The small, West African country of Guinea-Bissau, comprised of 88 islands, is home to 1.8 million people. Its beautiful landscapes, pristine beaches, cultural traditions and natural source of mangoes, cashews and papayas attract tourists to its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Yet of the 873,000 children of Guinea-Bissau, 70% are living in poverty.
Children under 5 years of age account for 291,000 of the population and face the highest risk of malnutrition, stunting and high mortality rates. Child poverty in Guinea-Bissau has a detrimental effect on a child’s future by restricting opportunity. Poverty forces children as young as 5 into work, becoming debt slaves, and into sexual exploitation, with “17% engaging in child labor.”
Health and education challenges in Guinea-Bissau limit opportunities for children due to factors such as poverty, malnutrition and cultural norms. These obstacles hinder a child’s prospects. Efforts to address period poverty are ongoing, including increased pad donations, aiming to make lasting progress in ending this issue.
High Child Mortality Rates
For children under the age of 5, malaria, diarrhea and pneumonia account for 27% of deaths, with death in the first month of infancy accounting for 43%. These diseases pose a greater risk in urban areas where only 35% of children are vaccinated.
Between 2014 and 2019, child mortality rates dropped from 8.9% to 5.1%. The COVID-19 pandemic had a detrimental effect on child mortality rates, due largely to health care strikes, lack of vaccinations and essential medicines, which has left them unable to access appropriate medical care.
Malnutrition
Child poverty in Guinea-Bissau causes wasting, affecting 5% of children under the age of 5, with 28% also having stunted growth.
Limited education around infant feeding and consuming food that is poor in nutrition, alongside preventable illnesses like diarrhea and malaria, have raised the rates of malnutrition.
For children living in poverty in Guinea-Bissau, 40.6% of children experience stunting, and even for those with a more significant income, stunting still affects 17.8%.
Health and Access to Clean Water
Accessing pediatric care for children under 15 is difficult in Guinea-Bissau due largely to the lack of pediatricians. According to UNICEF, the country has three pediatricians for every 720,000 children, and 66% of the population has to walk at least one hour to a health center.
In terms of health, inadequate sanitation exacerbates conditions. Approximately 84% of households lack access to soap and water for proper handwashing. In 2019, merely 18% of households could access uncontaminated water, free from fecal bacteria, while just 45% had access to water points. These challenges contribute to public health issues.
Diarrhea is the second-highest cause of death for children under 5. Inadequate access to clean water causes diseases and can lead to infection or even death.
Children’s health is a priority with Vitamin A supplements and deworming becoming “routine activities of community health workers.”
Supported by UNICEF, the integrated management of acute malnutrition (IMAM) has created training and supplies for adequate treatment. It has opened up 78 healthcare facilities nationwide to treat malnutrition.
Education
Guinea-Bissau Annual Country Report conducted in 2022 found that “93% of cases of children who had to repeat an educational year in primary school were strongly linked to malnutrition.”
Guinea-Bissau’s children struggle to gain an adequate education, resulting in a lack of basic skills. Teachers are often under-trained and lack suitable knowledge and resources, resulting in substandard teaching outcomes.
For children aged between 7-14, 88% do not have basic literacy skills, and 93% are unable to demonstrate numeracy skills, with Guinea-Bissau having “a primary education completion rate of under 30%.”
Positive Steps
The World Food Programme (WFP) is working with the Guinea-Bissau government to tackle the impact of malnutrition. 179,000 children receive hot and nutritious meals. In May 2023, WFP implemented a program to provide vegetable gardens in schools, focusing on children with special needs. The program aims to promote home-grown produce that can be used in schools.
The WFP provides nutritious meals to children, and alongside the Social Behavior Change and Communication campaign, the organization is tackling cultural views on eating habits and locally sourced food.
Children in Guinea-Bissau with disabilities face further challenges when accessing education. The Humanity and Inclusion U.K. has been working to make schools more accessible to disabled children, and while its education program ended in March 2022, it is working toward implementing further programs and improvements.
The children of Guinea-Bissau face difficulties accessing health care, education and getting out of poverty. However, key steps by organizations like UNICEF, WFP and Humanity & Inclusion U.K. are creating opportunities for children to reach their full potential. With continued support and investment, there is hope for the children of Guinea-Bissau to rise above poverty and access better health care and education.
– Isabel R. Burnside
Photo: Flickr
How Forests and Young People Solve the Water Crisis in Honduras
Water Crisis and Deforestation in Honduras
One study states that by the end of the century, rainfall in Honduras will drop by 20% and water availability by 40%. Another study shows that at least half of the houses in Honduras have access to clean drinking water filtered by the forests.
Deforestation has already severely harmed the integrity of numerous water catchment areas, and other places are already in grave danger, further exacerbating the water crisis in Honduras. Forests help regulate the flow of water in rivers and streams, which reduces flooding risks.
Healthy forests are a filter that keeps pollution out of the water, roots anchor soil from erosion and material on the forest floor absorbs nutrients. When forests become damaged, sediment flows into the water, which pollutes it.
Forests also help control the water cycle by supervising precipitation, flows and evaporation. Layers of forest vegetation store and release water vapor. The destruction of the forest leads to irregular rain patterns.
Impact on Communities and Forest Loss
Communities of people rely on clean water for health. Relying on natural filtration sources such as the forest reduces the cost of filtering clean water. Forests being destroyed will increase the price of clean water. Honduras has been losing forest life over the past few years due to deforestation and agriculture, resulting in poverty. From 1990 to 2020, the country lost at least 9% of its forest.
These threats targeted people, the economy and ecosystems, so Honduras has been determining natural solutions with social interaction.
Ongoing Efforts
Montserrat Xilot, a climate change adaptation advisor for the United Nations (U.N.), visited Tegucigalpa to observe a project supported by the Global Adaptation Fund and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The initiative, led by women and young people, showcases enthusiasm and innovation, emphasizing the effectiveness of local knowledge in adapting to natural disasters and managing resources.
During her visit, Xilot engaged with these individuals at the National Autonomous University’s lab, a crucial hub for understanding Honduras’ water crisis. Through the lens of “Ecology of Water,” they applied various practices to monitor water sources and maintain water quality within the Central Forest Corridor. This hands-on approach is key to addressing the region’s water challenges.
Rather than accepting payment, the university wanted science equipment to study the water that flowed into the city. A water research department and a lab were created to examine the link between microbiology, climatology, water and physics. The lab made important disaster information and water modeling. It shows a leap forward in providing science, which is key to addressing the crisis.
Women were developing their bio-fertilizers from local plant life to sell to markets. Xilot spoke to a young person who was the leader of the fire brigade and stated that the project taught her how to prepare during the forest fire season.
The university has secured grant funding to continue its project, including from the International Atomic Energy Agency. It has also allowed the climate adaptation program in the U.N. to request water analyses to better reveal water sources along the forest with increasing demand and natural disasters.
– Hailey S
Photo: Unsplash
Bridging the Job Divide in Urban Slums in India
The Landscape of Urban Poverty in India
Despite its economic progress, India continues to face the formidable challenge of poverty. According to research by economists Arvind Panagariya and Vishal More, a significant portion of the Indian population, almost 26.9%, lives below the national poverty line, with urban areas harboring a substantial share of these impoverished citizens. In this context, urban slums represent pockets of deprivation, where there is limited access to education and employment opportunities, and this perpetuates the cycle of poverty.
The Role of Tech-Enabled Skill Development
Tech-Enabled Skill Development emerges as a pivotal solution to this entrenched problem. Initiatives leveraging technology to impart skills have gained momentum in recent years, providing a glimmer of hope for those residing in urban slums. These programs address the immediate need for employment and equip individuals with the technical expertise required to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) reports a surge in the enrollment of individuals from marginalized communities in tech-oriented courses, indicating a growing interest and recognition of the importance of digital skills.
Addressing the Job Divide With Tech-Enabled Solutions
Tech-Enabled Skill Development is not just a theoretical solution but a practical and tangible way to address the job divide in urban slums. By providing training in digital literacy, coding and other relevant skills, individuals receive the support that helps them meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market.
A report by NASSCOM, the Indian IT industry trade association, emphasizes the potential of Tech-Enabled Skill Development to create a skilled workforce ready for the jobs of the future. It states that digital skill development is already a significant part of the business strategy of various startups, multinationals and upcoming businesses. India is focused on providing accessible and relevant training, with technology as the enabler to reduce the job divide and improve the skilled workforce in the nation.
Present Initiatives: A Ray of Hope
Several organizations and government bodies have undertaken initiatives to bridge the technological gap in urban slums.
For the past two decades, the Digital Empowerment Foundation has been actively involved in digitally empowering local communities. It achieved this involvement by establishing 1,000 Community Information Resource Centres and a network of 10,000 digital ambassadors across 24 states and 135 districts, focusing on urban, rural, tribal, marginalized and unreached regions.
Conclusion
Tech-Enabled Skill Development appears to be a beacon of hope for those living in the shadows of poverty in India’s urban slums. These initiatives bridge the job divide by equipping individuals with digital skills and laying the foundation for a more inclusive and empowered society. As the digital revolution continues to reshape the global economy, the impact of such programs becomes increasingly significant in ensuring the inclusion of everyone. In the context of urban slums in India, change is happening through the transformative power of technology, bringing about a brighter future for those who need it the most.
– Srishti Arora
Photo: Unsplash
The Children of Guinea-Bissau and Poverty
Children under 5 years of age account for 291,000 of the population and face the highest risk of malnutrition, stunting and high mortality rates. Child poverty in Guinea-Bissau has a detrimental effect on a child’s future by restricting opportunity. Poverty forces children as young as 5 into work, becoming debt slaves, and into sexual exploitation, with “17% engaging in child labor.”
Health and education challenges in Guinea-Bissau limit opportunities for children due to factors such as poverty, malnutrition and cultural norms. These obstacles hinder a child’s prospects. Efforts to address period poverty are ongoing, including increased pad donations, aiming to make lasting progress in ending this issue.
High Child Mortality Rates
For children under the age of 5, malaria, diarrhea and pneumonia account for 27% of deaths, with death in the first month of infancy accounting for 43%. These diseases pose a greater risk in urban areas where only 35% of children are vaccinated.
Between 2014 and 2019, child mortality rates dropped from 8.9% to 5.1%. The COVID-19 pandemic had a detrimental effect on child mortality rates, due largely to health care strikes, lack of vaccinations and essential medicines, which has left them unable to access appropriate medical care.
Malnutrition
Child poverty in Guinea-Bissau causes wasting, affecting 5% of children under the age of 5, with 28% also having stunted growth.
Limited education around infant feeding and consuming food that is poor in nutrition, alongside preventable illnesses like diarrhea and malaria, have raised the rates of malnutrition.
For children living in poverty in Guinea-Bissau, 40.6% of children experience stunting, and even for those with a more significant income, stunting still affects 17.8%.
Health and Access to Clean Water
Accessing pediatric care for children under 15 is difficult in Guinea-Bissau due largely to the lack of pediatricians. According to UNICEF, the country has three pediatricians for every 720,000 children, and 66% of the population has to walk at least one hour to a health center.
In terms of health, inadequate sanitation exacerbates conditions. Approximately 84% of households lack access to soap and water for proper handwashing. In 2019, merely 18% of households could access uncontaminated water, free from fecal bacteria, while just 45% had access to water points. These challenges contribute to public health issues.
Diarrhea is the second-highest cause of death for children under 5. Inadequate access to clean water causes diseases and can lead to infection or even death.
Children’s health is a priority with Vitamin A supplements and deworming becoming “routine activities of community health workers.”
Supported by UNICEF, the integrated management of acute malnutrition (IMAM) has created training and supplies for adequate treatment. It has opened up 78 healthcare facilities nationwide to treat malnutrition.
Education
Guinea-Bissau Annual Country Report conducted in 2022 found that “93% of cases of children who had to repeat an educational year in primary school were strongly linked to malnutrition.”
Guinea-Bissau’s children struggle to gain an adequate education, resulting in a lack of basic skills. Teachers are often under-trained and lack suitable knowledge and resources, resulting in substandard teaching outcomes.
For children aged between 7-14, 88% do not have basic literacy skills, and 93% are unable to demonstrate numeracy skills, with Guinea-Bissau having “a primary education completion rate of under 30%.”
Positive Steps
The World Food Programme (WFP) is working with the Guinea-Bissau government to tackle the impact of malnutrition. 179,000 children receive hot and nutritious meals. In May 2023, WFP implemented a program to provide vegetable gardens in schools, focusing on children with special needs. The program aims to promote home-grown produce that can be used in schools.
The WFP provides nutritious meals to children, and alongside the Social Behavior Change and Communication campaign, the organization is tackling cultural views on eating habits and locally sourced food.
Children in Guinea-Bissau with disabilities face further challenges when accessing education. The Humanity and Inclusion U.K. has been working to make schools more accessible to disabled children, and while its education program ended in March 2022, it is working toward implementing further programs and improvements.
The children of Guinea-Bissau face difficulties accessing health care, education and getting out of poverty. However, key steps by organizations like UNICEF, WFP and Humanity & Inclusion U.K. are creating opportunities for children to reach their full potential. With continued support and investment, there is hope for the children of Guinea-Bissau to rise above poverty and access better health care and education.
– Isabel R. Burnside
Photo: Flickr
Public Health in Argentina
Argentina is one of the leaders in Latin America concerning health care expenditure per capita. When compared to other countries in the region, its health care system performs well on several key indicators, including life expectancy, child mortality rate and access to health services. However, like other countries in Latin America, Argentina struggles with challenges related to equity and efficiency.
Argentina’s Health Care System
Health services in Argentina are divided into three main parts: the public sector (national, provincial, and municipal), social insurance (Obras Sociales) and private health services. Approximately 35% of the population depends on public health care. This division helps manage and deliver health services to different groups of people. The public sector covers a significant portion of the population, ensuring access to healthcare services for those who rely on it. The rest have some form of health care coverage, either from the Obras Sociales (60% of the population) or the private health care system (13%). Approximately 10% of the population has access to more than one coverage system.
An administrator at the Secretary of Public Health of San Isidro, Buenos Aires, stated in an interview with The Borgen Project, “Due to the economic situation, many people are falling out of the private system, which is overwhelming the public system.” To combat this high influx of patients and ensure that everyone’s needs are met, the administrator stated the government set up a 35-day window for the maximum number of days that a patient can wait to receive an appointment. However, this wait is often greater in rural areas. This stems from the discrepancies between resources available between urban and rural areas. For example, the Hospital Central de San Isidro contains around 300 beds, while a hospital 500 miles away could have only 12 beds. The number of beds offered is calculated based on the size of the population.
Public Health Disparities
While public health care is accessible to everyone, significant disparities exist at the provincial level in terms of public health care expenditure, the availability of medical professionals and infant and maternal mortality rates. For instance, the mortality rate in colorectal and cervical cancer is 7 and 5.4 times higher, respectively, between the most affluent and the most economically disadvantaged provinces in the country.
These disparities in cancer mortality have been linked to variations in provincial capabilities for early detection, diagnosis and patient treatment. For instance, just 29% of women aged 50 to 70, who depend solely on public health services, have had a mammogram. One reason for this is the elevated transportation costs encountered by residents in rural communities when going to hospitals.
New Initiatives for Addressing Disparities
To enhance public health care access, the World Bank Board of Directors has sanctioned a $50 million investment for Argentina. This funding aims to assist 6.5 million vulnerable residents in Buenos Aires province. Under this initiative, the province will provide high-quality health care services to all citizens, regardless of their location, whether in rural or urban areas. This endeavor seeks to bridge health care gaps and ensure comprehensive coverage for the province’s diverse population.
In 2019, cardiovascular diseases and cancer accounted for 50% of deaths in the province. Treating these diseases requires constant attention and ongoing efforts. Noncommunicable diseases disproportionately affect the vulnerable population group due to lifestyle dynamics influenced by social and economic factors. In tackling these challenges, the investment will concentrate on strengthening electronic medical records and advancing the implementation of telemedicine.
Argentina’s Recent Successes Against Health Disparity
The Protecting Vulnerable People Against Noncommunicable Diseases Project Project (also known as PROTEGER) aims to strengthen the preparedness of Argentina’s public health facilities. This involves expanding and improving services for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) specifically tailored to vulnerable population groups. The project’s overarching goal is to shield these vulnerable groups from prevalent risk factors associated with NCDs.
From 2015 to 2022, Argentina achieved several noteworthy outcomes through this project. For example:
Looking Ahead
Argentina still faces challenges related to public health, but substantial progress has been achieved. The nation remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the accessibility, equity and effectiveness of its health care system for the benefit of all citizens.
Speaking on the future of health care in Argentina, the administrator stated, “Public health care is a real thing that can be applied in every country of the world because it has been verified by many countries. I can say from my experience in Argentina that you can have the best equipment and resources you could [under any other system of health care].”
– Cameron Alcocer
Photo: Flickr
The Khair App: Ending Period Poverty in Pakistan
About Khair
Khair’s journey began as a preventative health blog during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its growth and popularity prompted the development of the Khair app, driven by three core aims: to make quality health care easily accessible to all Pakistani women, to work toward ending period poverty in Pakistan and empowering women through health literacy.
The Khair app addresses period poverty through a comprehensive approach. Users can purchase a monthly subscription of menstrual hygiene product packages on its shop page. These packages not only contain quality sanitary products but also include additional items such as painkillers and pimple patches, ensuring a holistic approach to women’s health.
For every six packs of pads a user purchases, Khair donates two packs to those who cannot afford them. This initiative has proven instrumental in providing access to quality hygiene products for women and girls suffering from period poverty. Given that 44% of girls lack access to basic menstrual hygiene facilities at home, school or work, Khair’s efforts are pivotal in making a tangible impact. Khair has donated at least 100,000 packs of pads, exemplifying its commitment to ending period poverty in Pakistan.
Health Literacy Efforts
Khair recognizes that addressing period poverty goes beyond providing hygiene products. Cultural taboos surrounding menstruation contribute to a lack of awareness and education, further exacerbating the issue. According to a study conducted by UNICEF, 49% of young girls had no knowledge of menstruation before their first period. To tackle this, Khair actively promotes health literacy among women and girls.
The Khair app features a menstrual cycle tracker, allowing women to monitor their cycles, ovulation and pregnancy. This tool not only aids in better preparation for periods but also contributes to overall reproductive health awareness. In addition to the cycle tracker, Khair spreads valuable health information through its blog on the app and various social media platforms, reaching more than 1.5 million people. Its social media posts include visually appealing infographics and videos on Instagram to reach and engage with a large audience. Khair covers topics that include myth busters about periods, guidance on checking for signs of breast cancer and FAQs about pregnancy tests. By providing easy access to preventative health information, Khair empowers women to take control of their health and well-being.
Access to Health Care
The app also facilitates direct access to health care professionals, connecting users with doctors through its platform. With more than 200,000 beneficiaries engaged, Khair is making significant strides in increasing health literacy and ensuring women have the agency to manage their health effectively.
Khair also extends its impact beyond the app through various initiatives. More than 100 health sessions have been conducted, fostering direct engagement with communities. Online campaigns, such as #Khairseperiod, further amplify the message and contribute to breaking the silence around menstruation.
Looking Ahead
Khair is actively addressing period poverty in Pakistan, utilizing a two-pronged approach. Through generous donations of menstrual hygiene products and an extensive health literacy platform, Khair is significantly impacting the lives of women and girls. Emphasizing the crucial role of education and awareness, Khair is breaking down cultural taboos that have historically impeded menstrual hygiene practices. The organization’s remarkable achievements serve as a promising model. As Khair continues to expand its outreach, the goal is to achieve increased pad donations and substantial progress in eradicating period poverty.
– Haniya Rahman
Photo: Flickr
Transforming Education in Pakistan: Innovative Digital Solutions
Enter the Teach the World Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming education in Pakistan by harnessing the power of technology to advance literacy in developing countries. The Foundation firmly believes that the conventional educational system falls short of providing children from underprivileged backgrounds with the opportunity for a quality education. Recognizing this gap, the Foundation employs innovative digital learning methods demonstrating exceptional efficiency through a proof-of-concept. These digital approaches are carefully curated to promote self-learning, ensuring scalability and cost-effectiveness.
Currently, in Pakistan, the Teach the World Foundation is actively engaged in educational initiatives in Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore, with a strong commitment to expanding its reach. The Foundation’s ongoing programs in Pakistan include in-school initiatives, micro-school programs and smartphone-based learning programs. A closer look into these programs reveals the innovative methods used by Teach the World to tackle poverty through education in Pakistan.
In-School Initiatives
Teach the World Foundation recognizes the power of collaboration in transforming education in Pakistan and has actively formed partnerships with other NGOs and schools in various regions. The foundation has devised innovative solutions to tackle the shortage of proficient English teachers, a key impediment to effective learning. In a world rapidly becoming more globalized, English proficiency appears to be crucial. However, attracting skilled English teachers is challenging due to higher-paying opportunities in alternative job sectors. The foundation introduced advanced educational games featuring “best-in-class” content in English, math and local languages to bridge this gap. Notably, students engaging with these interactive tools demonstrated a remarkable two times improvement in performance compared to control groups. Beyond academic achievement, the initiative nurtures essential modern skills such as digital literacy, self-learning and self-confidence.
An exemplary case in Karachi involves partnering with The Citizens Foundation (TCF) on a pilot program in 2017. The initiative began with 240 kindergarten, first and second-grade children. To date, there has been remarkable progress in 40 students, who have shown proficiency in English and Maths and increased self-confidence. The next steps for this program involve expanding its reach, increasing partnerships with other schools, and extending the curriculum to include Urdu content. For instance, in Islamabad, with the aid of the Moawin Foundation, there are plans to expand from two to 23 schools, potentially benefiting up to 8,700 children.
Micro-schools
Micro-schools, introduced by Teach the World Foundation in 2021, represent a revolutionary approach to education delivery. These one-room schools are powered by digital learning software, providing a scalable and cost-effective solution to the shortage of teachers and schools in Pakistan. There are five micro-schools in Karachi and two in Lahore, with ambitious plans to establish 500-1000 such schools in the next five years. Micro-schools’ power lies in their efficiency – requiring minimal staff, space and no conventional teachers. This scalability has a high potential for positive impact, particularly in rural areas where educational resources are severely lacking. A case in point is the province of Baluchistan, where an alarming 70% of children do not attend school. The potential for micro-schools to address this stark educational disparity in rural regions is promising.
Smartphone Programs
In response to the widespread availability of smartphones among parents of school-going children, Teach the World Foundation has piloted smartphone-based learning programs. This initiative takes advantage of the fact that 24 million parents of school-going children own smartphones. Parents are introduced to the home-schooling initiative and encouraged to download the Foundation’s learning application for their children. Regular check-ins with facilitators and weekly online quizzes reinforce the learning process. This approach addresses logistical challenges, actively involves parents in educating their children and encourages family literacy.
The foundation’s current pilot program involves 1,500 children in Islamabad and Bangladesh. The cost-effectiveness of this program, with only an initial application creation cost, positions it as a highly scalable model. Teach the World continues to explore partnerships and refine its approach, and there is optimism that this smartphone-based program could extend its impact to millions of students, addressing accessibility and cost barriers in education.
Looking Ahead
Teach the World Foundation’s multifaceted approach to education in cities like Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad exemplifies a commitment to innovation and inclusivity. The foundation is transforming education in Pakistan through in-school initiatives, micro-schools and smartphone programs. As these initiatives continue to grow and evolve, the vision of widespread, high-quality education in Pakistan draws closer to reality. The foundation’s success stories show the transformative potential of digital learning in addressing educational challenges and fostering a brighter future for Pakistan.
– Haniya Rahman
Photo: Unsplash
Poverty in China: Everything You Need to Know
In 2020, President Xi Jinping declared that China has successfully eradicated absolute poverty. According to the World Bank, poverty alleviation policies in China lifted almost 800 million people out of poverty since 1980. Though 0.6% of its population remains below the global poverty line, China’s efforts in expanding employment opportunities to rural areas and increasing access to education and health care have brought the country closer to common prosperity.
Historical Context
Before the initiation of economic reforms and trade liberalization, China was a predominantly agrarian society with a large rural population. The state was stagnant, centrally controlled and relatively isolated from global economic policies. It also strictly controlled and limited individual economic activities. All of this contributed to widespread poverty in the country.
The turning point in China’s fight against poverty came in 1978, when Deng Xiaoping — China’s paramount leader — initiated pro-market reforms, opening up China to foreign trade and investments. This led to rapid industrialization and urbanization, resulting in significant poverty reduction. Millions of people moved from rural areas to cities in search of better opportunities, finding increased employment and access to resources.
The 2015 Poverty Alleviation Policy
In 2015, the Chinese government implemented a four-part poverty alleviation policy aimed at eliminating absolute poverty by identifying and assisting the poorest individuals and regions. Under this program, resources were channeled to specific areas, such as health care, education and access to basic infrastructure, to address the root causes of poverty.
Rural Development
A significant amount of China’s population still resides in rural areas. To combat rural poverty, the Chinese government initiated the Rural Revitalization Strategy, which encourages small-scale farmers to adopt modern farming and agriculture technology, improves the property rights of farmers and modernizes rural infrastructure. These approaches increased productivity, income and living standards for many rural households.
In 2021, 31.45 million rural residents lifted out of poverty found jobs. To further increase employment opportunities in 2022, China focused on boosting labor service cooperation between provinces, providing public welfare jobs in rural areas, and supporting entrepreneurship and flexible employment.
Education and Health Care
In China, disparities in education and health care for those living in poverty have been persistent challenges. Many rural areas offer limited access to quality education due to the lack of public education funding and a shortage of qualified teachers. Similarly, health care services in impoverished regions often lack adequate infrastructure and resources, leaving vulnerable populations without essential medical care.
In the past seven years, China has made substantial progress in improving access to education and health care. Between 2016 and 2020, China allocated around $114.6 billion worth of subsidies to support compulsory education, with 90% of the funds going to rural areas to support students by providing them a living allowance while they are enrolled. Free compulsory education and the expansion of health care coverage have reduced the economic burden on families and improved overall well-being.
Challenges
Although China has made remarkable strides in reducing poverty, the challenges remain. Income inequality is a concern, with urban areas enjoying higher living standards than rural areas. The Gini coefficient, which measures income disparity, ranks China at 38.2 as of 2019.
In response to the widening wealth disparity in the country, the Chinese government banned thousands of accounts showing off their wealth on social media and erased video content depicting the lives of individuals grappling with poverty. China has set 2035 as the target date to achieve common prosperity, establishing new policies that focus on lowering income inequality.
Conclusion
China’s journey in eradicating poverty is a remarkable success story. The combination of economic reforms, government initiatives and targeted poverty alleviation programs has significantly improved the living standards of millions of Chinese citizens. As the nation continues to develop, addressing the remaining challenges, such as income inequality, will be crucial to ensuring a better future for its population. China’s experience provides valuable insights into the complexity of poverty reduction and the need for a multi-faceted approach that combines economic growth, government support and social welfare.
– Genevieve Tan
Photo: Unsplash
What Is the Graduation Approach?
Understanding the Method
BRAC uses an analogy of the trapping effects of poverty to base its approach, explaining that those in poverty are forced to think in terms of short-term survival. As a result, the poverty-alleviating approaches focused solely on lifting people out of poverty could eventually lead them back into it, due to the lack of necessary support to help with long-term planning. Instead, the Graduation Approach suggests a complex pathway over the course of two to three years to provide people with the means to overcome the poverty trap.
As renowned journalist and two-time Pulitzer prize winner Nicholas Kristof explained in the New York Times, “It’s called the Graduation Approach because the idea is to graduate people from poverty, not just treat its symptoms.”
BRAC reinforces the idea that Graduation does not simply imply crossing the poverty line or meeting a certain statistical line. Rather, it describes a household’s ability to support itself independently, defined by four pillars within the struggle of combating poverty.
In the Graduation Approach, the first step involves meeting basic needs. Participants receive essential resources such as food, health services, education and cash to overcome immediate challenges. The second pillar focuses on income generation, providing assets like equipment, livestock or loans, along with skills training to support the establishment or joining of a business. Subsequently, financial support and savings training help participants effectively manage their income, progressing to advanced financial literacy programs. Finally, the program emphasizes social empowerment post-graduation, fostering confidence and community engagement for sustained social inclusion and stability.
The Impact (So Far)
The Graduation Approach, known for its adaptability and thoroughness, has inspired numerous organizations to launch pilot programs. Notably, The Ford Foundation and The Consultative Group to Assist the Poor collaborated on 10 projects across Asia, Africa and Latin America. Their evaluation revealed effectiveness but noted challenges, such as high costs and time requirements. Experimentation with government and non-governmental initiatives highlighted the benefits of scaling the program. However, it became evident that successful implementation requires collaboration between multiple agencies. The findings suggest that integrating the Graduation Approach into existing government social protection programs could optimize its impact, fostering confidence and community for sustained social inclusion and stability.
Combating global poverty is a collective effort undertaken by numerous organizations and communities. The Graduation Approach stands out as an impactful strategy in the journey toward a world where one’s birth circumstances don’t determine their ability to thrive. This method empowers individuals by instilling confidence and fostering a sense of community, promoting social inclusion and stability.
– Aria Desai
Photo: Unsplash
Music With a Mission: 6 Music Festivals Fighting Against Global Poverty
6 Music Festivals Fighting Against Global Poverty
Looking Ahead
In harmony with the power of music, global festivals like Global Citizen, Coachella, Glastonbury, Tomorrowland, Bonnaroo and Afrofuture are proving that cultural events can transcend entertainment, becoming powerful tools for positive change. These festivals have consistently directed their influence and funds toward addressing global poverty, education, health and sustainability. Through their unique approaches, these music festivals are not only shaping the entertainment landscape but also making meaningful contributions to global social causes.
– Matilde Liboni
Photo: Pexels
Ghana’s Efforts in Cocoa Sustainability
Cocoa’s Economic Significance in Ghana
Cocoa cultivation is deeply ingrained in Ghana’s economic fabric, directly employing millions of Ghanaians and providing income and livelihoods for farmers and their families. The revenue generated from cocoa exports significantly contributes to the country’s foreign exchange earnings. Globally in 2019, around 800,000 people working in the cocoa industry accounted for a market value of up to $760 million, according to the the International Institute For Sustainable Development (IISD) making cocoa a cornerstone of economic stability.
The Promotion of Sustainable Cocoa Farming
In acknowledgment of the challenges the cocoa industry faces, Ghana has proactively recognized the need for sustainable practices. Environmental degradation and deforestation threaten the delicate ecosystems supporting cocoa cultivation, while ethical concerns emphasize the importance of fair labor practices. As a response, Ghana focuses on transforming its cocoa industry into a model of sustainability, aligning economic growth with responsible and ethical practices.
Ghana’s commitment to cocoa sustainability is evident through various initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable farming practices. One of these initiatives is the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) working with Mondelēz International to incorporate environmental sustainability.
Formed in 2012, Mondelēz International is responsible for the manufacturing and marketing of food and focuses on sustainability with initiatives in place to address environmental and social issues within its supply chain, including efforts relating to sustainable sourcing of cocoa for its chocolate products. The company invests in initiatives that improve sustainability in areas sourcing its ingredients.
The Cocoa Life program in partnership with the UNDP aims to provide cocoa farmers with “economic shade trees” to aid cocoa farms and “make forests more resilient to the risk of pests and diseases.” The positive impact of these initiatives extends to the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and their communities. By embracing sustainable cocoa farming practices, Ghana has witnessed increased crop yields, elevated incomes, and improved access to credit and resources for farmers. Mondelēz International invested $400 million over a decade to uplift and support cocoa farmers.
This, in turn, aids in poverty reduction and enhances the economic resilience of cocoa-farming families. Furthermore, these sustainable practices contribute to environmental conservation and mitigate the effects of extreme weather patterns.
Addressing Poverty Through Sustainable Cocoa Practices
Sustainable cocoa practices are a powerful tool for poverty reduction. By providing farmers with stable and improved incomes, these practices enable them to meet basic needs such as education, health care and housing. This makes the multi-faceted approach beneficial to the overall quality of life in cocoa-producing regions, showcasing Ghana’s commitment to creating a more sustainable and inclusive society.
According to the World Bank, since 2019, reducing carbon emissions that forest degradation causes helped Ghana earn $4.8 million. This could rise to up to $45 million by 2024. Sustainability supports the private sector’s commitments to source sustainably produced cocoa beans, which can fetch better prices and market access for farmers. Ghana’s efforts in cocoa sustainability demonstrate how economic growth and poverty reduction can go hand in hand with environmental conservation and climate action.
– Mia Deniz Duru
Photo: Flickr