Archive for category: Charity

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How Kids Club Kampala Is Helping Vulnerable Children in Uganda

Kids Club KampalaKids Club Kampala is an award-winning charity supporting vulnerable children in the slums of Kampala, the capital of Uganda. The organization aims to transform children’s lives by providing education and safeguarding their childhoods and futures. Uganda, one of the world’s most impoverished countries, has 42% of its population living in poverty, with 3.3 million people residing in slums as of 2012.

The slums are overcrowded, leading to poor sanitation and high crime rates. One in three adults has never received an education. Similarly, more than half of the population struggles to afford food, surviving just one meal daily. Kids Club Kampala currently supports 300,000 people across 12 slum communities in Kampala.

About Kids Club Kampala

Kids Club Kampala was founded in 2007 when two women visited Uganda for seven months and met a local who shared his struggles growing up in a challenging environment. Inspired by his story, the three joined forces, gathered volunteers and launched a charity to improve living conditions in Uganda’s slums.

Kids Club Kampala supports both children and their immediate families. The organization aims to transform children’s lives and lift their communities from poverty. It focuses on helping children aged 3 to 18 living in the slums through four key programs: community outreach, protecting, educating and skilling.

Community Outreach

Kids Club Kampala’s Community Outreach program efforts continue to make a significant impact, engaging children and youth in meaningful programs. In 2024, a total of 64 boys regularly participated in the initiative’s football project, benefiting from field training sessions that foster teamwork and discipline.

Additionally, 696 vulnerable girls have received crucial support through counseling sessions, providing them with guidance and emotional well-being. Every Saturday, 861 children actively join the charity’s Kids Clubs, creating a safe and enriching learning and social interaction space. To address period poverty, it has distributed 2,386 menstrual products to girls who would otherwise lack access, ensuring their dignity and uninterrupted education.

Child Protection

Further, the foundation’s Child Protection program safeguards children in imminent danger, ensuring their safety and well-being. In 2024, it rescued nine children from abuse and abandonment, while its community safeguarding officers responded to 14 child protection cases.

On top of that, the initiative, in efforts to provide stable and nurturing environments, has reintegrated 14 children into families through kinship care. Currently, 84 children are receiving love, care and protection at the Ewafe Project home, offering them a secure and supportive environment.

Access to Education

Kids Club Kampala’s Access to Education program is committed to providing high-quality education to children through sponsorship opportunities. In 2024, 17 new children were enrolled in the Child Sponsorship Project, bringing the total number of sponsored children to 176.

Additionally, 90 children have consistently attended its Encouraging Education Project every day over the past year, ensuring they receive the academic support they need. To further support their well-being, these 90 children have also benefited from daily nutritious meals at the charity’s education center, helping them stay healthy and focused on their studies.

The Skilling Program

Kids Club Kampala’s Skilling program equips individuals with essential business and professional skills to create sustainable livelihoods. Through the program, 12 young people enrolled in a carpentry training course in 2024, gaining practical expertise to secure future employment.

Additionally, 79 students have received business training and support, empowering them with the knowledge to start and manage their own ventures. To further enhance economic opportunities, the program provided training in tailoring and knitting for 132 individuals, enabling them to develop marketable skills that contributed to their financial independence and overall family stability.

Conclusion

Through community outreach, child protection, education access and family strengthening, Kids Club Kampala continues transforming lives. Indeed, the organization empowers vulnerable children and families by providing essential support, education and skill development, fostering a brighter and more sustainable future.

– Jennifer Cermak

Jennifer is based in York, Ontario, Canada and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Footprints Family Is Transforming Lives in Shimba Hills

Footprints FamilyIn Shimba Hills, Kenya, many challenges keep families from meeting basic needs. With a population of more than 866,000, Kwale County is Kenya’s 27 most populated counties. Kwale is also one of Kenya’s most impoverished and marginalized counties.

Primarily, the youth of Shimba Hills face a lack of quality schools, limited access to health care and essential medications, poor infrastructure and inhumane living conditions. The primary catalyst of these issues is the lack of government support. Both at the local and national level, there is little to no federal interference to resolve these life-threatening matters.

Poverty in Kenya

The overall poverty rate of Kenya in 2022 was 39.8%, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. In Kwale County, the child poverty headcount rate is 51.1%, with almost 1,000 children below the poverty line.

Rural areas are also hit at an unequal rate compared to urban areas, forcing them into a more difficult cycle of poverty. In 2022, the hardcore poverty rate in rural Kenya was 9.3%, affecting around 3.2 million people. Along with being hit at an unfair rate, rural areas such as Shimba Hills also show weaker recovery from poverty rates yearly, especially post-COVID-19.

Footprints Family

In 2007, Kerry Watson visited East Africa. Her trip turned from simply volunteering to a widespread child poverty activism project in Kwale County. That same year, Watson bought land and created the U.K.-based charity Footprints Family. After opening its doors in 2010, Footprints Family has profoundly helped more than 200 people in the Shimba Hills community.

After nearly two decades, Footprints Family has achieved numerous milestones in supporting Kwale’s most vulnerable children. Hundreds have benefited from free education programs, secure on-site accommodations during school terms and improved access to education through dedicated transportation services.

Along with nurturing relationships among families facing unfortunate situations, Footprints Family offers three programs to target specific problems at home.

Mama Kerry’s Home-Based Care

Introduced in 2019, Mama Kerry’s Home-Based Care program offers essential support tailored to the unique dynamics of children’s families. In partnership with the Children’s Welfare Society of Kenya, the program conducts assessments and provides financial assistance and food packages to those in need. As a result, most children are successfully reintegrated into kinship care, with regular follow-up visits ensuring continued support.

The Mkwakwani Stepping Stone Youth Program

The Mkwakwani Steppingstone Youth Program supports children in their transition to adulthood, equipping them for a brighter future. Upon completing formal education, participants receive continued assistance through counseling, educational programs, cyberlearning centers and more.

The Early Years Academy

In 2021, the nonprofit introduced Early Years Academy to address education and learning poverty by creating a school accessible to children ages 4-11. The staff consists of trained educators and transportation is provided to and from schools in surrounding villages. The extensive grounds allow each child to learn hands-on and make the most of the nature surrounding them.

Conclusion

Footprints Family remains a lifeline for vulnerable children in Shimba Hills, filling the gaps left by inadequate government support. Through education, family reintegration and youth empowerment programs, the organization transforms lives and creates lasting change. With continued support and donations, Footprints Family can expand its impact and provide a brighter future for the children of Kwale County.

– Rachael Wexler

Rachael is based in Chicago IL, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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5 Charities Operating in Aruba

Charities Operating in ArubaAruba is a well known and beautiful island in the Caribbean. Its population is only around 125,000. However, it is estimated around 1.5 million people visit the island each year, that was until a global pandemic hit. COVID-19 devastated Aruba’s economy and is still in recovery from it, as the country relies heavily on tourism for income. The good news is, while the country is still recovering, there are many charities on the island that can help with issues such as food insecurity, health and education. Here is a list of five charities operating in Aruba right now.

5 Charities Operating in Aruba

  1. HIAS – HIAS is an organization which opened its Aruba office in 2019, and works to create programs to help the island’s most vulnerable groups, such as refugees fleeing violence and poverty, single women, the elderly and those with disabilities and medical conditions. HIAS has implemented economic inclusion programs that have helped hundreds of people living in Aruba by providing food vouchers, school supplies as well as medical and hygiene kits to those living in poverty on the island. Through all its programs, it has been able to give direct support to 3,005 in Aruba in 2023.
  2. Kids Inc. Aruba – This organization was founded in 2006 and offers classes for kids in Aruba with newer educational practices so they have a leg up for modern day and future opportunities. It focuses mainly on creating a new generation of hard working and smart entrepreneurs and teaching kids financial literacy. It offers multiple programs which advocate for smart spending and have set many children up for financial responsibility. 
  3. Red Cross Aruba – The Red Cross in Aruba helps with first aid and relief during natural disasters, and also has a long term impact through its CPR, AED and first aid training. It also holds events to help the impoverished on the island. Events like their “drive by for back 2 school” aim to provide school supplies for children in need. It also holds a monthly charity bazaar, selling donated items to raise money to provide food for families in need. 
  4. Kiwanis Club of Aruba – This club, founded in 1964, is dedicated to providing Aruba with necessary community service with a specific focus on children. It holds events and galas to fundraise and then use the money to hold different events for those in need. The club’s annual back to school drive donates clothes and school materials to children in primary school. Furthermore, it offers them a fun experience or activity on the day. Its members also give free services such as dental care to children who would otherwise go without it. The community as a whole averages 7,300,000 hours of community service a year and each member reaches about 100 kids.
  5. Micky’s Foundation – Micky’s Foundation started in 2014 after a family in need recognized the lack of treatment for specialized pediatric therapy in Aruba. They started the foundation which has been able to provide free intensive pediatric therapy to those in need. The foundation not only offers therapy but also focuses on educating those of pediatric therapy and why it is necessary, as well as lobbying to change the systems in place that withhold it from those in need. Since its beginning, the Foundation has been able to help 203 kids with more than 22,500 hours of free therapy. 

Looking Ahead

These five charities operating in Aruba give lasting services and contributions to those on the island. They have been able to help countless people, and continue to do so in their work. These charities are operating to improve Aruba. They do so through their positive missions and goals to improve the health of the island and its people

– Cheyenne Weller

Cheyenne is based in Boston, MA, USA  and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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5 Charities Operating in Senegal

Charities Operating in Senegal
Senegal, the westernmost country in Africa, is a country of rich history and culture, however many of the Senegalese people continue to face the challenges of poverty despite its economic progress in recent years. As of 2024, nearly 36% of the population lived below the national poverty line, with rural communities being the most vulnerable. Food insecurity is one of the most common issues, and malnutrition is a large concern, with 66% “of children under five years old suffering from anemia,” a condition that impacts how children grow and develop. While the country has made strides in health care there were an estimated 44,000 citizens living with HIV in 2023. Despite these difficulties, Senegal is full of resilience with many charities operating in Senegal to provide for those in need. Below are five charities operating in Senegal. They are dedicated to uplifting communities and making a difference in Senegal.

Food for Life Senegal

Food for Life Senegal is an international charity that focuses on combating hunger and malnutrition. This organization is dedicated to providing meals to the affected communities with the hope that it will lead to healthier living. Aside from combating hunger, the organization also looks to further health care and educational resources. Food for Life Senegal sees how all of these areas are interconnected, so by focusing on all three they are able to create a more lasting impact on selected communities.

The organization also identifies the most in need communities when looking for areas to assist. Its work not only relieves immediate hunger, but also teaches able community members agricultural practices so the community can become more sustainable.

Caritas Internationalis

Caritas Internationalis has had a large role in humanitarian aid since it received recognition in 1966. This global Catholic relief organization provides emergency assistance and long-term development programs to support communities. Their main focus is poverty reduction in the eyes of emergency assistance when addressing different public health crises, with most of their focus going to people living with HIV/AIDS.

Caritas Internationalis helps to empower these extremely poverty-stricken communities in Senegal by providing health care. Whether it be short or long term, this organization is one of the top providers in health care for developing countries.

ADIFS

Empowering women is the overall theme of the Association pour le Développement Intégral de la Femme au Sénégal (ADIFS). This organization looks to better the lives of Senegalese women by offering education, vocational training and essential health services. This helps the women of Senegal become more independent, as well as becoming better equipped to provide for themselves or their family.

In addition to skill training, this organization helps to create campaigns that raise awareness for issues like “gender-based violence, female genital mutilation, and early marriage.” The combined areas help to empower the women of Senegal by providing them with the tools, freedom and support necessary to succeed.

Plan International Senegal

Plan International is a global organization that fights poverty and inequality through targeted interventions for children. In Senegal, the organization focuses on providing educational opportunities for children as well as improving access to health care and other important services. The belief behind this strategy is that children are the path to creating a greater future.

Sahel École Sans Frontières

Sahel École Sans Frontières (SESF) is a grassroots organization committed to improving access to quality education in the more rural areas of Senegal. Founded in 2007, SESF has played an important role in building schools and creating educational opportunities for the underserved communities of Senegal. Helping create the infrastructure needed is one of the largest challenges that Senegal faces in terms of quality education.

Looking Ahead

These five charities operating in Senegal are committed to helping the country of Senegal create the path to becoming a more sustainable nation. Whether it is through food assistance, healthcare, education or women’s empowerment, the efforts they make are shaping a more sustainable future. By supporting the work of these charities, people worldwide can contribute to meaningful change for the Senegalese people.

– Joey Picolli

Joey is based in Boulder, CO, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Students Against Global Poverty

Students Against Global PovertyIn the fight against global poverty, students are a vital and often overlooked aspect of charity initiatives. Students are working with charities alongside their academics to help those most in need through fundraising and volunteering efforts. In an interview with The Borgen Project, Charlotte, a university student working with MEDLIFE, stressed the importance of student participation in fighting poverty and assisting with development projects.

MEDLIFE

MEDLIFE is a global charity that helps to develop low-income communities by improving health care and education. In its efforts to achieve a world free of poverty, MEDLIFE adopts a community-focused approach and offers sustainable solutions to provide long-term aid and improvement. The nonprofit works with local staff and citizens to provide “culturally sensitive” aid and development programs to underserved communities.

Through collaborating with local doctors, the charity ensures that development projects will continue to benefit the community for a longer period rather than solely providing immediate relief. By August 2023, MEDLIFE had more than 30,000 volunteers and had established more than 600 community projects. MEDLIFE focuses on preventative health care through education.

By providing education on key health issues, the organization aims to prevent health care disasters that particularly impact those living in poverty. With a woman dying every two minutes due to childbirth or pregnancy, MEDLIFE’s Mobile Clinics offer specialized educational workshops on women’s reproductive health in efforts to prevent key issues, such as breast or cervical cancers).

Students Working With MEDLIFE

MEDLIFE offers students the chance to directly impact efforts seeking to alleviate the pressures of global poverty. Students can start MEDLIFE societies at a college/university to assist with fundraising efforts and organize volunteer trips to help with specific community projects. In 2024, Students at University College London (UCL) participated in a volunteer trip to Lima, Peru, to directly contribute to the operation of community developments.

In an interview with The Borgen Project, Charlotte reflected on how students working in Lima witnessed people face challenges accessing health care and resources. The students helped to establish and maintain Mobile Clinics specializing in general medicine, dental, obstetrics and gynecology, pharmacy, hygiene and education. Other initiatives also involved assisting with community transformation, such as building parks and stairs. The UCL Society is organizing plans for its next trip; destinations could include Costa Rica or Peru.

When asked whether students are recognized for their roles in fighting global poverty, Charlotte explained that “students often don’t receive enough recognition for their contributions.” Regarding how recognition helps raise awareness, Charlotte commented that “by shining a light on student contributions, we not only validate their efforts but also encourage a culture of social responsibility among peers.”

MEDLIFE is open not only to medical students but also to those studying a wide range of disciplines. When asked about the benefits of this, Charlotte explained how a diverse group of students is extremely useful to the charity. For example, an engineering student can assist in the structured development of the communities and a business or economics student may lead fundraising.

Conclusion

Globally, students work with a wide range of charities to assist in the fight against global poverty. Without help from students, charities could lack the appropriate funds to provide adequate aid to those in need. They are not only providing thousands in fundraising but also have the time and skills to deliver hands-on support.

– Ellie Western

Ellie is based in London, UK and focuses on Global Health and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Organizations Helping to Reduce Poverty in Malta

Poverty in MaltaMalta is an island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, lying between North Africa and Sicily in southern Europe. The capital of Malta, Valletta, is the smallest in Europe in terms of geography and population. In the past decade, the minimum wage in Malta has risen by 29%, yet rising living costs have left one in five people at risk of poverty.

Without significant government action, such as raising the minimum wage by more than the current average of 3% annually, this number might grow significantly in the next 10 years. To address this issue, numerous charities and organizations across the country focus on combating poverty through various initiatives, including alleviating food insecurity and providing educational services. Here are five charities and nonprofit organizations helping to reduce poverty in Malta.

Foodbank Lifeline Foundation

Established in 2018 by Reverend Kim Hurst, the organization started as an unofficial program to feed roughly 30 families that attended Saint Andrew’s Scots Church in Valletta. Due to the rising demand for food, Hurst formed the organization to help combat food insecurity throughout Malta. The organization relies on food donations and distributes the food in parcels on the islands of Malta and Gozo. Currently, the Foodbank Lifeline Foundation provides much-needed food security to more than 300 families in Malta and Gozo.

Foundation for Educational Services

Created in 2001 by Malta’s Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, the organization provides various child care services across Malta. The initiative currently operates 13 childcare centers across Malta, aiming to give babies and toddlers a chance to develop a lifetime of learning in a fun, caring and stimulating environment. Foundation for Educational Services also provides various after-school programs for children on the islands of Malta and Gozo whose parents are at work.

Malta Foundation for the Well-Being of Society

Formed in 2014 by the then-president of Malta, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, the organization primarily focuses on fostering child participation in Maltese life. The organization does this through various projects, like The Right to Play and “The Children’s Manifesto.” In addition to these projects, the organization has established “Children’s Councils” throughout Malta, where children have a voice in their local communities.

Aditus

Established in 2011 by Neil Falzon, Nicola Mallia and Carla Camilleri, the organization primarily focuses on human rights in Malta. Aditus is “called on to monitor, report and act on access to human rights in Malta.” The organization works on projects and campaigns that revolve around migration and transition into life in Malta, like the #DontLetThemDrown hashtag campaign. In addition, the organization campaigns throughout Malta on issues like housing accommodations for those at risk of poverty and rights for undocumented people and families in Malta.

Caritas Malta

Founded in 1968, the organization focuses on charity and volunteer work for Malta’s impoverished citizens. Its most successful project, “New Hope,” focuses heavily on substance abuse and rehabilitation, family services and a prison inmate program.

However, the organization also provides other forms of social welfare, including employment assistance programs and counseling. The organization researches and outlines the various ways people live in poverty in Malta and details how the cost of living in Malta impacts all facets of Maltese life through its reports.

Conclusion

These five charities and nonprofit organizations are, among many others, dedicated to reducing poverty in Malta. Despite the challenges faced by some, the people of Malta have demonstrated a strong sense of community, working together to support and uplift one another.

– Julius Millan

Julius is based in New York, NY, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Addressing Health Initiatives With Oxfam in South Sudan

Addressing Health Initiatives With Oxfam in South SudanSouth Sudan is a country facing significant challenges due to ongoing conflict and instability. To address this, Oxfam is supporting health and nutrition initiatives that significantly benefit communities in South Sudan. This organization has been active in Sudan for more than 30 years and is helping families rebuild their lives. After becoming an independent state just over a decade ago, South Sudan became caught in conflict when war arose in Juba in 2013, becoming one of the many new hosts of 2.5 million refugees living in poverty.

Taking Action

Oxfam’s health interventions include installing wells remote water and sanitation stations, increasing food security and protecting land rights and natural resources, particularly for farmers. Oxfam has provided aid by distributing food to more than 415,000 individuals and helping more than 140,000 people reach clean water and sanitation stations throughout their time in the country. 

It is increasing access to these resources by prioritizing the islands closest to Nyal, where a majority of families are coming from. To support the influx of people coming in, Oxfam provides emergency services to communities by increasing gardens, water storage points, bathing facilities and providing cooking and farming supplies. This empowers communities to rebuild their livelihoods to support their families long-term. The number of refugees seeking aid in the country has increased 10 times since gaining independence, reaching about 107,000 people in 2012.

Hunger

In addition to an increase in refugees, more than half of the population of South Sudan already lives in extreme hunger. The state relies heavily on imported foods and with the impact of border conflicts making imports less accessible, inflation is at a high. Increasing food prices make it more difficult for people to feed their families, increasing widespread famine and malnutrition. Not only does Oxfam provide families with the tools necessary to restabilize, but it also teaches them efficient farming and planting techniques. These processes could improve their crop yield and soil fertility, ensuring successful food production for future generations. 

Impact of Flooding in South Sudan

The country has faced severe floods for consecutive years since 2018, now leaving approximately 70% of the country covered in water. This destroys homes, farmland, schools and health centers and washes away roads, making transportation and importation incredibly difficult. Due to heavy periods of rainfall, flooding disperses and does not permeate the already saturated soil, making large portions of land inaccessible. This increases displacement as communities lose their homes, farmland and livestock. In turn, this increases the number of individuals requiring food, shelter, clean water and medical aid, increasing Oxfam initiatives throughout the entire country. 

Canoe Vouchers

A town in South Sudan that has been especially welcoming to refugees, Nyal, has become home to many individuals searching for food and shelter. Through support from Oxfam and Irish Aid, the community offers canoe transportation to and from Nyal based on a free voucher system to help displaced individuals access food and medical care. Traveling by foot is considered unsafe for women, making canoe transportation the more efficient and protected route, taking about three days to cross the swamps. This program also provides jobs for community members, allowing both men and women to establish a stable income to support their families for the first time since 2013. 

Supporting Women

Oxfam is specifically addressing issues of under-reported instances of sexual violence against women in South Sudan. In heightened periods of conflict, sexual exploitation is used as a war tool and is often overlooked regarding the outcomes of war. Oxfam is creating safe spaces to offer medical aid and educate women about their rights. Women are encouraged to find a sense of community among each other and to feel empowered to ensure their rights are not violated. 

At the Jamam camp located in the Upper Nile region, Oxfam conducted research to ensure safe and clean access to water collection points and lavatory facilities. A survey revealed that more than 10% of women felt there was not enough privacy in public restrooms, Oxfam increased separation and staffing, prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of these women. Prioritizing privacy as well as sanitation also helps prevent the spread of diseases. Staff is constantly reviewing feedback and comments from community members on how these resources can be improved. 

Overall Impact in South Sudan

These ongoing efforts increase community resilience, improve health and reduce poverty. Oxfam is critical in on-ground relief for refugees and struggling communities in Sudan and regions across southern Africa. Oxfam supports more than 500,000 individuals in these areas with long-term and emergency care. It is actively working to provide access to clean water and sanitation for 90,000 people in South Sudan and is working to reach a goal of $7 million to expand its reach to aid 400,000 people. The organization has been incredibly successful in addressing health concerns and rising poverty levels through life-saving initiatives with Oxfam in South Sudan. These major efforts providing health aid to those displaced have been incredibly beneficial to families looking to reestablish their communities and stability in uncertain times.

– Lauren Sellman

Lauren is based in Rochester Hills, MI, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Organizations Supporting Rice Farming in Vietnam

Charities Aid Rice Farmers in VietnamVietnam, which has seen a rapid reduction in poverty, decreased its poverty rate from 16.8% to below 5% over the last decade, lifting more than 10 million people out of extreme poverty. The country attributes much of this success to rapid employment growth and development in labor-intensive export sectors, including rice production.

The country ranks as the third largest producer and exporter of rice, with the crop occupying 82% of the country’s arable land. Despite significant strides in poverty reduction, rural areas, particularly in the Red River and Mekong deltas, continue to struggle with high rates of child poverty. Smallholder farmers in these regions rely heavily on rice for their livelihoods, yet they represent about 80% of Vietnam’s remaining poor population.

Numerous organizations and charities are crucial in providing education and resources to these farmers, enhancing their living standards and helping eradicate rural poverty. The drastic transformation in agriculture has fueled economic changes and significantly contributed to the reduction of poverty in Vietnam.

World Bank

The Vietnam Sustainable Agriculture Transformation Project (VnSAT) is boosting farmers by advancing sustainable rice farming techniques through improved knowledge and resources. The project includes restructuring initiatives such as training courses, building infrastructure like electricity and accessible roads and deploying new equipment. Particularly active in the impoverished Mekong Delta region, VnSAT has enabled farmers to cut their input use by 50% and increase their earnings by an average of 30%. With 62.9% of the population benefitting from its efforts, VnSAT has proven to be a major success. Reducing input and resource use is critical for lowering costs for smallholder farmers, especially as prices for fuel, pesticides and fertilizers continue to rise, which puts farmers under increasing pressure to boost production.

RIKOLTO

Rikolto, an independent international NGO, supports smallholder farmers in Vietnam by focusing on rural poverty alleviation and promoting a sustainable, inclusive rice sector. The organization aims to ensure food security for future generations in a climate-friendly way. Its operations rest on three pillars: increasing rice productivity sustainably, promoting market inclusivity for independent farmers and strengthening governance through multi-stakeholder platforms to influence policies. Rikolto has successfully introduced Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) production practices to 3,000 farmers by 2023, reducing production costs by 12%. Additionally, the organization enhances women’s involvement in decision-making and pilots new rice farming techniques to boost yield and income for smallholder farmers in Vietnam.

IFAD

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) collaborates with partners and the Vietnamese government to help the country’s poorest people, especially ethnic minorities, women and independent farmers, overcome extreme poverty. The rural poor often face limited access to services, transportation and resources and are particularly vulnerable to natural disasters and changing weather patterns. IFAD’s strategy promotes participation, strengthens institutional capacity and builds partnerships to enhance living standards and reduce poverty among the most vulnerable groups in Vietnam.

The Pro-Poor Partnership for Agroforestry Development Project focuses on upland farmers in northern Vietnam’s poorest areas. These farmers face challenges due to limited agricultural land, mountainous terrain and underdeveloped forestry resources, which are crucial for their food security and income. The project enhances equity in forest land allocation, develops hillside farming systems and diversifies income-generating opportunities to support these communities.

Looking Ahead

Vietnam’s rural farmers face daily challenges in combating poverty, but with support from various organizations and charities, they are integrating into a broader, more inclusive society. This integration supports sustainable farming practices that provide food and income for rice farmers. By 2050, the global population is expected to exceed 9.6 billion, necessitating a 50% increase in global food production to ensure worldwide food security. Family farms, which produce 70% of the world’s food, play a crucial role in maintaining these essential agricultural practices for the global population.

– Sofia Bowes

Sofia is based on the Isle Of Skye and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Sofia Bowes

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Children in Poverty: 5 Stories From La Esperanza Granada

Children in Poverty: 5 Stories From La Esperanza Granada In Nicaragua, La Esperanza Granada, a charity established in 2002, supports more than 400 children on the outskirts of Granada. Collaborating with the Ministry of Education and local communities, the organization educates young people and children on valuable life skills. Furthermore, they provide resources to help break the cycle of poverty. La Esperanza Granada assists children by supplying school uniforms, textbooks, sanitary items, mentoring and bicycles, fostering a community that prioritizes education and nurtures high self-esteem and robust support systems. Here are five stories from La Esperanza Granada’s recent efforts to aid children in poverty in Nicaragua.

Vision Exams

Sept. 2024 marks the second year that La Esperanza Granada has provided vision exams for children in its organization, offering free glasses to those who could not afford them. This initiative aims to enhance the children’s quality of life by prioritizing their health and functional development. It also boosts their confidence and self-esteem, as they can now fully participate in school activities with new, stylish glasses they selected themselves.

Musical Performances

Younger children from Escudo Learning Centre and a sister organization collaborated on an artistic performance, captivating an audience with their newly developed skills. Under the guidance of instructors from Fundación LO CREO, these young learners participated in singing and flute lessons, honing their artistic abilities and creativity. After months of preparation, they showcased their talents in a musical performance, which fostered essential developmental skills such as discipline, cooperation and self-confidence.

Entrepreneurial Workshops

La Esperanza Granada organized an entrepreneurial workshop for university students to foster innovation and offer a platform for their entrepreneurial ideas. Business owners from diverse fields, including honey production, handicraft creation, fruit liqueur production, leather-based safety products and wildlife breeding, led the workshop. They shared their successes and failures, providing students with realistic business insights and stimulating creative entrepreneurial thinking. These personal stories from business owners not only motivated the students but also facilitated networking. Furthermore, the students were encouraged to seek advice and make connections with experienced entrepreneurs.

Engaging Lessons

At La Esperanza Granada’s learning centers, young children engage with English lessons through Duolingo. The interactive app enhances reading, writing and speaking skills. This approach not only makes learning enjoyable but also equips students with language skills that can improve their educational and employment prospects. The centers provide tablets for these lessons, offering students essential technological skills and making classes more dynamic. Such engaging educational experiences help retain children in schools where they benefit from strong support and a sense of community.

Pulps and Nectars

On August 7, 2024, young educators from La Esperanza Granada attended skill workshops at the Sabaneta Learning Centre. The workshops focused on creating fruit-based nectars and pulps. Led by MEFCA, the workshop provided practical education on extracting pulps and nectars.  Additionally, the workshops include specific procedures for pollutant elimination and cutting techniques to ensure product quality. This training enriched students with entrepreneurial ideas and practical knowledge, enhancing their collaboration skills. Such initiatives are crucial as they provide valuable skills that can generate income, helping to break down barriers of poverty.

Looking Ahead

La Esperanza Granada continues to make significant strides in supporting the youth in Nicaragua. The organization provides crucial resources and skills to break the cycle of poverty. Indeed, their diverse programs, from vision exams to entrepreneurial workshops, not only enhance educational opportunities but also empower children and young adults to improve their futures. These ongoing efforts highlight the charity’s commitment to fostering a more equitable environment for the communities on the outskirts of Granada.

– Chelsey Saya McLeod

Chelsey is based in Southampton, Hampshire, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Charities Operating in Brazil

Charities Operating in BrazilBrazil, the largest nation in South America, boasts a population of more than 200 million and a GDP of more than $2 trillion. However, despite such a promising economy, it remains an extremely unequal nation in terms of income, with Oxfam citing that the richest 5% of the country have as much income as the remaining 95%. Factors such as lack of access to housing or education have only served to widen the gap between rich and poor. Poverty disproportionately affects women, Afro-Brazilians and Indigenous communities due to wage inequality. Here are five charities operating in Brazil that work to combat the various social problems facing the country.

The Lemann Foundation

Limited access to education is a problem that affects a significant proportion of Brazil’s population; 48% of the nation’s children reach age 10 without ability to read, whilst total illiteracy rates reach as high as 80% in the most deprived areas. The Lemann Foundation combats “learning poverty” by working to ensure children and young people in Brazil have access to high-quality education. It collaborates with more than 15,000 schools, provides teachers and local governments with relevant resources and helps produce online learning material to ensure those in deprived areas are still able to achieve strong academic qualifications. The Lemann Foundation also notes the particular educational exclusion of Indigenous and Afro-Brazilian communities and stresses the importance of quality education in building a progressive and equal society.

The Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD)

Founded in 1960 as the official aid department of the English and Welsh Catholic Church, CAFOD’s work in Brazil focuses on providing aid to those dealing with homelessness in São Paulo, the country’s most populous city. With an estimated homeless population of up to 50,000 in 2023, the number of residents sleeping rough has increased by 31% since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CAFOD combats this by supporting those living in unsanitary housing conditions by ensuring they have access to clean water and basic health care. It also recognises the disproportionate impact poverty has on Indigenous groups in Brazil, so works to ensure these groups have access to education and employment opportunities.

The Favela Foundation

Favelas are slums or impoverished areas often located on the outskirts of Brazil’s larger cities. The Favela Foundation is one of the charities operating in Brazil that focuses its support on the residents of these neighborhoods. The organization raises money for local NGOs that provide educational opportunities such as English lessons, as speaking English can often ensure access to better employment.

Revive International

Founded in 2012, Revive is one of the charities operating in Brazil that works in the North East of the country, focusing on supporting children who have been victims of abuse or trafficking. As poverty and homelessness put young people more at risk of exploitation, Reviva runs safe houses for those in unsafe domestic conditions, alongside a fostering service for younger children to ensure they receive a safe upbringing.

ActionAid

This U.K.-based charity has been working in Brazil for more than 25 years and supports a wide range of communities and initiatives across the country. The organization’s principal goal is the support and protect young girls from exploitation, for example through organizing educational services or sports activities. However, ActionAid also assists those facing other issues, such as providing resources to rural Brazilians in drought-stricken areas to ensure they can still grow food. In total, it has worked with over 300,000 people to help improve lives in the country.

Although the country faces disproportionately high levels of poverty and inequality, these charities operating in Brazil are working to improve the lives of its impoverished citizens. Both local and wide-ranging international organizations provide support within the country to support those dealing with a vast variety of issues such as homelessness, learning poverty, gender-based violence and environmental changes.

– Izzy Tompkins

Izzy is based in Leeds, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr