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
Technology in Vietnam: How Vietnam Made Progress on Poverty
Supporting Entrepreneurs
Despite significant progress, the effects of poverty continue to disproportionately affect individuals belonging to “Ethnic Minority” groups in Vietnam, highlighting this as a crucial area for development in the ongoing fight against poverty. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP), an agency of the United Nations dedicated to assisting countries with their efforts to combat poverty, initiated a project called the 4M (Meet, Match, Mentor, Move) Solution to help female Vietnamese ethnic-minority micro-entrepreneurs expand their business through match up with e-commerce partners. This program has yielded positive results, with about 100 cooperatives experiencing a minimum 30% increase in revenue, benefitting more than 13,000 women.
Betting on Production
Vietnam, despite having a relatively low urban population proportion (38% as of 2021), has achieved impressive technology adoption with a remarkable 70.3% internet penetration rate. This achievement can be attributed, in part, to affordable data plans that keep costs low. However, one challenge remains: limited internet coverage for individuals living in extreme poverty.
These advancements align with the country’s pursuit of an “Industrial Revolution 4.0,” driven by a wholehearted embrace of modern technology and its economic potential. Strategic policies and tax incentives have positioned Vietnam as a regional hub for technology and semiconductor manufacturing. As a result, several major global corporations have relocated their production facilities to the country, contributing to significant GDP growth. With an expanding GDP, living standards are on the rise, and workers are securing higher productivity jobs, leading to improved income levels.
Insuring Infrastructure
Agriculturally, Vietnam heavily relies on the abundant production of rice crops, exposing farmers to the uncertainties of changing climate conditions and fluctuating government policies. The reliability of produce is further threatened by water scarcity issues, opening the way to solutions such as the Mekong Delta Smart Irrigation Project.
Through the utilization of high-tech sensors and water pumps that provide real-time feedback directly to smartphones, farmers can instantly check water levels and experiment with techniques to ration their resources.
In one notable farming cooperative, ‘Phu Can,’ the implementation of supportive monitoring hardware has yielded positive outcomes, allowing a similar produce of rice with 20% less water usage. This technological intervention serves to fortify the rice industry against the challenges posed by the evolving world.
Looking Ahead
Vietnam has borne the brunt of its economic downturn for decades, making the turning of its fortune largely carried on the winds of developing technologies and modern conveniences an inspiring narrative. The examples of successful implementation of modern technology in Vietnam stand as a testament to the broadening of opportunities for various minority classes. This approach has helped empower the underprivileged and safeguarded crucial agricultural produce from the unpredictable impacts of changing circumstances.
Vietnam has made significant progress in its fight against poverty, with the Multidimensional Poverty Index reaching a low of 4% in 2021. However, recent data from early 2023 suggests a rise to 9%. Nevertheless, the nation has a strong track record of commitment to systemic improvement over the past 30 years. This dedication spurs hope for continued progress in the ongoing struggle against poverty.
– Brandon Murphy
Photo: Unsplash
5 Charities Operating in Scotland
In 2017, the Scottish parliament unanimously voted for the Child Poverty Act hoping to set a goal of reducing relative child poverty in Scotland to no more than 10% and reducing absolute child poverty to no more than 5%. Now in 2023, the fight against poverty continues in Scotland, where several charities and independent organizations have taken to the frontlines to stand in defense of their disadvantaged countrymen. Here are 5 charities operating in Scotland.
Charities at Work in Scotland
Wrap Up
With more than a million people still living in poverty in Scotland as of 2023, the Scottish government’s goal of seeing poverty levels reduced to or below 10% is a mounting challenge. However, the charities operating in Scotland and many more like them continue to wage a war on poverty. With the continued work and support from these organizations and the communities around them, there is growing hope for progress.
– Beau Sansom
Photo: Flickr
Tumaini Children’s Charity: a brighter future for children in Kenya
The Role and Impact of Tumaini Children’s Charity
Tumaini Brooks functions as a boarding school. It is a haven where food, pastoral care and quality education coalesce to uplift children from Gatamaiyu’s harshest environments. Cassie Watts, Tumaini Children’s Charity’s Social Media Manager, in her conversation with The Borgen Project, shed light on the school’s ethos. Cassie first got involved with Tumaini in 2016, when she heard about it from Hannah, the organization’s Chairperson. In 1998, Hannah had been looking for philanthropic work that would make a tangible difference but hadn’t found any that pulled her in. She met David and Alice and felt compelled to take part in their efforts, beginning the U.K.-based charity shortly afterward to raise funds for the school and bring awareness to its mission. Cassie immediately felt that she had to contribute to its efforts and, frustrated by the charity’s out-of-date website, became the Social Media Manager.
Tumaini Brooks’ unique adaptability to meet the community’s dynamic needs sets it apart, with a mission centered on breaking the poverty cycle through comprehensive education and care.
Navigating Challenges: Tumaini Brooks During the Pandemic
The advent of COVID-19 brought unprecedented challenges, with government directives leading to nationwide school closures. For the residents of the surrounding slums, this meant losing access to crucial services, including the school-provided meals for their children. Tumaini Brooks responded with agility, shifting its focus to food distribution. This endeavor grew exponentially, supporting hundreds of families weekly and highlighting the school’s pivotal role in the community during a global crisis.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Tumaini’s Journey
The path for Tumaini Brooks has not been without obstacles. External challenges, such as political corruption and shifting government policies, constantly test the school’s resilience. These challenges range from sudden curriculum changes to new student-per-classroom mandates, requiring Tumaini to allocate precious resources towards meeting these demands rather than focusing on its vision. Despite these hurdles, the school has made significant progress toward self-sufficiency. Investments in agricultural land, solar energy and a reliable water supply underscore its commitment to independence. In addition, the establishment of the school as an exam center marks a milestone, offering educational benefits to students and a sustainable income source.
Tumaini Brooks: A Beacon of Hope and Transformation
Despite the success in breaking the poverty cycle for many, some students return to their challenging circumstances. This reality underscores the complexity of the issues Tumaini Brooks tackles. The school’s unwavering commitment is to cater to the multifaceted needs of its more than 600 students, whether it’s providing a nurturing home, fitting clothes, quality education, or emotional and spiritual support. Cassie Watts’ reflections capture the essence of Tumaini’s impact. She speaks of the community’s resilience and gratitude, especially evident in the children who view the school as a “mothership of hope.”
Tumaini Brooks, through its multifarious initiatives, has become a symbol of hope and opportunity for many. The school’s role in providing a stable environment for learning and growth is also notable. It stands as a testament to the power of education and care in transforming lives. As Cassie Watts put it, the school instills a sense of trust and positivity in the students, despite their challenging circumstances. The belief that “everything will turn out ok” resonates deeply within the Tumaini community, fueling their efforts to offer a chance at a better life.
Looking Forward: The Vision of Tumaini Children’s Charity
As Tumaini Brooks School continues its noble journey, the vision for the future is clear. Moreover, Tumaini Children’s Charity remains dedicated to supporting the school’s mission toward complete self-sufficiency. This goal involves creating multiple income streams to ensure the school’s sustainability and reduce its dependence on external factors, including the Kenyan government. By doing so, the charity aims to fortify the school’s ability to provide uninterrupted, high-quality education and care to its students.
The story of Tumaini Brooks School is one of compassion, resilience and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. Currently, the efforts of David and Alice Hinga, the charity’s supporters and the resilient spirit of the students serve as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the transformative power of education and dedicated care in one of the world’s most challenging environments.
– Lydia Greene
Photo: Flickr
South African Company Revolutionizes HIV Prevention with Injectable PrEP
The HIV Landscape in South Africa
South Africa has been at the forefront of the global battle against HIV, with more than seven million people currently living with the virus. Despite substantial progress in treatment, the country witnessed around 160,000 new infections last year, highlighting the persistent challenges. The introduction of an injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) represents a beacon of hope, especially for those at high risk.
The Injectable PrEP Advantage
CAB LA, the injectable PrEP, demonstrates a paradigm shift in HIV prevention. Unlike its daily oral counterpart, this variant lasts for two months, offering a discreet and user-friendly option. Linda-Gail Bekker, CEO of the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, emphasizes an 89% reduction in HIV infections among women in Africa using injectable PrEP compared to oral PrEP, underlining its superiority.
Affordability and Accessibility Challenges
While approved for use in South Africa, the injectable’s cost remains a significant hurdle, priced at several thousand dollars per shot. The company producing it has shared licenses to address this concern. However, challenges persist in affordability and manufacturing capacity that need concerted efforts for widespread accessibility.
International Collaboration for Progress
International collaboration is pivotal in introducing CAB LA in South Africa, especially with the United States (U.S.). Dr. John Nkengasong, the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, acknowledges the evolving landscape in the fight against HIV, highlighting the innovation brought by long-acting PrEP injectables.
South Africa is gearing up for a pilot project in early 2024 to evaluate the implementation of injectable PrEP, specifically targeting adolescent girls and young women. Initially slated for 2023, as per VOA reports, these projects experienced delays, pushing the launch to early 2024. Spearheaded by Unitaid, this pivotal demonstration project addresses the intricacies of introducing this innovative prevention method from clinical settings into local communities. Despite the setbacks, Chief Investigator Pontiano Kaleebu emphasizes the importance of developing an HIV vaccine for Africa.
Implementation Challenges and Future Outlook
Implementing injectable PrEP beyond clinical settings presents challenges. Trained nurses will likely administer the injections, requiring additional training. However, the larger question revolves around decentralized delivery models and community acceptance. Community ‘shot clinics’ are proposed, offering a potential solution for administering injectable PrEP in a more accessible and user-friendly manner.
Dr. Francois Venter, divisional director of the research institute Ezintsha, remarks, “There needs to be a bit of a stock-taking before we do that. But our patients are going to be pushing us to go very fast.”
The Impact on the Ground
Amidst the groundbreaking developments in HIV prevention, NGOs like the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) continue to play a crucial role in South Africa. TAC, a key advocate for access to HIV treatment, is poised to adapt its strategies with the anticipated launch of injectable PrEP in early 2024. This innovative preventive method aligns with TAC’s mission, providing an opportunity to enhance outreach and education efforts. The longer-acting and user-friendly nature of injectable PrEP could empower NGOs like TAC to strengthen their campaigns, offering additional tools in the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS. Overall, these advancements present NGOs with new avenues to contribute effectively to eradicating HIV in South Africa.
Tracking and Measuring Success
Monitoring the usage patterns of oral and injectable PrEP presents a significant challenge because these preventive methods are constantly evolving. Therefore, developing more effective metrics to assess the impact of PrEP on a population level could be necessary.
Additionally, the effectiveness of injectable PrEP depends on its integration with extensive sexual and reproductive health services. It is crucial to educate communities about the various options available for HIV prevention, thereby linking injectable PrEP with empowering messages about wellness.
South Africa Taking the Lead
South Africa’s leading role in the development and implementation of injectable PrEP marks a pivotal moment in the fight against HIV. As the nation gears up for pilot projects, the prospect of a discreet, user-friendly, and more effective prevention method brings renewed hope for a future where HIV is no longer a pervasive threat. The collaboration between local initiatives and global support underscores the collective commitment to eradicating HIV and creating a healthier world.
– Ed Santana
Photo: unsplash
RISING Uganda: Quality & Inclusive Learning For All
The Rising Uganda Project
The RISING Uganda project emerged in 2022 through the Stromme Foundation East Africa. The project intends to cover four years and its purpose is to collaborate with households, communities and political leaders to dismantle barriers preventing children from receiving quality education. These barriers include classroom shortages and learning gaps.
The East Africa initiative is a branch of the wider Stromme Foundation. This NGO traces its origins to 1976 through the efforts of Reverend Olav Kristian Strømme of Kristiansand Cathedral in Norway to raise money for the less fortunate. It has since grown into the largest NGO in Norway. Following the reverend’s death, his nephew Gunnar Strømme built upon his uncle’s work by establishing the Strømme Memorial Foundation in support of less fortunate individuals on a global scale. Today, the organization maintains regional offices in Mali, Uganda and Sri Lanka along with headquarters in Norway. The organization also maintains partnerships with 11 different countries, exclusively within Asia and Africa.
Within Uganda itself, the Stromme Foundation estimates that the percentage of Ugandans currently living in poverty stands at 42% and that 23.5% of the population above the age of 15 are illiterate.
Programs
Intervention schemes to address these statistics include the Bonga Adolescent Empowerment Programme. Bonga is a life skills training program that utilizes “a dialogue process to build confidence among the out-of-school illiterate adolescent girls and boys (13- 19 years) to develop their analytical capacity through life skills and vocational skills,” the Stromme Foundation website says.
Similarly, the foundation’s Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) program is an outreach project to provide young Ugandans with the transferable skills necessary to succeed in the employment market through apprenticeship models to provide them with a means of contributing to both their household income and the economy of their wider community.
With the RISING Uganda program, a collaborative effort will be maintained between the Stromme Foundation East Africa and district education officers, teachers and community leaders to incentivize such communities to enrol more children in schools erect new classrooms, refurbish existing ones and supply vulnerable school children with the necessary resources to learn.
Upon the announcement of the construction of 67 new classrooms and 53 WASH facilities by the Stromme Foundation, Carron Beaumont, head of Program Implementation at Plan International Uganda, highlighted at the initiating event that “Investing in basic school infrastructure is crucial for better learning outcomes, especially at this time where enrolment into education is needed for millions of children who have been affected by ongoing and past conflicts as well as crises and gender inequalities.’’
First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni also attended the initiating event and laid out a foundation stone to mark the occasion.
The Power of Collaboration
The RISING Uganda scheme is currently being implemented as a consortium involving not only the Stromme Foundation but also Plan International Uganda, a charity similarly devoted to the empowerment of Uganda’s youth since 1992. This collaborative effort is operating in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports while receiving funding from Educate A Child in Uganda. Similarly, Educate A Child is a global charity devoted to providing school children across the world with a quality education for children afflicted with circumstances such as poverty, discrimination and conflict. Its reach encompasses 53 countries, including Uganda.
Through the efforts of humanitarian organizations, quality and inclusive learning for all may be a possibility.
– Thomas Perry
Photo: Flickr
Addressing Period Poverty in Somalia
Period Poverty as a Result of the Economic Situation in Somalia
After 25 years of internal conflict, Somalia faces significant challenges, with half of its population living in poverty. Nearly a third of Somalians endure extreme poverty. In this context, women confront an additional challenge: period poverty. This term refers to the inability to afford basic sanitary products. Sanitary pads, costing $3 per pack, are unaffordable for many, forcing them to use unsanitary alternatives like dried cow dung and leaves.
Period poverty in Somalia has its roots in widespread gender discrimination, evident in the country’s patriarchal society. Somalia’s Gender Inequality Index score is 0.776, with 1 indicating absolute gender inequality. This score places Somalia among the countries with the most significant challenges in women’s rights. The Somali Women Development Centre in Mogadishu reports that Somalia has the highest levels of violence against women in Africa. Such deep-seated gender discrimination worsens period poverty, creating an environment where women’s health and voices receive little priority.
How is Somalia not Supporting Women’s Health?
Around two decades of political instability coupled with extreme droughts has forced Somalia into severe food insecurity. Unable to afford essentials, most notably period products, some poor Somali women, as young as 10, offer sex in exchange for food and other basic necessities. By being sexually exploited, usually by older men, women are at a higher risk of unwanted pregnancies, worsening their financial situation and pushing them into a life of poverty. Adding to this crisis is the fact that women cannot access safe and hygienic spaces, which is so essential during menstruation. A lack of privacy in the form of gender-segregated toilets and mostly absent toilet doors only increases the risk of violence against women.
Period poverty in Somalia is additionally worsened by the shocking lack of health care for women, which results in a lack of awareness about healthy menstrual care practices. One Somali woman claimed, in a study based on focus group interviews, that “Somali women never go to the doctor, because we go and the doctor believes we are crazy or psychotic, and we say that makes us more crazy so we don’t go.” A former obstetrician and gynecologist living in Somalia has commented that “there are no hospitals, no health care.”
Regressive Practices Contributing to the Problem
Furthermore, women would be more vulnerable to infections if they have been subject to female genital mutilation, a practice common in Somalia and other African countries. Around 98% of girls, between the ages of 9 and 15, living in Somalia endure female genital mutilation. This is a widely accepted social practice that seeks to improve a girl’s matrimonial prospects. This exposes the gender-discriminatory structure of Somalia, where women are forced to put their health at risk since they are reliant on men financially if they want to access menstrual products. WHO has stated that female genital mutilation increases the risk of dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) and causes a host of other health issues.
Effect on Women’s Education and Financial Situation
These deplorable conditions deter women from participating in Somali society. Only 25% of girls have attended formal schools for education and only 35 percent of women, between the ages of 20 to 25, have at least some years of education in their background. Additionally, more than 10% of female students miss an estimated three to four days per month during their periods. This highlights a lack of adequate sanitary toilets and products that leave a significant number of girls deprived of basic education. A lack of education in turn means that women miss out on learning essential skills including basic hygiene and healthy menstrual care, heightening the risk of neglect or infection. It also results in women being underqualified for jobs and therefore left out of the workforce.
Ongoing Efforts
In 2020, GBV Area of Responsibility provided 12,816 people with dignity kits, in 17 coordination hubs across Somalia, which included sanitary products and rape kits. Such measures help counter period poverty by providing free access to essential health care products, reducing the spread of infection.
In the same year, UNFPA, a reproductive health agency, distributed 10,000 reusable sanitary pads and an additional 20,000 in 2021. To further counter period poverty in Somalia, the organization supported and educated community health workers, helping them provide care and information surrounding safe menstrual health practices. UNFPA also aimed to provide safe environments for women to help them prioritize their health by working with camp officials to distribute flashlights and install lights in their bathrooms.
Concern Worldwide, a humanitarian organization, works toward gender equality in Somalia to improve the condition of women there. To date, it has supported 13 fixed and 15 mobile health centers in Somalia, additionally establishing self-help groups for women, striving for economic and social empowerment through loan systems. By supporting women’s finances and health, Concern Worldwide is fighting against period poverty.
Looking Ahead
Somalia remains an unsafe country for women owing to extreme poverty and gender inequality, actively putting women at risk from their unhygienic environments and inaccessibility of period products, heightening the issue of period poverty. Independent organizations have attempted to support Somali women in terms of finances and health care needs. However, the Somalian government has been largely criticized for its apathy in this matter. For instance, laws preventing gender-based violence have remained as drafts, unprioritized, meaning women continue to fear leaving their houses and avoid going outside to access health care or education. As a result, period poverty in Somalia has remained a major issue, depriving scores of women and girls of a life of dignity.
– Anna McDonald
Photo: ri.org
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