Just like many countries in Southeast Asia, Indonesia experiences rapid urban growth as people move to cities in search of better opportunities. Urgent steps must be taken to improve urban health in Indonesia — with 58% of Indonesia’s population living in urban areas, health problems have become increasingly prevalent among urban populations due to poor urban planning and inadequate access to health services.
The Problem of Urban Health
In the 21st century, urbanization has become a key factor affecting global health. The increasing number of people living in cities has resulted in problems like inadequate housing and poor sanitation that all have a detrimental impact on the health of urban dwellers. While urbanization opens opportunities for employment and socio-economic development, the health burden of infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases and violence and injuries are especially apparent in cities due to rapid urbanization and poor urban planning.
The Healthy Cities Initiative
To combat the health problems caused by urbanization, the World Health Organization proposed the Healthy Cities initiative in 1986, aiming to make healthy living a priority in cities by helping put forward developmental changes. In Indonesia, the Healthy Cities project launched in 1998 and has been ongoing for over two decades, promoting the importance of health within urban areas. The program aims to improve urban health in Indonesia by developing better urban planning to create a cleaner living environment, as well as increasing citizens’ access to health services and facilities.
A Healthy City in Indonesia is defined as “a clean, comfortable, safe and healthy city (or regency), which is manifested in multiple settings through integrated activities agreed upon by the community and local government.”
There are nine pillars in Indonesia’s Healthy Cities initiative:
- Self-sufficient and healthy people
- Offices and industrial places
- Transportation and road safety
- Residential and religious places
- Marketplaces
- Social protection
- Educational/schooling practices
- Tourism places
- Disaster prevention and management
Semarang: The Healthy City
Semarang, the capital and largest city of Central Java province has slowly but surely been transformed into a Healthy City. Facing the burden of a high incidence of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) in 2010, Semarang’s health officials recognized the need to improve urban health and started implementing the Healthy Cities initiative by establishing a Healthy City Forum. Community participation became a focus of the forum, organizing local community meetings that would contribute to the city development planning process.
Community members also collaborated with the forum on developmental works. This was demonstrated in the Thematic Kampung program, where Kampung residents worked with the city government to decide what interventions should be made to address health issues — this program helped upgrade public infrastructure and facilities in 250 neighborhoods between 2016 and 2021. By involving local communities, Semarang’s efforts to become a Healthy City have been highly successful, not only resulting in a lower incidence of DHF but also creating a cleaner environment where tourism and the local economy have thrived.
Health Equity Through Urban Governance
JSI’s Building Healthy Cities (BHC) initiative, running from 2017 to 2022 in Indore, India; Makassar, Indonesia; Kathmandu, Nepal; and Da Nang, Vietnam, aimed to tackle the root of the problem of urban health: through the lens of healthy equity. Funded by USAID, the BHC project worked to harmonize decision-making about health across the sectors of transport, environment, sanitation, education, recreation and technology, all of which are factors that can affect the health of an urban population. This is a systemic approach that builds links between citizens and governments, encouraging policy and decision-making to be informed by the voices of the people.
A core value of the BHC is citizen empowerment — healthy urban planning should involve the whole population of the city, including those most heavily affected by health inequalities. By fostering meaningful citizen participation and engaging with communities, city governments are working toward the sustainable transformation of urban areas.
To improve urban health in Indonesia, BHC focused its efforts on the city of Makassar to create a multi-sector integrated data system. This incorporates yet another core value of the BHC: data for decision-making. A well-integrated data system not only supports good urban planning but also allows for effective responses to public health issues through data monitoring. In Makassar, BHC trained 10 city sectors and staff at all community health centers on stakeholder engagement, data aggregation and preparation, and capacity building for government departments. Sharing and integrating data improves data quality, allowing for more informed decision-making on health policies to improve the quality of life in Makassar.
The Importance of Healthy Cities
In aiming to build healthier cities, strides have been made to improve urban health in Indonesia. The successes of both the WHO’s Healthy Cities initiative and the USAID-funded BHC project have demonstrated the importance of citizen participation in improving public health and creating a more sustainable urban environment. By continuing to make health equity a core principle in Healthy Cities, Indonesia will continue to improve the quality of life of the poor and vulnerable.
– Stephanie Chan
Photo: Flickr
Transforming Lives Through Healthy Cities in Indonesia
The Problem of Urban Health
In the 21st century, urbanization has become a key factor affecting global health. The increasing number of people living in cities has resulted in problems like inadequate housing and poor sanitation that all have a detrimental impact on the health of urban dwellers. While urbanization opens opportunities for employment and socio-economic development, the health burden of infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases and violence and injuries are especially apparent in cities due to rapid urbanization and poor urban planning.
The Healthy Cities Initiative
To combat the health problems caused by urbanization, the World Health Organization proposed the Healthy Cities initiative in 1986, aiming to make healthy living a priority in cities by helping put forward developmental changes. In Indonesia, the Healthy Cities project launched in 1998 and has been ongoing for over two decades, promoting the importance of health within urban areas. The program aims to improve urban health in Indonesia by developing better urban planning to create a cleaner living environment, as well as increasing citizens’ access to health services and facilities.
A Healthy City in Indonesia is defined as “a clean, comfortable, safe and healthy city (or regency), which is manifested in multiple settings through integrated activities agreed upon by the community and local government.”
There are nine pillars in Indonesia’s Healthy Cities initiative:
Semarang: The Healthy City
Semarang, the capital and largest city of Central Java province has slowly but surely been transformed into a Healthy City. Facing the burden of a high incidence of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) in 2010, Semarang’s health officials recognized the need to improve urban health and started implementing the Healthy Cities initiative by establishing a Healthy City Forum. Community participation became a focus of the forum, organizing local community meetings that would contribute to the city development planning process.
Community members also collaborated with the forum on developmental works. This was demonstrated in the Thematic Kampung program, where Kampung residents worked with the city government to decide what interventions should be made to address health issues — this program helped upgrade public infrastructure and facilities in 250 neighborhoods between 2016 and 2021. By involving local communities, Semarang’s efforts to become a Healthy City have been highly successful, not only resulting in a lower incidence of DHF but also creating a cleaner environment where tourism and the local economy have thrived.
Health Equity Through Urban Governance
JSI’s Building Healthy Cities (BHC) initiative, running from 2017 to 2022 in Indore, India; Makassar, Indonesia; Kathmandu, Nepal; and Da Nang, Vietnam, aimed to tackle the root of the problem of urban health: through the lens of healthy equity. Funded by USAID, the BHC project worked to harmonize decision-making about health across the sectors of transport, environment, sanitation, education, recreation and technology, all of which are factors that can affect the health of an urban population. This is a systemic approach that builds links between citizens and governments, encouraging policy and decision-making to be informed by the voices of the people.
A core value of the BHC is citizen empowerment — healthy urban planning should involve the whole population of the city, including those most heavily affected by health inequalities. By fostering meaningful citizen participation and engaging with communities, city governments are working toward the sustainable transformation of urban areas.
To improve urban health in Indonesia, BHC focused its efforts on the city of Makassar to create a multi-sector integrated data system. This incorporates yet another core value of the BHC: data for decision-making. A well-integrated data system not only supports good urban planning but also allows for effective responses to public health issues through data monitoring. In Makassar, BHC trained 10 city sectors and staff at all community health centers on stakeholder engagement, data aggregation and preparation, and capacity building for government departments. Sharing and integrating data improves data quality, allowing for more informed decision-making on health policies to improve the quality of life in Makassar.
The Importance of Healthy Cities
In aiming to build healthier cities, strides have been made to improve urban health in Indonesia. The successes of both the WHO’s Healthy Cities initiative and the USAID-funded BHC project have demonstrated the importance of citizen participation in improving public health and creating a more sustainable urban environment. By continuing to make health equity a core principle in Healthy Cities, Indonesia will continue to improve the quality of life of the poor and vulnerable.
– Stephanie Chan
Photo: Flickr
Child Marriage in Iran
Economy in Iran
Iran is a Middle Eastern country known for its fossil fuel sources. The United States Department of Energy proclaimed Iran the world’s third-largest oil and second-largest natural gas reserves holder. Despite its abundance of lucrative resources, Iran’s Parliament Research Center reported that 30.8% of the population faces financial hardship.
Legal and Illegal Child Marriages
The pervasiveness of underaged marriages is one of the reasons that detriments the economy of Iran. UNICEF shortlisted Iran in the top five countries with a high rate of child espousal in 2020 in the Middle East and North Africa. According to Iran Open Data, one out of five marriages is among minor people. The Islamic government established the legal age of marriage to be 13 for girls and 15 for boys. However, the Islamic Republic civil code permits people to get married below the set age with a legal guardian’s consent.
Despite scientific research recording the physical, mental and moral harm caused by early marriages, Iranian law still allows it. Moreover, numerous cases of illegal marriages occur on a religious basis that forces girls to wait for their majority to get married legally. Therefore, an underaged wife is not eligible for endowment or financial support in case of the loss of her husband. In addition, society always demands young women to quit academic institutions in order to take care of the household.
Economic, Mental and Moral Harm of Early Matrimony
The law’s acceptance of child marriage in Iran results in early pregnancy, illiteracy and social barriers for young women. All these factors are detrimental to the flourishing economy and society of the country because they lead to the gender gap in the community and workplace.
Early marriage not only harms the economy of Iran, but it also motivates pedophilia and child mistreatment because Islamic Republic laws on marriage permit alternative forms of sexual pleasure besides penetration until the age of 9 for spouses. Hence, child marriage traumatizes girls and ruins their lives from an early age.
The Effect of COVID-19
COVID-19 raised the number of early marriages. Iran Open Data announced a sharp increase in child nuptials. COVID-19 provoked this type of marriage after a gradual reduction previously. The Civil Registration Organization reported 118,000 registered underaged marriages, which is 9000 extra from the past years.
Hope for Iranian Girls From the Government
Regardless of a rapid spike in underaged marriages, the situation remains hopeful. Currently, the Iranian government is undertaking measures to prevent child marriage by increasing the age of the legal espousal for both men and women to 18 years old. The Iranian government has accepted for consideration an adjustment of the Civil Code to enlarge the legal age for matrimony. The law’s implementation will result in positive outcomes for the communal and financial future of the country.
Furthermore, Iran aims to banish early and involuntary marriage by 2030. Apart from the legislation, Plan International has presented five solutions to thwart underaged matrimonies. It emphasized education and empowerment of young ladies to help the community be more supportive and accepting of women’s rights. Plan International offers to petition the Iranian government about the importance of girls’ development which they are not able to get because of forced and child marriages.
Positive Outcomes
Augmentation of marriage age will result in a higher prevalence of education for both men and women. Since society will not force girls to abandon school in order to take care of their husbands and offspring. Thus, this change will affect the economic condition of Iran because more women will be able to work.
It is important not only from an economic point of view but also from a social perspective, considering that girls will receive an opportunity to fulfill their potential in society.
– Stephanie Len
Photo: Flickr
The Emerging Senegal Plan to Develop Agriculture
The Emerging Senegal Plan is Senegal’s policy for long-term development. One of the primary goals of this development plan is to alleviate poverty by prioritizing growth in Senegal’s agriculture. In particular, the Emerging Senegal Plan encourages private sectors to invest in agriculture, so that modern and eco-friendly technology can be used for a healthier, more productive agricultural system. This, alongside other recent efforts to improve the quality of agriculture in Senegal, could significantly improve the state of impoverished communities in the country.
What is the Emerging Senegal Plan?
The Government of Senegal’s Emerging Senegal Plan, also known by its French acronym PSE, serves as a strategy to substantially transform the economy of the country. By 2035, Senegal aims to achieve emerging market status, which refers to a low-income, high-growth economy. This development is the next step towards making Senegal a significantly more developed nation. To help reach emerging market status, Senegal’s government emphasizes the expansion of private investment as a way to grow the nation’s economy. This emphasis, in tandem with a prioritization of agricultural development, puts Senegal in a strong position to strengthen the country economically and, therefore, help lift portions of the population out of poverty.
PSE and Agricultural Development
An emphasis on private sectors and agriculture has been especially successful for Senegal in recent years. After the COVID-19 pandemic slowed down Senegal’s economic growth, the country injected the economy with a $1.7 billion stimulus package. Of the sectors targeted, the private and agricultural sectors had been especially impactful on the growth of Senegal’s economy following the stimulus package. Senegal’s real GDP grew by 4.4%, indicating that the strategy was a success.
The PSE aims to continue the successes found through the private and agricultural sectors. The next step in this goal is to encourage the private sector to invest in smart agriculture, which refers to the implementation of modern technology into the farming process. Smart farming improves the quality and efficiency of the agricultural process and is also more eco-friendly. This new investment would allow Senegal to be more self-sustainable due to its ability to rely on local production rather than spend significant funds on imported goods.
PSE’s Effect on Poverty
A greater quality and quantity of goods will also directly improve the well-being of Senegal’s population. This is especially the case for communities in Senegal that suffer from extreme poverty. Food insecurity affects roughly 10% of the global population, and as a result, an improvement in food security in Senegal will directly lead to benefits in fighting poverty in the country.
In addition, the newfound economic growth that Senegal sees from this emphasis on agricultural investment will lift even more of the population out of poverty, as farmers receive more sustainable income. The Emerging Senegal Plan has immense potential to fight against the impoverished communities of Senegal on a large scale. With smart agriculture and private sector investments as the new priorities under the Emerging Senegal Plan, this potential is already being realized.
– Liam Kahan
Photo: Flickr
3 NGOs fighting Poverty in Kazakhstan
While society’s issues are challenging, NGOs in Kazakhstan are well-developed and enjoy vast support from national and international institutions. Here are three NGOs that fight against Kazakhstan’s main issues at the moment.
Ayala Charity Foundation
International collaboration and support is key when trying to reduce poverty. In this sense, Ayala Charity Foundation has helped to connect the international business community with humanitarian aid. Having started in 2007, by 2023 the foundation has struck deals with companies like Samsung, Chevron and KPMG to provide aid to the poorest regions in Kazakhstan.
Ayala has invested heavily in sanitary hardware and has managed to support more than 200,000 children’s medical needs. Furthermore, it has also funded educational programs in collaboration with Samsung to develop students’ STEM capabilities focusing on medicine and IT. Through these initiatives, Ayala Charity Foundation aims to give the poorer Kazakhstani children the opportunity to escape their current situation and allow them to lead a full healthy life. Overall, it is one of the most renowned NGOs in Kazakhstan, and boxing middleweight world champion Gennady Golovkin has embraced its projects.
Zhakiya Charitable Fund Social Foundation
Rural areas in Kazakhstan are very remote and tend to be inaccessible due to extreme temperatures and poor connection through such long distances. This often leads to isolated communities where the poorest families get stranded with no hope of improving their living conditions. Zhakiya Charitable Fund is one of the NGOs in Kazakhstan trying to amend this issue.
Since its foundation in 2014, this fund has provided aid to the three main orphanage houses in Almaty region together with boarding schools and teenage mothers who could not afford to sustain their kids. Furthermore, through three distinct initiatives, the Zhakiya Fund has fought to improve dental health, access to education and mentoring in the poorest strata of Kazakhstani society.
Yessenov Foundation
As it is clear, Kazakhstan suffers from a severe lack of educational quality that has led to literacy and numeracy proficiency not being significantly different between educated and uneducated Kazakhstanis. The issue, however, has not gone unnoticed. There are several NGOs in Kazakhstan looking to complement the educational system and chief among these is the Yessenov Foundation.
Since 2013, this foundation has made it its mission to “develop Kazakhstan’s intellectual potential” by supporting Kazakhstani students in the field of exact and natural sciences. The organization has provided scholarships to more than 27,000 students who could not have afforded to study otherwise. They provide this aid through 50 different projects to support and foster talent in areas such as language learning, university education and scientific research.
These programs mainly aim to give students the best opportunities both at the national level and abroad. Furthermore, the foundation even provides support to develop the professional careers of its beneficiaries once they conclude their education, ensuring that these students from humble backgrounds can bridge the gap and escape the grasp of poverty.
Making the Difference
Despite the magnitude of the challenge, NGOs in Kazakhstan are quite developed and are fighting hard to develop the nation’s future. Through these initiatives, the country has taken large steps towards poverty eradication. While there is still much to be done, through initiatives like these, young kids get the chance for a brighter future.
– Daniel Pereda
Photo: Flickr
The Role of Sustainable Tourism Initiatives in Bulgaria
Nestled in the heart of Europe, Bulgaria is emerging as a beacon of hope, thanks to its sustainable tourism initiatives. Current predictions say that nearly 50% of World Heritage Sites do not have any plans in place in terms of managing the negative environmental and economic impact of tourism. Therefore, sustainable tourism initiatives in Bulgaria are not only contributing to the nation’s economic growth but also playing a pivotal role in the global fight against poverty. This article delves into how Bulgaria harnesses sustainable tourism to invigorate its economy and, in doing so, bolsters international efforts to combat poverty worldwide.
Bulgaria’s National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism Development
Bulgaria has long recognized the potential of tourism as an economic driver. The National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism Development, established in 2014, has been a cornerstone of the country’s sustainable tourism efforts. This strategy is designed to promote responsible tourism practices and ensure the preservation of Bulgaria’s unique natural and cultural heritage.
One of the key aspects of this strategy is the creation of resources and conditions for the social well-being of local communities. By engaging local communities and encouraging their participation in the tourism industry, Bulgaria ensures that the economic benefits are distributed more equitably, ultimately helping to alleviate poverty in remote and underserved regions.
Promoting Responsible Tourism in Bulgaria
Bulgaria is gaining recognition as a champion of responsible tourism, drawing attention for its commitment to ethical and sustainable travel practices. One of the central pillars of sustainable tourism initiatives in Bulgaria is the preservation of unspoiled natural landscapes. This approach prioritizes eco-friendly practices and encourages travelers to experience Bulgaria’s breathtaking natural beauty while minimizing adverse impacts on the environment. This holistic approach not only safeguards Bulgaria’s natural wonders but also fuels sustainable economic growth, showcasing how responsible tourism can be a win-win for both the environment and local communities.
Bulgaria’s Sustainable Tourism Conference: A Global Showcase of Commitment
The significance of Bulgaria’s pursuit of sustainable tourism was on full display during the Bulgaria Sustainable Tourism Conference. This international platform served as a testament to Bulgaria’s unwavering dedication to nurturing sustainable tourism practices and promoting responsible travel on a global scale.
Bulgaria seized the opportunity to spotlight its innovative approaches to sustainable tourism. These approaches, including fruitful partnerships with international organizations and the adoption of cutting-edge green technologies within the tourism sector, not only bolstered Bulgaria’s own economy but also shone as a beacon of inspiration for other nations aspiring to combat poverty through the transformative power of sustainable tourism.
Global Support for Sustainable Tourism in Bulgaria
USAID has also recognized Bulgaria’s efforts in sustainable tourism. USAID’s support has facilitated the development of tourism-related infrastructure, improved the quality of services and enhanced the competitiveness of local businesses. These efforts are not only driving economic growth but also creating job opportunities and improving living standards in Bulgaria.
Sustainable tourism initiatives in Bulgaria have also received support from other international partners, including the European Union. The Support and Promotion of Sustainable Tourism project, funded by the EU, has played a crucial role in bolstering Bulgaria’s sustainable tourism sector. This project aims to create sustainable tourism products promoting cultural and heritage services and increasing cross-border tourism. By investing in these projects, Bulgaria not only strengthens its own economy but also contributes to the broader European goal of reducing poverty and inequality through sustainable economic development.
Looking Ahead
Sustainable tourism initiatives in Bulgaria offer a blueprint for other nations to follow, demonstrating that economic prosperity can go hand in hand with environmental stewardship and social equity. By working together and emulating Bulgaria’s success, a future can be envisioned where sustainable tourism becomes a potent force in lifting communities out of poverty, protecting our planet and creating a more equitable world for all.
– Valentin Lyazov
Photo: Flickr
3 Key Facts About the Safe Schools Declaration
The Safe Schools Declaration Has 4 Central Commitments
While the efforts of countries, charities and NGOs endorsing the Safe Schools Declaration cover a wide range of issues, all actions tend to fall under the four main commitments of the document. According to the GCPEA, these are:
The Declaration Has Broad International Support
As of 2023, 118 countries have endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration. Since its conception in May 2015 at a conference in Oslo, Norway, many countries have signed the Declaration, committing themselves to its key aims. The list includes two permanent members of the UN Security Council — France and the United Kingdom. Upon signing, the government of a country publicly affirms its most significant message: any attack on schools — or use of schools for military purposes — is unethical. Alongside this agreement, several countries have also hosted the International Safe Schools Conference since 2015, including Argentina in 2017, Spain in 2019 and Nigeria in 2021.
The Safe Schools Declaration Combats Global Poverty
In a humanitarian sense, the work of the Declaration contributes to the alleviation of poverty worldwide; poverty is not only monetary. In April 2021, the World Bank published a brief on “learning poverty,” which outlined how education deficiency poses a threat to countries looking to increase human capital and succeed in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The World Bank calculates a country’s official level of learning poverty by considering both learning deprivation (measured by reading proficiency levels) and schooling deprivation (measured by the number of out-of-school children). Before the COVID-19 pandemic had even set in, as much as 57% of 10-year-olds in low- and middle-income countries could not “read and understand a simple text,” the assessment for learning poverty, according to the World Bank.
Without a doubt, both kinds of deprivation are heightened when military conflict and displacement disrupt education. A commitment to the Safe Schools Declaration represents a step in the right direction toward SDG 4 (quality education for all) and the wider aim of poverty alleviation and global equality.
– Alice Weatherley
Photo: Unsplash
Bringing Clean and Affordable Cooking Solutions to Rural Africa
The Problem
Cooking is a necessary part of human existence and survival, but it should not threaten people’s health and livelihood. Access to clean, affordable and reliable cooking methods can be hard to come by in rural areas. Millions of people die each year due to insufficient cooking methods — 2 billion people rely on wood and fuel in order to cook in their homes. The journey to obtain suitable firewood can be long and hazardous and sometimes fatal. Locals run the risk of animals attacking them or stepping on landmines, and even experiencing assault or rape. Burning wood in a home can cause smoke inhalation which can lead to lung cancer, heart failure and other respiratory problems.
These problems mainly threaten women and girls because the burden of cooking meals usually falls upon them. Unfortunately for these women and girls, they have no other choice and are forced to expose themselves to the dangers that come with cooking. When fuel is not provided and food is left uncooked, arguments can erupt within the family household and can sometimes lead to violence.
Pesitho’s pilot project and primary focus are refugee families from African countries like South Sudan or the DRC who were forced to flee their homes due to war, and now reside in rural locations in Uganda. The Bidibidi refugee settlement in Northwestern Uganda — home to more than 270,000 refugees and spanning an area of 250 square kilometers — is where Pesitho mainly operates. Pesitho also provides aid to locals in the nearby areas who have very low incomes and are in vulnerable situations. Pesitho has partnered with Mercy Corps, Caritas, the World Food Programme (WFP) and a number of other organizations to bring the ECOCA — an electric solar cooker — to these rural locations.
The ECOCA
The ECOCA is a small compact cooking device that solar energy powers. It can keep food warm for hours and power a house for an entire day. ECOCA units are assembled locally by hired locals who are trained as technicians, giving jobs to these vulnerable communities.
The ECOCA, which includes a battery pack, a solar panel array and a cooking pot, is easily installed in small spaces and easily portable due to its size. The stove can cook a family of five to seven members three meals a day and can work hours after dark. The ECOCA also includes two USB ports and two rechargeable lamps for cooking after dark. With this innovative design, families no longer have to bear the burden of collecting wood or buying fuel, and no longer become subject to smoke inhalation.
Pay-As-You-Cook System
In September 2020, Pesitho and Mercy Corps applied for the Elrha Journey 2 Scale Grant, which allowed it to expand its current productions and initiate the Pay-As-You-Cook system or PAYC. The PAYC system makes the ECOCA even more affordable and allows users to pay per usage over a maximum of five years rather than purchasing the ECOCA upfront.
Pesitho’s Impact
Pesitho has changed the lives of countless people through its innovative technology. Bajura, a local resident of the Bidibidi refugee camp, has created a phone repair and radio business since receiving his ECOCA in 2020. Bajura uses the solar panel from the ECOCA as his main power source. Using the USB ports on the electric cooker, he is able to charge a number of other devices such as mobile phones and radios. Bajura built his business around phone repair and charging, which generates enough income for him to support himself and his family. Barjura’s business is a great example of how the ECOCA improves the lives of these locals and how it can be used for more than just cooking.
Since Pesitho’s establishment in 2017, it has continued to bring clean and affordable cooking solutions to rural areas. Cooking is not only a fundamental part of human existence, but it also brings people and communities together. Pesitho has changed the lives of families in eastern Africa and will continue to do so in the future. Anyone can help bring more ECOCAs to people in need by donating on Pesitho’s website.
– Jack Wells
Photo: Flickr
Improving the Lives of Palestinian Refugees in Lebanon
Unable to obtain citizenship or the right to work, Palestinian refugees living in Lebanon have faced many obstacles and restrictions. Forced into displacement by war since 1948, thousands of Palestinians have found refuge in their neighboring country, Lebanon. Through its many wars and conflicts, an increasingly corrupt government and a worsening economic situation since 2019, Lebanon has never been the most welcoming environment for refugees, particularly Palestinians.
Problems Palestinian Refugees Face in Lebanon
Lebanon is the country that hosts the largest number of refugees per capita, due to surrounding wars and conflicts in its neighboring countries of Syria and Palestine. According to UNICEF, there are around 210,000 Palestinian refugees living in Lebanon, all of whom are prohibited from working in 39 professions such as medicine, law and engineering. They are also unable to access health and education provided by the Lebanese government because a discriminatory Lebanese law means that Palestinians are unable to gain Lebanese citizenship, and thus unable to access essentials like work and education.
For many in Lebanon, particularly refugees, life has become unlivable. The United Nations Relief and Work Agency (UNRWA) reported that poverty levels reached 93% among Palestinian refugees living in Lebanon. Moreover, all 12 refugee camps in Lebanon suffer from mass crowding, poor conditions and increased risk of involvement in violence, all of which pose a significant threat to the camps’ youth and the livelihoods of families.
The Role of UNRWA and UNICEF
However, there have been many efforts to improve their conditions including social initiatives and calls for aid and assistance. While UNRWA has assisted in providing education and school supplies, these are all based on donations, all of which have severely declined since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, UNRWA has called for $13 million to provide crucial cash assistance to Palestinian refugees living in Lebanon as well as health care services and essential supplies.
UNICEF has also called for aid to provide help to Palestinian children living in Lebanon. For instance, their efforts consist of solutions put forward by the Lebanese Palestinian Dialogue Committee (LPDC), such as ensuring that the Lebanese government implements the Lebanese working group on Palestinian Refugees Affairs in Labour and Social Security for Palestine Refugees, as well as a Youth Strategy for Palestinian Refugees 2019-2025.
UNICEF’s achievements provide great hope for improving the lives of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, especially children. Some of these include:
Innovative Initiatives and Interactive Workshops
There have been several inspiring workshop initiatives that provide Palestinian and Syrian refugees — particularly those living in Lebanon’s Shatila refugee camp — the opportunity to earn consistent wages through interactive workshops.
Tatreez is a Palestinian embroidery style, emblematic of Palestinian culture and endurance. In the Shatila refugee camp, Tatreez workshops are led by Palestinian women who teach the tradition to younger generations, preserving cultural traditions as well as providing a safe environment and community for women living in the Shatila refugee camp. The long-term goal is to provide women in the workshop with a consistent income to improve their livelihoods and make ends meet, as many of the women aspire to continue embroidering and selling their pieces.
Similarly, the Jiu-Jitsu boot camp for young children in Shatila has provided a safe haven and opportunity for “self-discipline, respect and self-defence” for young boys who are susceptible to a life of crime. In conjunction with the boot camp, organizers of the initiative, Saoud and Mohammed, were able to raise more than £15,000, all of which went towards establishing long-term initiatives as well as ensuring there was a long-lasting impact on the community at Shatila refugee camp.
Looking Ahead
As Palestinian refugees continue to face hardships and obstacles to a better future, there needs to be wider address and support, domestically and internationally, of their situation. Projects and workshop initiatives have increasingly provided hope for Palestinian refugees who have long struggled to access stable jobs and livelihoods while living in Lebanon.
The impact of these creative and interactive workshops is significant in offering real work for Palestinian refugees who are unable to work because of discriminatory laws and a beneficial outlet for young boys in refugee camps. More funding of these projects by governments and organizations could widen the number of refugees reached and help to solve the problems that they face on a daily basis.
– Amber Hamed
Photo: Flickr
How Housing Costs in the Philippines Impact Poverty
Background
In Asia and the Pacific, a severe crisis faces financially vulnerable families. Housing costs are continually rising, and as a result, more and more people cannot escape poverty or are falling back into it. The Asian Development Bank projects that around 80 million people live in poverty in the region as a direct result of inflation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This staggering number is alarming, and nations throughout Asia and the Pacific are impacted differently.
Housing Storage
Housing costs in the Philippines are particularly concerning because of the existing issues within the nation. As mentioned above, inflation caused by the pandemic has been a driving factor in the housing crisis in the region. However, in the Philippines, the issue stems from before 2020. Real estate developers and contractors in the country are not building affordable homes. This policy has caused a massive shortage of available homes for struggling families. The homebuilders do not see developing affordable housing as a lucrative business opportunity. As a result, many families do not have the money to spend on the homes being built. This policy represents one negative aspect of the housing crisis in the nation.
The other problem facing the Philippines is the poor implementation of government programs to provide aid for people and families struggling to find affordable housing. The Philippine government has a robust plan to subsidize the Filipino people for housing costs. However, only about a third of those who can’t afford housing receive the funds. Benchmarks to qualify for the housing subsidy need to be adjusted so more people can receive aid to provide stable housing for their children. If the government can improve this process, the housing costs in the Philippines will drive fewer people into poverty in the nation.
The effects of inflation, poorly implemented government programs and housing shortages create extremely high housing costs in the Philippines. However, some work being done makes a significant impact. Habitat for Humanity has done an incredible job addressing Filipino people’s housing crisis for 25 years. Through working with other nonprofits and the local government, they have been able to help over 100,000 families gain access to housing. According to its website, Habitat for Humanity strives to develop strong communities to create a support system and move people out of poverty.
Final Thoughts
Housing costs in the Philippines are still a serious issue, and this issue will not be solved overnight. This part of the world is struggling in numerous ways. Still, as the fight to create affordable housing continues, families will be able to work their way out of poverty and significantly improve their standard of living.
– Dylan Lyons
Photo: Unsplash
Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan
Nigeria is home to 12% of the global population of people living in extreme poverty, with energy poverty affecting 45% of Nigerians. The ETP plans to tackle energy poverty in Nigeria, and while previous energy solutions have been lacking, government and organizational groups may be able to help combat climate change and poverty together.
The Road to Renewable Energy
The 2022 Energy Transition Plan is an addendum to Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Master Plan (REMP) launched in 2005, which aimed for 23% of Nigeria’s energy to be renewable. As of 2022, Nigeria only has 16.4% of its energy coming from renewable sources, with a decrease over the past few years. While renewable energy may have stagnated, overall electrification in Rural Nigerian communities has skyrocketed.
In 2020, the Nigerian government introduced the Mass Rural Electrification Act, which aimed to provide power to rural communities’ schools and health care facilities. Between 2020 and 2022, more thanz 2,000 electrification projects managed to supply electricity to an estimated 5 million Nigerians. Electrifying these communities has led to improved health care and job security.
Impediments to Progress
Because of high poverty rates, Nigeria’s Energy Transition plan faces significant challenges. While electrifying rural areas aids in the reduction of poverty, many Nigerians still struggle to meet other financial needs. This makes renewable energy a secondary issue for rural communities and is only exacerbated by Nigeria’s low economic development.
An interview with Nigeria’s Director General of Energy Commission, Professor Eli Jidere Bala, in February of 2023 shed some light on issues with the Energy Transition Plan. Professor Bala stated that while the ETP is achievable, the lack of proper implementation has obstructed development. This coupled with a lack of funding and a reliance on imports, makes installing domestic infrastructure near impossible.
Enabling private sector investment and emphasizing innovation that makes climate-friendly technology more accessible for Nigerians are crucial if Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan hopes to achieve its goals.
Making Renewable Energy a Reality
Support for funding Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan isn’t absent. In May of 2023, Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), a nonprofit founded in 1982, collaborated with the Lagos Energy Academy to host a fellowship program to discuss the future of renewable energy in Nigeria. RMI hopes that with leadership and innovation, they can work towards helping communities shift towards renewable energy sources. With proper implementation, Nigeria’s Energy Transition plan will provide 340,000 jobs to Nigerians by 2030, and help reduce energy poverty for countless more.
The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) is another nonprofit, which provides support and funding for renewable energy. Using solar-powered “mini-grids,” which connect to existing low-function electricity grids, assists energy-impoverished communities in having access to a consistent electrical connection.
Poverty, especially energy poverty, is startlingly high in Nigeria. While the government pushes for more renewable energy development to satisfy Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, without funding and implementation, the barriers that prevent Nigerians from rural electrification will not be broken. Hopefully, the government will utilize local innovation and assistance from nonprofits such as RMI and GEAPP to assist poverty-stricken communities and achieve the goals set by the ETP at the same time.
– Inaya Lala
Photo: Flickr