Slovenia is a country in Central Europe with a population of around 2.1 million people. Beneath its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage lies a nation with a strong commitment to global solidarity. Slovenia is an active donor of foreign aid, which is an important part of its foreign policy and reflects its values and interests. Slovenia’s foreign aid aims to support the development, peace, security and human rights of countries and people in need, especially in the Western Balkans, the European neighborhood and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Recent Trends in Slovenia’s Foreign Aid
According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Slovenia increased its Official Development Assistance (ODA) by 48.7% in 2022 compared to the year before, from $98.25 million to $155.78 million. Slovenia’s exceptional contributions to Ukraine, the care of Ukrainian refugees in Slovenia, the cancellation of the clearing debt of the Republic of Angola, and the increased development aid from the European Union (EU) budget are the primary drivers behind this substantial increase.
Slovenia also expresses its solidarity with countries and people in need of humanitarian assistance, especially in the aftermath of natural and man-made disasters and armed conflicts. In October of 2023, Slovenia allocated €120,000 to Armenia through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to support the forcibly displaced persons of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Education Efforts
A well-educated workforce is vital for a thriving economy, and Slovenia recognizes this importance. Each year, hundreds of individuals from Western Balkans states benefit from scholarships provided by the Slovene Human Resources Development and Scholarship Fund. This initiative is a significant contribution to poverty eradication, empowering individuals and fostering sustainable development in the region. Slovenia’s investment in education directly addresses a root cause of poverty – the lack of access to opportunities. This commitment reflects a proactive approach to building a brighter future for the Western Balkans.
Support During Syria’s Conflict
A decade after the onset of the Syrian conflict, humanitarian needs across the country remain complex and are intensifying due to the deepening social crisis. Slovenia’s foreign aid focuses on enhancing stabilization in Northeast Syria. This involves improving overall security, livelihoods and food security in areas affected by explosive hazards and contamination. Working with relevant organizations, Slovenia plans to identify priority locations for conducting workshops that raise awareness about the dangers of explosive devices.
Specifically, the program will target the most affected communities in Al Hasakah province alongside overlooked areas, where the impact of the crisis is likely to be severe. The initiative aims to reach 6,000 children and adults from the most vulnerable or neglected communities through awareness-raising activities about the dangers of explosive devices.
Efforts in Somalia
The Horn of Africa is facing its worst drought in over four decades, with the March-May 2022 rainy season being the driest on record in the past 70 years. The ongoing drought in Somalia has surpassed both the 2010-2011 and 2016-2017 droughts in both duration and severity. In response, Slovenia has joined other donor countries through the World Food Programme (WFP) to allocate more than $100,000 in emergency humanitarian aid to support at least 15 million people who are currently in need of immediate food aid due to droughts in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia.
Poverty Reduction
Slovenia’s foreign aid initiatives place a strong emphasis on poverty reduction. Recognizing that poverty is a multifaceted issue, the country adopts a comprehensive approach that goes beyond mere financial assistance. Beekeeping or apiculture is the practice of managing honey bee colonies for the production of honey and other bee products, such as beeswax, propolis and royal jelly. In 2021 and 2022, Slovenia partnered with locals to implement beekeeping projects aimed at empowering mine victims in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Due to the overwhelmingly positive response from participants, the project will continue through 2023 and 2024. Slovenia aid has helped countless individuals escape the cycle of poverty, offering them hope and opportunities for a brighter future.
Key Factors That Inspire Slovenia’s Foreign Aid
Looking Ahead
In 2022, more than 51,100 physiotherapeutic, gynecological and dental services were delivered to the citizens of Kabul, with a focus on women and children lacking access to health care.
Looking ahead, Slovenia’s Republic supports plans to offer more than 74,000 medical services in gynecology, internal medicine, pediatrics, orthopedics and neurology. This initiative prioritizes vulnerable citizens in Kabul, especially women and children, laying the groundwork for a fairer and more prosperous future.
Slovenia acknowledges the vital role of sustainable development in long-term prosperity. Through sharing expertise in green technologies and sustainable practices, Slovenia empowers partner countries to build resilient and environmentally friendly economies. This proactive foreign aid approach addresses immediate community needs while preparing humanity to thrive amid future challenges, ultimately combating poverty and fostering a sustainable Earth.
Motivated by a strong sense of responsibility, Slovenia leads foreign aid initiatives, showcasing how even a smaller nation can make a profound global impact. Slovenia consistently demonstrates a commitment to a more just world by promoting sustainable development, empowering women and children and combating poverty.
The transformative impact of Slovenia’s foreign aid is evident in the lives of millions, lifting individuals and communities out of poverty, providing them with a voice and enabling them to shape their destinies.
– Abraham Ikongshul
Photo: Flickr
Circuses and Poverty: The Unseen Impacts
One method in particular is especially striking, the use of circuses. Circuses have been famous for centuries because of their vivid, entrancing colors and their silly performers and yet the true extent of the social impact that circuses have has long been overlooked. Circuses give marginalized children the opportunity to finally have the spotlight. Many circuses combine entertainment with education and teach youth life skills by employing the use of performing arts. As such, this article will delve into the correlation between circuses and poverty, explaining their impact and reach across the globe.
The Unseen Impact
Studies on social circuses across the world decode their impact on youth. The National Institute of Health studied the impacts of the Cirque du Monde, a social circus created to target disadvantaged and marginalized youth. The program educates children by encouraging the development of self-esteem, as well as the cultivation of life skills such as risk-taking, ambition and hard work. Training these populations of excluded children in the circus can simultaneously teach them these vital skills while also helping them grow as individuals.
Results of the surveys connected to the study displayed that the program promoted an increase in self-esteem of significant percentages of those involved in the circus programs. Another study by ScienceDaily on circuses in general notes that children undergoing training in social circuses admit that the programs helped them extensively with developing confidence in themselves and their lives.
Here are some of the international programs that are changing the world.
Spark Circus
Located primarily in Thailand, this incredible organization works for disadvantaged children, refugees and poverty-stricken populations. By including local communities in circus training and performances, Spark Circus encourages creativity through workshops and performances to uplift youths. The primary goal of the organization is to teach young children to be the next generation of entertainment educators within their own communities. Since its formation, the Spark Circus has performed at several locations such as hospitals, small schools and refugee camps, uplifting children across Thailand.
Circus Zambia
This Zambian social enterprise circus entertains marginalized youth and trains them with skills that will be infinitely helpful throughout life. Whether the skills are personality-related, such as confidence, trust and teamwork, or they are performance-related, this organization offers participants both life skills and employment skills that will never become outdated. Circus Zambia offers workshops for youth and adults alike, as well as entertainment through performances. This program provides communities in Zambia with employment opportunities within the circus should they wish to be a part of the community. Apart from the circus, the program also offers a space for these populations to express creativity through singing, art, or general performance! With the help of funding, the organization attracted several new members and created new programs in 2021 that impacted thousands of Zambians.
Clowns Without Borders
This incredibly unique organization prioritizes laughter as a cure. Clowns and circus performers alike work with youth no matter their background. The history behind the organization is truly heartwarming. In 1993, Spanish children fundraised to send a clown to refugees in Croatia when they wrote to them saying, “We miss laughter.” The project was such a success that it formed the organization. This proves that the circus can truly be an escape from unfortunate reality, and can act as a much-needed happy moment in these children’s lives. With programs across nearly all continents, Clowns Without Borders makes room for those who were subject to displacement, crisis or war. With just five international projects in 2020, the organization served over 23,000 people through performances and workshop programs.
Looking Ahead
The noteworthy work of each circus proves that laughter can truly be the cure to anything. These inspiring social enterprises intertwining circuses and poverty offer disadvantaged populations opportunities across the world, changing both their mental and physical well-being for the better while displaying that there really is a light at the end of the tunnel.
– Divya Shankar
Photo: Pixabay
Slovenia’s Foreign Aid: Empowering Communities and Transforming Lives
Slovenia is a country in Central Europe with a population of around 2.1 million people. Beneath its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage lies a nation with a strong commitment to global solidarity. Slovenia is an active donor of foreign aid, which is an important part of its foreign policy and reflects its values and interests. Slovenia’s foreign aid aims to support the development, peace, security and human rights of countries and people in need, especially in the Western Balkans, the European neighborhood and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Recent Trends in Slovenia’s Foreign Aid
According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Slovenia increased its Official Development Assistance (ODA) by 48.7% in 2022 compared to the year before, from $98.25 million to $155.78 million. Slovenia’s exceptional contributions to Ukraine, the care of Ukrainian refugees in Slovenia, the cancellation of the clearing debt of the Republic of Angola, and the increased development aid from the European Union (EU) budget are the primary drivers behind this substantial increase.
Slovenia also expresses its solidarity with countries and people in need of humanitarian assistance, especially in the aftermath of natural and man-made disasters and armed conflicts. In October of 2023, Slovenia allocated €120,000 to Armenia through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to support the forcibly displaced persons of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Education Efforts
A well-educated workforce is vital for a thriving economy, and Slovenia recognizes this importance. Each year, hundreds of individuals from Western Balkans states benefit from scholarships provided by the Slovene Human Resources Development and Scholarship Fund. This initiative is a significant contribution to poverty eradication, empowering individuals and fostering sustainable development in the region. Slovenia’s investment in education directly addresses a root cause of poverty – the lack of access to opportunities. This commitment reflects a proactive approach to building a brighter future for the Western Balkans.
Support During Syria’s Conflict
A decade after the onset of the Syrian conflict, humanitarian needs across the country remain complex and are intensifying due to the deepening social crisis. Slovenia’s foreign aid focuses on enhancing stabilization in Northeast Syria. This involves improving overall security, livelihoods and food security in areas affected by explosive hazards and contamination. Working with relevant organizations, Slovenia plans to identify priority locations for conducting workshops that raise awareness about the dangers of explosive devices.
Specifically, the program will target the most affected communities in Al Hasakah province alongside overlooked areas, where the impact of the crisis is likely to be severe. The initiative aims to reach 6,000 children and adults from the most vulnerable or neglected communities through awareness-raising activities about the dangers of explosive devices.
Efforts in Somalia
The Horn of Africa is facing its worst drought in over four decades, with the March-May 2022 rainy season being the driest on record in the past 70 years. The ongoing drought in Somalia has surpassed both the 2010-2011 and 2016-2017 droughts in both duration and severity. In response, Slovenia has joined other donor countries through the World Food Programme (WFP) to allocate more than $100,000 in emergency humanitarian aid to support at least 15 million people who are currently in need of immediate food aid due to droughts in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia.
Poverty Reduction
Slovenia’s foreign aid initiatives place a strong emphasis on poverty reduction. Recognizing that poverty is a multifaceted issue, the country adopts a comprehensive approach that goes beyond mere financial assistance. Beekeeping or apiculture is the practice of managing honey bee colonies for the production of honey and other bee products, such as beeswax, propolis and royal jelly. In 2021 and 2022, Slovenia partnered with locals to implement beekeeping projects aimed at empowering mine victims in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Due to the overwhelmingly positive response from participants, the project will continue through 2023 and 2024. Slovenia aid has helped countless individuals escape the cycle of poverty, offering them hope and opportunities for a brighter future.
Key Factors That Inspire Slovenia’s Foreign Aid
Looking Ahead
In 2022, more than 51,100 physiotherapeutic, gynecological and dental services were delivered to the citizens of Kabul, with a focus on women and children lacking access to health care.
Looking ahead, Slovenia’s Republic supports plans to offer more than 74,000 medical services in gynecology, internal medicine, pediatrics, orthopedics and neurology. This initiative prioritizes vulnerable citizens in Kabul, especially women and children, laying the groundwork for a fairer and more prosperous future.
Slovenia acknowledges the vital role of sustainable development in long-term prosperity. Through sharing expertise in green technologies and sustainable practices, Slovenia empowers partner countries to build resilient and environmentally friendly economies. This proactive foreign aid approach addresses immediate community needs while preparing humanity to thrive amid future challenges, ultimately combating poverty and fostering a sustainable Earth.
Motivated by a strong sense of responsibility, Slovenia leads foreign aid initiatives, showcasing how even a smaller nation can make a profound global impact. Slovenia consistently demonstrates a commitment to a more just world by promoting sustainable development, empowering women and children and combating poverty.
The transformative impact of Slovenia’s foreign aid is evident in the lives of millions, lifting individuals and communities out of poverty, providing them with a voice and enabling them to shape their destinies.
– Abraham Ikongshul
Photo: Flickr
How Access to Haircuts Empowers the Vulnerable
The Power of a Haircut
Beyond the aesthetic aspects, self-grooming practices contribute significantly to a person’s overall well-being and sense of identity. Maintaining personal hygiene and appearance can boost self-esteem, fostering a positive self-image and confidence in one’s abilities. Personal hygiene and grooming, including haircuts, can significantly impact a homeless person’s ability to secure employment. In the competitive job market, first impressions matter, and a clean, well-groomed appearance signals professionalism and self-care.
Maintaining good personal hygiene demonstrates to potential employers that individuals value themselves and respect the workplace environment. Unfortunately, for those experiencing homelessness, access to regular grooming facilities may be limited, making it challenging to present themselves in the best light during job interviews. The lack of proper grooming can reinforce negative stereotypes and prejudices, potentially hindering their chances of employment.
Access to Haircuts and Mental Health
Homelessness often exacerbates mental health challenges, as the harsh realities of life on the streets or in unstable living conditions can lead to increased stress, anxiety and depression. The lack of a stable home environment and support systems can further impede access to mental health resources, creating a cycle that underscores the intricate relationship between homelessness and mental well-being.
The connection between appearance and mental health is also well-documented. For vulnerable individuals, the ability to maintain personal grooming routines, including regular haircuts, can have a profound impact on mental well-being. Feeling clean and presentable contributes to a positive self-image, boosting confidence and self-esteem.
Community-Based Initiatives in Brazil
Brazil has seen the emergence of several community-based initiatives addressing the grooming needs of vulnerable populations. One such initiative is run by Henrique Campos, a local barber co-owner of The Great Barber Shop, in São Paulo, who provides free haircuts to men with scheduled job interviews. Inspired by a friend’s need for a haircut before an interview, owner Henrique Campos decided to extend the offer to others in need. To avail themselves of the service, individuals only need to email evidence of their upcoming job interview.
Leandro Matias, a hairstylist from Votorantim, São Paulo, has also gained attention for offering free makeovers to boost the confidence of homeless individuals. He has helped over 30 homeless people by offering free makeover services.
This includes Bruno Henrique Cassimiro Ramos, 33. Leandro, who himself has been helping homeless people for over five years, emphasizes the emotional impact of the makeovers, often bringing clients to tears with gratitude. Bruno’s dramatic transformation, shared on social media, not only led to job offers for him but also garnered support from a dentist and local residents offering clothes and donations, indicating a positive turn in his life.
Access to haircuts might seem like a small step, but for vulnerable populations in Brazil, it can have an enormously transformative impact on empowerment and social inclusion. Initiatives providing grooming services go beyond the superficial, addressing fundamental aspects of well-being and identity.
– Genevieve Martin
Photo: Flickr
Bhutan Is No Longer One of the Poorest Countries
The Origins of Poverty
Bhutan is a rather old country with a deep connection to Buddhism. While many believe that human life is suffering, children in Bhutan have learned to focus on happiness and the government has always prioritized happiness above all. The University of Oxford found that 93.6% of all citizens were happy on some level.
Unfortunately, despite this high happiness rate, poverty has continued to be a problem in the nation.
One hindrance is the country’s location. Natural disasters are common in Bhutan due to a mountain nearby, the Himalayas. Communities are wiped out because of extreme floods originating from the melting glaciers. Farmers have difficulty making cash because crops are hard to maintain from the floods. The fact that education is hard to access does not help this struggle, being a two to three-hour walk for those living in rural areas. The country has been hoping to remove these issues, which is why it launched several programs to change Bhutan for the better.
The Strategies
Each plan aims to accomplish something over five years. These plans usually have programs connected, such as the Rural Economy Advancement Program of The Common Minimum Program. These programs support citizens in rural areas with necessities to boost their income or resources. This program has helped connect these societies to those more affluent in their profit, with schools and shops now present. The government has had the money to support such causes thanks to its tourism, which has grown over the years. Around $120 million worth of sales were achieved in 2019.
One constant supporter of Bhutan has been India, who is close to the country. Not only have they proven to be a source of foreign aid, but they have traded resources for each other. India has provided Bhutan with a better power supply in the form of hydropower, allowing the production of crops to be improved. These strategies seemed to push the country in the right direction. In 2014, it was found that some of the poorest households now had access to amenities such as phones and electricity. The switch to hydropower led to 8% annual growth in crop production per 100 acres. The poverty rate went from 12% in 2012 to 8.% in 2017, with a total reduction of 23.5% from 2005 to 2018.
COVID-19
One of Bhutan’s most impressive feats was during the COVID-19 era. At first, it seemed like Butan would falter, just like every other country. Bhutan was particularly vulnerable, as the country’s border connected to India and China. The country’s tourist-focused approach meant many people would move across the border, increasing risk. Bhutan decided to do all it could to prevent the virus from spreading. When just one person tested positive for COVID-19, a three-week national lockdown took place. The country was very open with news regarding the virus, always keeping people posted on the virus. This openness led to more community action, with various businesses offering their spaces as quarantine zones, with free products for those in need.
Unfortunately, drastic measures were necessary with the biggest being the closing of the borders. With Bhutan’s reliance on imports, this proved a hindrance. However, the government was dedicated to stopping the virus. The Buddhist values of the country remained stronger than ever, with resilience and flexibility being the common mindset among most citizens. This urgent action paid off, as the country never became overloaded with cases. Thanks to the engagement of the country’s leaders, Bhutan has managed to come out of the COVID-19 era with only 21 deaths.
The Outcome
Bhutan’s success in handling COVID-19 is critical to its success in no longer being among the poorest countries in the world. The virus’s impact on the war against poverty is immeasurable. The World Bank Blog reported, “In 2021, the average incomes of people in the bottom 40% of the global income distribution are 6.7% higher than their pre-pandemic projection, while those of people in the top 40% are down 2.8%.”
After COVID-19, Bhutan continued to make steady progress. Tourism again proved valuable, and the increase in that area led to more jobs. The country also saw increased work in more industries, such as construction and manufacturing. The country has always been vulnerable to changing weather patterns. However, things appear to be looking better, thanks to the development of a $2.9 million National Adaptation Plan, which further expanded the country’s focus on protecting itself from the effects of changing weather patterns.
Conclusion
Bhutan still faces several challenges before poverty is defeated, but the country is growing. Once the country graduates on December 13th, Bhutan will have many benefits from no longer being one of the poorest countries in the world. Alongside increased access to outside resources, the increase in reputation will lead to more tourists. It will be exciting to see how Bhutan evolves now that it is no longer among the poorest countries.
– Uzair Khan
Photo: Flickr
The Youtuber’s Gameshow Helping the Poor in Bangladesh
The Cause
Despite Bangladesh’s rapid economic growth in the last 20 years, poverty remains a major issue. Remote areas of Bangladesh, where Somrat films his gameshow for the poor, lack vital services such as health care, education and adequate roads to markets. Of those living in rural villages, 35% live below the poverty line, and 29% of people are moderately poor. Due to this, many Bangladeshis living in these villages have a diet that lacks nutritional value and, as a result, are more susceptible to health problems. In Bangladesh in 2021, for every 1,000 babies born, 27 died before their fifth birthday.
Women, in particular, are the poorest in rural areas as they are offered fewer earning opportunities. The fast-growing population in Bangladesh causes issues for the natural environment, resulting in erosion and flooding. Bangladesh is a developed economy, but its GDP has slowed to less than 2% a year, far slower than other developed economies.
The Solution
Omar Sunny Somrat’s gameshow for the poor in Bangladesh is innovative due to its ability to provide essential food, supplies and entertainment. The inevitable boredom derived from poverty additionally causes psychological issues. Somrat provides these villagers with entertainment alongside a sense of achievement as more than 300 people gather to watch his challenges. The excitement and comradery as the Bangladeshi root for their friends to provide more than a simple hand-out would. The sense of community formed because of these games brings together the rural villages.
“We want to bring exciting, entertaining games to all the villages. It is not charity. We are trying to help people while also entertaining them,” Somrat told The National. Somrat refuses sponsored products and brand deals, instead covering the expenses himself. The gameshow even offers a consolation prize to all participants; therefore, everybody walks away with something. There are games for only women, allowing them to escape their monotonous routine and earn for themselves.
The Response
Somrat’s gameshow for the poor has been organized in more than 40 villages in the Pabna district and aims to cover villages across Bangladesh. One villager, Mim, spoke to The Business Standard: “Everyone was so happy, and we enjoyed this so much that everyone requested them to organize more games with us again.” These challenges have provided far more than oil and toys but they are providing a sense of achievement and joy that is just as vital.
– Anjini Snape
Photo: Flickr
David Sengeh’s Innovations in Sierra Leone
Who Is Dr. David Moinina Sengeh?
Born in Sierra Leone, Sengeh attended Harvard University for his bachelor’s degree in 2010. At Harvard, Sengeh researched “aerosolized vaccines for tuberculosis.” After Harvard, Sengeh went to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to complete his doctoral degree. Sengeh’s research at MIT was focused on “inventions and technology for human augmentation designing comfortable prosthetic interfaces.” The latter would be an integral piece of Sengeh’s innovations in Sierra Leone.
Some of Sengeh’s achievements so far include:
Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, asked Sengeh to return to Sierra Leone in 2019. The roles of Chief Innovation Officer and Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education were added to the Sierra Leone government, with Sengeh as the first officeholder. At the center of Sengeh’s role is the goal to “halve learning poverty in seven years.” The Multidimensional Poverty Index shows 59.2% of Sierra Leone’s population is multidimensionally poor.
Education Reform
One innovation in Sierra Leone is using digital transformation to improve the country’s education systems. Sengeh’s background, before becoming an education minister, was in technology, and he continues to use that background to improve education in Sierra Leone.
Sierra Leone’s investment in #TechOnOurTerms is part of this education reform. Sengeh implemented the #TechOnOurTerms project in July 2023. Through this project, the investment is solely in the technologies that will support Sierra Leone’s learning objectives. One such technology is a Geographic Information System (GIS) tool that uses geospatial data to visualize and identify where the blind spots are in access to education. With investment in GIS tools, the government of Sierra Leone can reform education policy more efficiently and reduce learning poverty. Sierra Leone is currently in a learning crisis, with 8% of third-graders able to read.
Prosthetics for Civil War Amputees
From 1991 to 2002, Sierra Leone found itself amid a brutal civil war. As a consequence of the civil war, over 8,000 people were left with amputated limbs. Sengeh grew up in this atmosphere and, during this time, noticed that many of the people around him were not wearing their prostheses. This common practice could be attributed to the prosthesis either causing more pain or not fitting around the amputated limb properly.
During TED2023, Sengeh told AfroTech journalist Ngozi Nwanji: “Before I left for college, I had these conversations with amputees because a lot of people always said amputees just wanted a beg on the street side. They didn’t want to use their prosthesis, and I learned that it wasn’t just because they wanted to beg, but the majority did not use their [prosthetics] because it was painful.”
At MIT, Sengeh researched methods to make comfortable and affordable prosthetics. Sengeh’s goals were made possible with a combination of MRI imaging, 3D printing, soft tissue modeling and collaboration from various fields. With this combination, Sengeh and the team he worked with at MIT could build precise prosthetic sockets that could work regardless of where the amputee resides or who they are. These limbs can also be produced quickly and at a decent cost.
Concluding Remarks
David Sengeh continues his work on innovations in Sierra Leone as a Minister of Education and the Chief Innovation Officer. Constantly innovating and looking at how technology can be integrated within Sierra Leone, Sengeh is leading the government in taking steps toward poverty reduction. Education reforms spearheaded by Sengeh can reduce learning poverty by providing access to schools and a quality education geared towards Sierra Leone’s learning objectives.
Sengeh’s work on prosthetics provides a possibility for civil war amputees to not suffer from their injuries and not be forced to beg on the streets. As innovations in Sierra Leone continue to increase, the hope for achieving Sengeh’s goal of halving learning poverty also grows.
– Komalpreet Kaur
Photo: Flickr
3 Ways to Tackle Energy Poverty in Africa
Increasing Efficiency
Poor energy infrastructure is a significant factor in energy poverty in Africa. Inefficient transmission means energy is lost between power plants and homes and businesses. The African Energy Efficiency Programme is a joint project by the African Energy Commission and the UN seeking to solve this problem. The Programme aims to provide electricity for millions of additional consumers by providing more efficient lighting and appliances.
Minimum Energy Performance Standards are also emerging to support African states in providing reliable electricity to consumers. By increasing efficiency, Africa’s existing energy will reach more people than it currently does and improve the lives of those living in energy poverty.
Renewable Energy
Energy sources such as wind and solar are abundant across Africa but are under-used across the continent. Africa can unlock its full potential by constructing new wind or solar farms. For example, the AMAN Project in Mauritania is an ongoing development of large-scale solar and wind farms. The mega project should provide 110 terawatt-hours of electricity and energy available for export, boosting Mauritania’s GDP by as much as 60%.
Kenya’s Garissa solar plant is East Africa’s largest. It produces 50 megawatts of energy, equivalent to 2% of Kenya’s energy mix.
The Garissa plant has made energy more affordable for Kenyans, and proposals to ensure 50% of new energy projects in Sub-Saharan Africa are renewable by 2040 mean this trend is likely to continue.
There are plans to construct 35 solar projects in Kenya, with six already underway. Kenya has around 15,000 megawatts of solar potential, with only 52 megawatts harnessed so far. By increasing the number of solar farms, Kenya will make energy more available and affordable, helping tackle energy poverty in Africa.
Technology
Many areas of rural Africa are inaccessible or unsuitable for grid electrification, meaning that residents cannot benefit from energy in their homes. One can see solutions to this problem in using local power sources, such as solar-powered lights, which do not require a connection to an electric grid. Let There Be Light International is an organization that provides solar lights to 1.2 million vulnerable people, including mothers, children and the elderly.
By providing a source of energy that can operate even in off-grid rural communities, health clinics can remain open throughout the night, and students can study after school. Solar lights also eliminate the risks of kerosene lamps, such as pollution or fire hazards. These benefits significantly improve the lives of people living in energy poverty in Africa.
Energy poverty seriously impacts hundreds of millions of lives in Africa. Challenges such as poor infrastructure and untapped energy potential deprive people living in poverty of access to essential services such as electricity. However, more efficient power transmission, the expansion of renewable energy sources and modern innovations are all helping alleviate energy poverty in Africa.
– Jamie Paterson
Photo: Flickr
Improving Life for Those with Disabilities in Brazil
Life for Those with Disabilities in Brazil
In Brazil, there is a strong social stigma surrounding people who have a disability. Investigative research carried out in Rio de Janeiro revealed poor living conditions of organizations that housed those with mental and physical impairments. Referred to as ‘institutions’ by Human Rights Watch, individuals were subject to inhumane conditions, little to no education and inadequate sanitary standards. In some situations, it was reported that individuals were tied to their beds or left outdoors for prolonged periods.
These shocking living conditions demonstrate how people living with a disability are far more likely to be classified as living in poverty. For example, persons with a disability average a monthly salary of R$1,639, while the average salary is R$2,619 a month for those without a disability. Furthermore, a survey in 2019 revealed that 18.2% of people with a disability live below the poverty line.
Although not representative of the living standards of the entire disabled Brazilian population, it highlights the demand for greater government intervention. In a 2010 demographic, around 26% of the population declared that they had some kind of disability, around 46 million people. And yet, health systems within the country have faced severe funding cuts in previous years. Under the rule of Jair Bolsonaro, budgeting and the COVID-19 pandemic hit the health sector hard.
The 2023 budget that Bolsonaro’s government left proposed a USD $4.2 billion reduction of investment within the health sector. Research carried out in 2022 determined that the political climate in previous years in Brazil impeded the aims and progress of the National Health Policy for Persons with Disabilities (PNSPCD). This organization focuses on the inclusion of disabled people by encouraging and promoting effective participation in society for people with disabilities.
Employment and Education
There are still inequalities within employment and education that prohibit the improvement in the lives of those with disabilities in Brazil. As of 2023, only one in four persons with a disability completed mandatory basic education. Of the 99.3 million employed people in 2022, only 4.7% were persons with a disability. However, there has also been greater involvement of inclusive organizations such as Rede Empresarial de Inclusão Social (REIS) and the Latin American Network of Non-Governmental Organizations of Persons With Disabilities and their Families (RIADIS).
Looking toward the future of inclusivity for the disabled in Brazil, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has pledged to enact social reform. In a meeting with the Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in July 2023, the Brazilian President discussed the importance of improving access to health products and systems for all at affordable prices. Indicative of a greater focus on the more vulnerable in society, disability accessibility in Brazil is gradually becoming more inclusive and less stigmatized. With the contribution of organizations and programs such as Inklua, an online database to find employment for disabled persons, the lives of those with disabilities in Brazil is improving.
Brazilian job search engine Catho has the largest database of candidates with disabilities, aiding in bridging the gap between monetary income and physical impairment.
The Future
With a new president and greater awareness of inclusivity and access to health care, Brazil’s post-pandemic social policy looks hopeful. Following a period of divide regarding health care, corruption and the environment, Brazil has the opportunity to turn its attention to its own people and improve the lives of its poorest and most vulnerable.
– Sophie Butts
Photo: Flickr
Reducing Poverty Among Women in the Dominican Republic
Poverty Among Women in the Dominican Republic
According to the UNDP, the most prominent problems that Dominican women encounter include the lack of housing and the inaccessibility to the internet, affecting 50.6% and 66.3% of Dominican women respectively. As a whole, 40.4% of the population in the country is impacted by poverty as of 2022.
Moreover, poverty among Dominican women is also a result of the gender barriers that are not only present in the country but remain a major concern in the Caribbean region. According to data that the World Bank published, while adult literacy is nearly the same between men (95.1%) and women (95.3%) in 2021, the gap between employment for men and women remains disproportionately high in 2022. In the Dominican Republic, while 76.5% of men enter the labor force, the participation of women is only 52.5%. Furthermore, nearly 79% of women in the Dominican entered university as opposed to 38% of men. However, only 40% of STEM graduates in the Dominican Republic are women.
Taking Action
The United States Agency of International Development (USAID) aims to address gender inequality with the hopes of reducing poverty among women in the Dominican Republic. USAID introduced the Engendering Industries program in 2015 to tackle gender inequality in industries where the problem is prominent while promoting economic empowerment for women. In their recent partnership in 2021 with Dominican government organizations such as the Instituto Nacional de Aguas Potables y Alcantarillados (INAPA), a water utility company, USAID aims to establish gender equality in the industry.
Since their collaboration, INAPA has developed an extensive gender equality strategy that saw new training programs to combat sexual harassment in the workplace. Moreover, as of 2022, the company saw an increase in female hires, with 300 new female employees and the promotion of 75 existing employees to senior positions. This results in women making up 30% of new hires, 10 times more than the previous year.
Looking Ahead
By addressing gender inequality in the workplace, the Dominican Republic takes a crucial step in reducing poverty among women by ensuring that women are economically stable and self-sufficient. Moreover, the work of philanthropic organizations such as Food For The Poor (FFTP) aims to reduce the impact of poverty on Dominicans by providing support for essential needs. As of 2023, the charity has built 1719 housing units and 50 water projects to provide safe drinking water. FFTP has also supported improvements in education by constructing rural schools as well as developing a vocational training program specifically for women to increase their chances of employment.
The work of these public and private organizations helps to address the feminization of poverty in the Dominican Republic by supporting women to overcome gender barriers.
– Remigius Kim
Photo: Pixabay
Updates on SDG 5 in Namibia: Setting the Standard
In 2012, the United Nations (UN) created a list of 17 interconnected goals to act as the blueprint for a more sustainable, equitable and prosperous future for people and the planet by 2030. These “global goals” cover many issues, including poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, clean water and more.
SDG 5: Empowering Women and Combating Gender Discrimination
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 specifically targets ending discrimination against women and girls through a comprehensive approach that encompasses the following:
Gender Equality and Economic Growth
Gender equality is not only a matter of human rights but also a driver of poverty reduction and good governance. The World Bank’s Gender Employment Gap Index (GEGI) predicts that closing all gender gaps would result in a 20% increase in GDP across all countries.
Namibia’s Commitment to SDG 5
Working on SDG 5 in Namibia achieved the following:
These accomplishments are a testament to the influence SDG 5 has had on local and national legislation, education and public awareness in Namibia. The Namibian government has implemented and enforced legislation prohibiting sex-based discrimination in the workforce and public campaigns promoting positive gender roles while eradicating harmful practices such as female genital mutilation. These efforts have facilitated women’s transition from the informal to the formal economy, giving autonomy to women and bringing them into the workforce. As of 2023, more than 50% of women are in the workforce, and 80% of Namibian women hold a bank account through an institution or online platform.
Critical Success Factors: Collaboration
Namibia’s success in meeting SDG 5 goals is due to a cooperative effort between international organizations led by the UN, local Namibian government institutions and citizen-led movements. Namibia achieved a remarkable 91.7% implementation of the SDG 5 programs through this collaborative effort.
Participation of the UN has been vital to meeting SDG 5 in Namibia. Particularly noteworthy was the support from the United Nations Children’s Fund, the United Nations Population Fund and UN Women. Furthermore, local and governmental institutions within Namibia played crucial roles. In fact, the Namibia Ministry of Health and Social Services and the Namibia Ministry of Gender Equality played essential roles in following these advancements.
Another notable role involved Namibian citizens. The “ShutItAllDown” movement in October 2020 propelled the country into action, calling for the protection of women against gender violence. Protests in Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, began in response to gender-based violence following the femicide of Shannon Wasserfall as a result of protesters’ demands. Namibia implemented security measures to enhance women’s protection. The government implemented a school curriculum focused on gender-based violence and enhanced training for police officers.
The Way Forward
To address poverty among women in Namibia, a robust political movement has emerged, accompanied by increased budgetary allocations for gender mainstreaming. National initiatives focus on preventing and educating against gender-based violence, and a recent positive step involves the elimination of the “tampon tax.” Legal foundations, such as The Namibian Constitution (1990) and the Combating of Domestic Violence Act (2003), along with affirmative action, contribute significantly to gender equality and poverty reduction.
Despite commendable progress, challenges persist, necessitating continued efforts. Achieving gender equality is an enduring process demanding sustained commitment across various sectors. Notably, Namibia’s significant strides in fulfilling SDG 5 exemplify the attainability of such goals. Also, Namibia’s progress could serve as an inspiration for neighboring countries.
– Isabella Oliver-Steinberg
Photo: Flickr