The decision to dismantle USAID was devastating for millions of people around the world. Several countries suffered immediate effects from the cuts in foreign aid, which provided necessities such as food, education and health care. Uganda is one of the hardest-hit areas for two reasons:
- It hosts the largest refugee population in Africa, nearly 2 million people, 81% of whom are women and children; and
- It faces a severe, chronic HIV epidemic and relies heavily on U.S. support for HIV treatment and prevention.
Uganda lost 66% of the funding received from USAID, which is approximately $307 million. As a result, many areas have been affected, including food aid, which has been cut due to a funding shortage, leading to increased hunger and malnutrition. However, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are hard-pressed to continue providing services on the same scale with less funding.
The Impact of Foreign Aid Cuts on Uganda
1. Education:
USAID funding supported school construction and the procurement of learning materials in Uganda. The funding also supported teacher training programs. Digital learning tools provided schools in remote areas, improving access to education. The lack of funding results in under-resourced schools and a reduced ability to meet growing demands.
This affects girls explicitly as it decreases their access to education regarding reproductive and menstrual health. Girls, seeking security, will marry early and lose hard-fought gains in gender equity. In refugee communities, funding shortages have led to staffing shortages. In one refugee settlement, there were 36 teachers with more than 3,400 students. Following funding cuts, nine teachers are left to manage classes of up to 500 students each.
2. Health:
USAID administers close to 60% of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) bilateral funding, which provided more than half of the medication and staff needed to respond to the HIV epidemic in Uganda. PEPFAR also accounted for nearly 90% of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) initiatives on a global scale. Millions now are at risk of contracting HIV due to foreign aid cuts.
PrEP is restricted to pregnant and lactating mothers. Funding cuts cause immediate disruptions in care for thousands who depend on consistent medication (i.e., Anti-Retroviral Therapy). This increases the risk of babies being born with HIV. Vaccine shortages caused by foreign aid cuts increase the risk of contracting other diseases like TB, Ebola and Malaria.
Foreign aid cuts also lead to staffing shortages, making it challenging for those who remain to deliver the same level of health care with fewer resources and a reduced number of qualified staff.
One NGO in particular, St. Francis Health Care Services, provided HIV testing, medication and prevention products to sex workers in Uganda, but this was stopped due to cuts in foreign aid. Mwesigye, a country representative with the U.K.-based NGO All We Can, stated, “You know, there was almost an alarm… people were being told to run as fast as they could to the next health unit to get their dose for a few months… but that is also going to run out.”
The Response
When formal protection systems collapsed, local citizens and/or refugees stepped up to fill the gap. The NGO St. Francis Health Care Services received funding from PEPFAR several years earlier. However, its funding was cut after Uganda passed its anti-homosexuality act. The nonprofit was able to secure the funding again; however, its leadership began to realize how dangerous it could be for them and their ability to continue providing the vital services needed in the community.
After the organization’s funding was cut the first time, it began seeking private donors. It increased its revenue by offering paid services, such as surgery, maternal care, radiology and dental exams. As a result, it was less vulnerable to the effects of the foreign aid cuts. However, health leaders still had to make decisions in response to the cuts to foreign aid.
Other strategies implemented include moving away from standalone HIV/TB clinics and referring patients to government outpatient clinics; utilizing a large network of private clinics, seeking non-U.S. international collaborations, increasing donor outreach and implementing technological solutions (e.g., AI). Health officials propose using AI to identify high-risk patients, allowing them to be seen sooner.
Another NGO, Soft Power Health, continues to care for approximately 50,000 patients. This organization operates on a $699,000 budget, which is funded by private organizations and individual donors. It was also more insulated against the foreign aid cuts and continued its work. Services provided include transportation, free HIV medication and gardening and health education. Another clinic lost its funding and donated medical equipment to Soft Power Health, allowing it to continue testing for TB.
Grassroots Groups in Uganda
In response to the aid cuts, grassroots groups in Uganda have turned to farming, petty trade and vocational activities, selling milk and produce, while youth join skills programs to learn trades like tailoring. Women have formed support groups for survivors of gender-based violence and girls at risk, which have become lifelines through regular meetings and check-ins.
These community efforts are complemented by Volunteer Village Health Teams, who refer survivors to clinics that remain open, provide mental health services and conduct awareness sessions on gender rights and protection. Boda Boda riders, a network of volunteer motorcycle riders, transport survivors from remote villages to clinics, legal aid offices, or safer areas and have organized informal night patrols to discourage exploitation and monitor hotspots known for abuse.
Forging a Path Forward
Joy Kawanguzi, team leader of FABIO-Uganda, discusses the abruptness of the foreign aid cuts in Uganda: “It did not give us time to prepare. So the abruptness alone is an inconvenience.” She adds that the foreign aid cuts “put local organizations in a place where they start feeling like they are more implementers of donor ideologies. Because if a local organization were a key player, this decision would not have been drastic. There would have been consultations.”
Mwesigye agrees and advocates for organizations to be able to use funding for core costs instead of just fulfilling projects: “…if core costs are paid for; if you build the institution rather than fulfill project goals, then the institution will be bold enough to be able to work and do what it needs to do.”
These statements are indicative of a desire to move away from dependence on outside donors. Their sentiment is fueled by the question no one can answer: “What if this happens again?” The path forward for the people of Uganda is one where they have free rein with the resources they are given and the opportunity to achieve independence.
– Danielle Milano
Danielle is based in Pineville, LA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Pexels
The Relocation of Poverty in Colombia
HelpAge International
The Borgen Project spoke with Daniela Vasquez Moncaleano, project officer for HelpAge International.
Moncaleano works for HelpAge International in Bogotá, the capital of Colombia. A city once rumored to be one of the most dangerous cities in the world during the 1990s has since transformed into a thriving, tourist-friendly capital and one of the most developed cities in Colombia.
Specifically, HelpAge International is a nongovernmental organization that aims to support the aging population by protecting its rights and helping it live healthy, fulfilling lives away from poverty and homelessness. Moncaleano is a project officer for the organization and works explicitly on poverty-prevention projects.
Observed Changes in Poverty
She has observed a decrease in poverty. “Yes, poverty has decreased in Colombia.” Statistical poverty reduction suggests that its steadily declining rate will yield long-lasting positive effects.
A primary reason for the poverty decrease is Colombians moving out of rural areas and into city life. “There is internal immigration that is heading to cities like Cali. But not many migrate to Bogota.” Many people who are experiencing poverty move to urban areas for job opportunities and income.
Common Misconceptions About Poverty
“There are more forms of poverty than just monetary poverty,” says Daniela Vasquez Moncaleano, a manager who works for HelpAge International, a nongovernmental organization that supports the elderly experiencing poverty. Moncaleano explains that there are two main types of poverty. The most common type is monetary poverty, a measuring system that financially classifies households by income. Then there is multidimensional poverty, which is difficult to measure since it considers many aspects beyond finances, such as education, health care, sanitation and environmental safety.
“Multidimensional standards are important to consider,” Moncaleano says. Poverty is experienced differently depending on the situation and geography. For instance, rural areas grow their own food, whereas urban areas buy groceries from supermarkets. In other words, rural areas are not poor in access to food like urban areas are; instead, rural areas are poor in resources such as access to local schools or hospitals.
Hope for Addressing Poverty in Colombia
To explore this broader national shift, Daniela Vasquez Moncaleano has shed light on the evolving landscape of poverty in Colombia and provided a human lens through which to understand its many dimensions. “I have so much hope for poverty reduction.” Moncaleano began working with HelpAge International because she believed in the Colombian community and the power of generations working together. “When the skies are gray, you can make the sun appear.”
Solutions to Poverty Reduction
Moving forward, Colombia will continue to reduce poverty but may have some gray-sky days. Moncaleano suggests two solutions to reduce the poverty rate. Her expertise lies in the elderly, and she suggests creating aging-friendly cities. Moncaleano has shared that there are few job opportunities or activities for the elderly past the age of 40.
The creation of more jobs or community-based events for elders can potentially provide income and purpose and reduce poverty among the elderly population. “The elderly always want to work. They want to feel life and want to feel productive.”
– Mireya Aguilar
Photo: Flickr
Thailand Is Granting Myanmar Refugees Access to Employment
Background
A violent military regime drove the refugees out of Myanmar. Since then, they have been living in nine camps spread across the Thai border and have been completely dependent upon foreign aid. A diminishing foreign aid budget, particularly from the United States, has contributed to this decision.
According to Léon De Riedtmatten, executive director of the Border Consortium (TBC), the United States was one of the largest donors to the refugee camps. The TBC is one of the largest suppliers of food to the camps. The current administration has significantly reduced the overseas budget this year, which has, in turn, forced the TBC to provide aid only to the most vulnerable. According to De Riedmatten, Thai officials knew that no other government would be willing to support as much as the United States would.
As a result, Thai officials approved employment access for Myanmar refugees to reduce labor shortages and protect human rights. Cambodian workers leaving the labor force following an armed conflict at the border also influenced this policy change.
Economic Impacts
Tammi Sharpe, a UNHCR representative, has emphasized this development as a turning point. According to Sharpe, “With this policy shift, Thailand transforms hosting refugees into an engine of growth – for refugees, for host communities and for the nation as a whole.” She further confirms that providing employment access to Myanmar refugees benefits both Thailand and the refugees themselves.
Refugees will have the opportunity to provide for themselves and their families while also stimulating the Thai economy. Job growth is expected to increase as thousands of Myanmar refugees join the workforce and, in turn, the national GDP is also projected to rise. This marks a positive step toward poverty reduction.
As more refugees gain employment, dependence on aid is expected to decrease, while social mobility improves. Sharpe explained that the UNHCR has partnered with the World Bank to analyze economic data tracking how refugees are entering and participating in the formal job market. Humanitarian organizations also hope to expand employment access for refugees living outside the camps.
Conclusion
Granting Myanmar refugees access to employment marks a turning point in their relationship with Thailand. It will serve as a mutually beneficial process; Myanmar refugees will receive the means to support themselves and increase their standard of living, while the Thai economy will experience a boost in job growth and GNP. Poverty will diminish directly for the refugees and indirectly over time for people living in Thailand via systemic change. Overall, this policy change provides a hopeful trajectory for the country’s economic future.
– Sasha Banaei
Photo: Flickr
Building a Nation Out of Trash – How India Recycles Plastic
Fortunately, a new hero has arisen. India is rapidly emerging as the number one recycling nation, known not only for recycling 70% of the waste it generates, but also for the unique ways in which plastic waste is recycled.
Using Trash as a Currency
Poverty is a major problem in India, a country struggling to support more than 1.35 billion people. Most families are unable to afford basic necessities, so 62 million children — approximately one in every two children in India — suffer from malnutrition.
Fortunately, India recycles plastic and addresses its malnutrition problems by turning plastic waste into a new form of currency. India recycles plastic efficiently by establishing these “garbage cafes,” which exchange plastic waste for meals.
A typical garbage cafe can be built inside a converted bus shelter and offer a full meal for just two pounds of rubbish. In cities like Ambikapur, the trash is then sent to local waste collection centers, where the plastic trash is sorted into 63 different categories to be recycled. Garbage cafes offer endless benefits to the environment and the impoverished public.
The Benefits of Garbage Cafes
Garbage cafes help to spread awareness of plastic pollution by encouraging the public to collect plastic waste. Anyone can collect trash — factory workers, the homeless, mothers and their children — and earn a hot meal for their efforts.
The rising trend of garbage cafes has opened more job opportunities for women at the plastic collection centers. The collection centers in Ambikapur currently employ around 480 women. These employees, called “cleanliness sisters,” are able to earn a steady income of 8,000 to 10,000 rupees (about $100) a month and help their families.
Since 2016, garbage cafes have helped collection centers gather and recycle more than 50,000 tonnes of dry waste, including plastic, paper and cardboard. In addition, the garbage cafe trend is spreading to other states such as Telangana and Karnataka, helping to reduce the impact of plastic waste all over India. In 2019, 23 cafes opened in Delhi alone.
The Dangers of MLPs
Besides households, India has another big contributor to plastic waste. Its industries produce a highly durable type of plastic, known as multilayered plastics (MLPs), by combining materials such as aluminum to make packaging for products. Such plastics cannot be conveniently recycled and can quickly pile up in landfills. To solve this problem, WoWMaterials, an Indian company that produces sustainable building materials, has found a way to use MLPs to construct buildings.
An Efficient and Eco-Friendly Solution
Normally, India’s construction workers use plywood frame molds to shape concrete into solid walls. However, WoWMaterials is able to recycle MLPs into concrete construction molds. The company calculated that if all of India recycled plastic through these recycled plastic sheets, 25-30% of all nonrecycled plastics would be repurposed into reusable plastic frames.
In addition, RNS Infrastructure Limited General Manager G.S. Satheesh has remarked that these plastic molds are more durable than their wooden counterparts. Not only are the plastic versions lighter and easier to transport, but these MLP recycled molds can be reused more times — up to 21 repetitions compared to the 10-12 repetitions achieved with the use of standard plywood frames.
There are currently 34 km of recycled plastic roads in India. Their insulating properties make the roads more resilient to India’s frequent searing temperatures.
Plastic paver tiles: Nonrecyclable plastic waste can also be used to make cheap and eco-friendly paver tiles, which can be used in pedestrian walkways.
Looking Ahead
From using plastic trash to build houses to buying meals, India recycles plastic through innovative methods and sets an example for other nations by fighting both plastic pollution and poverty through the power of innovation.
– Isaac Lin
Photo: Flickr
How AI Systems Are Predicting Outbreaks of Malaria in Ghana
Traditional malaria tracking methods often create delays because they rely on slow reporting and limited surveillance tools, which prevent health officials from responding quickly to rising cases. Recently, Ghana has begun integrating artificial intelligence into its disease surveillance systems to enhance malaria control. AI-powered malaria prediction systems, such as the District Health Information Management System (DHIMS2) and the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), collect real-time health data and conduct malaria surveillance. These systems use climate information, satellite images and health reports to predict outbreaks.
Background
Ghana, located in West Africa and home to about 33.8 million people, shares borders with Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast and Togo. Historically known as the Gold Coast due to its abundant gold resources, Ghana has played a significant role in Africa’s development. Despite this history, malaria continues to affect the country heavily.
Ghana ranks among the top 15 countries with the highest malaria burden, accounting for about 5.3% of all malaria cases in West Africa. Ghana’s tropical climate provides perfect conditions for mosquitoes to breed rapidly, resulting in year-round malaria transmission. However, over the years, Ghana has introduced various malaria control strategies, ranging from early treatments such as chloroquine and quinine to modern interventions.
These include artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor residual spraying. Even with these efforts, malaria continues to strain Ghana’s health care system. Rural communities often submit reports late, struggle to access prevention tools and face drug resistance—factors that reduce the effectiveness of malaria control. These ongoing challenges have pushed Ghana to adopt AI-powered malaria prediction systems to strengthen early detection and reduce malaria cases.
AI-Driven Malaria Prediction Tools in Ghana
AI gives Ghana a more accurate and efficient way to understand and manage malaria. AI enhances data processing, health record management, feature identification, machine learning analysis, geospatial mapping and technical infrastructure—tools that aid researchers in studying malaria patterns more effectively. In recent years, Ghana has expanded the use of advanced AI-powered malaria prediction systems, such as the DHIMS2 and AI models developed by the NMIMR. These tools represent a major shift toward proactive, technology-driven malaria prediction.
DHIMS2
DHIMS2 serves as Ghana’s national digital health information management system, enabling health workers to collect and analyze data for enhanced health care management. Hospitals and clinics across the country upload information, including confirmed malaria cases, test results, treatment records and patient demographics. Because health workers enter data continuously, researchers and health officials can quickly identify unusual increases in malaria cases, rather than waiting for the slow processing of paper-based reports.
The platform covers every region, which helps experts create malaria risk maps, track seasonal changes and train AI models that forecast new outbreaks. By delivering fast and accurate data, DHIMS2 enhances Ghana’s ability to respond to malaria trends in real-time.
Noguchi Memorial Institute’s AI Surveillance Models
The NMIMR enhances malaria surveillance by gathering detailed data on mosquitoes, climate conditions and local disease patterns. Supported by a $3.5 million USAID grant, Noguchi researchers study malaria parasites, mosquito resistance and transmission trends.
The organization’s work contributes to the development of geospatial risk-mapping tools that combine health data with environmental factors, including rainfall, humidity, aridity and access to health care. These models help identify communities with a higher risk of malaria. Noguchi researchers also build on earlier studies that explore how climate conditions and mosquito behavior influence the spread of malaria. By producing this critical data, the NMIMR enhances Ghana’s early warning systems and improves malaria prediction.
Looking Ahead
As Ghana expands its use of AI-powered malaria prediction systems for malaria control, the country moves toward a more efficient and responsive public health system. Improving internet access, data accuracy and digital training for health care workers will further improve the effectiveness of AI tools. Partnerships with research institutions, technology companies and global health organizations will enhance Ghana’s ability to predict outbreaks in different regions.
With continued investment, Ghana can detect malaria risks earlier, direct resources to communities that need them most and reduce the incidence of new infections. Indeed, by embracing AI-powered solutions, Ghana can become a leader in modern malaria control and make significant progress toward long-term malaria reduction.
– Emmanuel Fagbemide
Photo: Unsplash
Debt Relief in Somalia: Billions for Growth and Development
This milestone represents the convergence of persistent national effort and a strategic international partnership. Through coordinated bilateral and multilateral engagement, Somalia secured debt alleviation, most notably under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative, launched in 1996 by the International Monetary Fund and World Bank to provide relief to countries burdened by unsustainable debt, while simultaneously reforming its economy and reconstructing state institutions. These efforts are notable for a country that endured decades of conflict and institutional collapse.
The Weight of Historical Debt
Most of Somalia’s debt accumulated during Siad Barre’s military dictatorship, which collapsed in 1991 and plunged the nation into civil war. These debt levels, coupled with instability, limited investment in health, education and infrastructure. In 1993, Somalia’s Human Development Index stood at 0.221, reflecting the lived consequences of these conditions. The debt crisis also severed Somalia’s engagement with global financial markets, deterring investors, creditors and potential trade partners who might otherwise have contributed to reconstruction efforts.
The Path to Relief
Breaking free from this debt trap required Somalia to meet exacting standards under the HIPC framework, which supported more than 30 heavily indebted nations. Participation required demonstrated implementation of domestic structural reforms. Somalia’s reform package was comprehensive and prioritized rebuilding state institutions and restoring public finances while incentivizing a competitive private sector.
With more than two-thirds of the population living on less than $2.15 a day, the government launched Baxaano, the nation’s first social safety net program. This initiative provided nutrition-linked cash transfers and emergency assistance to 3.7 million people. These reforms enabled Somalia to complete the HIPC process in December 2023, securing $4.5 billion in debt cancellation.
In March 2024, nearly all debt owed to members of the Paris Club, a group of wealthy creditor nations, was canceled. This cancellation is set to be finalized by the end of December 2025. In June, a further relief agreement with the OPEC Fund for International Development cleared $36 million. In November 2024, the United States, Somalia’s largest bilateral lender, which held approximately 20% of total external debt in 2018, forgave $1.1 billion in loans.
The cumulative impact of these measures reduced external debt from 64% of GDP in 2018 to 4.9% in 2025. This fiscal transformation occurred alongside measurable poverty reduction and strengthened institutional capacity.
Unlocking Resources for Development
Debt relief in Somalia means resources previously used for debt servicing can now fund social programs and infrastructure, allowing the government to better implement its National Transformation Plan. Sankareh stated that alleviation “opens the door for stronger institutions, better services and brighter prospects for Somali citizens, with impacts felt in classrooms, clinics, farms and markets.” Improvements have already been noted in health care, education and infrastructure.
Restored creditworthiness may reverse the investment drought that persisted for decades, particularly following Somalia’s recent integration into the East African Community, which provides access to regional markets of more than 300 million people. Somalia’s coastline positions it to develop blue economy sectors ranging from fisheries and port infrastructure to maritime transport.
Somalia stands at a turning point, with the potential to follow the paths of Uganda and Rwanda, where foreign investment flows and capital reforms following conflict and debt relief supported sustained investment in public infrastructure and transformative sectors.
Debt forgiveness provides fiscal breathing room, but sustaining momentum requires transitioning from grant dependence toward broader financial market participation. This includes developing sovereign bond capacity, expanding equity markets and deepening microfinance penetration. The International Monetary Fund identifies strengthened financial oversight and regulatory reform, including modernized fiscal codes and streamlined customs, as essential for attracting sustained investment. An effective tax system also remains necessary for long-term domestic resource mobilization.
A Model for Post-Conflict Recovery
Somalia’s debt relief trajectory offers insights for countries facing legacies of conflict and underdevelopment. It demonstrates that fragile states can rebuild credibility through governance reforms and transparent financial management. While international cooperation proved essential, progress ultimately depended on Somalia’s ownership of the reform process.
As Somalia’s deputy prime minister, Salah Jama, told the World Bank’s Fragility Forum, “We are out of failure … and working very hard to get out of fragility,” a statement that reflects both progress made and the vigilance still required. Debt relief in Somalia demonstrates that countries committed to reform, supported by coordinated international engagement, can overcome deeply entrenched challenges.
– Caroline Sheehan
Photo: Flickr
Homelessness in Palau: Providing Affordable Housing
Challenges to Palau
Palau faces numerous challenges to its socioeconomic stability. The COVID-19 pandemic presented setbacks to the country’s economy, one that centers largely on tourism. According to the Palau government’s Development Plan for 2023-2026, rising costs of construction materials and an unequal growth between incomes and housing prices make it harder to afford a home in Palau, especially amidst high demand. Additionally, land disputes resulting in displacement complicate matters of housing security.
Micronesian states like Palau are also highly vulnerable to natural disasters and the impacts of changing weather, including rising sea levels and extreme weather events. This is innately threatening to economic and housing stability, as changing weather patterns and homelessness have innate links.
Successes and Setbacks
According to the 2015 Pacific Regional MDG tracking report, there are no recorded informal settlements or squatters in Palau. This can indicate a lack of a significant homeless population in the state.
There are several programs and efforts to maintain access to affordable housing and prevent homelessness in Palau. Organizations like the Palau Housing Authority (PHA) and Housing Development Loan Program (HDLP) work to support those struggling to afford housing.
The Palau Housing Authority (PHA) provides low-income housing for families in Palau. According to the Island Times of Palau, last year the PHA was able to supply two home renovations and six new homes with $500,000 from the state’s supplemental budget. However, the PHA hopes for consistent annual funding from the Palau government in order to meet increasing demand for affordable housing. As of March 2025, the organization is facing financial shortfalls and struggling to repay loans amid increasing repayment costs. The organization has requested funding from numerous sources, including the Palau government, as well as the United States Department of Agriculture.
The Housing Development Loan Program is a $15 million program that originated in 2019 as the Palau government’s response to the worsening housing crisis in the state. According to the Island Times of Palau, this program resulted in the purchase of 36 homes as of 2020. Of the 36, two were displaced persons. Several states in Palau have requested funds for infrastructure for necessities like roads, power and water, that will allow for further housing projects to be completed.
Palau in a Global Context
Statistics for countries worldwide indicate Palau does relatively well in terms of human development and poverty rates, which suggests low rates of homelessness in Palau. While considered a developing country, Palau is upper-middle-income, according to the U.N. Micronesia Palau National Study. According to UNICEF, data estimates from 2006 indicate approximately 25% of the population in Palau lives below the national poverty line. This is significantly lower than the countries hardest hit by poverty, including South Sudan with a rate of 82%, according to the World Bank.
The Human Development Index (HDI) is a measure for progress in major areas of human development, including a decent standard of living. According to U.N. Human Development Reports, Palau’s HDI score of 0.786 ranks it high amongst countries around the globe. While it rose steadily since the year 2000, it decreased in the years following 2019. This is likely in part due to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which had adverse impacts on Palau, a country whose economy relies heavily on tourism. The HDI score has remained steady since 2022.
– Emma Kelsey
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
5 Charities Operating in Kosovo
As of 2016, Kosovo’s unemployment rate is a high 34.8%. By 2022, the World Bank estimated 25.4%-30% of the 1.8 million people in Kosovo to be living in poverty and earning incomes below the poverty line. Many issues, including women’s rights and freedom of expression, plague the country, leaving many feeling powerless. However, Kosovo’s poverty rates declined by 2022 and the World Bank expects them to decline even further. From child welfare to employment opportunities, many Kosovars and volunteers have united to fight for a brighter future. Since the political atmosphere of the 1990s, humanitarian organizations have helped vulnerable Kosovars by providing the resources they need to build their economy. While many nonprofit organizations are making a difference, five charities operating in Kosovo are making notable strides in combating poverty and improving the quality of life.
5 Charities Operating in Kosovo
The Bigger Picture
While seemingly unrelated to tackling the broader issue of poverty, these five charities operating in Kosovo have helped struggling people access resources to improve their social standing. Education, health care and social support can create long-term benefits, including economic growth and stronger global stability. Through continued efforts by charities like these, Kosovars can strengthen their ability to build a more secure and hopeful future.
– Cindy Nguyen
Photo: Unsplash
Empowering Women to Close the Gender Pay Gap in Malawi
Women are at an increased disadvantage due to social norms, creating an even bigger disparity in equality. The gender pay gap in Malawi affects not only women, as equality in the workplace, at home and societal beliefs can benefit everyone.
Conditions for Women in Malawi
Women hold low economic power in their homes and workplaces, balancing unpaid childcare with paid jobs in productive sectors such as agriculture and mining, while still consistently being offered fewer hours and lower wages than men.
Girls are typically married before 18, having to abandon their education to care for their children. This limits their opportunities in the workforce and continues to perpetuate the notion that women are less skilled and deserve less pay. By taking away the chance for a full education, women are left at a disadvantage compared to men, who can finish their education and enter the workforce.
Women as Leaders in Poverty Reduction
A 2023 UN Study focusing on the gender pay gap in East and Southern Africa supports the idea that women can become leaders in poverty reduction. Empowering women and giving them financial autonomy could help lift the entire country out of poverty. Women are more likely to share their income with the household, investing more in their children’s health, housing and education. Prioritizing investing in their own families further stimulates the economy and fuels the next generation to create better overall living conditions.
To integrate women confidently into the labor market, the U.N. is calling for legislative change, creating transparency in the hiring process and prohibiting discrimination based on gender or marital status. Malawi can achieve this by developing regulations for minimum wage, increasing benefits and making salaries publicly available. All of this contributes to the elimination of the glass ceiling, bringing women to the forefront of economic progress.
Malawi must work to change societal norms, while also implementing work-life balance policies to ensure that unpaid child care is no longer the only option. Progressing to share child care responsibilities will empower women and unlock the full potential of the Malawian workforce. Uplifting women will facilitate socioeconomic growth, working to lift the entire country above the poverty line.
The good news is that progress has already begun. Malawi has achieved an equal representation of genders in schools by removing education fees and creating a safe space for girls to learn. This is key in empowering young girls to enter the workforce with confidence and the knowledge necessary to succeed.
Empowered Women Advocating for Change
Advocacy and the creation of support programs are essential in closing this gender divide. The Young Feminists Network (YFN) is an organization that lobbied to establish an Executive Committee at the end of 2024, representing the interests of women nationwide. Its work is pivotal to bringing the gender pay gap in Malawi to the forefront of government policy changes and giving women a voice at the political level.
YFN’s Equal Pay Day event in 2025 brought women together to discuss the “Untapped Societal Potential due to the Persistent Gender Pay Gap.” This shift in narrative, driven by young women, places an increased emphasis on the value women have to the economy. YFN is working to reshape the idea that women are less by recognizing their potential to become integral members of society.
This is vital work, increasing awareness and empowering women across the country to be confident and demand equal pay. YFN is an effective example of how societal norms are shifting and how women are asking for more. The full potential for Malawi’s economic growth is being unlocked as women find their collective confidence to demand equal pay. Young women are at the forefront of calling for change, not just to benefit themselves, but to help everyone in Malawi.
With government support and legislative change to close the gender pay gap in Malawi, women will continue to rise and bring prosperity to their country. Empowering women and giving them financial autonomy will lead to poverty reduction, powering the economy to create a sustainable future. All Malawian women need is the space to succeed.
– Hope Jowharian
Photo: Flickr
3 Initiatives Fighting Pollution and Plastic Waste in Nigeria
Nigeria itself is a major contributor to ocean pollution, ranking ninth globally, where proposed bans often struggle with inconsistency across the country. Studies also show alarming levels of microplastics in water sources such as the Osun River.
However, numerous organizations are actively trying to combat plastic waste and pollution in Nigeria and the city of Lagos. Below are three organizations creating a significant impact towards fighting pollution in Nigeria.
Recycling Scheme for Women and Youth Empowerment (RESWAYE)
What’s unique about this organization is that it tackles plastic pollution and empowers women and young people economically through recycling and waste collection. Focusing its area of work in the coastal communities of Lagos for marine pollution, the target demographic for volunteers is females 16 and older.
Doyinsola Ogunye founded the organization in 2019 while previously attending the University of Lagos and went to Nigerian Law School.
One of the most prominent projects within the organization is the plastic buy-back scheme in Ibeju Lekki, a coastal area made up of 16 communities heavily affected by plastic pollution. Supported by The Coca-Cola Foundation and carried out in partnership with the Mental and Environmental Development Initiative for Children (MEDIC), the project aimed to reduce plastic waste while creating economic opportunities for women and young people.
As a result, the program collected about 150,000 kilograms of plastic waste, preventing it from entering waterways and coastal ecosystems. Besides the environmental impact made, it was reported that more than 2,000 women and youth received training, support, and income-generating opportunities through recycling.
Besides this initiative, the organization’s main goal is to engage with and educate the community, host beach cleanups and collaborate with partners. In 2022, RESWAYE partnered with Unity Bank to remove over 100,000 plastic bottles from a Lagos beach on World Earth Day.
Splendour Empowerment Foundation (SEF)
SEF has a mission to integrate digital technology with community-led recycling to transform plastic waste into economic benefit. The organization has developed mobile platforms and applications that let residents log their plastic-collection activity and track how much waste was collected and what type of waste was collected. The information is stored in a tamper-proof digital record or a “digital ledger” to help with transparency and prevent greenwashing, which is when companies or groups make themselves look environmentally responsible without real proof or action
Splendour Joe-King, a well-known Nigerian child rights activist, founded the organization and gained public attention very young. At age 9, she authored a book, Effects of Terrorism on Children, drawing on her experiences and interviews.
Beyond environmental work, SEF focuses on peace in Nigeria. In 2022, the organization launched a “Peace Club Nigeria” project in schools to train children to become peace ambassadors. That same year, the organization announced it will be focusing on improving education for children ages 0-18.
The SEF’s original mission was to support children’s education, health, and peacebuilding. In recent years, it has expanded its mission to address environmental issues.
RecyclePoints
Based in Nigeria, this social benefit venture tackles pollution’s main challenge: sustaining its effectiveness. To combat this, the organization is using a points-based incentive model to encourage recycling, where properly disposing of plastic bottles, used beverage cans, glass bottles, old newspapers and brown corrugated cartons can bring citizens points that redeem household items.
The collection program uses “points” to quantify the number of recycled items at the time of disposal. Members get weekly messages through their cellphones, updating them how many points they have. The points redeemed reach the iRecycle Store, where subscribers can choose to use their points for any household product they need. Members can also earn bonus points for any additional environmentally sustainable activity.
However, under the WastePickers Initiative (WPI), members can trade in their points for cash instead of products. The amount of money an individual receives is based on the calculated weight of materials being recycled.
In addition to educating residents, the organization also partners with companies and schools to expand recycling efforts citywide.
Founded in 2012 by Mazi Ukonu (CEO) and Chioma Uko (COO), the organization has since been in partnership with the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA). In 2021, RecyclePoints launched a partnership with the Mastercard Foundation to scale their initiative under Project DORI where they procured and installed 40 recycling bins across Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Owerri.
Plastic waste in Nigeria is a prominent global challenge, RecyclePoints demonstrates that change can begin with ordinary households and everyday habits.
– Zosia Paciorek
Photo: Flickr
NGOs Partnerships Following Foreign Aid Cuts in Uganda
Uganda lost 66% of the funding received from USAID, which is approximately $307 million. As a result, many areas have been affected, including food aid, which has been cut due to a funding shortage, leading to increased hunger and malnutrition. However, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are hard-pressed to continue providing services on the same scale with less funding.
The Impact of Foreign Aid Cuts on Uganda
1. Education:
USAID funding supported school construction and the procurement of learning materials in Uganda. The funding also supported teacher training programs. Digital learning tools provided schools in remote areas, improving access to education. The lack of funding results in under-resourced schools and a reduced ability to meet growing demands.
This affects girls explicitly as it decreases their access to education regarding reproductive and menstrual health. Girls, seeking security, will marry early and lose hard-fought gains in gender equity. In refugee communities, funding shortages have led to staffing shortages. In one refugee settlement, there were 36 teachers with more than 3,400 students. Following funding cuts, nine teachers are left to manage classes of up to 500 students each.
2. Health:
USAID administers close to 60% of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) bilateral funding, which provided more than half of the medication and staff needed to respond to the HIV epidemic in Uganda. PEPFAR also accounted for nearly 90% of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) initiatives on a global scale. Millions now are at risk of contracting HIV due to foreign aid cuts.
PrEP is restricted to pregnant and lactating mothers. Funding cuts cause immediate disruptions in care for thousands who depend on consistent medication (i.e., Anti-Retroviral Therapy). This increases the risk of babies being born with HIV. Vaccine shortages caused by foreign aid cuts increase the risk of contracting other diseases like TB, Ebola and Malaria.
Foreign aid cuts also lead to staffing shortages, making it challenging for those who remain to deliver the same level of health care with fewer resources and a reduced number of qualified staff.
One NGO in particular, St. Francis Health Care Services, provided HIV testing, medication and prevention products to sex workers in Uganda, but this was stopped due to cuts in foreign aid. Mwesigye, a country representative with the U.K.-based NGO All We Can, stated, “You know, there was almost an alarm… people were being told to run as fast as they could to the next health unit to get their dose for a few months… but that is also going to run out.”
The Response
When formal protection systems collapsed, local citizens and/or refugees stepped up to fill the gap. The NGO St. Francis Health Care Services received funding from PEPFAR several years earlier. However, its funding was cut after Uganda passed its anti-homosexuality act. The nonprofit was able to secure the funding again; however, its leadership began to realize how dangerous it could be for them and their ability to continue providing the vital services needed in the community.
After the organization’s funding was cut the first time, it began seeking private donors. It increased its revenue by offering paid services, such as surgery, maternal care, radiology and dental exams. As a result, it was less vulnerable to the effects of the foreign aid cuts. However, health leaders still had to make decisions in response to the cuts to foreign aid.
Other strategies implemented include moving away from standalone HIV/TB clinics and referring patients to government outpatient clinics; utilizing a large network of private clinics, seeking non-U.S. international collaborations, increasing donor outreach and implementing technological solutions (e.g., AI). Health officials propose using AI to identify high-risk patients, allowing them to be seen sooner.
Another NGO, Soft Power Health, continues to care for approximately 50,000 patients. This organization operates on a $699,000 budget, which is funded by private organizations and individual donors. It was also more insulated against the foreign aid cuts and continued its work. Services provided include transportation, free HIV medication and gardening and health education. Another clinic lost its funding and donated medical equipment to Soft Power Health, allowing it to continue testing for TB.
Grassroots Groups in Uganda
In response to the aid cuts, grassroots groups in Uganda have turned to farming, petty trade and vocational activities, selling milk and produce, while youth join skills programs to learn trades like tailoring. Women have formed support groups for survivors of gender-based violence and girls at risk, which have become lifelines through regular meetings and check-ins.
These community efforts are complemented by Volunteer Village Health Teams, who refer survivors to clinics that remain open, provide mental health services and conduct awareness sessions on gender rights and protection. Boda Boda riders, a network of volunteer motorcycle riders, transport survivors from remote villages to clinics, legal aid offices, or safer areas and have organized informal night patrols to discourage exploitation and monitor hotspots known for abuse.
Forging a Path Forward
Joy Kawanguzi, team leader of FABIO-Uganda, discusses the abruptness of the foreign aid cuts in Uganda: “It did not give us time to prepare. So the abruptness alone is an inconvenience.” She adds that the foreign aid cuts “put local organizations in a place where they start feeling like they are more implementers of donor ideologies. Because if a local organization were a key player, this decision would not have been drastic. There would have been consultations.”
Mwesigye agrees and advocates for organizations to be able to use funding for core costs instead of just fulfilling projects: “…if core costs are paid for; if you build the institution rather than fulfill project goals, then the institution will be bold enough to be able to work and do what it needs to do.”
These statements are indicative of a desire to move away from dependence on outside donors. Their sentiment is fueled by the question no one can answer: “What if this happens again?” The path forward for the people of Uganda is one where they have free rein with the resources they are given and the opportunity to achieve independence.
– Danielle Milano
Photo: Pexels