOs forced them to shift to remote work, impacting operations and creating challenges in balancing fieldwork and digital tasks.
The global unemployment rate hit 6.5% as an additional 33 million people lost their employment in 2020, bringing the total number of unemployed individuals worldwide to 220 million. The economic crisis triggered by the pandemic constrained donors’ capacity, resulting in NGOs facing a decline in voluntary income.
Collaboration Enables Chartering the Course for the NGOs
In 2021, under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) program instituted by the prime minister of India, the World Bank approved $500M to improve response to social protection. This enabled the state and the central government organizations to define a more adaptive social protection system, reaching more groups based on individual needs.
As of current data, there are more than 190,000 registered NGOs in India, according to information from the NGO Darpan portal, a platform that provides space for collaboration between NGOs and key government ministries and departments.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the Influence of Technology
Amid the crisis, there is an opportunity to reshape relationships between the social sector, businesses and government, with CSR playing a key role. The government mandates companies to allocate 2% of their profits to CSR projects. Increasing CSR commitments and leveraging technology through socio-tech ventures can bring about impactful change in addressing India’s vast socio-economic challenges for nonprofits.
Policy Changes, Governance and Technology Mark the Future
Several reports, including the Center for Monitoring of the Indian Economy (CMIE) statistics, revealed 10 million job losses during the second wave of the pandemic. Therefore, the government requires support from India’s social sector to achieve significant positive change in health, economy and society.
Over the past decade, the World Bank partnered with tech providers, foundations, think tanks and Indian agencies to develop social protection systems. This initiative engaged experts to enhance India’s social protection architecture. To avoid falling into the trap of the global economic crisis, the Government of India must strategize its objectives, introduce many policy changes and enhance the country’s stature in international relations.
– Sudha Krishnaswami
Photo: Unsplash
Renewable Energy in Lithuania
As of 2021, 22.5% of the population endured energy poverty. Currently, the country is pursuing both energy independence and sources of renewable energy within its borders in efforts to reduce the prevalence of poverty. In 2022, Lithuania ceased importing energy from Russia, marking a necessary step toward energy independence. The country remains committed to an ambitious objective of fulfilling its entire domestic electricity needs through renewable sources by 2030, according to its National Energy Independence Strategy. Lithuania also aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
Exploring Other Energy Sources
In an intensive effort to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, Lithuania is making a transformative shift toward renewable energy sources such as wind. In May 2023, the Lithuanian National Energy Regulatory Council began constructing an offshore wind farm that is projected to produce nearly a quarter of the country’s electricity.
Solid biofuel — fuel derived from firewood, plants and agricultural waste — provides perhaps the greatest potential for sustainable energy production in Lithuania. In 2021, the country utilized 54.4% of it to create electricity and centralized heat, while households used 33.1%. Lithuania’s National Energy and Climate Action Plan expects that biofuel will contribute to 9% of electricity production by 2030.
With ambitious targets set to harness reliable, clean energy, the country is making significant strides in its renewable energy sector, marking a pivotal moment in its journey toward a greener future.
Alleviating Poverty Through Renewable Energy Production
In addition to reducing its reliance on other countries, increasing renewable energy production in Lithuania could result in poverty reduction through job creation, boosting economic growth, lowering the cost of living and increasing access to energy in underserved areas.
The effects of Russia’s continued assault on Ukraine, combined with the recent economic slowdown and fewer companies seeking expansion, have reduced employment opportunities in Lithuania. However, internal investment in renewable energy is combatting this loss. In 2022, the UK Energy Research Centre reported that renewable energy creates three times as many jobs per million pounds invested, compared to the fossil fuel industry. The development and expansion of renewable energy infrastructure could therefore greatly contribute to reducing unemployment and alleviating poverty in Lithuania. In just one year of working toward energy production autonomy, the unemployment rate in Lithuania dropped from more than 15% to 9%.
Investments in renewable energy projects stimulate economic growth. The renewable energy sector attracts investments, promotes technological innovation and supports local industries, encouraging economic development that can improve living standards and mitigate poverty rates.
Cost-saving Potential
The widespread availability of renewable energy could also reduce the cost of energy, helping lower the cost of living in Lithuania. According to the Minister of the Environment, Simonas Gentvilas, prior to 2022, Lithuania regularly spent about €3 billion per year on electricity, oil and gas from Russia. Transitioning to self-reliant, renewable energy sources could retain this money in Lithuania, as well as create lower energy costs in the long term. As a result, families will have increased financial resources, providing opportunities to escape poverty or financial strain.
Renewable energy projects could also expand access to reliable electricity, especially in rural or underserved areas. Bringing sustainable energy sources to these communities enhances quality of life, enables increased economic activities, improves educational opportunities and contributes to poverty reduction by facilitating access to essential resources and services.
Looking Ahead
While these examples of renewable energy in Lithuania represent crucial steps on the road toward poverty reduction and energy independence, addressing poverty in Lithuania appears to require a multifaceted approach. Combining renewable energy efforts with broader strategies that focus on education, health care, social welfare programs and employment opportunities could lead to lasting impact on reducing poverty and fostering sustainable development in the country.
– Bella Simokaitis
Photo: Pixabay
How MFIs Contribute to Alleviating Poverty Among Indian Farmers
Casteism: A Deep-Rooted Cultural Issue
Casteism, a cultural community hierarchy in India, although outlawed in the 1950s, still has clear implications in today’s Indian societies. About 82% of Indian farmers belong to marginalized communities and classes. Caste-based discrimination in India also extends to the financing sector, where members of the lower caste are forced to take out loans from informal sources. The risks and often high collateral from these informal sources lead to a perpetual spiral into poverty for these low-caste individuals.
The establishment of MFIs in India streamlines the process of receiving small loans for individuals facing caste-based discrimination. Microfinancing groups like Annapurna Finance and Fusion Microfinance play a crucial role in alleviating the financial challenges of these small, underserved farming communities in India. By specifically targeting these marginalized groups, these groups bring more formal and legitimate loan opportunities for these farmers. Access to formal loans reduces the risks associated with regulatory oversights and legal issues, enabling marginalized farmers to repay these MFIs in a much more relaxed manner.
Empowering Disadvantaged Women Farmers
Some MFIs in India not only make it a priority to provide microloans to women but also educate them on agricultural development. The Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh focuses on underprivileged women, establishing self-help groups through the provision of microloans and imparting market knowledge. The market knowledge provided by SERP includes understanding how third-party groups can exploit their profits and how to spend less money on seeds, fertilizers and pesticides. This knowledge has helped several female farmers to break “from the shackles of money lenders and traders.”
Many rural women in India are often rejected loans from banks due to their illiteracy or even asked to provide collateral even if they have no assets in their name. This proves to be a major problem, leading them to face local debt collectors and loaners who often have high-interest rates. When organizations like SERP started offering legitimate microloans and financial knowledge, individuals no longer needed to resort to loan sharks. This alleviates the stress associated with informal sources of loans, empowering them to pursue their livelihood as farmers. Simultaneously, it provides them with opportunities that can contribute to lifting them out of poverty.
Key Notes
Microfinance institutions in India are making strides in empowering marginalized farmers, particularly those affected by caste-based discrimination. By providing formal and legitimate loans, such as those offered by Annapurna Finance and Fusion Microfinance, these organizations help break the cycle of poverty perpetuated by informal sources. Moreover, initiatives like the SERP focus on educating and financially empowering disadvantaged women farmers, offering them an alternative to exploitative moneylenders and contributing to their economic independence. Overall, these efforts signal a positive shift toward sustainable rural development in India.
– Aswath Jaiprakash
Photo: Flickr
5 Organizations Helping the Deaf Community in Uganda
Most deaf children in the country don’t complete their primary education due to a lack of access and funding, leading to a lack of employment opportunities. These factors create a cycle of poverty among the deaf community in Uganda, which the organizations in this article seek to resolve.
Deaf Link Uganda
Founded in 2007 and based in Kampala, Deaf Link Uganda helps the deaf community by promoting the rights of deaf citizens, providing education for the deaf and teaching business development skills to deaf Ugandans. Within these overarching programs, Deaf Link Uganda provides sign language workshops, promotes literacy and reading among deaf children and provides training in graphic design and industrial skills.
The organization primarily focuses on rural communities, where social stigmas regarding deafness more severely limit social and economic opportunities. Along with the Uganda National Association of the Deaf, Deaf Link Uganda co-hosts International Deaf Awareness Week every September. It encourages outreach activities to educate hearing Ugandans on the causes of deafness and the existence of USL as a minority language, as well as promote networking between deaf and hearing communities.
Deaf Sign Alliance
Also based in Kampala, and founded in 2016, Deaf Sign Alliance was initially the Deaf Children and Youth Alliance, but the organization expanded its reach in recognition of the need for continued support to deaf persons of all ages. Deaf Sign Alliance aims to transform Ugandan society into one that offers equity and respect to deaf people.
It promotes USL through community-based training, engages in human rights advocacy for deaf Ugandans, networks across the country to ensure emergency response groups are inclusive of deaf needs, sponsors the costs of educating deaf children in hearing schools, helps deaf people develop vocational skills and builds relationships between businesses in the hearing community and deaf adults. As part of this work, Deaf Sign Alliance also has partnerships with local and international stakeholders.
SignHealth Uganda
SignHealth Uganda was founded in 2009 and is based in Kampala. The NGO is dedicated to creating equity through sustainable services and advocacy. Backed by SignHealth International, it helps the deaf community in Uganda by improving deaf education nationwide, providing accessible health care to deaf Ugandans and fostering community outreach. Specific programs include education about and testing for HIV/AIDS, mental health counseling and after-school activities for deaf children, such as sports and theater.
SignHealth Uganda also works with families of deaf children and teachers in mainstream schools, training them in USL and on the protected rights of deaf children. Through its community outreach program, SignHealth Uganda formed clubs and networking opportunities for deaf youth. Altogether, it has implemented 15 programs and impacted more than 5,000 Ugandans.
Boanerges Deaf Initiative
Founded in 2003 and based in Semuto, Boanerges Deaf Initiative is a Christian ministry organization dedicated to educating young, deaf Ugandans and fostering their self-confidence. In an effort to combat the social stigma that deaf children are a burden, the group provides students with a bed, clothing, shoes, food and school supplies. They also provide free USL courses to the community to bridge social gaps and encourage networking between deaf and hearing children.
The school run by Boanerges Deaf Initiative allows deaf students to graduate with the same academic credentials as their hearing peers, including taking the same national exams. In addition to private fundraising, the group encourages literacy among deaf students through an international penpal program.
Deaf Girls Rescue
Since 2015, Deaf Girls Rescue has been helping deaf girls rise out of poverty and illiteracy. Based in Wakiso District, the organization engages in grassroots-level research on statistics about Ugandan deaf girls in order to support advocacy efforts. It raises public awareness of the vulnerability of this minority population through USL classes, outreach programs with public officials and health care workers, advocacy in legal sectors and public school teacher training.
Deaf Girls Rescue provides education, including sexual reproduction information, to deaf girls in the hopes of creating economic opportunities for them. In a prior project, Deaf Girls Rescue trained 20 deaf women and girls as chicken farmers, enabling them to gain financial independence and reduce barriers to safety.
Looking Ahead
While the deaf community in Uganda still faces significant difficulties in gaining true equity, these five organizations have made tremendous strides to bring the community in that direction and to raise awareness of deaf citizens’ value in society. Due to their efforts, deaf Ugandans have increased access to education, economic opportunities, accessible health care and more.
– Natalie Coyne
Photo: Flickr
Scoring Goals, Changing Lives: Soccer’s Impact in Cambodia
Poverty in Cambodia
Cambodia saw terrific progress in poverty reduction between 2009 and 2019, where rates fell from 33.8% to 17.8% of the total population. However, COVID-19 overturned some of this progress and an estimated 460,000 people have fallen below the poverty income threshold. In most countries, poverty disproportionately affects the young and the same can be said about Cambodia. In 2014, child poverty rates were above the total population, affecting four in 25 children.
Daily challenges for Cambodian children encompass poor hygiene, limited access to clean water and child labor. Additionally, they face heightened vulnerability to trafficking, exploitation and early marriage. In a country where 52% of the population is under 25, the financial burden often shifts to the youth, impeding their ability to finish school and attain aspirational jobs.
SALT
Established in 2006, SALT is a Christian international organization committed to shaping a promising future for Cambodia’s youth. Currently, its approach weaves together sports, education and discipleship to empower young individuals. It aims to create a meaningful impact and foster growth within the Cambodian community. While only 8% of Cambodians attend college, 50% of SALT Academy’s “Mighty Men” and “Mighty Girls” were enrolled after the program.
Mighty Girls
SALT’s flagship initiative, Mighty Girls, extends a hand to 20 teenage girls from underprivileged and impoverished villages. Correlated with poverty, most apparent in rural areas, young women and girls are vulnerable to having their basic rights violated. SALT designed the Mighty Girls project to provide crucial training, housing and educational avenues otherwise inaccessible to these individuals.
It has become a “safety net” for individuals at risk of human trafficking. The program has also fostered girl’s education and advanced the cause of gender equality. Though not a conventional solution to problems caused by poverty and gender norms, SALT’s Mighty Girls program has supported more than 50 girls and their players make up the backbone of Cambodia’s Women’s teams and up-and-coming stars.
Linda and Kimlechang’s Story
Stories from Linda and Kimlechang reveal soccer’s impact in Cambodia. Soccer saved Linda from becoming a victim of early marriage. Succeeding in a football competition was crucial in ensuring she did not give up her freedom, education and passions. “SALT Academy gave me the opportunity to become educated, to gain leadership skills, to access university, to dream of a higher career and better future and to become a role model for the community,” says Linda, who is now the Program Manager and full-time staff at the charity.
Financial hardship and domestic abuse in Kimelchang’s household meant her siblings had to support the family, leaving them with very few prospects. However, after making her way to SALT Academy, Kimleang thrived in the combination of sport and education. After graduating in 2018, Kimleang expressed her desire to pursue further studies in the United States (U.S.) and harbored dreams of working for the Cambodian Football Federation.
The soccer programs launched by SALT offer access to essentials like education and empower children to break the cycles of poverty and gender stereotypes, planting hope for a brighter future. In addition, these initiatives offer a structured and positive outlet, alongside instilling a sense of purpose and belonging that goes beyond the challenges faced by young girls and boys at home. Overall, it catalyzes change by imparting essential life skills such as teamwork, discipline and resilience.
– Sam Waterkeyn
Photo: Pexels
Farming for the Future: Regenerative Agriculture in Argentina
In Argentina, agriculture plays a major role in the lives of the country’s 44 million residents. The second largest nation in South America, Argentina has 23 provinces, with Buenos Aires, Cordoba and Santa Fe being the most agriculturally dominant. Although the country impressively produces enough food to feed 450 million people, the rate of production is adversely impacting the environment. Additionally, factors such as inflation and the COVID-19 pandemic have taken a toll on the nation’s economy, pushing some individuals into poverty. As climate change and damaged soil make the future of farming unstable, regenerative agriculture in Argentina may be the solution to what should come next.
Poverty in Argentina at a Glance
Despite the substantial food production in Argentina, a portion of the population is grappling with extreme poverty. Within the country, 44.7% of the population, totaling 17.5 million people, is considered impoverished, with 9.6% living in conditions of extreme poverty.
Some of the poverty in Argentina appear to stem from the unstable economic conditions that have persisted since COVID-19. During the pandemic, there was a significant spike in food prices compared to other market items, disproportionately affecting families with middle and low economic status the most.
The most extreme inflation spike occurred in 2022. Poverty climbed drastically during this time, with four out of every 10 Argentinians living in poverty. By the end of 2022, Argentina had one of the highest inflation rates in the world and had experienced a 3% point increase in the proportion of impoverished people in the last six months of the same year.
Agriculture in Argentina
Many may not imagine the viability of Argentina’s agricultural economic sector because of the increasing amounts of Argentinians living in poverty. However, the country boasts one of the most noteworthy agricultural sectors in the world. A quarter of Argentina’s exports are agricultural goods, making it the tenth largest agri-food exporter globally. This sector provides a third of the jobs available in Argentina and primarily exports corn, meat, soybeans, wheat, wine and wool.
The critical role agriculture plays in Argentina’s economy leaves the nation very vulnerable to experiencing adverse effects from climate change and over-farming.
Regenerative Agriculture in Argentina
Regenerative agriculture is an environmentally conscious method of farming that emphasizes the preservation and enhancement of soil health and nutrient content. This method of farming is important for ensuring the proper cultivation of crops and livestock.
Regenerative agriculture can serve as a tool to stabilize the nation’s economy by providing reliable food sources and creating jobs in the agricultural sector that will survive climate change while also prioritizing environmental protection.
The impact of agriculture on global warming is significant, highlighting the need to develop sustainable farming methods. In Argentina, farmers have started to realize this necessity, leading to a growing adoption of climate-conscious and sustainable farming practices.
La Delia Verde
La Delia Verde is a farm practicing regenerative agriculture in Argentina. After genetically modified soybeans became a common crop in Argentina, farmers quickly realized the potential to make lots of money. Capitalizing on the naturally fertile soil, soybean production experienced a rapid surge throughout the region. However, over 25 years, the nation’s natural soil fertility began to diminish rapidly.
Upon recognizing the detriment intensive agriculture had to Argentina’s environment, the team at La Delia Verde decided to practice regenerative agriculture on their farm. In 2019, La Delia Verde focused its business on farming without harm. The group pledged to preserve the farm’s soil, water, biodiversity and air.
Currently at La Delia Verde, the farm is undergoing a complete redesign to coexist within the land. The goal is to safeguard the naturally occurring resources on the farm. Protecting biodiversity and creating environments for it to thrive is at the heart of La Delia Verde’s mission. This is evident in the team’s additional work to plant trees and provide pastures for their livestock to integrate.
Looking Ahead
Regenerative agriculture stands out as a robust strategy in the global fight against climate change. In Argentina, the adoption of this sustainable farming method promises to not only generate employment but also bring economic stability and enhance food security. The advancements witnessed at farms like La Delia Verde signify just the beginning of the positive changes occurring in this transformative journey.
– Alexandra Straumann
Photo: Flickr