Human Rights Watch has reported deteriorating prison conditions in Lebanon due to the country’s ongoing economic crisis. From overcrowding to the denial of medical health care, the poor conditions that inmates face in Lebanon serve as a stark reflection of the country’s economic crisis and the undeniable link between poverty and the prison system.
Background: Lebanon’s Economic Crisis
The root problem of these dire prison conditions in Lebanon is the current economic crisis and rise of poverty. The distressing extent of poverty and food insecurity in Lebanon stems from a decline in economic activity, political instability and the escalating cost of living.
Between November 2021 and January 2022, Human Rights Watch carried out an extensive survey encompassing 1,209 households in Lebanon. Approximately 70% of households reported experiencing difficulties in meeting their financial obligations or consistently falling behind on basic expenses. The survey results underscore the gravity of the situation and how these experiences affect the current prison conditions in the country.
The budget allocated to the interior ministry, responsible for prison management, has indeed seen official increases in recent years. However, the dramatic devaluation of the currency, with the lira losing 98% of its value since 2019, coupled with skyrocketing annual inflation rates, has gradually diminished its effective purchasing power. Inflation further compounds the challenge for families who find it increasingly difficult to purchase additional food to supplement the prisoners’ already meager rations.
The Harrowing Prison Conditions
These budget reductions and high rates of inflation that have afflicted Lebanon since 2019 correlate to the poor state of its prisons.
While family visits have been reinstated, the escalating inflation rates and exorbitant costs of food and fuel have presented formidable obstacles for numerous families who would otherwise provide assistance to their incarcerated loved ones. Simultaneously, the surge in demand for prison-provided meals has coincided with soaring food prices. These challenges along with the devaluation of the Lebanese currency make it challenging to meet financial obligations to contracted food suppliers.
Numerous correctional facilities throughout Lebanon are grappling with severe overcrowding. This over-capacity is a result of a surge in crime rates, protracted trial proceedings leading to delayed releases, and the incapacity of many inmates who have completed their sentences to meet the necessary fees for their release. Detention facilities throughout Lebanon have a collective capacity of 4,760 individuals, yet they currently hold around 8,502 people, of whom only 1,094 have received sentences, according to the Internal Security Forces, responsible for prison management in Lebanon.
The extent of overcrowding within Lebanon’s prison system is deeply troubling and has led to a deterioration in humanitarian and living conditions, causing a decline in health care, food accessibility and overall security.
Alongside budget reductions, incarcerated individuals are being denied vital medical care. In 2018, more than 800 prisoners were transported to hospitals, whereas in 2022, only 107 received such medical attention, despite the overall prison population remaining consistent.
The International Committee of the Red Cross’s (ICRC) Efforts
In 2019, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) engaged in the refurbishment of specific detention facilities, in collaboration with the detaining authorities. It has restored the ventilation system at Rihaniyeh Military Prison and introduced a new ventilation system at Tripoli Prison, which operates under the jurisdiction of the Internal Security Force.
Additionally, it is working alongside detaining authorities to enhance health care services. This includes donating an X-ray machine to the medical center at Roumieh Prison and conducting disinfection procedures within cells at Tripoli Central Prison in 2014, aimed at preventing the transmission of scabies and other contagious diseases. On occasion, it provides detainees with essentials, such as clothing, hygiene items, mattresses and blankets.
In 2015, the ICRC allocated $1 million for the improvement of detainees’ living conditions. A portion of these funds was allocated to the renovation of district prisons. Since their agreement with the government in 2007, they have been conducting regular visits to various detention facilities across Lebanon. From 2014 to 2015, the ICRC conducted more than 200 visits to prisons as part of our commitment to monitor and improve conditions.
The Work of the Association of Justice and Mercy (AJEM)
Since 1998, the Association of Justice and Mercy (AJEM), a Lebanese nonprofit organization, has been actively engaging with all correctional facilities in Lebanon, delivering counseling services to inmates at various locations. This access has enabled them to execute both individual and collective interventions with the incarcerated population, as well as the ability to implement numerous programs and projects over the years.
In order to support prison health care, AJEM carries out HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care initiatives. This includes offering voluntary counseling and testing services in both central and regional Lebanese prisons, organizing Information Education and Communication (IEC) sessions within prison facilities for key populations to raise awareness about HIV and other communicable diseases and providing accessible support to individuals at risk in prisons.
The AJEM Rabieh Shelter
The AJEM Rabieh Shelter, founded in 2012 and operates today, is a traditional housing initiative that aims to provide prisoners with an array of extensive support services, empowering them to transition back into self-sustained living, secure employment and permanent housing. This, in turn, serves to mitigate the risk of prison overcrowding. The project guarantees a seamless reintegration into society.
These initiatives serve as a driving force for further transformations. Based on these assessments, it is imperative for the Lebanese government to formulate and execute both immediate and long-term strategies to address the conditions in prisons and ensure the protection of individuals’ rights.
– Susanna Andryan
Photo: Flickr
South Africa’s AI Employment Revolution And Skill Development
On October 30, 2023, Microsoft held its “AI: A New Era” event and announced its plans to partner with Presidential Youth Employment Services (YES) to catalyze South Africa’s AI employment revolution. As reported by Engineering News, the collaboration’s goal is to implement an artificial intelligence (AI) platform into the work sphere, ultimately increasing job opportunities. The AI training initiative will directly empower 300,000 young South Africans, with an aim to certify 30 million Africans in AI-related skills by 2025.
What is the Plan and Who is Behind it?
“AI is the defining technology of our time and is rapidly gaining momentum in the country. We are seeing many organizations exploring the use of this technology to drive innovation and growth,” said Microsoft South Africa CEO Kalane Rampai. The partnership aims to boost job creation and enhance overall employability by properly educating participants and creating a digitally inclusive economy.
While South Africa is considered the most industrialized country in Africa, it has one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the world. According to government agency Statistics South Africa, as of November 2023, 61% of citizens ages 15–24 are unemployed. The overall unemployment rate for South Africa is 33%. Unfortunately, it rises to 35% for high school graduates.
Youth Employment Service is a nonprofit organization that offers young South Africans a salaried, one-year apprenticeship in a corporate job, including intensive professional training. As Microsoft reported, the CEO of YES, Ravi Naidoo, states that the organization is “a business-led response to the unemployment crisis in South Africa and inequality in hiring…funded by the companies that provide apprenticeships.” The goal is to identify driven young employed citizens from disadvantaged backgrounds and provide them with skills to excel in new careers.
AI Training Projected Improvements
A country that suffers immensely from youth unemployment, South Africa was chosen to launch AI skill development, which will hopefully act as an incentive. All YES employment program participants gain access to the platform and will become equipped with digital and technological skills, encouraging a job-creation revolution in Africa. The artificial intelligence training includes an introductory course that progresses participants into advanced AI programming, opening up employment opportunities.
According to Engineering News, AI skill development has four focuses: “providing essential infrastructure, building skills and capacity, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and enabling innovation.” Microsoft and YES believe that this technology can give an upward trajectory to the African economy. Analysts predict that South Africa’s AI development can increase Africa’s economy by 50% by 2030. Further, Microsoft’s technological education and employability programs have certified more than four million young people in Africa over the past five years and aim to certify 30 million people in AI skills in Africa by the end of 2025.
Growth for Africa
This new AI skill development will enable thousands of South Africa’s youth with essential digital and technological skills. It not only opens doors to diverse employment options but also paves the way for a future of increased income and sustained economic empowerment. Lillian Barnard, President of Microsoft Africa, notes that the collaboration with YES will focus on youth unemployment and creating a culture of innovation and employability through digital skill development.
– Samantha J. Rentfro
Photo: Flickr
Addressing the Gender Wage Gap in Jamaica
The Stark Reality: Gender Wage Gap Statistic
A country known for its cultural richness and natural beauty, the gender wage gap here is more than just a statistic — it is a barrier to poverty alleviation. While women have made some progress, holding 28.6% of parliamentary seats as of 2021 and boasting more women managers than any other country, they still face economic disparities that reverberate through their families.
The gender wage gap in Jamaica is most pronounced in the agricultural sector, where women earn 61% less than their male counterparts, deepening the cycle of poverty affecting women.
In 2023, Jamaica scored 0.89 in the gender gap area of economic participation and opportunity, meaning women are 11% less likely to have equal economic participation and opportunities than men.
WROC: Empowering Women Economically
The Inter-American Foundation’s WINGS program collaborates with the Women’s Resource and Outreach Centre (WROC) to tackle the root causes of gender-based violence and poverty, such as unemployment and a lack of education access. Established in 1983, WROC has been a cornerstone in promoting gender equality and empowering women. Its strategic focus extends from health and wellness to sustainable livelihoods and community capacity-building. Partnering with local community groups like the Women’s Empowerment Group, WROC aims to provide training and income-generating opportunities for women, especially in impoverished communities like Trench Town and, notably, Lyndhurst/Greenwich in Kingston.
Bureau of Gender Affairs: Policy Changes for Gender Equality
The Bureau of Gender Affairs (BGA), a specialized agency under Jamaica’s Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, has been invaluable in the persistent fight against the gender wage gap in the country. Unlike many agencies that adopt a broad approach to gender issues, the BGA has zeroed in on the wage gap as a critical factor that perpetuates poverty and hampers economic development.
Through legislative advocacy, the BGA has been pushing for policies that enforce equal pay for equal work. It has been instrumental in the drafting and promotion of bills that aim to eliminate wage discrimination based on gender. This legislative focus is a crucial part of their strategy to not only close the wage gap but also to lift families out of poverty.
In addition to policy work, the BGA has initiated public education campaigns that specifically target the issue of wage disparity. These campaigns aim to raise awareness among employers and the general public about the long-term consequences of the gender wage gap, particularly its role in perpetuating poverty. By educating the public, the BGA seeks to change attitudes and practices contributing to wage inequality.
The National Policy for Gender Equality (NPGE)
The agency also plays a significant role in implementing the National Policy for Gender Equality (NPGE).
One of the key objectives of the NPGE is to address economic disparities between men and women, with a specific focus on wage inequality. The BGA collaborates with various stakeholders, including NGOs and international organizations, to gather data on wage patterns, which is then used to formulate targeted interventions.
Active solutions are underway, spearheaded by the BGA in partnership with local and international organizations. These solutions include community-based programs that offer women skill training and job placement services aimed at placing them in higher-paying jobs, thereby directly addressing the wage gap and contributing to poverty alleviation.
Going beyond policy recommendations, the BGA actively engages with the public and employers through awareness campaigns designed to challenge deeply entrenched gender stereotypes and educate the public about the economic and social repercussions of the gender wage gap.
Recognizing that financial constraints often exacerbate gender-related issues, the Bureau also offers financial assistance to those in need, directly contributing to poverty alleviation.
Community Engagement: The Heart of the Solution
Both WROC and BGA emphasize the importance of community involvement in solving this issue. They engage with local communities to identify the specific challenges that women faced and develop tailored solutions. For instance, WROC has established community centers where women can access resources like vocational training, increasing their employability and potential earnings.
Conclusion
Jamaica’s grassroots initiatives and policy changes are a testament to the nation’s commitment to closing the gender wage gap in Jamaica. Through organizations like WROC and agencies like BGA, Jamaica is not only narrowing the wage gap but also empowering its women. The road ahead is long, but with sustained efforts and a focus on community engagement, Jamaica is steadily marching towards a future free of gender-based economic disparity.
– Jack Jones
Photo: Flickr
Bialla’s WASH Facilities in Papua New Guinea
Bialla’s Success Story
Bialla is a small town in Papua New Guinea with a population of around 13,000. The town has struggled to access clean water for many years, especially in the long dry season. In 2020, the World Bank reported that the Water Supply and Development Project in Bialla has provided clean water for more than 5,000 town citizens. Aside from personal sustenance, the newfound access to water has benefited schools and local markets and generally improved the quality of life of the townsfolk.
The Rest of Papua New Guinea
Bialla’s improvement in its water supply system has encouraged the rest of PNG to follow in its footsteps. In the 2020 Voluntary National Review, PNG reported that 2019 safe drinking water increased by 41% and sanitation improved by 13%. These numbers are giant steps in the right direction for the nation. However, PNG still states that it needs proper infrastructure to get its aid out and there is still a long road to improvement.
WASH Policy 2015-2030
In 2015, Papua New Guinea rolled out the WASH Policy 2015-2030. The policy aims to improve safe water and sanitation access, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas. It provides a comprehensive framework for addressing water and sanitation challenges while emphasizing collaboration, precise definitions and ongoing assessment of policy effectiveness. The policy focuses on delivering WASH facilities in Papua New Guinea, creating frameworks for improved service delivery and outlining improved technologies.
UNICEF
UNICEF has a significant role in helping PNG with its continued goal for WASH improvements. It works with the government of PNG to provide schools with sanitary necessities, like toilets, sinks and water tanks, and promote menstrual hygiene. By doing this, UNICEF promotes children’s health (especially girls) and allows them to stay in school.
In addition, the EU-UNICEF project in PNG will act as a support system for the WASH policy 2015-2030. It will promote clean water and sanitation and strengthen WASH frameworks. It is expected to benefit 160,000 people, including 40,000 children, across all districts of PNG.
The Water for Women
The Water for Women Fund project, which Plan International leads in Papua New Guinea, is another testament to the country’s continued efforts in WASH improvements. It aims to provide climate-resilient WASH facilities to the island of New Ireland and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea. In these two areas, 30% of the population relies on unprotected water, while 80% rely on unimproved sanitation.
This project seeks to improve the health, gender equality and well-being of the 8,000+ people on these islands. Bialla is a testament to how improved access to water and sanitation can better the lives of an entire community. With the coordination and initiatives of government, development partners, aid agencies and the private sector, PNG is looking to replicate Bialla’s success throughout the country.
– Atheeth Ravikrishnan
Photo: Flickr
How National Debt Negatively Affects Developing Nations
While public debt affects the developed world, it is crippling the developing world’s ability to rise out of poverty. Global poverty cannot be solved without recognizing that public debt is a key part of the problem. Without addressing it, developing countries will remain mired in high-interest payments and an ever-growing debt burden that harms their citizens and steals their futures.
How Does National Debt Affect Developing Nations?
Last year, 59 developing countries held national debt worth more than 60% of their GDP. These countries are already combatting many other hurdles to success, including food instability, poor health care and a lack of sanitation. Their high levels of debt prevent them from being able to fully address the issues impacting their people.
The debt problem is so severe that, according to the UN, “3.3 billion people now live in countries where debt interest payments are greater than expenditure on health or education.” These countries are only managing to pay the high interest on their loans, not their actual debt burdens. Developing countries face an increasing need to divert life-saving funds to maintain debt. As a result, national debt affects developing nations in an extremely detrimental way.
National Debt Affects Developing Nations Differently
Public debt affects developing and developed nations very differently. While developed nations have the stability and resilience to ride out their storms and debt mistakes, developing nations do not. They remain stuck in a perpetual cycle of debt that they cannot pay off, while interest payments keep them from lifting themselves out of poverty. The story of debt in these two types of countries is very different.
What is the Interest Rate Disparity and Why Does it Matter?
There is significant disparity in interest rates between loans that developing nations take out as opposed to developed ones. Over the past 10 years, while developed countries have been paying around 1% interest on loans, developing countries have been charged 5-8% interest. It is far more expensive for a developing nation to have debt than it is for developed nations.
Why Do Developing Nations Take Out Loans?
To better understand this massive problem, it is helpful to understand why developing nations take out debt in the first place. The reasons are myriad, but include:
Many developing nations faced multiple disasters in the last few years that, due to their financially vulnerable state, have left them without any recourse other than loans. This means that national debt affects developing nations now even more than it normally would.
Who Do Developing Nations Borrow Money From?
When a country decides to borrow, they have several possible sources, including:
The institution that the country is indebted to has influence over that country and may change how easily the country can pay back the loans. For example, China has resisted the movement of international entities working to alleviate the debt burden on developing nations. That makes helping countries who are indebted to China much more difficult.
Addressing the Debt Crisis
While there is still a great deal of work to do, global awareness of this issue is increasing. The UN published a report on the global debt crisis in July 2023 titled “A World of Debt: A Growing Burden to Public Prosperity.”
Additionally, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund collaborate on the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative, designed to give much-needed relief to developing countries that are overwhelmed with debt. This initiative began in 1996 and provides a road for indebted countries to receive 100% relief on eligible debts. Before a country can receive this aid, it must meet certain criteria — one of which is that the country must “face an unsustainable debt burden that cannot be addressed through traditional debt-relief mechanisms.” There are 36 countries receiving relief through this initiative.
Conclusion
Global public debt has skyrocketed over the last two years, and developing nations have faced heavy impacts. National debt affects developing nations in a way that developed nations are not subject to, which makes it extremely difficult for developing nations to pay off their debt. Efforts by developed nations are necessary to help developing nations rise out of the depths of public debt. When public debt is no longer a concern, these countries can focus on sustainable development to improve the quality of life among their citizens.
– Abigail Leland
Photo: Pixabay
Smart Tattoos: The Future of Health Monitoring in Developing Countries
The Escalating Health Crisis
The World Health Organization (WHO) has documented a staggering rise in diabetes cases, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The number of people with diabetes soared from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014, and there was a notable 3% increase in diabetes-related mortality rates from 2000 to 2019. The disease is a leading cause of severe health complications, including blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation.
India, which has the highest number of children and adolescents living with type-1 diabetes — an estimated 229,400 — exemplifies the urgent need for innovative and accessible diabetes management tools. Similarly, Brazil, with 92,300 youth affected, reflects the widespread impact of this chronic condition in developing countries.
The incidence rates of type-1 diabetes in children also shed light on the disease’s reach within these nations. Algeria’s high incidence rate of 34.8 persons diagnosed per 100,000 people each year is proof of the growing need for effective diabetes care and education in Africa and developing countries worldwide.
In its 2018 guidelines on pharmacological agents for managing diabetes in low-resource settings, the WHO noted that “sulfonylureas are currently more affordable than newer oral anti-hyperglycaemic agents for people who pay ‘out of pocket’.” Consequently, they are likely to be more accessible. “This supports the South Asia consensus on diabetes management, which highlighted that cost is an important consideration in this region of the world, as a majority of patients are not covered under medical insurance.”
Smart Tattoos: A Technological Marvel
Historically, tattoos have served various purposes from symbols of cultural significance to marks of personal identity. However, recent research reveals that tattoos may have played a therapeutic role in ancient societies. The discovery of Ötzi the Iceman, a 5,300-year-old mummy with tattoos strategically placed over acupuncture points, suggests that people used tattoos for pain relief, a practice that mirrors modern acupuncture techniques.
In this modern context, health-monitoring ‘smart tattoos’ represent a significant medical breakthrough. As outlined in the British Journal of Nursing, these tattoos leverage nanotechnology to non-invasively monitor glucose levels. This advancement is crucial for diabetes management, where traditional methods are often invasive and painful, leading to poor adherence, especially in areas with limited health care resources.
A Glimpse into the Future of Health Monitoring
At the forefront of this pioneering innovation is the work that Dr. Ali Yetisen and Ph.D. student Rosalia Moreddu conducted at Imperial College London, coinciding with teams at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, led by Steve Park. Their research delves into tattoos capable of detecting biomarkers such as glucose levels by interacting with the interstitial fluid beneath the skin. In essence, it is a tattoo that changes color in response to blood sugar levels, shifting from yellow to green as glucose rises — a critical indicator for those managing diabetes. This paves the way for a future in which the daily rigors of diabetes management are significantly eased, potentially replacing frequent and painful finger-prick tests.
A study in 2018 revealed a preference for wristband devices that monitor glucose. However, it also indicated a growing interest in tattoo sensors, especially among younger demographics and individuals with type 1-diabetes. This hints at a generational shift in health monitoring preferences.
Other Uses for Smart Tattoos
The scope of smart tattoos extends beyond glucose. The Imperial College team is also exploring the detection of albumin and pH levels, which can signal conditions ranging from kidney failure to lung disease. The technology’s adaptability suggests that it could potentially monitor hydration by measuring ion concentrations, a vital aspect of health maintenance.
Further collaboration between MIT and Harvard Medical School researchers resulted in optical biosensors that can be tattooed into the skin, reacting to changes in interstitial fluid. These biosensors are designed to detect various health indicators, including blood pressure, glucose, lactate, skin temperature and brain activity. The researchers envision that this technology will foster new partnerships between biotech companies and skin professionals, such as prosthesis experts and tattooists. Future research aims to explore new biosensors, body modification practices and interaction techniques.
Parallel to the work at Imperial College, researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have made strides in developing tattoos that are only visible under UV light, making them timely reminders for sunscreen re-application. Another temperature-sensitive tattoo acts as a built-in thermometer, a tool that could be particularly useful in managing health in varying climates.
Adding a digital dimension, Google’s research into conductive ink opens up the possibility of turning body parts into a touchpad. This could enable interactions with devices through simple gestures, marrying the digital and physical aspects of our lives in an unprecedented way.
These technologies may provide a cost-effective, efficient solution for real-time health monitoring, crucial for countries where health care systems are overburdened and under-resourced.
Conclusion
These recent health monitoring innovations offer a glimpse into a future where managing chronic conditions like diabetes could be as simple as glancing at a tattoo. As this technology matures, it holds the promise of not just improving individual health outcomes, but also contributing to alleviating poverty by reducing health care costs and improving the quality of life for millions in developing countries.
– Jack Jones
Photo: Flickr
Empowering a Nation: Innovative Efforts to Relieve Poverty in Brazil
Brazil is one of the fastest-growing countries in South America and faces significant challenges with high levels of poverty and income inequality. As the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported, inflation increased to 6.5% as a result of COVID-19, with essentials such as food prices increasing by 63%. Currently, the ongoing trends have resulted in a need for efforts to relieve poverty in Brazil.
While it is important to recognize poverty in Brazil as a complex and multidimensional issue, it is also necessary to recognize ongoing efforts to relieve poverty, as the nation seeks to build a more equitable and prosperous future for its citizens.
From Marginalization to Entrepreneurship: The Favela-Business Connection
Brazil’s favelas are characterized by their precarious building infrastructures and poverty-based living conditions — they have been a symbol of urban poverty for years. However, in recent years a remarkable transformation has occurred within these settlements. Favela-business partnerships are emerging as a driving force in reshaping these communities with a strong effort to relieve poverty.
Organizations such as the Favela Business School (FBS) offer a digital platform on which residents have access to a diverse range of business information that can be applied directly to favela entrepreneurs. The organization creates an ecosystem aimed to promote entrepreneurship and drive economic transformation in underserved areas. It provides management training and tailored language skills to entrepreneurs in marginalized communities and favelas. Additionally, the program enables business growth through the facilitation of microcredits and effective strategies for connecting, networking and enhancing the local business ecosystem.
The economic impact of favela-business partnerships extends beyond creating jobs. By fostering entrepreneurship, local economies grow, which creates a positive ripple effect that benefits wider communities. This then gains the attention of a variety of investors, who in turn offer financial support for the program.
The impact of the FBS has been substantial, with numerous achievements in its first year of establishment. It provided free training to 146 entrepreneurs from favelas, including a comprehensive curriculum spanning 57 hours and 30 minutes of classes, complemented by 19 hours of mentoring and 4 hours and 30 minutes of live-stream content. These classes extend beyond basic management knowledge to include the development of soft skills. By the end of 2023, FBS aims to train more than 6,000 entrepreneurs annually.
Farmers as Changemakers: The Role of Rural Development Programs
Other innovative efforts to relieve poverty in Brazil include the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to alleviating rural poverty and hunger. IFAD plays a significant role in supporting rural development, offering financial resources to support sustainable agricultural practices, increase agricultural productivity and enhance rural infrastructure.
The program focuses on promoting organic and agro-ecological production methods and facilitating access to markets. It also emphasizes the implementation of water collection and conservation technologies. Incorporating participatory methodologies that blend innovation with traditional knowledge is a key aspect of the program. The initiative is also committed to fostering the full and independent engagement of women and youth, as well as policy dialogue with national counterparts.
These innovative efforts to relieve poverty in rural areas not only enhance agricultural productivity, but also help communities increase their income and food security. In collaboration with crucial co-financiers like the Brazilian Development Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank, the total investment in agricultural production has the potential to surpass $900 million. This substantial funding aims to benefit over 600,000 rural families, fostering improvements in productivity and food security.
Furthermore, IFAD places a strong emphasis on social inclusion in its projects, with the aim to empower indigenous and quilombola (afro-descendant) communities, agrarian reform settlers, women and youth. This focus is essential for preserving cultural heritage and achieving sustainable development, which in turn provides poverty relief.
In practice, 75% of the intended rural families experienced a 20% average increase in both farm and non-farm incomes. Additionally, 50% of the targeted rural families enhanced their production, diversified their output and improved nutrition through access to a broader and more varied food supply. The goal is to achieve a minimum 30% reduction in the rate of extreme poverty within IFAD project operation areas. Communities benefiting from business plans linked to IFAD operations are expected to see at least a 20% increase in assets. Lastly, a targeted 10% decrease in malnutrition rates is anticipated across IFAD project operation areas.
Tech For Good: Digital Inclusion
Brazil has been making large strides in expanding digital inclusion, recognizing that access to technology is a powerful tool for relieving poverty. The Wi-Fi Brasil program, launched by the government in 2022, aims to provide affordable internet access to communities living in poverty. This initiative improves connectivity and opens up opportunities for online education, remote work and e-commerce, empowering individuals to break the cycle of poverty. The program includes 15,000 internet points to facilitate communities’ access to connectivity, as well as more than 10,000 internet points installed in public schools to improve the quality of education. Programs such as Wi-Fi Brasil allow communities to connect, share their stories and advocate for poverty relief by providing a platform for social and political mobilization.
Innovative efforts to relieve poverty in Brazil represent a beacon of hope in the journey toward a more equitable and prosperous nation. Brazil’s multifaceted approaches, ranging from favela-business partnerships and sustainable agriculture to digital inclusion have demonstrated the power of innovative efforts in the battle against poverty.
These initiatives not only alleviate immediate economic hardships but also foster sustainable development, empower marginalized communities and challenge long-standing stereotypes. By embracing technology, fostering entrepreneurship and focusing on inclusivity, Brazil is actively changing the narrative of poverty and providing opportunities for individuals and communities to break free from it.
– Mia Deniz Duru
Photo: Flickr
Early Education in Kosovo
Impact on Children
The country has a population of about 1.8 million people, with the average age being approximately 30 years. In 2021, only 15% of children aged 3–4 years old gained an education. Among rural and minority communities, that number decreased to 10%. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) plans on improving food availability in schools to incentivize parents to enroll their younger children.
Rural communities are disproportionately affected by infrastructure issues and receive fewer options for health care and education. Minorities such as the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians also require more assistance. As of 2021, 23% of Kosovar children live in poverty. Poverty plays an important role in whether or not young children attend primary school education. Children in richer households are twice as likely to attend lower secondary education and four times as likely to attend upper secondary school than their poorer counterparts.
Access to health care also impacts access to education. Minority groups have more difficulty accessing health care and are unable to enroll their children in schools. In minority communities, the infant mortality rate is twice the national average and malnutrition plagues children throughout Kosovo. Even so, 84% of children attend pre-primary school programs, a 9% increase from 2014. As of 2021, 80% of 7–14-year-olds are literate and 88% can correctly identify numbers, however, under 50% retain skills past a Grade 2 level.
Teacher Pay
Teachers in Kosovo went on strike twice in the past four years, seeking an increase in pay. In 2019, teachers demanded a pay increase of over 30%. This was prompted by a proposed law that would raise pay for government employees. In Kosovo, the average private sector salary is €370, with public sector salaries averaging €520. These strikes proved successful. In September 2022, teachers once again went on strike, demanding an additional €100 per month to support themselves and their families.
Improvements
Kosovo’s National Development Strategy Plan aims to increase the number of children enrolled in early education. This plan seeks to provide young kids with basic skills to further their schooling and widen their future employment opportunities. Having children in class during the day allows their parents to join the workforce, generating money for their family and strengthening the economy.
For the entire Kosovo population, a total of 130 institutions serve as early education centers. As of 2017, Kosovo has 42 public kindergartens. Four professors at the University of Prishtina in Kosovo emphasize the importance of integrating technology into early education. Majlinda Gjelaj, Kastriot Buza, Kyvete Shatri and Naser Zabeli conducted a 2020 study about incorporating new technology into the curriculum. This study suggests that the addition of new tech improves communication and development among preschoolers. Through the Kosovo Education Strategic Plan and the Kosovo Curriculum Framework, the government aims to create a functional digital economy. It believes that students acquiring technical knowledge alongside literacy may be the best way to achieve this outcome.
To ensure that early education opportunities in Kosovo are equitable for the entire population, the World Bank has highlighted laws and other information that can be utilized. The Department of Social Welfare puts children into foster families that share their ethnicity and religion, as outlined in the Law for Social and Family Services. Families can receive funding under the Social Assistance Scheme. This welfare initiative stands out as the single government program that directly targets poverty in Kosovo. Over 28,000 families benefit from this, including over 55,000 children. With more reform, such as making school compulsory for ages 3-5, this program can provide for over 80,000 children in the country.
Early Education in Kosovo continues to improve with the aid it receives from both the Kosovar government and international organizations.
– Abigail Dudley
Photo: Flickr
Addressing Dire Prison Conditions in Lebanon
Background: Lebanon’s Economic Crisis
The root problem of these dire prison conditions in Lebanon is the current economic crisis and rise of poverty. The distressing extent of poverty and food insecurity in Lebanon stems from a decline in economic activity, political instability and the escalating cost of living.
Between November 2021 and January 2022, Human Rights Watch carried out an extensive survey encompassing 1,209 households in Lebanon. Approximately 70% of households reported experiencing difficulties in meeting their financial obligations or consistently falling behind on basic expenses. The survey results underscore the gravity of the situation and how these experiences affect the current prison conditions in the country.
The budget allocated to the interior ministry, responsible for prison management, has indeed seen official increases in recent years. However, the dramatic devaluation of the currency, with the lira losing 98% of its value since 2019, coupled with skyrocketing annual inflation rates, has gradually diminished its effective purchasing power. Inflation further compounds the challenge for families who find it increasingly difficult to purchase additional food to supplement the prisoners’ already meager rations.
The Harrowing Prison Conditions
These budget reductions and high rates of inflation that have afflicted Lebanon since 2019 correlate to the poor state of its prisons.
While family visits have been reinstated, the escalating inflation rates and exorbitant costs of food and fuel have presented formidable obstacles for numerous families who would otherwise provide assistance to their incarcerated loved ones. Simultaneously, the surge in demand for prison-provided meals has coincided with soaring food prices. These challenges along with the devaluation of the Lebanese currency make it challenging to meet financial obligations to contracted food suppliers.
Numerous correctional facilities throughout Lebanon are grappling with severe overcrowding. This over-capacity is a result of a surge in crime rates, protracted trial proceedings leading to delayed releases, and the incapacity of many inmates who have completed their sentences to meet the necessary fees for their release. Detention facilities throughout Lebanon have a collective capacity of 4,760 individuals, yet they currently hold around 8,502 people, of whom only 1,094 have received sentences, according to the Internal Security Forces, responsible for prison management in Lebanon.
The extent of overcrowding within Lebanon’s prison system is deeply troubling and has led to a deterioration in humanitarian and living conditions, causing a decline in health care, food accessibility and overall security.
Alongside budget reductions, incarcerated individuals are being denied vital medical care. In 2018, more than 800 prisoners were transported to hospitals, whereas in 2022, only 107 received such medical attention, despite the overall prison population remaining consistent.
The International Committee of the Red Cross’s (ICRC) Efforts
In 2019, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) engaged in the refurbishment of specific detention facilities, in collaboration with the detaining authorities. It has restored the ventilation system at Rihaniyeh Military Prison and introduced a new ventilation system at Tripoli Prison, which operates under the jurisdiction of the Internal Security Force.
Additionally, it is working alongside detaining authorities to enhance health care services. This includes donating an X-ray machine to the medical center at Roumieh Prison and conducting disinfection procedures within cells at Tripoli Central Prison in 2014, aimed at preventing the transmission of scabies and other contagious diseases. On occasion, it provides detainees with essentials, such as clothing, hygiene items, mattresses and blankets.
In 2015, the ICRC allocated $1 million for the improvement of detainees’ living conditions. A portion of these funds was allocated to the renovation of district prisons. Since their agreement with the government in 2007, they have been conducting regular visits to various detention facilities across Lebanon. From 2014 to 2015, the ICRC conducted more than 200 visits to prisons as part of our commitment to monitor and improve conditions.
The Work of the Association of Justice and Mercy (AJEM)
Since 1998, the Association of Justice and Mercy (AJEM), a Lebanese nonprofit organization, has been actively engaging with all correctional facilities in Lebanon, delivering counseling services to inmates at various locations. This access has enabled them to execute both individual and collective interventions with the incarcerated population, as well as the ability to implement numerous programs and projects over the years.
In order to support prison health care, AJEM carries out HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care initiatives. This includes offering voluntary counseling and testing services in both central and regional Lebanese prisons, organizing Information Education and Communication (IEC) sessions within prison facilities for key populations to raise awareness about HIV and other communicable diseases and providing accessible support to individuals at risk in prisons.
The AJEM Rabieh Shelter
The AJEM Rabieh Shelter, founded in 2012 and operates today, is a traditional housing initiative that aims to provide prisoners with an array of extensive support services, empowering them to transition back into self-sustained living, secure employment and permanent housing. This, in turn, serves to mitigate the risk of prison overcrowding. The project guarantees a seamless reintegration into society.
These initiatives serve as a driving force for further transformations. Based on these assessments, it is imperative for the Lebanese government to formulate and execute both immediate and long-term strategies to address the conditions in prisons and ensure the protection of individuals’ rights.
– Susanna Andryan
Photo: Flickr
How a Skateboarding Nonprofit Is Empowering Morocco’s Youth
Why Skateboarding?
Sports have long been recognized as an important vehicle for physical health but the benefits are often far greater. Studies from the U.S. Department of Health have repeatedly shown how positive values inherent to sports — such as team building, confidence and commitment — have fostered immense growth in children.
In fact, UNICEF has recognized these studies and launched the Right to Play initiative — arguing that children, particularly those who have experienced trauma, deserve opportunities to play sports. By focusing on skateboarding, the CJF has created a sense of community, fostered a playful environment and helped children gain confidence.
New Developments in Morocco
The CJF built its skatepark in Morocco in 2022 after demonstrating success in Peru and Jamaica. The nonprofit built the Fiers et Forts skatepark on the grounds of a children’s home center currently housing more than 35 children. Although the park is on the grounds of the orphanage, the skatepark is open to the public. Children throughout the community are able to skate and attend their educational enrichment programs at no cost.
Eduskate Classes
The CJF has developed a variety of programs within the last year to offer to local youth and children of the orphanage. The programs include eduskate classes, educational enrichment offerings and designated disability sessions.
The eduskate classes are the primary concern of the nonprofit and their connection between skateboarding and positive values. These classes, for children aged 6–16, follow a specific structure and create an opportunity for children living at the orphanage to develop friendships with children in the broader community.
After a brief lesson/demonstration and free skate time, participants end the class with a reflection circle to share their accomplishments and reflect on their growth. Additionally, the classes often follow a specific theme such as a positive mentality, creativity, courage and other values based on personal growth and community. As teachers focus classes on these themes, they create an opportunity to connect these values with the sport.
Educational Enrichment Workshops
Educational enrichment opportunities are the second way children within the home and the broader community come together. Two days per week, children receive encouragement to attend workshops on various topics such as gardening, art and recycling in order to supplement their education and introduce the children to new subject matter.
While the educational enrichment workshops aim to supplement school, they play an important role in creating accessible educational opportunities to children who may not currently attend school. According to a UNICEF 2022 report, Morocco has a 28% secondary school completion rate.
The most recent development in CJF’s ongoing offerings is designated disability sessions at the skatepark. During these hours, the skatepark is closed to the general public while disabled children skate as a form of physical therapy. A 1:1 approach between teacher and student occurs to ensure participants have adequate support.
CJF’s Success in Helping Morocco’s Youth
In less than two years, the CJF has reported:
Access to these resources can change a kid’s life and play a crucial role in empowering Morocco’s youth. More than 40% of Morocco’s children fit within UNICEF’s description of “multidimensional poverty.” Symptoms of multidimensional poverty include a lack of consistent access to adequate housing and education.
Within a short period, CJF has spearheaded initiatives that could address these symptoms of multidimensional poverty and combined the programs with efforts to uplift spirits and support mental health. CJF continues to adjust its programs based on community feedback and claims it will continue to expand operations.
– Nikki Bayat
Photo: Flickr
5 Women-Focused Charities Operating in Somalia
1. Action for Women and Children Concern (AWCC)
Action for Women and Children Centre is a nonprofit non-governmental and non-political grassroots organization that works specifically for women and children. Its motive is to empower women by providing and aiding in receiving basic education, primary health care, water hygiene and sanitation and the promotion of human rights.
This NGO is active in Somalia and has been since February 2017. It is youth-serving and youth-led. Its main strategy is to advance women’s rights and leadership and build and support local communities by encouraging human rights, justice, safety and security.
Action for Women and Children Concern works across 100 countries with 80% of staff working within the communities they serve. It has been able to work directly and make a substantial difference within Somalia.
2. Somali Women’s Studies Centre (SWSC)
Somali Women’s Studies Centre is another non-governmental nonprofit organization that originated in Somalia in the year 2000. The organization follows the idea that through empowerment and assistance, women can get the support they need, which will in turn allow them to make positive alterations that will ultimately improve and strengthen their community.
SWDC works to better the lives and conditions that women live in. It does this by first focusing on vulnerable groups of women. The SWDC carries out this mission by heightening the capacity of women to lobby and advocate for concerned parties, and finally promoting reconciliation and peace building.
3. CARE
CARE is a charity that was established in Canada in 1946, but it was in the mid-1970s that the organization began to work on an international scale. The work in Somalia began in 1981. Its programs have covered water and sanitation, civil society and media development, primary school education, teacher training, adult literacy and vocational training, and much more.
CARE also works specifically for women. On its website, it describes its mission as aiming to reduce the impact of emergencies on vulnerable communities, especially women and children. In 2022, CARE was able to reach 2,214,383 directly and 2,811,318 with 53% of the number being women and young girls.
4. Somali Women’s Development Centre (SWDC)
Somali Women’s Development Centre is an NGO that began in 2011. It aims to uplift and motivate Somali women to support Somali women in advocating for their rights. SWSC also does a lot of research and documents the problems that Somali women and girls face daily.
The SWSC are based in Somalia, but they also have offices in Nairobi Kenya for the Somali women that live there.
5. Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF)
The Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund first came to work in Somalia during the 2012 presidential election. Their primary focus is women. The WPHF recognizes that women in Somalia have always suffered disproportionality at the hands of Clan fights and extremist groups. With child-bride marriages and female genital mutilation, FGM women have had an unfair beginning to adult life.
These women-focused charities operating in Somalia are doing substantial work to support and provide for the women that they cater to. The work that is done is reaching women and girls and is allowing them a new chance and opportunity to grow.
– Sumaya Ali
Photo: Flickr