Archive for category: Child Poverty

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Policy Reform Needed for Bidoon Children in Kuwait

Bidoon ChildrenKuwait is known for its wealth, hovering around the top five wealthiest countries. Kuwait’s geographic location and access to oil reserves have boasted Kuwait to be one of the highest per capita GDPs globally, at roughly $43,000. However, not all residents within Kuwait enjoy the same privileges as its citizens. As a developing country with a fast-paced, growing market, many people residing in Kuwait have been less fortunate.

Citizens in Kuwait are allowed many freedoms, but not all those who live in Kuwait are citizens. A group of people known as “Bidoon,” short for Bidoon Jinsiya, meaning in Arabic “without nationality.” In Kuwait, this means those of Bidoon descent are stateless and illegal residents of the government. About 110,000 stateless people are living in Kuwait. Many of those who are Bidoon come from generations of Nomad families who were there before Kuwait declared independence in 1961. Some Bidoon didn’t understand the concept of registering for citizenship in 1961.

In the 1980s, a change happened in legislative terms where Bidoon were considered ‘illegal residents’ and lost further rights such as free public health care, education and housing. Others labeled Bidoon are those of families who served in the Gulf War and are from neighboring countries such as Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Syria. The government rejects Bidoon who have tried to gain citizenship.

The Hardship of Being Bidoon

Bidoon individuals face significant hardships due to their stateless status. They lack political rights, access to land, business registration, employment, public health care and public education. Bidoon people experience many hardships as they are technically illegal and have temporary identification cards. These cards are vital as they are necessary for employment. Many Bidoon face the challenge of acquiring a job, resulting in many Bidoon individuals living in poverty compared to Kuwait citizens. From being illegal persons in Kuwait, they have been discriminated against, harassed and exploited. Bidoon people face job discrimination because they are not deemed legal residents; job security and salary are significantly lower.

Education Policy Currently in Kuwait for Bidoons

Those of Bidoon descent face many obstacles, such as access to education being a significant prevailing problem. Education is a pillar of Kuwait and its citizens, but in the 1980s, Bidoon children could not attend public schools. Now, Bidoon children struggle to find a private school that most families cannot afford, and these private schools provide a lower quality of education.

Parents must pay up to 30% of the Private school tuition; the state financial assistance covers the rest for Bidoons. Those privileged Bidoons can afford this, but many children end up not going to school and skipping years to save money. Boy children will go more to school than girls as boys’ education is a higher priority and because Bidoon families cannot afford to send all of their children to school.

Journey of Policy Reform

The lack of education is enormous as it impacts their lives daily. Access to quality education would uplift many Bidoon and their children from impoverished lifestyles. The private schools are known to be inferior places of learning — much of the policy reform movement is from the human rights efforts. Having the denial of citizenship creates a loop where they cannot gain proper education because of no citizenship, which inhibits their life further. Policy reform for the Bidoon people would include desegregation of education and allowing Bidoon children to gain an equal public education.

In 2019, the speaker of the Kuwait National Assembly announced a proposed law amendment for Bidoons to gain proper education, medical care and ID papers. Yet, three months after the proposal, the jurisdiction committee denied the new amendment, which would have made non-Kuwaiti citizens eligible for more rights.

Advocating for a new amendment is to help the people and Bidoon children gain a quality education and better their lives from the risk of impoverishment. Prosecution is a reality for protesters who advocate for Bidoon’s rights, as many have been fined or jailed. To end the fight for the Bidoon people, the National Assembly must enforce and uphold the amendment for naturalization rights.

Looking Ahead

Many still need citizenship due to the history of the independence of Kuwait and the movement of other peoples from other countries to Kuwait. Even if generations of these people lived in Kuwait, they must be considered legal citizens with proper documentation. This status of statehood has disproportionately affected their lives and has restricted their access to resources. Bidoon children do not have naturalization rights in practice. The education disparity for Bidoon people is vast as they have no access to public schools, looking towards private schools that require tuition and have worse quality. Advocating will help end this disparity as policy reform for an amendment or the naturalization amendment will help save the Bidoon people from impoverishment.

– Ariana Wauer
Photo: Flickr

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Ending Child Poverty in China

Child Poverty in ChinaChina has remarkably reduced poverty over the past four decades. The percentage of rural residents living in poverty decreased from 96.2 to 0.6% between 1980 and 2019. That means that nearly 765 million people were living in poverty, compared to the present, 6 million people. Experts agree it is important to approach child poverty in China as a multidimensional problem. Many Children are born into poverty. Therefore, reducing the general scope of poverty is important in eliminating child poverty. China has dramatically reduced poverty, and even their global hunger index, based on two pillars: economic transformation to open new opportunities and raise average income, and recognition and targeted support to people living in persistent poverty.

Child Poverty in China

Despite recent efforts, roughly 4.2 million children live in extreme poverty. It’s important to note that more rural children are impoverished than urban children. The families of China living in rural areas or belonging to an ethnic minority are most impacted by poverty. 

Therefore, China has focused on reducing poverty in low-income rural households. There are significant differences that affect poverty in rural and urban areas. These differences include income disparities, limited access to education and health care services, poorer sanitation and overall poorer living conditions. However, according to UNICEF, the most severe forms of poverty that Chinese children experience are nutrition, access to clean water and sanitation and housing.

To focus on relieving poverty in the rural areas of China, the Anhui Yellow Mountain New Countryside Demonstration Project supported Huangshan’s rural development in several areas per the Chinese government’s initiative to “build new socialist countryside,” including investment in rural infrastructure and public services to reduce inequalities in the quality of life between rural and urban areas; improvement in the quality of tourism services to draw more tourists and create jobs and income-generating opportunities; the development of greener, higher value-added agricultural production bases and market facilities, as well as training for farmers to boost agricultural productivity.

Overall, the main objectives of the SDGs established by the UN are to eradicate child poverty and reduce the gap between urban and rural areas. To accomplish these goals, looking into the disparities between urban and rural areas and the causes of child poverty is crucial. Understanding the differences between child poverty in urban and rural areas enables us to understand better how factors related to demography, the economy, society and policy contribute to child poverty.

Current Picture

Alongside reducing rural child poverty, much has been done to end intergenerational poverty in China. According to social policy expert Peter Whiteford, child poverty is the main reason poverty is generational. China has made significant strides in reducing poverty over the past decade by promoting education, an essential feature in preventing poverty from being passed down to future generations. Since 2012, China’s government budgetary spending on education has maintained a proportion of over 4% of the nation’s GDP. It has shifted more in favor of rural areas and areas with significant populations of ethnic minorities.

At the end of 2020, China’s nine-year compulsory education stage saw only 682 drop out, down from over 600,000 dropouts in 2019. The nation has hired 950,000 teachers in total for compulsory education in rural areas, trained nearly 17 million teachers and principals for rural schools in the central and western regions under a national-level training program, provided subsidies for 1.27 million teachers from more than 80,000 schools in nearby poverty-stricken areas and sent 190,000 volunteer teachers to schools in outlying and poverty-stricken regions, border areas and areas with large ethnic populations.

It is important to look at child poverty as a multidimensional problem. Education can open the door to jobs, resources and skills to help a person survive. UNESCO estimates that 171 million people could escape extreme poverty if all students in low-income countries had only the most fundamental reading skills. The percentage of adults who did not complete their secondary education could reduce global poverty by more than half. Therefore, promoting education in China, especially in the rural areas, can be vital in reducing children’s poverty and helping break the cycle of generational poverty.

Conclusion

China’s significant reduction in overall poverty over the past four decades is commendable. However, child poverty remains a pressing issue, especially in rural areas.

China’s ongoing commitment to addressing child poverty and poverty in general through a holistic approach is an instructive example for other nations, highlighting the importance of education, health care, social support and economic opportunities. By prioritizing the well-being of its children, China is not only improving the lives of current generations but also paving the way for a more prosperous and equitable future.

– Paige Falk
Photo: Flickr

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The Fight Against Child Poverty In Mozambique

Child Poverty In Mozambique In 1975, a new nation hugging the eastern seaboard of sub-Saharan Africa planted its flag on the world’s soil: Mozambique. Since then, Mozambique has grown into a hustling and bustling nation of 32 million inhabitants. With 18.9 million people currently impoverished, Mozambique remains one of the poorest nations in the world. Forty-six percent of Mozambican children aged 0–17 are considered multidimensionally poor, with nearly 10 million children experiencing some form of poverty. The country’s high child poverty rate has driven many organizations worldwide to address this dire issue. 

Here are 4 Organizations Ending Child Poverty in Mozambique

  1. Save the Children – Save the Children is an international organization dedicated to alleviating child poverty around the globe. Established almost 100 years ago, tens of millions of kids worldwide benefit from the efforts of this organization. Mozambique remains a key target area, where they address many critical issues necessary to improve adolescent health and welfare. Firstly, Save the Children establishes a tight-knit bond with Mozambique’s local communities to develop better practices for newborn, maternal and child health programs. Specifically, they focus on providing support through nutrition and HIV prevention. Save the Children has helped provide 201,697 children with a healthy start to life. Another vital aspect of child welfare is supporting their emotional and mental health. To improve the quality of Mozambique’s children’s mental health, Save the Children institutes “art as therapy” initiatives, a creative way to engage children and help improve their mental well-being. They seek to promote education through quality preschool and early literacy programs.
  2. Child Fund – Established in 1938, Child Fund is another organization that works to lower the world’s child poverty and raise the standard of living for children. In Mozambique, they have two key focus areas: health and education. Child Fund partners with Mozambique’s health department and supports the doctors, nurses and other medical personnel. They assist these vital members of society in moving from clinic to clinic, providing children with the necessary vaccinations to protect against diseases infecting Mozambique’s adolescent population. Their second focus area is education. In Mozambique, only 59% of the population ages 15 and older can read and write. This deficit has prompted Child Fund to create relationships with parent–teacher councils to demonstrate the value of education. In addition, they help construct the school while providing basic classroom necessities like desks, chairs and textbooks.
  3. UNICEF – Active in more than 190 countries, UNICEF is one of the foremost organizations working for the rights and prosperity of children all over the world. UNICEF closely engages with the Government of Mozambique in key areas of health, education and hygiene. The organization focuses on improving maternal, newborn and primary childhood health and expanding immunization and vitamin A supplementation services. They support the implementation of the Nutrition Intervention Package (PiN), an Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) awareness program for educating caregivers on how to develop a diet with local crops. UNICEF also helps deliver clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in communities and schools to promote hygiene among children. In the field of education, they aim to enhance the quality of primary education using innovations such as digital learning while building school infrastructure in areas damaged by natural disasters.
  4. Mozambique’s Child Grant – Along with the outside organizations, Mozambique’s government is also actively promoting child health and well-being. One of their initiatives is the Child Grant, a monthly cash transfer to the primary guardians of children up to 2 years. Providing benefits to the caregivers of young children allows them to seek out social services and raise their child’s living status. Currently reaching 15,000 children, Mozambique’s government desires to expand it to 250,000 children in nine out of 11 provinces by 2026.

Though Mozambique has experienced an improvement in many growth parameters, childhood poverty remains a stiff challenge, especially in rural areas. The policies and interventions to ensure child welfare by the Government and organizations will help combat this challenge and create a better future for the young population of Mozambique.

– Atheeth Ravikrishnan
Photo: Flickr

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The Top 3 Facts About Child Poverty in Tajikistan

Child Poverty in Tajikistan Tajikistan is the most impoverished country in Central Asia. Due to inadequate educational resources, lack of job opportunities and expanding families, 66% of Tajikistan’s children suffer from poverty. With almost 50% of the population under 25, that makes child poverty in Tajikistan a great disparity within the country’s overall 12.6% poverty rate.

3 Facts About Child Poverty in Tajikistan

  1. Lack of Infrastructure for Education. On average, a student in Tajikistan only spends 6.8 years in school. Though the country has an adult literacy rate over 99%, 11% of Tajik children cannot read simple sentences before the end of their primary education. By the time they are 18, 11% of school-age children drop out to work and support their families.
  2. Child Labor and Seasonal Markets. Though it is illegal for children under 15 to work, 15–20% of the labor force comes from child labor. Around 200,000 children aged 5–14 are working to support their families in making ends meet, while 64,000 are working unpaid. The economy in Tajikistan is primarily agriculture-based, making their markets seasonal, so when the winter comes, many families lose their primary sources of income and feel the impacts of poverty even more. Disproportionately, this struggle impacts families with numerous children, because of how expensive and hard it is to obtain food.
  3. Prominent Malnutrition. Without access to clean water, nutritious varieties of food, and with subpar sanitary practices, many children in Tajikistan lack the vital nutrients and minerals necessary for them to live healthy lives, and only 40% get the necessary nutrients they need. Mostly, malnutrition harms those in rural areas due to poor food accessibility and monetary restrictions, affecting 20% or more of Tajik children. Due to significant deficiencies, Tajik children feel the results of undernutrition through anemia as well as low vitamin A and iodine levels. Four in 10 children are anemic, and 41% of women 11–55 are anemic.

How USAID’s Feed the Future Program Is Working to End Child Poverty

During the COVID-19 pandemic, hunger reached half a million Tajik people. To support people’s health and wellness during this time, USAID provided necessary resources and aid. This included nutrition and health clinics for 178,748 children, as well as assistance for 2,782 children showing signs of malnutrition to overcome low weight and growth stunting. By making nutritious goods such as dense vegetables available to communities, the Feed the Future Program was able to increase proper nutrient intake from 18% to 53% in children 6 to 23 months old, and from 18% to 23% for those being breastfed.

They furthermore helped to amend local laws on access to clean drinking water, helping the Tajik government deliver safe water to its citizens. By providing $10.2 million in relief efforts, USAID was able to provide Tajik children with proper nutrition and sanitation.

– Nadia Soifer
Photo: Flickr

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Child Poverty in Gabon

Child Poverty in Gabon 
The Gabonese Republic, a nation in central Africa bordering the Republic of the Congo to the east and south, Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, originated in 1960 following independence from France. Following the successful decolonization movement, a constitutional and political order with a dominant presidency and close ties to France was established. Unfortunately, child poverty in Gabon is an issue that requires significant attention but some are making a difference.

The Situation

President El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba of the Gabonese Democratic Party, the new republic’s second head of state, abolished all other political parties. Using revenue from substantial natural reserves from forestry, oil and other extraction-based industries, Gabon invested in social services, such as comprehensive education, while encouraging the rural population to seek better-paying jobs based in urban centers. 

Substantial aid from other nations such as France and multinational institutions, such as the United Nations, have provided additional benefits. Following political turmoil and economic stagnation through the 1980s, President Bongo reintroduced multiparty democracy and deregulated the private sector economy, encouraging business investment. 

Gabon has since developed a reputation for stability and relative security in comparison with its central African neighbors. Additionally, Gabon is distinguished from its regional peers by its population, which is about 90% urban, and possesses one of the highest per capita incomes in central Africa. This wealth and high economic growth following independence has also permitted the country of $2.3 million to invest in economic development and establish social services, such as comprehensive education and other social services. 

As a result, Gabon experiences comparatively lower rates of poverty, illiteracy and food insecurity than most of its central and sub-Saharan peers. However, domestic government aid has been criticized globally for being inefficient, with economic incentives and development programs often benefiting those already secure and receiving upper and middle incomes more than concentrated demographics in need of direct help, such as impoverished children. Here is information about child poverty in Gabon and the efforts to eliminate it.

Poverty Among Vulnerable Groups

Despite these advantages and policies, Gabon continues to suffer from high concentrations of poverty and insecurity amongst vulnerable parts of the population, such as the elderly, those in rural areas and children. Children, who account for a substantial proportion of Gabon’s population, also face disadvantages due to mixed social services and basic infrastructure and uneven educational and early job opportunities, especially in rural areas. While the total national poverty rate is 38.5%, more than 40% of children face deprivation in health and sanitation, with nearly 50% facing such shortfalls in rural areas. Similarly, though unemployment amongst the broad population is 20%, youth unemployment remains elevated at 38%.

Learning Poverty in Gabon

Issues more relevant to younger children are also prevalent, such as in education, which reflects the nuanced situation for children in Gabon. Primary and secondary education is mandatory from the ages 6 to 16, and Gabon has invested more resources than average for sub-Saharan Africa on a per-student basis.

Additionally, learning poverty, defined as an inability to comprehend grade-level text by the age of 10 years, is 49.9% below average for regional peers. Despite these longstanding advantages in basic educational services, with only 9% of children not enrolled in school, persistent challenges exist in attempts to improve both the quality of services and reduce the substantial quantity of children not getting an adequate array of curricular services. 

Proficiency remains an ongoing challenge, with substantial minorities evaluated by international observers as below proficient; 31% do not achieve the Minimum Proficiency Standard, a national test sponsored by the United Nations Institute for Statistics to measure academic skills among school children. 

Overcrowding and a shortage of experienced teachers are especially prevalent in rural areas and “poor” educational quality compounds them.

Food Security and Water Access

Food security and access to water, examples of the essential services Gabon has been able to provide to its residents, also face issues related to quality which may hamper further progress. The imposition of a national water price, though effective in guaranteeing affordability for most households, remains prohibitive for those in poverty, especially families in rural areas. 

Further, rural families often lack direct access to water and depend upon neighbors, who often demand premiums over the government price, negating the impact. This structural obstacle towards greater water access also challenges efforts to improve access to superior so-called hygienic facilities, with 47% of households without running water septic systems and latrines. As a result, 40% of children lack basic hygienic provisions, with those in rural areas getting fewer resources on average. 

Historical improvements and more recent stagnation have also defined progress in addressing food insecurity among children in Gabon. According to the Global Hunger Index, Gabon has experienced gradual declines in chronic undernourishment of children, with the proportion of stunted children declining to under 20%. However, undernourishment remains a growing issue, with the UNICEF statistics showing that 35% of children in Gabon are nutritionally deprived, a reflection of ongoing problems in concentrating aid and resources towards those already disadvantaged, especially families, in rural areas. 

In sum, the Gabonese Republic has, through the encouragement of international aid and continuous social investments, successfully outperformed most other central African peers in countering poverty, including child poverty in Gabon. These investments, such as in widespread education and in key industries, have proved constructive in reducing poverty and countering social ills. However, the most vulnerable demographics, such as the poorest and children, have not reaped the full benefits of these programs and investments, acting as an example of the benefits of incentivizing aid while highlighting the intractability of complex issues such as child poverty in developing nations.

– Cormac Sullivan
Photo: Wikipedia Commons

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Early Education and Its Role in Eradicating Poverty

Early EducationEarly education is often underestimated, despite being a fundamental cornerstone of learning and development. It offers children a crucial platform to nurture their skills and knowledge from an early age. These skills can prove invaluable throughout their lives, enabling them to access higher-paying job opportunities. Education holds the potential to positively impact lives from an early stage by equipping individuals with the essential tools for success.

A Foundation for a Brighter Future

The impact of education on a child is significant. Research indicates that certain skills can be better learned at the first critical period of brain development, from age 2 to 7. At this age, kids exhibit an accelerated rate of learning. It is crucial to stimulate their minds during this period to unlock each child’s maximal potential. It is evident that further and higher education depends on the right foundation for kids to succeed at higher levels.

Some of the benefits of education at a young age include: 

  • Healthy brain development.
  • Improved social skills.
  • Independence. 
  • Problem-solving skills. 
  • A smooth transition into higher levels of education. 

Equipped with the right tools early on, children are more likely to progress and reach higher intellectual capacities. The right environment and skillset provide a solid groundwork for success — both academically and, eventually, occupationally. In the long term, early education provides the future generation with the necessary skills to acquire both high-quality jobs and higher-paying jobs.

Finally, research shows that children who spend longer in early education have improved educational outcomes in the future. It also shows that high-quality studying particularly benefits children from low-income backgrounds. Investing in children’s education leads to cost savings, as the next generation develops stronger human capital, resulting in a larger pool of productive workers. This, in turn, contributes to overall economic growth.

An End To Generational Poverty

Experiencing poverty as a child means that you are much more likely to be poor in early adulthood. This is the unfortunate truth for many children growing up in developing countries; when families struggle financially, the children feel the effects of the financial burden. With limited financial resources, education is difficult to access. Without it, potential job prospects become hard to acquire, and the cycle of generational poverty continues. 

Without early education access, many kids in poverty fall behind their counterparts. This creates a disparity in children’s capabilities, making the job of the teacher difficult to attend to each child’s level and need. The unfair disadvantage some children face is what keeps the vicious cycle going.

To break the cycle of poverty, childhood education plays a crucial role, and improving accessibility is essential. This can be achieved through various school programs and increased investments in education. Quality early education provides children with a strong foundation for learning and better prepares them for higher education, which, in turn, opens doors to higher-paying job opportunities. This process fosters generational change, where individuals who were once affected by poverty gain financial stability, ensuring that the next generation has an improved chance of avoiding poverty and breaking the cycle.

What’s Next?

Access to quality education in the early years holds significant importance for several reasons. Education, knowledge and skills serve as powerful tools in the fight against poverty. Early introduction to education creates opportunities that might otherwise remain inaccessible. Research has consistently shown that high-quality educational programs have the most profound impact on children living in impoverished conditions. By investing in the intellectual growth of our youth, there is hope for a more equitable and promising future. 

– Lewis Butcher
Photo: Unsplash

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Facts About Child Poverty in Uzbekistan 

Child Poverty in UzbekistanUzbekistan has made remarkable strides in reducing poverty and improving child welfare. Despite these gains, child poverty in Uzbekistan remains a pressing issue, with many children living in disadvantaged conditions. 

Declining Child Mortality Rate 

Uzbekistan has significantly reduced the infant and under-5 mortality rates over the past four decades. According to World Bank data, the infant mortality rate fell drastically from 98 per 1,000 live births in 1980 to just 13 per 1,000 live births in 2021. Likewise, the under-5 mortality rate reached an all-time low of 14 per 1,000 live births in 2021. 

Child Poverty in Uzbekistan

Nonetheless, child poverty remains a pressing issue in Uzbekistan. UNICEF’s 2019 report, “Building a Better Future: A Child-sensitive Social Protection System for Uzbekistan,” stated that 30% of young children and 24% of children between five to 14 years old belong to the poorest quintile of Uzbekistan. While the general poverty in Uzbekistan is 21%, the child poverty rate stood higher at 24%. 

As of 2019, 57% of children in the country lived on less than 10,000 UZS per day, approximately 1.5 times the minimum wage. The minimum wage in Uzbekistan also serves as the income eligibility threshold for families to receive child benefits. The prevailing circumstances signified that many children lived in households struggling to provide adequate child care. 

UNICEF currently estimates that children in Uzbekistan are one and a half times more likely to be poor than adults.

Malnutrition

Many young children in Uzbekistan experience undernutrition. Another 2019 UNICEF report, “Building a National Social Protection System Fit For Uzbekistan’s Children and Youth,” reported that 9% of children are stunted, causing irreversible damage to the children’s cognitive development. The report also highlighted that stunted children were likely to earn 26% less as adults than their non-stunted peers, further exacerbating a cycle of poverty and inequality. 

However, from 2002 to 2017, the stunting rate in Uzbekistan dropped from 21% to 8.7%, thanks to Uzbekistan’s immense strides in reducing malnutrition and expanding social welfare.  

Children With Disabilities 

In 2019, 13% of children with disabilities between the ages of 7 and 15 were not enrolled in school. Nearly one-third of young people with disabilities could not attain any diploma, limiting their educational and employment opportunities.

Moreover, UNICEF also determined that 52% of children with severe disabilities lacked access to services from the Child Disability Benefits program, indicating the limited reach of social support for vulnerable children and their families in Uzbekistan.

Social Insecurity 

52% of Uzbekistan’s impoverished households are excluded from any support by the national social protection system, leaving many families with children without benefits and social services. Subsequently, only 17% of children living in households have access to child benefits, only 23% of children under two gain Child Allowance, and only 10% of children between 2 to 14 years old collect the Family Allowance.

Ongoing Efforts by UNICEF

Currently, UNICEF’s global interventions emphasize child-sensitive social protection programs and investing in early childhood and adolescent development. For example, UNICEF is helping Uzbekistan develop a cash benefits program to address household income poverty. The organization plans to further invest in childhood education, health care access, clean water and sanitation to provide impoverished children with the needed care, security and nutrition. The organization hopes to establish sustainable social investments and integrate child-poverty-reduction policies into government budgets. 

Addressing child poverty, improving social security systems and ensuring better access to education and health care for children with disabilities are crucial areas that require concerted efforts from the government, civil society and international organizations to improve the well-being of children in Uzbekistan. 

– Freya Ngo
Photo: Flickr

Youth Poverty in Indonesia

Youth Poverty in IndonesiaThe World Bank estimates that about 25% of the Indonesian population lives below the national poverty line, and young people are disproportionately affected. Poverty, specifically among youth, manifests in a variety of ways from their education to their health and future. These circumstances ultimately perpetuate the cycle of poverty for future generations and hamper the country’s progress and development.

Factors Contributing to Youth Poverty in Indonesia

Several factors contribute to the prevalence of youth poverty in Indonesia, including limited access to education, high unemployment and gender inequality.

Access to education remains a significant challenge for youth living in poverty. In particular, many marginalized areas in Indonesia lack adequate resources and infrastructure. With a lack of funding for schools and a shortage of qualified teachers, young people’s education greatly suffers. As a result, children are unable to acquire the knowledge, skills and qualifications necessary for better employment prospects and economic empowerment.

Indonesian youth face high rates of unemployment and underemployment. For youths aged 15-24, the youth unemployment rate dropped over 13% in less than 20 years, from 26.38% in 2005 to 13.02% in 2023. Even the youth that can complete their education struggle to find stable and decent work opportunities. Limited job availability, particularly in sectors that align with their skills and qualifications, exacerbates the problem. This lack of suitable employment perpetuates poverty among young individuals, hindering their ability to escape economic hardship. Additionally, youth who do find employment opportunities may be involved in vulnerable employment. These jobs typically lack job security, social protection and fair wages. Young people often resort to informal work due to the lack of formal employment opportunities, which increases their economic vulnerability and hinders their ability to break free from the cycle of poverty.

In Indonesian society, gender norms and stereotypes often restrict young women’s educational opportunities. Deep-rooted beliefs regarding traditional gender roles prioritize domestic responsibilities over formal education for girls. This leads to lower school enrollment rates and higher dropout rates among young women, limiting their success in the future.

Additionally, limited access to reproductive health services and early marriage practices further compound the challenges faced by young women. Early marriage often results in the discontinuation of education,

making it difficult for young women to break free from the cycle of poverty. They are more likely to face health complications related to early childbearing and have limited opportunities for personal and professional development.

Initiatives and Programs

Recognizing the urgency of youth poverty in Indonesia, the Indonesian government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society have implemented a range of initiatives and programs aimed at addressing the challenges. These initiatives offer hope and pathways for empowering youth and breaking the cycle of poverty.

The government has taken notable steps to combat youth poverty. For example, they created a program known as Keluarga Harapan (PKH), which provides financial assistance to poor families, prioritizing education and health care expenditures. Through PKH, families receive conditional cash transfers that incentivize children’s school enrollment and attendance while promoting their health and well-being. This program aims to reduce intergenerational poverty by investing in the education and health of young individuals.

Additionally, the Indonesian government has launched the Indonesian Smart Card program, which aims to enhance access to education and health care for vulnerable groups, including youth living in poverty. The program provides subsidized or free educational services, including school fees, learning materials and transportation assistance. It also offers subsidized health care services, ensuring that young individuals have access to essential medical care.

Non-governmental organizations and civil society organizations are pivotal in addressing youth poverty through targeted interventions and support programs. Organizations such as YCAB Foundation and Plan International Indonesia are actively involved in empowering marginalized youth through educational programs, vocational training and entrepreneurship initiatives. These organizations work closely with communities, local authorities and the private sector to create sustainable solutions and promote social inclusion.

Ultimately, the efforts of the government along with NGOs and civil society in Indonesia, fill gaps and provide critical support to young people in poverty. Their programs help equip young individuals with the necessary skills and resources, these initiatives contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty and opening doors for a brighter future.

– Elizabeth Watters
Photo: Flickr

 

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Child Poverty in Luxembourg: The Unexpected Crisis

Child Poverty in LuxembourgLuxembourg may be known as one of the wealthiest European countries, but it is still struggling with child poverty. This is an issue that the country is working to address. Here’s some information about child poverty in Luxembourg.

The Current Child Poverty Situation in Luxembourg

Luxembourg boasts of having the highest average wage in the European Union (EU), but the cost of living is also proportionally high, leading to a higher poverty rate. Even with a relatively high income, a child living in Luxembourg may still experience financial struggles due to the country’s high living standards. In this situation, a child could potentially live in relative poverty.

The risk of poverty for children in Luxembourg is currently around 24.2%. Luxembourg also has a child deprivation rate of 8%. Around one in four children in Luxembourg does not have access to new clothes, an internet connection or the opportunity to participate in leisure activities. Findings determined that Luxembourg children who are the age of 18 and under are three times more likely to experience poverty than people over the age of 65.

One reason for the high rate of child poverty in Luxembourg is the inequality the country experiences. Households with single parents suffer higher taxation rates than families with two parents. One-fourth of single parents also use more than 40% of their income just to pay their rent. Being a single parent is one of the highest poverty risks in Luxembourg.

Children in low-income households in Luxembourg face reduced chances of acquiring an education, suffer more often from health problems and frequently experience psychological and social issues, as well as developmental delays. These children encounter limitations in almost all areas of life.

Poverty in Luxembourg is also generational. Children born into impoverished families tend to remain in poverty throughout their lives. Children born to parents addicted to drugs or alcohol often experience medical problems and require more medical care than the average child. However, their parents are typically unable to afford the medical care that they require.

Solutions

In 2021, the European Union launched the European Child Guarantee. The EU required all of its member countries to submit their Child Guarantee National Action Plans, including Luxembourg. Luxembourg’s plan focused on fighting child poverty in Luxembourg by providing education, health care services and housing for children living in poverty. It offers financial assistance to help cover the costs of childcare and education for children aged 0-12. Additionally, there are national mental health services available specifically for children.

Looking Ahead

By offering financial assistance for childcare and education and establishing dedicated mental health services for children, Luxembourg is making positive strides toward improving its young population’s well-being and future prospects. However, there are still challenges to overcome. But with such proactive measures in place, there is hope for a brighter future for children living in poverty in the country.

– Marisa Del Vecchio
Photo: Flickr

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Addressing Food and Bed Poverty in the UK

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According to the Independent, as of March 2022, 14.4 million individuals resided in low-income households in the U.K. Although this figure has decreased to pre-pandemic levels of 13.4 million, the impact of high living costs and inflation persists, affecting a significant portion of the population. Among those most affected are children and ethnic minority families, who often lack the necessary resources to provide proper nutrition and ensure a good night’s sleep, crucial for school readiness. Recognizing that education serves as a proven pathway out of poverty, it becomes imperative to address issues of food and bed poverty in the U.K. to support children’s success in school and secure their future prosperity.

Food Poverty in the UK

Children experiencing food poverty do not have the same access to food options as their peers. Rising food prices in the U.K. have made it difficult for many households to afford essential, nutrient-rich foods. According to data from January 2023, 17.7% of households in the U.K. could not afford a day’s worth of food, as reported by the Commons Library.

Bed Poverty in the UK

Limited access to safe sleeping arrangements also puts children at a disadvantage. During a House of Commons debate on child bed poverty, Kim Leadbeater, a member of the U.K. Parliament for Batley and Spen, highlighted that at least 163 pupils in the Batley & Birstall Excellence in Schools Together group of 21 schools do not have their beds. The lack of a bed affects a child’s family life, personal growth and education.

The Importance of Addressing Food and Bed Poverty in the UK

Sleep and nutrition are essential in ensuring children’s well-being and future success. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, getting proper sleep at night helps students stay focused, improve concentration and enhance academic performance. The National Sleep Foundation emphasizes the connection between nutrition and sleep, stating that healthy eating habits promote better sleeping patterns. Unfortunately, nutritious food and a secure sleep environment are limited for children from low-income homes.

Food and sleep significantly impact a child’s education. Zarach, a charity in the U.K., focuses on addressing food and bed poverty to ensure that children come to school ready to learn.

What is Zarach?

Zarach is a charity dedicated to helping children experiencing poverty in the U.K. Initially established in Leeds, it has expanded its services to Dewsbury, Romford, Calderdale, Huddersfield and Stockport. Through partnerships with schools, Zarach aims to provide beds and essential resources to help children arrive at school prepared to learn. Education serves as a crucial stepping stone toward providing opportunities that can change a child’s future. Zarach supports children through its projects, enabling them to succeed.

How Zarach Works With Schools and Families to End Bed Poverty in the UK

Zarach collaborates with schools to identify instances of bed poverty and refer families to its programs. In addition to providing referrals, Zarach works with schools to raise awareness about families experiencing poverty through assemblies, fundraisers and bundle collections.

Children need support at home to improve their opportunities in the classroom. The essentials provided by Zarach give children the opportunity to grow in school. Zarach hopes to help families transition from focusing on survival to self-sustenance.

“Every Head a Bed”

This project focuses on providing bed bundles and food packages to families living in poverty. Children need stable access to healthy meals and a safe bed to sleep in every day. Without these essentials, children struggle to grow.

“We are here to bring lasting and positive change to those children growing up in the grips of poverty crisis through bed bundle deliveries, tailored support packages, raising awareness, advocating policy change and galvanizing people and resources across the U.K.”

Looking Ahead

In addressing the critical issues of food and bed poverty in the U.K., organizations like Zarach are making a tangible difference in the lives of children experiencing poverty. By providing essential resources, such as nutritious meals and safe beds, Zarach supports children’s well-being and educational success. Its efforts not only alleviate immediate hardships but also work toward breaking the cycle of poverty, fostering a brighter future for these young individuals and ensuring equal opportunities for all.

– Ellie Bruce
Photo: PxHere