Stories surrounding global poverty that are produced for children are arguably critical in terms of enabling the world’s youth to gain an understanding from an early age about the importance of helping the world’s poor. When reading a book, it is crucial that children see themselves in stories and are able to learn more about the world in the process of doing this. Authors can therefore be utilized through producing books that build a level of empathy and understanding in children. For those in poverty, it is very affirming and gratifying to see people much like themselves being portrayed in a book, where otherwise the world’s key and most pressing issues are not mentioned or absent from children’s books.
As Anna McQuinn, a children’s author best known for the Lulu/Lola books, states, “Literature transforms human experience and reflects it back to us, and in that, we can see our own lives and experiences as part of the larger human experience.”
This article explores three children’s books that tackle the subject of poverty: “Beatrice’s Goat,” “The Hard Times Jar” and “Coat of Many Colors.”
“Beatrice’s Goat”
Written by Page McBrier and Lori Lohstoeter, this book tells a true story. It is the tale of how one Ugandan Child’s life was changed through the gift of a goat, which was given to the family through a charity called Heifer International.
A young girl named Beatrice is from a completely poverty-stricken family, and she is prevented from going to school simply because her mother is unable to afford the cost of books and a uniform.
Therefore, instead of attending school, Beatrice helps her mother run the house, look after her siblings and feed the chickens. However, Beatrice finds herself consistently standing outside the school observing the other children, yearning to be one of them. Then, almost by a miracle, life suddenly completely changes for Beatrice and her family, as they receive a goat named Mugsia. The family is one of 12 selected to receive a goat by Heifer International.
This heartwarming story raises awareness about poverty, advocates for children to receive access to a good education and teaches those who poverty does not affect about the fundamental importance school has in people’s lives. Furthermore, the fact that the family receives a goat is a heartwarming end to the story, which shows the power of kindness and charity, and the phenomenal difference they can have upon a family.
“The Hard Times Jar”
“The Hard Times Jar,” written by Ethel Footman Smothers and John Holyfield, details Smothers’ life as a young child, growing up in a migrant worker family, with little money and facing true hardship. The story tells of a young girl called Emma who loves writing stories, but due to the severe state of poverty she is in, she is forced to make books that are covered in old grocery sacks held together by safety pins.
Dreaming of the day when she can produce proper books, Emma helps her parents all she can by making extra money and putting it in the “hard times jar,” despite knowing that none of the money will be spent on books. Desperate, devastated and destitute, Emma is determined that things might be different one day, as she gets a job as an apple picker, in order to purchase her dream notebook.
This is a heartbreaking story, which shows the extreme lengths a child in poverty will go to in order to support their family and purchase a simple notebook that she requires to take to school with her.
The story teaches readers about children who are less fortunate than themselves. Exploring the struggles of migrant families also promotes compassion for these individuals and raises awareness about poverty by encouraging children to be aware of the issue and potentially donate to a charity.
Dolly Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors”
None other than the famous singer Dolly Parton has produced a book that educates children about growing up in poverty.
The story describes how Dolly’s mother made her a beautifully colorful patchwork coat made of rags, that she believed was similar to that of Joseph’s in the Bible. Full of happiness upon receiving the coat, Dolly proudly goes to school.
However, much to Dolly’s dismay, the other children do not have the same opinion and instead bully and make fun of her for it.
At the end of the book, Dolly’s personal letter to children all across the world acknowledges the great shame she experienced as a child and the profound level of alienation inflicted upon her simply because she was poor.
Therefore, Dolly encourages other children to be kinder and more understanding towards their peers and teaches that it was the other children’s opinions — not Dolly’s — that were incorrect in this story. With this book, Dolly works towards creating a fairer society for all, one that teaches the world’s youth to understand poverty and its implications.
Inspired by her song “Coat of Many Colors,” a favorite of Dolly’s, the story sends a heartwarming message that many children in the world can relate to and resonate with, instilling a sense of pride.
Children’s books are arguably crucial in terms of supporting the fight to end global poverty. By raising awareness from a young age, children learn to understand pressing and true issues that take place across the world.
– Megan Rose Miley
Photo: Unsplash
The South African Poverty Plan to Combat Poverty
South Africa ranks among the most unequal nations in the world, and although the country has made significant progress in reducing poverty, the fight is not over yet. The World Bank reports that sluggish economic growth, an unfavorable business climate and a lack of employment prospects are the main reasons why poverty and inequality have not reduced. However, the South African presidency wants to spend up to 88.5 billion rand ($4.6 billion) annually to combat poverty.
Poverty in the Average Home
Only 25% of South African homes reported possessing all the needed assets for a quality life, according to a recent report titled “Decent Standard of Living: Findings on Possession of the Social Perceived Necessities in 2022.” These socially perceived necessities, or SPNs, might consist of a wide range of things, such as social networks and services from the government like power, as well as consumer goods like refrigerators and goods.
Even though less than a quarter of households have SPNs, South African poverty is decreasing. Findings determined there are more persons who own these SPNs now than in 2015. There are 22 SPNs, and the cost to obtain them all has decreased from R8,327 per capita per month in 2018 to R6,034; this would explain why more South Africans are able to afford these items.
Signs of Poverty Decrease
The increase of SPN in homes is not the only sign of South African poverty going on decline. Many have observed the decrease in poverty over the years, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. In 2019, the African National Congress (ANC) met to assess the status of its 2019 manifesto; Ramaphosa reported having a significant degree of success.
“The president’s claim that multidimensional poverty had gone down is reflected in the available data,” Kirsten Crosser stated in, her article on AfricaCheck. “[This] saw the poverty rate according to the South African Multidimensional Poverty Index (SAMPI), decrease from 17.9% in 2001 to 7% in 2016.”
Unfortunately, there are no current up-to-date numbers, making it impossible to demonstrate that multidimensional poverty is still declining after the rate of fall dropped dramatically between 2011 and 2016.
The Solution
In the struggle against South African poverty, there is yet hope. According to the Financial Post, “Olive Shisana, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s special adviser on social policy suggested a range of measures including an unemployment grant, food support and job creation initiatives.” Some of these initiatives include a grant to support basic income, solving child nutrition through subsidizing food and aid to small enterprises along with training for women and youth, amongst other ideas.
This plan to cure South African poverty has received opposition. South Africa’s Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana cautioned that upholding the present unemployment grant might necessitate raising the current tax rate or terminating some other government initiatives. Hope is the only thing left for the successful introduction and implementation of Shisana’s suggested anti-poverty plan. Establishing these initiatives in such a way to reduce the amount of friction between different arms of government might revive the rapid decline in South African poverty.
– Caleb Picone
Photo: Flickr
How Karya is Helping Alleviate Poverty in India
India is a developing country in Asia that has a complicated and vast financial history. For many centuries, India has struggled with poverty. From pre- to post-independence, India has seen much struggle and growth. To this day, India has one of the fastest-growing economies. Like many other countries, parts of India struggle more than others. Regional disparities are common in India and create economic gaps. Many organizations have been focusing on closing these gaps and targeting the less developed locations in India. Karya is a foundation focused on advancing citizens’ economic status in India. The foundation uses technology to create economic opportunities and promote growth. Karya is helping alleviate poverty in India.
The Karya Foundation
The Karya Foundation launched in 2021 to create a better India. Co-founders Manu Chopra and Vivek Seshadri saw the opportunity to change lives with technology. The foundation uses data cooperation to generate money for the citizens of India.
The Karya Foundation believes everyone deserves access to the skills, resources and opportunities that lead to a happy and fulfilling life. Living in poverty means there are few education opportunities. In India, the rural workforce needs more education to succeed in their professions. Karya pointed out that the rural workforce in India has less than 5% of its workers adequately trained and skilled. Fixing this statistic was Karya’s first step to alleviating poverty in India. As a result, it created an app.
How the App Works to Alleviate Poverty in India
Anyone who owns a smartphone can utilize the Karya app. Karya is an entirely digital tool used from anywhere, even without the internet. All someone has to do is speak their native language on the app. Karya captures this data and breaks it down. The data is then validated and synthesized into high-quality sets. These sets get sold to tech companies, and Karya receives profit. Karya prides itself in giving back the majority of this profit to the sender. The app helps Indians profit instead of big tech companies who hold most of the money. The app connects technology with innovation to transform people’s lives.
Karya prioritizes communities living below the poverty line to ensure the app reaches those who need it most. Developing communities in India are overlooked regarding economic opportunities, but Karya gives them a chance.
The app is a stepping stone for people. It has a cut-off of $1,500, which gives Indians the economic stability they need. Karya gives Indians the financial opportunity to create a better life for themselves. The app is changing the world for the better.
The Impact
Although a new technological advancement, Karya is already alleviating poverty in India. The hourly wage in India is about $2.14. Karya pays its employees a minimum of $5 per hour. On top of that, Karya employees make a profit anytime someone uses their recordings. This increase in economic opportunity helps alleviate poverty in India by allowing citizens to access more resources and advance their lives.
Since the start of Karya, Indians have completed 30 million paid digital tasks. These came from more than 30,000 workers who utilized the app’s opportunities. Karya has partnered with amazing organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Bloomberg, Microsoft Research and many more. More than 100 districts in India have used Karya. In the upcoming years, this outreach is bound to expand.
Moving Forward
Karya continues to expand and reach new parts of India. The foundation is still working on clearing all citizens’ paths to gain economic stability. With organizations like Karya, people can make a change. With a vision and a dedicated staff, much good can happen. New languages and data sets are updated frequently on the website to reach new opportunities. Karya is raising awareness around poverty in India and making a difference in the world. The foundation looks to be an industry leader in ethical data collection today and in the future.
– Madison Rogers
Photo: Flickr
The Gender Wage Gap in Cuba
The gender wage gap remains a prevalent and complex issue across the world, with a variety of socioeconomic consequences for men and women alike. In the context of Cuba, one of the few countries that openly claims to be socialist, understanding the extent of the wage gap and its causes is crucial in the fight against poverty. Reports suggest that, on average, Cuban women earn almost half of what Cuban men earn.
The following is an overview of the state of the gender wage gap in Cuba, evaluating current government policies to tackle the issue and considering the necessity of further action to foster gender equality and eradicate poverty in the country.
What Causes the Gender Wage Gap in Cuba?
While the perspectives on gender in Cuba were irrevocably changed following the Revolution, this failed to overturn the culture of machismo (exaggerated pride in one’s masculinity) that had been so deeply entrenched in the country beforehand. Machismo culture survives to this day, propping up gendered expectations of men and women in the workplace and home, and therefore exacerbating the Cuban gender wage gap and disparities that so many feel in the country.
Women have been educated in very large numbers in Cuba as a result of the Revolution’s commitment to universal and free education, with UNESCO reporting that 98% of both girls and boys enroll in public schools. In fact, women graduate from university in Cuba at a higher rate than men — 63% of higher education graduates are women. However, it is clear that even high levels of education do not guarantee equal opportunities in the workforce. Gendered roles are enforced at every level of society, with only 41.3% of Cuban women participating in the labor force, compared to 68.3% of Cuban men.
Cuban women, even those who graduate university, are typically restricted to lower paid, lower skilled work than men as a result of gendered expectations surrounding the ‘motherhood penalty’ — people expect women to raise children and maintain households first, and join the workforce second. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cuban women assumed a greater role in the household than was previously expected; children staying at home meant that they required a greater level of care, further restricting the ability of women to join the workforce. This has the ultimate effect of pushing women into poverty and aggravating the gender wage gap in Cuba further, with Cuban women less likely to find work or have opportunities for promotion or advancement.
How is the Cuban Government Addressing the Gender Wage Gap?
The Cuban government has taken big strides to eradicate the gender wage gap by supporting the position of women in Cuban society and within the economy. In 2019, a new Constitution was ratified, reiterating the Cuban government’s commitment to gender wage equality by outlawing discrimination based on a variety of categories, including gender. Article 43 of the Constitution promises “equal rights [between men and women] in the economic, political, cultural, occupational, social and familial domains,” clearly stating their desire to reduce and eventually abolish the wage gap.
The Cuban Constitution promises a wide range of affirmative action that seeks to foster the protection of women in the workplace, guaranteeing at least 18 weeks of paid maternity leave and providing opportunities for temporary, flexible work that can easily work around childcare needs. Ultimately, this means that women are less likely to see disparity in their pay compared to men, even if they choose to be mothers.
However, some have argued that the Cuban government’s actions have been largely symbolic, and while they have guaranteed formal legal equality between Cuban men and women, these policies largely do not affect the Cuban gender wage gap.
A Way Forward
Regardless of the efficacy of government programs in reducing the gender wage gap in Cuba, there has still been progress in fostering economic equality between men and women. Various nongovernmental organizations have emerged with the goal of training women in entrepreneurship and various other skills helpful in business.
A prime example of this is the Mentoras Creativas initiative. Founded in 2021, it assists women trying to join the workforce by placing them in a network of like-minded individuals, providing training in a variety of skills in workshops and promoting female empowerment across the country. This not only helps get more women into the workforce but also improves social attitudes and acceptance of women in the workplace, with the ultimate goal of reducing the gender wage gap. The initiative began with the goal of helping 20 women, but received more than 120 applications, incentivizing the program to operate ‘masterclasses’ to accommodate the overflow applicants.
– Tom Lowe
Photo: Flickr
Urban Migration and Brazil’s Indigenous Communities
Pros
According to one of the Matis, the quality of education is better in the city than in their village. Tumi — of the Matis tribe — is trying to make a living in the city of Atalaia Do Norte in hopes of pursuing an education in medicine or journalism. Economic opportunities are also urging a rise of urban migration among Brazil’s Indigenous population, particularly a federal welfare benefit called the Bolsa Familia Program which provides cash to families who immunize and keep their children in school. Indigenous families are putting this cash benefit toward their studies, since they recall experiencing poorly maintained and overlooked academic institutions and programs in their villages.
Cons
As Indigenous communities flee from their villages, there rises a concern over their role as effective guardians of the tropical rainforests and of their lands diminishing. This concern was found to bear truth. According to US News, President Jair Bolsonaro favored development and established illegal mining and drilling on empty Amazonian and Indigenous territories, causing deforestation over a span of 15 years. Many Indigenous people who did not partake in the urban migration journey fear losing their native tongue, breaking traditions and exposure to substance use.
Additionally, they worry about potential “cuts in health and education programs” in remote areas since the majority of those undergoing urban migration are Indigenous youth. Urban Indigenous communities state having trouble handling money and being robbed. The Bolsa Familia program is not enough to cover the costs they bear in the city. As a result of these insufficient funds impacting urban Indigenous families comes hunger, precarious living conditions and job competition — many are fighting over low-paying jobs such as custodial work.
Brazil’s Effort To Safeguard Its Indigenous Communities
Univaja, an association for Indigenous Peoples in the Javari Valley, is run by Bushe Matis, part of the Matis tribe. Univaja has established a surveillance team to guard the villages against illegal activities that may lead to further deforestation, easing the concerns of his tribe and other Indigenous communities.
The Ministry of Indigenous Affairs, established by current President Lula da Silva, serves as a safety measure for Brazil’s Indigenous communities. Today, the department is fighting to reduce the incentives of urban migration by improving tribal villages’ education programs and reworking the Bolsa Familia program to make it remotely accessible and extend the withdrawal dates.
Conclusion
The numbers of urban and rural poverty among Brazil’s Indigenous communities are scarce and overly generalized. Current President Lula da Silva is addressing this lack of recognition and committing to acknowledge, comprehend and engage with Brazil’s Indigenous peoples — and meet the unmet needs that come with them — which can further influence his cabinet and the nation in doing the same.
– Amy Contreras
Photo: Flickr
How Gem Mines Offer A Lifeline Under The Taliban
The story of those unable or unwilling to leave their homeland is harrowing. Of the millions remaining in Afghanistan, the International Rescue Committee has estimated that some 300,000 face the risk of persecution by the Taliban. Abdul Abid is among those under threat. As an ex-soldier, Abid’s profession disappeared overnight when the Taliban took over. Yet, there is little to no media coverage of plights such as his.
International anxieties and media outlets have justifiably channeled their efforts towards the implications of Taliban rule for women and girls. For example, Gordon Brown, former Prime Minister of the U.K., spoke out against the Taliban’s treatment of women in Afghanistan, declaring a “crime against humanity” was taking place.
A rough timeline of events:
World leaders have thus far watched a return to orthodoxy unfold, no doubt keenly aware that past interventions inflamed hostilities in the region. However, the world remains ill-informed of the cataclysm of unemployment that struck Afghanistan on August 15, 2021.
Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, promised full amnesty for the newly unemployed (who had worked for the former Western-backed government) in his first news conference. Despite fears that this was a superficial amnesty on Mujahid’s part, there remains hope to be taken from the narrative for those defiantly finding a way to live through the conflict.
Abid’s Story
Abid’s safety was compromised the moment the Taliban took over Afghanistan. Having been a soldier in the U.S.-backed republic government’s intelligence agency, Abid and thousands of other soldiers were hesitant to trust the Taliban’s promise of amnesty. “No one knew what was going to happen to us,” he explained. Thus far, Abid’s life has not been threatened. However, with a family of 16 to feed, it became clear that poverty, not state terror, would be his downfall. And so, in early 2022, Abid and his fellow miners leased a plot of land and began mining for gemstones.
Al Jazeera investigated the gem mines of Nuristan in August 2023. They found that, despite harsh and unpredictable working conditions, the risk was worth the reward for miners. Abid, for example, was pictured covering his mouth and nose with a green shawl before disappearing into the dust. His motivation was “a payday glimmering in the rubble” — one which he was eager to find.
A Pathway Out of Poverty?
The drawbacks of mining for gemstones are clear. For one, Abid’s income varies drastically from one month to the next. Mining is a profession defined by luck, unlike soldiering, which offers financial stability. Second, a percentage of mining profits are demanded as tax by the Taliban. Artisanal mining was banned by the U.S.-backed government due to profits falling into Taliban hands, effectively fuelling the arsenal which would be their downfall. Once reinstated, the Taliban “spread the word that people were free to mine,” an offer conditional upon 2% of profits being surrendered to the Taliban. So there is the issue of instability and the dilemma of supplying the Taliban with cash flow.
However, the unforgiving cloud hanging over Abid’s head, threatening to strike, is poverty. The World Bank reported in June 2023 that the average unskilled laborer in Afghanistan earned approximately $25 per week. In a good week, Abid makes five times this amount. Artisanal mining is by no means perfect, but the gem mines of Nuristan have been a way out for these men who, overnight, found themselves with little to no cards left to play.
Looking Forward
As of April 10, 2023, Afghanistan was the U.N.’s lowest-funded humanitarian operation. This international commitment, or indeed lack of it, disregards that Afghanistan remains the biggest humanitarian crisis facing the modern world. This hands-tied attitude has given Afghans little hope: “Only God knows what the future will bring,” said Abid.
While these men have found a momentary armistice in the gem mines of Nuristan, it remains a dark and uncertain time to be a citizen on Afghan soil.
– Imogen Townsend
Photo: Flickr
The Link Between Poverty and illiteracy in Somalia
So What Does Poverty Have To Do With It?
When researching ways to decrease the poverty levels worldwide or in this instance, in Somalia, it is crucial to understand the individuals who are affected by it. In Somalia, only 30% of children go to school; within that number only 40% are girls. The schools attended are overcrowded and severely lack supplies, with only 22% of the educators being qualified.
By these standards, the quality of education is already way below what is appropriate. The lack of funding for schools and the shortage of educational institutions has left the country’s schooling system between a rock and a hard place. Without money and proper aid, the literacy rates will continue to decrease over time, leaving the inhabitants of the country at the bottom of the educational food chain.
How Can Literacy Improve Poverty Rates?
It is said that if students from poverty-stricken countries are taught to read and write or have at least basic reading skills, 171 million people will have a route out of extreme poverty. Education is the biggest ticket out of poverty.
By promoting literacy in poor countries, there are more opportunities that become available, like new jobs that in turn build the economy. Literacy can also allow individuals to teach and better those around them, strengthening communities while encouraging others to learn to read and write.
Another way that literacy can decrease poverty in Somalia is by promoting democracy and creating peace.
If individuals are unable to read and write most or even all of their information comes from those around them giving them a very limited and sometimes false idea on certain topics. Being literate gives people a chance to explore and cultivate their own opinions and beliefs which is a crucial part of living in a democracy.
What Is Being Done?
The work being done by NGOs is significant in the fight against illiteracy in Somalia. FPENS, which was established in January 1999, is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization. FPENS, the Formal Private Education Network in Somalia, works to eliminate illiteracy in all parts of Somalia. FPENS describes their work as “bold and urgent,” saying that a good education should be accessible to all — especially more vulnerable and marginalized groups in Somalia.
Action for Women and Children Concern (AWCC) is another nonprofit, nongovernmental, non-political Somali organization that also strives to lower the rates of illiteracy. The organization works to empower the public and aid them in reaching their full potential, one of the ways in which they do this is by promoting education for all and building literacy in young children, in hopes of one day completely eradicating illiteracy in Somalia.
– Sumaya Ali
Photo: Flickr
HIV in Chad: Making a Difference in Central Africa
Chad is the fifth largest country in Africa. With a population of more than 18.5 million, Chad has approximately 210,000 people living with HIV. As of 2015, only 30% of people with HIV in Chad had access to antiretroviral treatment. Despite the limited access to HIV-related care, efforts are under way to increase the accessibility of treatment.
Poverty in Chad has exacerbated the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Many people in Chad lack access to housing, safe water, health care and sanitation. There is only about one medical doctor per 38,000 people in Chad. With basic care not well established and a lack of access to basic education, HIV/AIDS remains a leading cause of death among inhabitants.
Organizations Stepping Up in the Fight Against HIV in Chad
Since beginning the fight against AIDS in 1987, UNICEF has identified three groups of people living with HIV in Chad that need the most support. These groups are mothers, children between the ages of 0 and 14 and youth and adolescents between the ages of 10 and 24. HIV can be transmitted from mother to baby through delivery and breastfeeding. Only 75% of pregnant women have access to antiretroviral treatment in Chad. It is critical for mothers to receive the care they need to avoid passing HIV on to their children.
UNICEF supports programs and policies that eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV. It also supports Vision 90-90-90 of UNAIDS, which promotes screening at least 90% of people in need of care, then treating 90% and ensuring that 90% of those treated do not have a detectable viral load. UNAIDS has been working to end HIV/AIDS on a global level since 1996.
Community-led HIV testing and prevention has proved to be an effective strategy in reaching groups of people who did not have access to care before. UNAIDS uses this method to reduce the amount of new HIV infections in children and to provide care and services to women in need. In areas where it works, it has reached its goal of having no new cases of HIV in children, and all patients who are children are receiving care.
UNAIDS is now focused on investing in communities, such as certain regions in Chad, to make a difference in the fight against HIV. It wants to focus on the people living with HIV in Chad rather than just the disease itself. It is important to provide people with resources and services to make the largest impact. Taking this “people-centered approach” has accelerated the movement to end HIV/AIDS in Central Africa.
Focusing on the Future
Both UNAIDS and UNICEF are committed to caring for people living with HIV in Chad and ending AIDS by the year 2030. Supporting policies and interventions with the ability to impact the people of Central Africa is critical. Strengthening the communities and continuing to serve and provide resources for people gives hope to ending the HIV epidemic in Chad.
– Jacey Carey
Photo: Flickr
Children’s Books Raising Awareness of Poverty
As Anna McQuinn, a children’s author best known for the Lulu/Lola books, states, “Literature transforms human experience and reflects it back to us, and in that, we can see our own lives and experiences as part of the larger human experience.”
This article explores three children’s books that tackle the subject of poverty: “Beatrice’s Goat,” “The Hard Times Jar” and “Coat of Many Colors.”
“Beatrice’s Goat”
Written by Page McBrier and Lori Lohstoeter, this book tells a true story. It is the tale of how one Ugandan Child’s life was changed through the gift of a goat, which was given to the family through a charity called Heifer International.
A young girl named Beatrice is from a completely poverty-stricken family, and she is prevented from going to school simply because her mother is unable to afford the cost of books and a uniform.
Therefore, instead of attending school, Beatrice helps her mother run the house, look after her siblings and feed the chickens. However, Beatrice finds herself consistently standing outside the school observing the other children, yearning to be one of them. Then, almost by a miracle, life suddenly completely changes for Beatrice and her family, as they receive a goat named Mugsia. The family is one of 12 selected to receive a goat by Heifer International.
This heartwarming story raises awareness about poverty, advocates for children to receive access to a good education and teaches those who poverty does not affect about the fundamental importance school has in people’s lives. Furthermore, the fact that the family receives a goat is a heartwarming end to the story, which shows the power of kindness and charity, and the phenomenal difference they can have upon a family.
“The Hard Times Jar”
“The Hard Times Jar,” written by Ethel Footman Smothers and John Holyfield, details Smothers’ life as a young child, growing up in a migrant worker family, with little money and facing true hardship. The story tells of a young girl called Emma who loves writing stories, but due to the severe state of poverty she is in, she is forced to make books that are covered in old grocery sacks held together by safety pins.
Dreaming of the day when she can produce proper books, Emma helps her parents all she can by making extra money and putting it in the “hard times jar,” despite knowing that none of the money will be spent on books. Desperate, devastated and destitute, Emma is determined that things might be different one day, as she gets a job as an apple picker, in order to purchase her dream notebook.
This is a heartbreaking story, which shows the extreme lengths a child in poverty will go to in order to support their family and purchase a simple notebook that she requires to take to school with her.
The story teaches readers about children who are less fortunate than themselves. Exploring the struggles of migrant families also promotes compassion for these individuals and raises awareness about poverty by encouraging children to be aware of the issue and potentially donate to a charity.
Dolly Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors”
None other than the famous singer Dolly Parton has produced a book that educates children about growing up in poverty.
The story describes how Dolly’s mother made her a beautifully colorful patchwork coat made of rags, that she believed was similar to that of Joseph’s in the Bible. Full of happiness upon receiving the coat, Dolly proudly goes to school.
However, much to Dolly’s dismay, the other children do not have the same opinion and instead bully and make fun of her for it.
At the end of the book, Dolly’s personal letter to children all across the world acknowledges the great shame she experienced as a child and the profound level of alienation inflicted upon her simply because she was poor.
Therefore, Dolly encourages other children to be kinder and more understanding towards their peers and teaches that it was the other children’s opinions — not Dolly’s — that were incorrect in this story. With this book, Dolly works towards creating a fairer society for all, one that teaches the world’s youth to understand poverty and its implications.
Inspired by her song “Coat of Many Colors,” a favorite of Dolly’s, the story sends a heartwarming message that many children in the world can relate to and resonate with, instilling a sense of pride.
Children’s books are arguably crucial in terms of supporting the fight to end global poverty. By raising awareness from a young age, children learn to understand pressing and true issues that take place across the world.
– Megan Rose Miley
Photo: Unsplash
Startups in Nigeria
From 2018 to 2022, Nigerian entrepreneurs registered an astronomical 1,288 startups. This is practically double the runner-up African country, Egypt, with 667 startups in those four years. While California created almost four times this number of startups, the state is also a hotbed of eager investors and worldwide attention. Nigeria still vastly outperformed all other African countries — in four years Senegal managed the second-highest $600 million in startup funding while Nigeria practically doubled with $1.09 billion in 2021 alone. Interestingly almost three-quarters of the funding went to fintechs.
Flutterwave
Possibly the top fintech of 2023 is Flutterwave with an evaluation of $3 billion, the highest evaluation for any startup in Africa. This app is a way to send and receive money between individuals but also to receive pay as a registered business and create invoices. The company has an extension that online stores can use to accept money by card or bank account in 30+ currencies as well as an actual platform for the creation of their website — similar to Wix.com in the United States. For this wide range of financial services and commerce tools, Flutterwave has received increased attention and more than 1 million users since its seed round in 2018.
NALA
One fintech called NALA has made it possible to work in the U.K. or EU and send the money back to a Nigerian bank. Estimates have indicated that 400,000 diasporans live in the United States and 200,000 live in the United Kingdom — so the ability to send money back home at low rates is welcomed. The startup wants to expand to all African countries, but Nigeria is the biggest achievement as it has both the largest population and the highest GDP in Africa. It is a user-friendly app that bank platforms are starting to integrate. It was ranked first at the EcoBank Fintech Challenge and has more than 50,000 downloads on Google Play as of 2023.
Ranked in the top 10 fintechs of 2023, Risevest has transformed investing for Nigerians. It converts Nigerians’ money to dollars for a more stable and faster-growing investment. It allows users to invest in U.S. real estate and stocks for higher payoffs and greater access to promising startups. For the lazy investor, Risevest has employees creating startup or real estate portfolios. The company also offers U.S. bond options for a steady and safe return on investment. This link between U.S. growth and Nigerian investment has provided stability for Nigerians wanting to avoid inflation and save for college and retirement.
Nigeria’s Startup Act
In October 2022, President Buhari created and signed the Nigeria Startup Act with the help of successful CEOs and digital leaders. This came after obvious startup success and a growing need to sustain all of Nigeria’s creative minds. In order to remove as many barriers to entry as possible the Act tried to remedy costly applications, slow patent creations and lack of funding for promising companies. This was likely influenced by the Tunisian Startup Act of 2018 which proved to be a major success.
To inform and ease the startup creation, the government is creating a startup portal to freely register with the needed agencies, apply for a patent, use a crowdfunding intermediary, publicize to investors and list stock. The government has promised to fund ideas that will promote tech economic growth and lower exchange rates for international investors.
Now the CEO of a startup can receive a three-year freebie from income taxes and investors — angel, venture and private equity — can receive a 30% tax credit for their investment in a startup.
Providing Grants
In April 2023, the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship originated to further support the startup revolution in Nigeria. The council was charged with providing grants to individuals pursuing postgraduate programs in the areas of science, technology and innovation. The team would create new digital technology parks and community enterprise hubs in Nigeria as needed to promote new minds in tech. It would also be in charge of choosing which companies deserved the most government investment.
About CcHub
The third most important role in the Council — Minister for Communications and Digital Economy — went to successful entrepreneur Bosun Tijani, who in many ways began the startup revolution in Nigeria with his platform CcHub in 2010. CcHub provided design workshops, easy business registration, counseling, investor matching, a product development team and access to retail partners for Nigerian entrepreneurs. In this way, his platform led the startup revolution in Nigeria and began the work the Startup Act plans to continue. Through his platform, 1,100 startups were nurtured with $150 million of funding coming internationally.
Even before being appointed as Minister, Bosun Tijani was bringing international attention to Nigeria’s tech boom. He brought Mark Zuckerberg to Nigeria in 2016 and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey in 2019. As a part of the Council he met Bill Gates during a Youth Innovation Forum. He has done multiple interviews, presentations and outreach programs to motivate the youth to be entrepreneurs for their country. With international attention on the country and foundations in place for funding, the startup revolution in Nigeria is on track to continue the innovation boom it is experiencing. A promising future seems to await the economic leader of Africa — a country committed to unlocking its full potential.
– Claire Duvillier
Photo: Flickr
Could Workers’ Cooperatives Tackle Global Poverty?
Poverty can be understood as an expression of extreme inequality, and one of today’s pressing challenges is the growing divergence in income between individuals worldwide. In 2022, the poorest half of the world’s total population shared just 8.5% of global wealth, a disparity that has doubled over the last 20 years, continuing to push more individuals under the poverty line every day. However, experiments with self-management organizational models known as workers’ cooperatives proved to bear potential in countering prevalent trends of inequality, while providing positive externalities that markedly improve the livelihood of communities, regions and nations at large.
What Are Workers’ Cooperatives?
A workers’ cooperative represents an organizational structure where the workers collectively own and democratically govern an enterprise. The first registered workers’ cooperative dates back to 1844 England, with the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers. Today, workers’ cooperatives have become a global phenomenon, operating across various sectors of the economy, and encompassing enterprises of various scales that can range from being composed of as few as two members to as many as tens of thousands. However, the fundamental objective of all workers’ cooperatives remains to establish optimal working conditions that enhance the quality of life for workers and their surrounding communities, being founded on collective ownership with each member afforded an equal place within the corporation and equitable pay.
The most prominent cooperatives today include Emilia-Romagna in Italy, Suma Wholefoods in London and Mondragon in Spain. Enduring the test of time, cooperatives’ structures maintain open membership, democratic control, profit-sharing mechanisms and an ability to mobilize reserve funds for security during economic downturns, making them more resilient than other organizational models.
A Federation-Wide Experiment
The largest example of an economy based on workers’ cooperatives was the Yugoslav self-management model, where the entire economy was composed of cooperatives. Workers in each cooperative exercised self-management and were represented in the wider economy through each corporation’s workers’ council. While over time the Yugoslav model deteriorated, the former republic was able to consistently maintain a Gini indicator — a statistical measure quantifying income inequality and economic concentration — of under 0.25 throughout the 1950s and 60s.
Between 1952 and 1965, Yugoslavia’s workers’ directed economic system also achieved the fastest economic growth rate in the world, outpacing the growth in output of every other state at the time, while keeping inequality markedly low throughout the federation.
Workers’ Cooperatives Today
Currently, the Basque region is home to the most successful example of a workers’ owned and directed enterprise. Mondragon Cooperatives is currently the world’s largest worker-owned and managed cooperative in the world. In 2012, Mondragon accounted for 3.7% of total employment in Spain and accounted for 3.6% of GDP while maintaining an income ratio of 9:1 between the CEO and the cooperatives’ lowest-paid worker.
Mondragon significantly improved livelihoods in the Basque region, insulating it from prevalent poverty rates in Spain through contributions to local employment, pay and equality through processes of workplace democracy and profit reinvestment. The conglomerate even grew to become the seventh largest business in Spain in terms of both sales and the number of workers, in addition to being one of the top 10 places to work in Europe.
Furthermore, studies from workers’ cooperatives in the U.K., Québec and Italy have testified to the correlation between broad-based employee ownership and higher productivity rates, improved overall firm performance, higher survival rates and greater employment stability. The studies also pointed to positive externalities that workers’ cooperators bear to their local communities including improved education, reduced poverty and greater equality.
Looking Ahead
In the current struggle against wealth inequality, one can learn much from the Yugoslav self-management experiment as well as today’s burgeoning cooperatives. Contemporary states are provided with an alternative organizational model with the potential to generate more equal societies that demand little to no compromise on economic productivity.
– Nadia Asaad
Photo: Flickr