Delivering foreign assistance presents formidable challenges, particularly in regions affected by conflict, where corruption, fraud and theft undermine the integrity of aid programs. Shockingly, an estimated 5% to 15% of foreign aid is lost due to fraudulent activities and diversions. To address these issues, biometric technology has emerged as a crucial tool in the fight against aid fraud.
Aid Theft and Fraud
Last month, Ethiopian officials and fighters stole food aid, leading the U.S. and UN to suspend aid to Ethiopia, a nation recovering from a two-year war. Although the food aid aims to benefit needy families, the relevant authorities discovered massive volumes of aid in commercial mills or markets. In March 2023, authorities found enough stolen food aid to feed 134,000 people for a month in a single town.
Additionally, individuals and groups sometimes use fake identities to steal aid from those truly in need of assistance. In 2018, Ugandan officials created false identities to unlawfully obtain millions of dollars in aid meant for refugees.
In other regions, terrorists have attempted to radicalize individuals and bolster recruitment efforts by diverting foreign assistance. From 2015 to 2019, the USAID Inspector General documented more than 350 allegations of fraud, armed group interference, and other issues involving aid in Syria and Iraq alone.
A Biometric Solution
Amid the challenges in providing aid, a technological solution has emerged: biometric technology. This technology automates the recognition of a person’s identity using unique physical characteristics. Aid officials document aid recipients’ biometric data, such as fingerprints or iris scans and use this data to verify beneficiaries’ identities during aid collection. As a result, biometric technology effectively reduces aid fraud and diversion.
Proponents assert that biometric technology simplifies registration processes because many individuals in need of assistance lack formal identification documents. Moreover, they consider users’ biometric data more reliable than paper documentation, which can be manipulated or copied, as it is unique to each individual’s body.
This technology ensures that assistance reaches its intended recipients, preventing unauthorized users or those using false identities from stealing aid. As a result, organizations can utilize biometric systems to enhance the effectiveness of foreign assistance programs worldwide and to increase accountability.
Implementation
Biometric solutions have undergone implementation in areas desperately in need of humanitarian aid, such as Jordan and Uganda, and have delivered encouraging results in these regions.
In 2012, UNHCR Jordan piloted the first cash assistance program using iris scans to confirm the identities of Syrian refugees in Jordan and facilitate cash transfers. By 2014, the iris scan cash assistance program achieved a 20% reduction in the number of families living below the 50 JOD/month ($71) poverty threshold. Moreover, the program proved to be highly cost-effective, with $95 of each $100 donated directly benefiting refugees.
A similar program in Jordan later integrated the same iris scan technology, allowing more than 100,000 Syrian refugees to purchase groceries using aid from the World Food Programme (WFP).
In Uganda, which is home to the largest refugee population in Africa, approximately 1.1 million asylum-seekers have undergone biometric registration, representing 75% of the population who sought asylum there before the program’s initiation. The introduction of biometric verification technology has facilitated the implementation of biometric checks at food distribution and collection sites, thereby enhancing credibility and ensuring that aid reaches those genuinely in need.
Criticism
Despite success stories, critics have raised concerns about the usage of biometric technology in foreign assistance programs. Their focus lies on issues such as privacy, data protection, false positives and the potential exclusion of certain groups from assistance programs.
The criticism has resulted in delays and prevented the implementation of biometric technology in specific regions. For example, the Houthi rebel group in Yemen opposes the use of biometrics in assistance programs, as they argue that it could undermine sovereignty and lead to the dangerous control of information. Due to this opposition, the Houthis have resisted the adoption of biometric technology in a region where more than 24 million people require humanitarian assistance.
Looking Forward
Until now, aid officials have utilized biometric recognition software to register 4.4 million refugees in 48 countries worldwide and the utilization of this technology continues to expand. As technology advances rapidly, biometrics should offer an even greater potential for a positive humanitarian impact globally.
– Abigail Hill
Photo: Flickr
Fighting Food Insecurity in Ukraine
How Did Things Get Here?
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has been a constant in world news since 2014 when Russia forcibly annexed Crimea from Ukraine and kickstarted the Donbas War. The 2022 full-scale invasion by Russia, however, proved to be the tipping point for several problems worldwide. Food insecurity especially is a growing problem in Ukraine and around the world.
Ukraine provides up to 30% of the world’s wheat and barley supply, an industry that has now been disrupted in the wake of Russia’s attack. Many people, both in Ukraine and around the world, have resultantly struggled with attaining food, either due to struggling supply chains in Ukraine or hikes in food prices in many countries.
The front lines of the conflict especially have been at risk of food insecurity in Ukraine. An estimated 40% of people in regions affected by the war struggle to get satisfactory amounts of food. Both the conflict and insufficient food supply are likely to increase poverty in the region.
To make matters more complicated, the recent collapse of the Nova Kakhovka dam on June 6, 2023, has swathed critical farmland in flooding water. Detritus from the dam has also let contaminants taint the water, stifling the distribution of seafood and fish as another food source.
Because of the war and these compounding issues, the dangers of food insecurity in Ukraine have increased. There are, however, many efforts to combat this problem.
Fighting for Food Security and The WFP
The breakout of the conflict led to one of the biggest humanitarian efforts in the world, with many countries and institutions providing different forms of aid to Ukraine. In fighting food insecurity in Ukraine, Argentina helped deliver 1,500 tons of food to Ukraine alongside other necessities such as clothes and medicine.
Perhaps the biggest organization fighting against food insecurity in Ukraine, however, is WFP; an organization dedicated to fighting world hunger in any situation. The WFP works to provide support in food and cash to 3 million people in Ukraine each month. Its efforts include delivering rations to those in high-conflict zones as well as removing mines from farm plots to increase agriculture production.
Since the beginning of 2023, the WFP has delivered over 91,869 metric tons of food and over 4 million in rations to Ukraine. The recent collapse of the Nova Kakhovka dam has seen a quick response by the WFP, with 148,000 rations delivered to those affected by the flood. The WFP plans further assistance to those in need through additional means of transporting food, including boats.
In addition, the WFP has teamed up with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to establish the Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL) Cluster. The FSL Cluster helps to coordinate several other organizations in food security response within Ukraine, including U-Saved and the Samaritan’s Purse International Relief (SPIR). SPIR itself follows second to the WFP in terms of food distribution, bringing food to over 484,000 people near the front lines as of April of this year.
A Continuous Struggle
For now, the war continues, and food insecurity in Ukraine remains an issue. Through the efforts of groups like the WFP, however, many people within the country receive critical food assistance that saves them from hunger every day. Though the conflict may remain for the immediate future, the efforts of those fighting to keep people fed in Ukraine spell hope for those seeking a future without food insecurity.
– Kenneth Berends
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
TB Elimination Alliance Serves AAPI Communities
Outreach
TEA’s primary goal is to reach “underserved AA and NH/PI communities with the highest TB burden.” One way the organization achieves its goal is by contacting community health centers. For instance, in 2022, TEA invited the health centers to complete surveys that collect data on the needs of the Asian and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander community, specifically regarding tuberculosis, so that the organization could know how to help them best.
Awareness
The second goal of TEA is to raise awareness about tuberculosis treatment and testing. One way TEA does this is by providing a summary of the U.S. recommendations for testing and treatment on its website for people who need access to that information. The organization also creates webinars for health care workers and companies that “discuss successful strategies for screening, testing and treatment in high-need populations in community health care settings.” The webinars aim to raise awareness in the health care community of the issues facing high-risk populations regarding tuberculosis.
The Tuberculosis Elimination Alliance and Hep B United also hold an annual TB Summit with “workshops, panels, networking” with the goal of “celebrating the achievements and progress towards hepatitis B and tuberculosis elimination”. The publicity surrounding this event also brings awareness about tuberculosis to Asian and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders communities.
Sharing Resources
The third goal of the Tuberculosis Elimination Alliance is to share resources and information with communities at high risk for tuberculosis. One resource the organization shares is a self-study module about tuberculosis on its website.
Additionally, the organization also hosted a webinar titled “Quality Improvement Strategies for Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI) Testing and Treatment in Asian American- (AA-), Native Hawaiian (NH-), and Pacific Islander- (PI-) Serving Health Centers: Standardized Data Collection Opportunities” so that the health care companies and workers were not only informed on the issues facing high-risk communities but knew how to respond to these issues as well.
Developing Partnerships
The fourth goal of the Tuberculosis Elimination Alliance is to develop partnerships with other organizations to “scale existing initiatives.” It partners with STOP TB USA, which aims to “ strengthen the ability to search for, treat and prevent TB.”
Another partner of the Tuberculosis Elimination Alliance is the Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum. This organization works to “influence policy, mobilizes communities, and strengthens programs and organizations to improve the health of Asian Americans & Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders.”
The Tuberculosis Elimination Alliance finally partners with local clinics like Hope Clinic, which provides health care in “over 30 languages.”
Influence
Through outreach, awareness, sharing resources and developing partnerships, the Tuberculosis Elimination Alliance has helped many people. Since the organization began in 2019, $573,500 in mini-grants have been awarded in 17 states to help with tuberculosis efforts in Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, African American, Latinx and Asian American communities.
Additionally, within the last 15 years, 36 million people have been cured of tuberculosis. One of the big reasons for this is because of organizations like the Tuberculosis Elimination Alliance, which reaches out to underrepresented communities like the Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander communities so that they get the help they need.
– Hope Yonehara
Photo: Flickr
6 Things to Know About Poverty Reduction in India
6 Things to Know About Poverty Reduction in India
Looking Ahead
While progress is visible, challenges persist in India’s fight against poverty. Income inequality, regional disparities and limited access to basic services remain key issues. It appears that there is a need for continued efforts to enhance social protection systems, promote inclusive economic growth and ensure equal opportunities for all in a bid to reduce poverty in India.
India’s commitment to poverty reduction, coupled with its growing economy, cultural diversity and vast human resources, provides a foundation for continued progress. By addressing the multifaceted nature of poverty and implementing targeted interventions, there is hope that India can strive toward establishing a more equitable and prosperous society for all its citizens.
– Pranav Ramanathan
Photo: Flickr
Understanding Energy Poverty in Ethiopia
Ethiopia continues to face a significant and persistent poverty crisis, despite some progress in recent years. According to U.N. data from 2021, approximately 19% of the population lives in poverty. One particular challenge the country grapples with is energy poverty, which affects individuals in poverty-stricken, rural and underdeveloped areas. Energy poverty refers to the lack of access to reliable, affordable and essential energy resources, such as electricity. Unfortunately, energy poverty in Ethiopia remains a pressing issue, with no signs of improvement. The nation’s demand for energy resources far exceeds its available supply, exacerbated by external factors that hinder the country’s means of production.
Energy Poverty in Ethiopia
Energy poverty persists as a pressing challenge in Ethiopia, impacting a significant portion of the population, particularly those living in poor or rural areas. With more than half of the citizens lacking access to electricity, rural areas, which house 80% of the Ethiopian population, face scarcity and limited accessibility to energy resources. Consequently, many resort to burning wood for cooking and heating, exacerbating the issue of energy poverty.
Ethiopia’s energy demands continue to rise due to rapid urbanization, GDP growth and population expansion in both urban and rural regions. However, the country’s energy infrastructure is insufficient to meet the needs of its 110 million citizens, as stated by the International Trade Administration.
Moreover, Ethiopia grapples with a drought crisis which further exacerbates the situation. The majority of the country’s energy production, about 90%, heavily relies on hydropower, making it vulnerable to the impacts of the worsening drought. Hydropower dams experience severe limitations in production capabilities, resulting in outputs well below their potential. In response, officials are exploring alternative energy sources such as solar, wind and geothermal power to diversify the energy mix and address the energy challenges faced by the nation.
Impact on Health and Living Standards
Energy poverty in Ethiopia is having a detrimental effect on the health and living conditions of affected individuals. Household reliance on wood and charcoal burning for heating and cooking has led to common respiratory complications due to the inhalation of toxic smoke produced during combustion. Insufficient resources, such as lack of electricity, further hinder ventilation capabilities and contribute to indoor pollution, particularly in homes using alternative energy sources like wood and coal.
Moreover, energy poverty is also impacting Ethiopia’s educational infrastructure. With the transition to delivering lectures via live television in response to COVID-19, rural schools without access to electricity are unable to broadcast lessons to their students, exacerbating educational disparities.
Addressing Energy Poverty in Ethiopia
Ethiopia is actively working on plans to address energy poverty through various initiatives. Over the next decade, officials aim to significantly increase the country’s energy generation capacity to 17,000 MW, more than triple the current capacity of 4,500 MW. To achieve this goal, multiple dams are currently under construction across Ethiopia, including the Koysha Hydro Power Dam, which will become the country’s second-largest dam upon completion. The Ethiopian Government is overseeing the project, which is expected to be finalized in three years, as of June 2022.
Power Africa, a public-private partnership led by the United States Government, is also actively involved in doubling access to electricity in sub-Saharan African nations, including Ethiopia. The partnership focuses on supporting various aspects of strengthening Ethiopia’s energy grid. This includes rehabilitating existing infrastructure, developing new infrastructure and ensuring reliable energy sources reach areas that currently lack access to electricity.
Looking Ahead
Despite ongoing challenges, officials in Ethiopia are making significant strides in addressing energy poverty. Construction of new energy production sites is underway, and both domestic and international initiatives are actively combatting this issue in the country. The progress so far is not only expected to alleviate poverty rates but also provide much-needed relief to those affected by energy poverty. While there is still room for more progress, the efforts and optimism of officials continue to drive positive change in Ethiopia’s fight against energy poverty.
– Nicholas DeLuca
Photo: Flickr
Women’s Rights in Croatia
Socio-Economic Status
Gender roles in Croatia remain strict, with women having to deal with all kinds of expectations from an early age. A woman is typically assigned the role of housewife and caretaker, while the expectations for a man involve fulfilling the role of a breadwinner. Even if a woman holds a full-time job, she still has to manage the challenges and traditional responsibilities of motherhood.
Women in Croatia gained the right to vote in 1881, but this right was abolished 14 years later. However, in 1945, women in Croatia once again regained the right to vote.
Despite progress in many areas, literacy remains a challenge for women worldwide. In Croatia, the literacy rate for women stands at 98.1%, a figure that has remained relatively stable since 1991. Since that time, more than 99% of the female population in Croatia has possessed some level of literacy skills.
Violence Against Women
Croatia has made progress in addressing sexual and physical violence. According to U.N. Women, approximately 4% of Croatian women aged 15 to 49 have reported experiencing such violence from their partners. The country has implemented laws against domestic violence, and the police are mandated to respond to reported cases. In compliance with the law, the police are obligated to protect the victim, detain or remove the perpetrator, and inform the attorney’s office. These measures aim to ensure the safety and support of survivors of domestic violence in Croatia.
Employment and the Pay Gap
Women in Croatia experience significant gender-based wage disparities, with an average salary that is 13.3% lower than that of men, as well as 22.3% lower pensions, as reported by Expat in Croatia. Discrimination against pregnant women further compounds the issue, leading to lower job positions and a lack of pay raises.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted women in Croatia, reflecting a global trend. A survey conducted by the World Bank revealed that 76% of women were primarily responsible for household chores and homeschooling during the pandemic.
The Croatian Bureau of Statistics indicates that 23.7% of Croatian girls between the ages of 12-17 are at risk of poverty. Such circumstances can result in unequal opportunities, particularly in accessing education and other resources.
Making a Change
An annual initiative called “Milijarda ustaje protiv nasilja nad ženama i djevojčicama (A billion people stand up against violence against women and girls)” aims to address issues such as poverty and discrimination against women in Croatia, as reported by Expat in Croatia.
According to a World Bank report, women in Croatia face underrepresentation in government and national politics, with only 18% of parliamentary seats occupied by women in 2017. Increased representation is crucial for women to have a voice in Croatia and to work toward a more equitable future.
The Women Entrepreneurs’ Loan Program aims to reduce the gender pay gap by providing loans specifically to female entrepreneurs in Croatia. This program involves collaboration with 22 national banks, offering women greater opportunities to establish and run their own businesses. As of June 2014, the program had approved 261 projects, opening up numerous possibilities for women in Croatia.
While there are still a few challenges affecting women’s rights in Croatia, the Croatian government has taken some steps to support women. Croatia has made significant progress in providing women with greater rights and opportunities, and this spurs hope for a more bias-free future.
– Abigail Lee Dicarlo
Photo: Unsplash
Understanding Nationwide Disability and Poverty in Ukraine
According to CNN, Russian forces have targeted more than 700 health care facilities, averaging one attack for every 10 facilities. These attacks have not only caused fatalities and injuries but have also displaced many individuals who are unable to access the necessary care and support to meet their needs.
War and Poverty in Ukraine
Prior to the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war in February 2022, Ukraine had been experiencing a consistent decline in poverty rates, stabilizing at 37.8% in 2019. However, the arrival of COVID-19 in 2020 caused a significant increase, soaring to 43.6% and erasing years of progress.
With the war persisting in Ukraine for nearly 16 months, the World Bank has projected a further alarming rise in the national poverty line, reaching close to 60% by the end of 2022. This means that more than 7 million individuals living below the poverty line in Ukraine are unable to afford essential resources for survival due to a severe lack of income.
Djerela
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, several initiatives have emerged to assist refugees, combat local poverty and aid individuals with disabilities across the country.
One such organization making a difference is Djerela, a Ukrainian-built and operated force of sanctuary. Established in 1996, Djerela has been dedicated to providing support exclusively for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Djerela serves as a safe haven and a peaceful oasis. Throughout the week, it organizes dances and other activities in the evenings, offering a space for family members to embrace their loved ones. To ensure maximum tranquility and safety, Djerela’s locations have been relocated to secluded areas while remaining steadfast in their mission.
Regional and International Support
The European Disability Forum (EDF) and the National Assembly of Persons with Disabilities in Ukraine, along with 120 public organizations, have joined forces to provide support for individuals with disabilities. The focus is currently on locating and housing people with disabilities, which are crucial conversations taking place.
Throughout Ukraine, regional affiliations and local efforts are unfolding, with participation and ongoing support from neighboring nations.
Since 1988, Inclusion Europe has been advocating for the rights of intellectually disabled individuals. The organization has played a vital role in fostering education and creating equal opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities of all ages. Representing individuals with disabilities from 38 European countries, Inclusion Europe reported that 60% of those with intellectual disabilities in Ukraine live with family members.
In 2022, Inclusion Europe received more than €630,000 in donations to support people with disabilities. The donations are currently in use to improve access to medicines and other necessities for individuals with disabilities.
Donation summaries released by Inclusion Europe focus on “helping people with intellectual disabilities and their families.” The organization has utilized these donations for individual cash contributions, benefiting 470 Ukrainians with disabilities, providing care for eight individuals with disabilities for 10 days, and supporting maintenance projects in the surrounding areas.
Looking Ahead
Amid the challenging circumstances faced by individuals with disabilities in Ukraine, there are glimmers of hope and ongoing efforts to provide support and assistance. Organizations like Djerela and Inclusion Europe are working tirelessly to create safe spaces, offer essential resources and advocate for the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities. Regional and international support networks are joining forces to address the unique challenges affecting the vulnerable population, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and providing a ray of hope for a brighter future for individuals with disabilities in Ukraine.
– Chandler Doerr
Photo: Flickr
The Use of Biometric Technology in the Fight Against Aid Fraud
Delivering foreign assistance presents formidable challenges, particularly in regions affected by conflict, where corruption, fraud and theft undermine the integrity of aid programs. Shockingly, an estimated 5% to 15% of foreign aid is lost due to fraudulent activities and diversions. To address these issues, biometric technology has emerged as a crucial tool in the fight against aid fraud.
Aid Theft and Fraud
Last month, Ethiopian officials and fighters stole food aid, leading the U.S. and UN to suspend aid to Ethiopia, a nation recovering from a two-year war. Although the food aid aims to benefit needy families, the relevant authorities discovered massive volumes of aid in commercial mills or markets. In March 2023, authorities found enough stolen food aid to feed 134,000 people for a month in a single town.
Additionally, individuals and groups sometimes use fake identities to steal aid from those truly in need of assistance. In 2018, Ugandan officials created false identities to unlawfully obtain millions of dollars in aid meant for refugees.
In other regions, terrorists have attempted to radicalize individuals and bolster recruitment efforts by diverting foreign assistance. From 2015 to 2019, the USAID Inspector General documented more than 350 allegations of fraud, armed group interference, and other issues involving aid in Syria and Iraq alone.
A Biometric Solution
Amid the challenges in providing aid, a technological solution has emerged: biometric technology. This technology automates the recognition of a person’s identity using unique physical characteristics. Aid officials document aid recipients’ biometric data, such as fingerprints or iris scans and use this data to verify beneficiaries’ identities during aid collection. As a result, biometric technology effectively reduces aid fraud and diversion.
Proponents assert that biometric technology simplifies registration processes because many individuals in need of assistance lack formal identification documents. Moreover, they consider users’ biometric data more reliable than paper documentation, which can be manipulated or copied, as it is unique to each individual’s body.
This technology ensures that assistance reaches its intended recipients, preventing unauthorized users or those using false identities from stealing aid. As a result, organizations can utilize biometric systems to enhance the effectiveness of foreign assistance programs worldwide and to increase accountability.
Implementation
Biometric solutions have undergone implementation in areas desperately in need of humanitarian aid, such as Jordan and Uganda, and have delivered encouraging results in these regions.
In 2012, UNHCR Jordan piloted the first cash assistance program using iris scans to confirm the identities of Syrian refugees in Jordan and facilitate cash transfers. By 2014, the iris scan cash assistance program achieved a 20% reduction in the number of families living below the 50 JOD/month ($71) poverty threshold. Moreover, the program proved to be highly cost-effective, with $95 of each $100 donated directly benefiting refugees.
A similar program in Jordan later integrated the same iris scan technology, allowing more than 100,000 Syrian refugees to purchase groceries using aid from the World Food Programme (WFP).
In Uganda, which is home to the largest refugee population in Africa, approximately 1.1 million asylum-seekers have undergone biometric registration, representing 75% of the population who sought asylum there before the program’s initiation. The introduction of biometric verification technology has facilitated the implementation of biometric checks at food distribution and collection sites, thereby enhancing credibility and ensuring that aid reaches those genuinely in need.
Criticism
Despite success stories, critics have raised concerns about the usage of biometric technology in foreign assistance programs. Their focus lies on issues such as privacy, data protection, false positives and the potential exclusion of certain groups from assistance programs.
The criticism has resulted in delays and prevented the implementation of biometric technology in specific regions. For example, the Houthi rebel group in Yemen opposes the use of biometrics in assistance programs, as they argue that it could undermine sovereignty and lead to the dangerous control of information. Due to this opposition, the Houthis have resisted the adoption of biometric technology in a region where more than 24 million people require humanitarian assistance.
Looking Forward
Until now, aid officials have utilized biometric recognition software to register 4.4 million refugees in 48 countries worldwide and the utilization of this technology continues to expand. As technology advances rapidly, biometrics should offer an even greater potential for a positive humanitarian impact globally.
– Abigail Hill
Photo: Flickr
Poverty Alleviation in Vietnam with 3 Doi Moi Methods
Since then, the percentage of Vietnamese people living in poverty has decreased. As of 2020, only 4.8% of the nation lives in poverty.
Doi Moi Method for Poverty Alleviation in Vietnam
This fiscal achievement is difficult for a country that suffered decades of war. After an economic collapse in the late 1900s, Vietnam faced 700% inflation and an economy that survived off of foreign aid from the Soviet Union.
The nation began its successful poverty alleviation with the Doi Moi reforms, loosely translated to “rejuvenation,” in 1986. The Doi Moi method utilized three effective strategies for policy alleviation, most of which centered around stimulating economic growth through open-door trade.
Agricultural Reformation
The restoration plan was initially focused on aiding the agriculture industry, which 70% of Vietnamese worked in at the time. Doi Moi abolished collective farming and provided smaller farmers with land through 20-year leases. The government also removed price control, allowing for more profitable sales for industrial producers and farmers. Furthermore, subsidizing the irrigation system created more plantable areas, significantly aiding agricultural production.
Simultaneously lowering the barriers to international trade and revamping agriculture helped the inflow of goods, money and tourists flourish. Within two decades, Vietnam soon resurfaced as one of the largest rice exporters in the world, trading 3 to 4 million tons of rice annually.
Establishment of Private Businesses
To mitigate inflation, Vietnam encouraged the founding of private businesses by scaling back on government monopolies and devaluing the currency. In addition, they provided service industries for individuals and families. From 1989 to 2016, the country reduced its state-owned corporations from over 12,000 to less than 600.
National Targeted Programs
Finally, the Vietnamese government invested in national target programs. The Education for All plan focused on putting education first by investing in teachers, curriculum and the overall quality of the schools. The program built basic infrastructure like electricity, school and healthcare facilities while extending forestry and the agriculture industry.
Other programs, such as the National Targeted Program for Poverty Reduction (NTPPR) work to aid those who live in rural areas. The NTPPR is consistently re-evaluated. As of 2022, the NTPPR will focus on women to generate better gender-based equality and lessen violence against women.
While there are still challenges to overcome in poverty alleviation in Vietnam, such as the widening wealth gap and poverty disparities between ethnic groups, the Doi Moi policy has proved to be successful in various ways in combating extreme poverty and served a crucial role in its successful poverty alleviation story that has been recognized by many.
– James Bao
Photo: Flickr
Peace Through Music International: The Power of Music
Peace Through Music International, formerly known as the Shropshire Music Foundation, shares the power of music with refugees who have experienced displacement and trauma. “Since 1999, the organization has brought its programs to 20,000 children and taught 95,000 classes.” By providing a safe space and a sense of belonging, its programs help vulnerable individuals address past struggles and find solace in music. Music can be a unique outlet to help refugees and internally displaced persons address their past struggles during war or poverty. Music is a form of expression and gives meaning to the lives of refugees who lost their homes and community.
Local youth play a crucial role in leading community-building programs. Through these programs, individuals learn problem-solving, communication and job preparation skills. Peace Through Music teaches its volunteers how to create and achieve goals as a community, preparing them to be leaders for children and equipping them with valuable workplace skills.
Peace Through Music International includes crime prevention and drug/alcohol abuse prevention in its curriculum. Children are at risk of human trafficking and forced participation in extremist groups as well. Refugees had to flee an unsafe environment and experienced a lot of negativity. One goal of its programs is to “create opportunities for communication, cooperation and understanding among ethnic, religious and divided communities.” Despite these communities experiencing division, its programs create unity using the power of music to build empathy.
Peace Through Music Kosovo
Kosovo was formerly a part of Yugoslavia as a province of Serbia. Throughout Kosovo’s fight for independence from Serbia in 1998-1999, the country experienced violence and ethnic cleansing. Serbia does not recognize Kosovo’s independence to this day. The history of ethnic differences between Albanians and Serbs continues to challenge the country’s unity.
In Kosovo, Peace Through Music International offers classes in schools, shelters, remote villages and ethnic minority communities. For two decades, its programs brought people together peacefully with the power of music in a post-conflict community. Children have participated in local festivals and concerts as a result of its programs.
Scientific research supports the success of Peace Through Music International’s programs. A study that the American Psychological Association’s Traumatology Journal conducted examined that children who participated in music programs for longer periods were less likely to exhibit symptoms of psychological distress related to the conflict in Kosovo. The study found that children who experienced the music programs for longer periods were less likely to have symptoms of psychological or emotional distress.
Peace Through Music’s programs provides a safe space for children to heal from trauma and learn how to connect with the local community as well. An important aspect of Peace Through Music Kosovo is training local volunteers. The volunteers develop time management, leadership, peace training and English language skills.
Peace Through Music Uganda
Uganda experienced a devastating civil war between 1986 to 2009 that led to large-scale displacement and kidnapping of children to become child soldiers. The country continued to face human rights atrocities, instability and development limitations.
In Uganda, children in displaced communities, former child soldiers and teachers in training can take classes with the organization. For 12 years, Peace Through Music taught children in schools and refugee camps. Thousands of people live in internally displaced camps in Uganda. Its programs, which include singing, pennywhistle and drum classes, help these individuals connect with one another and find common ground after experiencing loss and violence.
Many child soldiers and children who lost their home struggle to connect with the local community. The power of music empowers these individuals to find common ground.
Teachers in training at St. Bakhita Teachers College work with the organization to develop skills for teaching music. Peace Through Music also focuses on its volunteer programs to ensure music can continue to make a difference in these children’s lives.
Conclusion
Peace Through Music’s programs in Kosovo and Uganda are using the power of music to build understanding and peace to repair communities devastated by war. Its programs demonstrate the transformative power of music in repairing and bringing understanding to communities devastated by war. By encouraging communication and empathy, these programs empower children who grew up in divisive environments to find common ground and share kindness with others.
– Ellie Bruce
Photo: Flickr
Child Poverty in Trinidad and Tobago
As children account for more than 200,000 of the country’s population, UNDP, UNICEF and the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services (MSDFS) conducted research in 2017 to gauge the youth’s perception of and experience with poverty in order to better understand issues of poverty affecting children in Trinidad and Tobago.
Across varying regions of Trinidad and Tobago including Sangre Grande, Arima and Tunapuna, the study assessed children’s experiences through a multidimensional perspective of poverty — referring to aspects of living in poverty that extend beyond basic income such as the absence of familial support, poor health and a lack of educational access.
Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)
With a multidimensional approach to measuring poverty, UNDP reported on Trinidad and Tobago’s 2022 Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). The index is measured on a yearly basis according to a country’s deprivations across three dimensions: “health, education and standard of living.” The country’s MPI value amounted to 0.002, with deprivations in the standard of living, health and education contributing 20.5%, 45.5% and 34% respectively to this dimension in total.
In regard to deprivations in education, following the pandemic school dropouts increased with an estimated 151 primary school students and 2,663 secondary school students dropping out of government schools in Trinidad between the beginning of 2020 and the end of 2022. Some reasons for these dropout rates were attributed to loss of jobs, subsequent financial distress and the need for older children to aid their parents in caring for their younger siblings.
National Child Policy
Nevertheless, the Ministry of Social Development has made efforts to address the difficulties faced in education as a product of child poverty in Trinidad and Tobago.
In accordance with the 2020-2030 National Child Policy of Trinidad and Tobago which outlines the country’s commitment to ensuring positive outcomes for the nation’s children, the government has continuously set out to alleviate the financial inequities that can act as a barrier to children’s engagement in educational institutions.
To attenuate the financial burden of obtaining school meals for those facing experiencing child poverty in Trinidad and Tobago, the National Schools Dietary Services focuses on providing free breakfasts and lunches throughout primary and secondary schools. Between 2013 and 2014, children in need received 64,422 breakfasts and 96,448 lunches.
Moreover, in support of the program’s services to impoverished communities, the Draft Estimates of Expenditure for 2023 indicates that the National Schools Dietary Services has received a more significant budget allocation for the 2023 fiscal year – an additional $181.8 million in comparison with its 2022 budget of $88.9 million. This increased financial allocation enables the program to continue its standard operation of improving the nutritional status of children in order to enhance their learning ability through the daily provision of catering services to students across 800 schools in Trinidad and Tobago.
Children also are able to partake in a textbook rental and loan program, which has delivered more than 203,000 books and learning materials to students. Moreover, free school health program services including vision exams, hearing tests and psychosocial support are free to children up to 14 years old, according to the National Child Policy Green Paper.
Early Child Care Education (ECCE)
Similarly, through recognizing the foundational importance of Early Child Care Education (ECCE) the Government of Trinidad and Tobago has also invested in providing free ECCE centers. These centers promote the holistic transition of young children — ranging from the ages of 3 to 4 — into the education system, according to the National Child Policy Green Paper.
The accessibility of these ECCE centers sets out to bridge the gap in experience and resources experienced by children living in poverty through a curriculum that emphasizes skill building and development in the “physical, cognitive, linguistic and socioeconomic areas.”
According to the National Child Policy Green Paper. there are 151 fully operational Government and Government Assisted ECCE centers throughout Trinidad and Tobago.
Making Plans to Prioritize Children
Efforts from the government to combat child poverty in Trinidad and Tobago have also taken the shape of plans to prioritize children through a commitment to a National Implementation Plan with varying strategies to improve the welfare of children in need. These strategies range from ensuring the provision of quality physical and mental health services for children, increasing the accessibility of education and learning opportunities and an aim to create spaces safe for children’s recreation — each allotted a total budget of more than $3 million for its enactment, according to the National Child Policy Green Paper.
The initiatives adopted by the government to alleviate the educational barriers faced by children in poverty indicate a step toward achieving the first of the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals to eradicate poverty. As estimates indicate the cost of halving child poverty by 2030 can cost 0.3% of GDP. Continuously investing in advancing children’s education could contribute to improving Trinidad and Tobago’s social and economic development.
– Katrina Girod
Photo: Flickr