Archive for category: Child Poverty

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The Use of Child Soldiers in Iraqi Kurdistan

Child Soldiers in Iraqi KurdistanThe use of child soldiers in Iraqi Kurdistan has a long and troubling history, dating back to the mid-to-late 20th century when Kurdish militias mobilized entire communities, including children, in their struggle for autonomy. Yet, one particular 1970’s terrorist militia, The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), continues its fight today seeking an independent Kurdish state, while indicted of war crimes for exploiting children as young as 7 for combat.

The History of Child Soldiers in Iraqi Kurdistan

During Saddam Hussein’s reign, vulnerable children often became targets of informal militias, with the PKK recruiting aggressively since its formation. In 1994, reports filed by the UN Refugee Agency documented the PKK’s “systematic increase in child recruitment” and even the creation of “child regiments.” A battalion called Tabura Zaroken Sehit Agit, for instance, operated with “a committee of five children aged between 8 and 12.” A year later, sources from the Kurdish Democratic Party (KDP) verified these reports after the loss of 1,000 PKK guerrillas—many of them young boys and girls—during an attack on the Kurdish Democratic Party. Yet, instead of being deterred by heavy casualties, the PKK intensified its recruitment efforts, adding 3,000 more children to its ranks by 1998.

About 13 years after Saddam Hussein’s deposition, the practice had not subsided. Human Rights Watch documented 29 cases of the use of child soldiers in 2016 –  all tied to the PKK. Additionally, of these cases, the children concerned routinely admitted to “participating in fighting,” staffing checkpoints throughout the PKK occupied Qandil Mountains, and cleaning or preparing weapons. The latter occupations, although far from the frontlines, still carrying significant risks. Due to Iraqi Kurdistan’s neighboring proximity to Turkey, Turkish airstrikes can kill child soldiers without the children witnessing the horrors of close combat.

The Influence of Poverty

Chiefly, the depths of Iraqi poverty bear the foremost reason why these children fall into recruitment traps that militias created. Deprived of money and education, children fall susceptible to armed groups offering financial incentives. As of 2016, UNICEF reported that more than a half a million Iraqi children were engaged in labor due to declining family incomes, violence and displacement. With a further “5 million children in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.” Furthermore, long-term political instability, corruption or weak governance in Iraq has exacerbated poverty. Limited economic opportunities and displacement due to armed conflict coupled with societal pressures to achieve rite of passage or honor in protection of one’s family makes children increasingly vulnerable to militant influence.

As such, important NGOs like the International Rescue Committee (IRC), which began operating in Iraq in 2003, and the Iraq Child Rights Network which began working in Iraq in 2011, are continuously offering community-based child protection systems and implementing protective policies. In 2022, the IRC’s child and youth protection and development services supported 18,200 people, providing conflict-affected children with access to sustainable, specialized, holistic and nurturing protective services. Likewise, the ICRN has contributed its support to the National Child Protection Policy (NCPP), a policy which aims to provide a comprehensive framework to protect children from violence, exploitation and abuse, including preventing the recruitment of children into armed forces and armed groups.

Positive Changes

However, among all progress, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is driving the greatest changes. In August 2024, a conference occurred titled Promoting the Rights of Internally Displaced Persons in Accordance with International Standards. At this conference, Kurdistan’s Coordinator for International Advocacy, Dinadr Zebari, highlighted the KRG’s aims—specifically its 2021–2025 Regional Human Rights Action Plan—to raise Iraqi Kurdistan’s international reputation through “commitments to human rights.”

He stated the KRG has already implemented several human rights recommendations upon refugees, of whom are the primary source of child soldiers. These recommendations include “reception, accommodation, and essential services.” In fact, the KRG is now responsible for 80% of services for refugees, having allocated 138 schools and 54 mainstream schools throughout the region. This is monumental achievement, because 40,410 refugee students now receive formal education and there is hope that more refugees will enroll in mainstream schools since the Ministry of Education’s granting approval in 2021.

Looking Ahead

While the future looks promising for Iraq and its educational developments, there can be no complete celebration until every child is safe from militancy. About 327,000 refugees still reside in Iraq, with 41% estimated to be children under 18. Of these, 90% live specifically in the Kurdistan region. This means that potentially 93,000 child refugees still require aid and education after subtracting those already enrolled in schools. 

– Leighton Webber

Leighton is based in the UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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TOMS: Advancing Efforts in Improving Lives

TOMSTOMS is a social enterprise founded in 2006 by Blake Mycoskie. Mycoskie took a sabbatical to Argentina, where he witnessed children struggling without shoes: inadequate safety and education barriers. The company sells a wide range of products, from shoes, eyewear, apparel and handbags and its recent venture, coffee, in 2014. In 2019, Mycoskie switched to TOMS’ renowned approach, the One-for-One Model, where every pair of shoes purchased would mean giving a shoe to someone in need. TOMS evolved from this strategy to reach a diverse range of issues.

The company’s current operational model offers a third of its net profits through strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations. These organizations are aimed at mental health, eradicating gun violence and opening doors to opportunities. Indeed, TOMS has consistently strived to ensure that making a positive social impact is as significant as producing high-quality products. With meaningful and sustainable partnerships, it has impacted more than 100 million people.

ChildFund

In 2012, TOMS partnered with ChildFund to give new shoes to needy children in Liberia. In Liberia, children are required to wear black shoes to school; however, numerous families cannot afford them. Thus, families with siblings share a pair of school shoes, each wearing a slipper on one foot and a school shoe on the other.

A “ChildFund study in 2010 estimated that 15% of school-aged children in developing countries have hookworm or another parasitic disease due to bare feet.” This partnership improves the children’s learning experience. It supports long-term access to education and health for these children, offering a step out of poverty. Thanks to TOMS and ChildFund, hundreds of Liberian schoolchildren now have school shoes.

Save the Children

With the One-for-One model, TOMS gave more than a million pairs of shoes and winter boots to children in various countries: Lithuania, El Salvador, Tajikistan and more. The distribution of shoes was part of a broader, holistic approach to improving children’s well-being through Save the Children’s wellness, dietary and educational services.

TOMS employees participated in events and trips to witness the behind-the-scenes of what it is like to give the TOMS shoes to the children. Save the Children leaders often speak at TOMS’s office events, cultivating the shared collaborative spirit. Employee engagement with TOMS and Save the Children was beneficial. It inspires employees to strive for the best quality products for the children.

Save the Children’s brand awareness widened when TOMS frequently displayed the brand to new crowds and trendsetters. Through digital advertising, TOMS would focus on spreading awareness about children in poverty in their flagship stores and partner with Save the Children to market its campaigns. During Hurricane Harvey, TOMS urged customers to advocate for Save the Children’s emergency fundraising efforts.

One Day Without Shoes Campaign

On 10 April 2010, TOMS “One Day Without Shoes (ODWS),” an idea developed in 2008 by students in Pepperdine University’s Surf Club, was commemorated to create awareness about the impact of not having shoes for underprivileged children worldwide. TOMS ensured that a pair of shoes would be donated to a child in need for every interesting photograph posted. By posting a photo of bare feet and using hashtag #withoutshoes, TOMS was able to garner a broad community to get involved and inspired.

A new pair of TOMS Giving Shoes was received by 296,243 children in need. This was achieved through the involvement of people in more than 30 countries. During the campaign, the community of 300,000 barefoot photos was eager to tag #withoutshoes to publicize the campaign.

World Mental Health Day, 2023

TOMS gives a third of its profits through cash grants to nonprofit organizations. On 10 October 2023, TOMS gave 10 “mental health-focused nonprofit organizations” worldwide $10,000 cash grants each. Wall of Sharing, Fundación Origen, International Medical Corps—Ukraine and Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative—Nigeria are such organizations.

TOMS’ Commitment to Positive Change

TOMS has evolved from its original “One-for-One” model to a broader approach, focusing on sustainable change. Ensuring immediate needs and long-term improvements, the company has positioned itself as a leader in corporate responsibility. Indeed, the company has created a meaningful impact on communities internationally. Furthermore, strategic partnerships with ChildFund and Save the Children, cash grants to International Medical Corps—Ukraine and more have been instrumental to global communities by providing shoes to children in need or supporting mental health initiatives.

– Nalini Vj

Nalini is based in Perth, WA, Australia and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Charities Fighting Child Mortality in Afghanistan

Child Mortality in AfghanistanAfghanistan has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world, with 43 deaths per 1,000 live births. The child mortality rate in Afghanistan is even higher, with 97 out of every 1,000 children dying before they reach the age of 5. Child mortality has numerous causes, including malnutrition, sepsis, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), malaria, HIV/AIDS, preterm birth complications and diarrhea. External factors, such as the political climate, can also play a significant role.

Afghanistan’s limited medical facilities exacerbate the issue. The country’s fragile health care system leaves mothers and young children particularly vulnerable to the spread of infectious diseases. With underdeveloped immune systems, children are especially susceptible to illnesses that claim the lives of thousands in Afghanistan each year. However, there are several charities fighting infant mortality in Afghanistan.

HealthProm

HealthProm, established in 1984, is a U.K.-based nonprofit organization focused on reducing child and maternal mortality. It started working in Afghanistan in 2008 and has significantly lowered the country’s high child mortality rate. The organization has achieved this by providing emergency transport for women in labor to health centers. It also encouraged the local communities to establish Women’s Safe Motherhoods Groups and Men’s Support Groups to create awareness of the risks associated with pregnancy and child birth.

Afghan Mother and Child Rescue

Afghan Mother and Child Rescue (AMCR) is another nongovernmental organization (NGO) dedicated to supporting women and children in Afghanistan. The organization focuses on constructing and maintaining health clinics and medical facilities to improve maternal and child health outcomes. The charity spends approximately $37,000 toward building and maintaining these essential facilities, ensuring greater access to health care for vulnerable populations.

UNICEF

Working alongside Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) facilitates the care of children, especially those in vulnerable regions. UNICEF supports Afghanistan’s children through initiatives focusing on health, nutrition, water sanitation and hygiene, all aimed at reducing child mortality. Nearly 1.2 million children younger than 12 months receive life-saving vaccines each year. These immunizations protect against nine diseases, significantly improving their chances of leading healthy lives.

Looking To the Future

Charities like HealthProm, AMCR and UNICEF are working to combat child mortality in regions with the highest rates. As child deaths in Afghanistan continue to decline, achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of ending preventable deaths among children younger than 5 by 2030 becomes increasingly attainable, thanks to the growing number of children surviving and thriving.

The efforts of these charities, alongside other projects, are making a difference in the child mortality rate in Afghanistan by improving access to medical care and providing appropriate life-saving treatments and vaccinations. Since 2020, the infant mortality rate per 1,000 live births has decreased by 5.4 deaths.

– Megan Hall

Megan is based in Suffolk and focuses on Global Health and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Sports Programs Fighting Child Poverty in Saint Lucia

Child Poverty in Saint LuciaAn island country in the Caribbean with about 180,000 people, Saint Lucia sees 25% of its population living in poverty. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Julien Alfred captured the world’s attention by winning gold and silver in the 100 and 200-meter events, securing Saint Lucia’s first Olympic medals. Alfred stands out, but she’s not the only remarkable athlete from Saint Lucia. Programs like the Special Olympics, United Through Sports and the Saint Lucia Sports Academy are cultivating future athletes. With one-third of the island’s youth living in poverty—higher than the adult rate of 21%—these sports initiatives combat child poverty in Saint Lucia by providing uniforms and equipment, mentorship, community support, educational scholarships and teaching life skills such as teamwork and leadership.

Special Olympics St. Lucia

Since the late 1970s, Special Olympics St. Lucia has provided year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The program includes five official sports and development programs: Athlete Leadership, Young Athletes, Healthy Athletes and Project UNIFY. In 2023, Special Olympics St. Lucia had 181 registered athletes and participated in the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany. Overall, the organization aims to promote physical fitness, courage and community engagement.

United Through Sports

United Through Sports has achieved a 100% increase in school attendance among the 2,000 children they worked with in Saint Lucia and supported 16 of those players in becoming nationally capped athletes, meaning those athletes represented their national team in an international competition. The organization has three sports programs in Saint Lucia. The Youth Rugby Crime Prevention Project uses rugby to channel aggression and teach discipline to youth in high-crime areas. The Young Leadership Project trains older children as leaders and coaches, encouraging them to mentor younger peers. The Female Empowerment Project aims to break stereotypes in sports by encouraging and empowering young girls to participate in traditionally male-dominated sports.

Saint Lucia Sports Academy

When the school opened in 2019, the Saint Lucia Sports Academy became the first and only boarding school in Saint Lucia that emphasized both athletic and educational discipline. The Academy provides students with all the school supplies, tutors and sports equipment necessary to succeed academically and athletically.

Looking Ahead

Sports programs in Saint Lucia are essential for transforming the lives of young athletes by providing support that addresses both their athletic and personal needs. These programs offer critical resources that many young athletes might not otherwise have access to, including training facilities, sports equipment and educational materials necessary for their academic and athletic success. Mentorship plays a pivotal role, guiding young athletes through the challenges of sports and life while fostering a sense of community that instills important values like discipline, resilience and teamwork. By equipping these athletes with the tools they need to overcome child poverty in Saint Lucia, sports programs empower them to achieve success both on the field and in their academic and personal lives.

– Nina Bujewski

Nina is based in San Luis Obispo, CA, USA and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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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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Sex Trafficking and Child Poverty in Belarus  

Sex Trafficking in BelarusBelarus is a country in Eastern Europe which only recently gained its independence in August 1991 after a long history of the Soviet Union. The country, occupied by the Russian Empire since the 18th century, fell into Nazi hands years after the Russian Revolution, and following World War II, the country returned to Soviet Union’s control in 1944. In 1994, three years after declaring independence, Aleksandr Lukashenko became president and has been in office since his initial election.

Vulnerable Communities

In 2017, the rate of child poverty in Belarus stood at 11.3% while the population as a whole stood at 5.9%. The most vulnerable communities and families have been and still are those that live in more rural areas of the country, single-parent homes and homes with three or more children.

The multidimensional child poverty (MDCP) is higher than the overall poverty rate in the country. It is 16.7%, but the number varies across individuals. For larger households with three or more children and families in rural areas, the rate stands at 29.5% and for single-parent households, the rate is 23.8%, UNICEF reports.

UNICEF defines MDCP as “the situation of children suffering from multiple deprivations, rather than just income deprivation. Children may lack necessities or basic rights such as access to water and sanitation, a healthy, diverse diet, adequate living space or access to a personal computer to aid learning.”

Child Sex Trafficking in Belarus

Due to child poverty in Belarus, these underprivileged groups are especially vulnerable to trafficking, one of the major issues in the country. According to Interpol, Belarus has been identified as the country in Eastern Europe with the single most individuals identified in child abuse material. In 2013, there were a total of 91 victims in explicit abuse photographs and videos from Belarus.

The number of cases only increased. In 2015, there were a total of 506 separate cases of “commercial exploitation of children,” according to ECPAT. The traffickers often take victims abroad to countries like Russia, Poland and Turkey where their exploitation continues. The number of victims each year has fluctuated, but has remained consistently high, with the government identifying 251 victims in 2019.

The Good News

Although sex trafficking and child poverty in Belarus remain prominent, there is international support from NGOs and international aid groups to provide resources to victims and low-income households, according to the U.S. Department of State.

The number of victims of child trafficking has slowly increased since 2020; although, the government of Belarus has made small steps in providing resources for these vulnerable individuals. The government provides housing for up to six months in centers for children between the ages of three to 18 as well as free legal assistance, the U.S. Department of State reports. In July 2019, Belarusian and Israeli officials worked together to coordinate an operation to take down a sex trafficking ring composed of Belarusian and Ukrainian women, leading to the arrest of 15 people.

To address child poverty, the country has begun to provide aid to low-income families and families with underage children. There are also one-time benefits provided to families experiencing hardships and children up until 2 years old are provided with food supplies, regardless of income. Belarus is making efforts to address the issues of child poverty and human trafficking. No matter how slow, there are still efforts being made.

– Maya Renfro

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

Photo: Flickr

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Child Poverty in the Marshall Islands

Child poverty in the Marshall IslandsThe Marshall Islands are roughly between Hawaii and Australia in the Pacific Ocean. Child poverty in the Marshall Islands has been an issue that usually is ignored by the global community. Most children living in these islands face significant challenges in achieving adequate development due to limited access to health care. Poor education, maternal health challenges and malnutrition (35%) are some of the most common factors when talking about child poverty in the region.

Maternal Health Challenges

Maternal health care challenges and child poverty are closely related in the Marshall Islands. Limited access to efficient maternal health services harms health outcomes for both mothers and children. Children who are born from mothers who do not receive proper prenatal and postnatal care are at a higher risk of experiencing health issues, stunting and developmental delays. As a consequence, they are not able to do regular activities as any other children.

The lack of education on proper contraception contributes to a higher likelihood of unintended pregnancies, resulting in various health and economic challenges. A study conducted by the University of Arkansas on women in the Marshallese community living in Arkansas found that many mothers fear the adverse effects of contraception, leading them to reject contraceptive methods.

Education

Poverty significantly restricts children’s access to education in the Marshall Islands, particularly in rural areas where schools are often far from their homes. Limited learning materials, inadequate school infrastructure and a shortage of qualified teachers contribute to the low quality of education. As a result, many children discontinue their schooling to work and support their families, perpetuating the cycle of poverty.

Malnutrition

Malnutrition is another significant consequence of poverty affecting children in the Marshall Islands. According to a 2017 joint study by the Marshall Islands government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), highlighted by the World Bank Group in 2020, 35% of Marshallese children younger than 5 suffer from stunted growth due to malnutrition. This statistic is particularly alarming, even compared to other Pacific Island nations facing challenges related to poor nutrition and the high costs of imported goods.

What Is Being Done?

The government of the Marshall Islands, in collaboration with UNICEF, is implementing programs to improve health care and combat malnutrition. Efforts are focused on enhancing access to education and health care services. Mobile clinics and educational initiatives are being introduced to ensure that most children on the islands can benefit from these programs.

Additionally, the Early Childhood Development Project, launched by the World Bank in April 2019, directly addresses these issues. This $13 million initiative is funded by the International Development Association (IDA) in collaboration with the Republic of the Marshall Islands Government and UNICEF. The programs aim to improve health and nutrition, enhance early education and support families in creating a nurturing environment for their children. Additionally, evaluations and monitoring will be implemented to ensure the success and impact of the projects.

Conclusion

Addressing child poverty in the Marshall Islands requires a multifaceted approach involving local and international collaboration. Significant strides are being made to improve the living conditions and the future of children in the region. Indeed, initiatives like the Early Childhood Development Project and various programs improving nutrition, health care and education are making significant steps forward. Continued support and innovative solutions will be essential in ensuring that every child in the Marshall Islands has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

– Maria Urioste

Maria is based in Maspeth, NY, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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3 Nonprofits Fighting the Effects of Romania’s Orphanage Crisis

Romania’s Orphanage CrisisNicolae Ceausescu was the Communist ruler of Romania from 1965 to 1989. During his time in power, he established radical policies meant to increase birth rates. This meant that many more children were born. However, because of the widespread poverty in Romania, parents could not afford to care for them and had no choice but to send them to state-run facilities. These orphanages were overfilled and left without funding. Hence, the conditions for the children were inhuman and little attention was given to their health or education. By the end of the 1900s, 10,000 Romanian children were living with AIDS and many more were malnourished or diseased. In addition, Romania’s orphanage crisis resulted in long-term issues for those who lived there.

The Bucharest Intervention Project launched a study that found institutionalized children took longer to learn language skills and struggled with executive functions such as memory, reasoning and problem-solving. Their IQs were lower than their peers and they progressively decreased as the children aged. After Ceausescu lost control over Romania and the reality of what was happening in orphanages was made public, many organizations began to reverse the damage done.

COTE Foundation

COTE is a nonprofit based in Iasi, Romania. Its mission is to help vulnerable youth achieve high levels of education, build a community of friends and prepare for the workforce. One of its projects, Together for Education, was implemented in 2014 and continues as of 2024. This program invests in children whose families can’t afford necessities and supports them financially throughout their high school years.

The Grigore Ureche school has 78 children who would not have been able to graduate without the support of COTE. Of these 78 kids, 50 have graduated from 8th grade, 46 have continued to high school and 20 are still receiving financial support during the 2024 school year. To break the cycle of poverty that children in Romania’s orphanage system face, education is a key component and COTE’s work is bringing the country closer to that goal.

Popa Soare

Popa Soare is an organization based in Romania’s capital, Bucharest. It aims to advocate for vulnerable groups, including Romania’s orphanage crisis victims. In 2024, one of Popa Soare’s biggest projects seeks to improve the living conditions of two families living in extreme poverty. The beneficiaries are a single mother facing severe health issues who is raising three children and a 45-year-old woman who cares for her grandchildren in a small, worn-down shelter.

Popa Soare will provide contractors and construction/repair work and provide these families with safe and comfortable living spaces. In the long term, it hopes to build a “social cafe” to provide an area where the community can meet and support one another.

Forgotten Faces

In 2008, a group of Romanian-American teenagers living in Seattle founded the nonprofit Forgotten Faces. Although they were born in the United States, their parents emigrated from Romania. These teens are passionate about addressing Romania’s orphanage crisis and giving back to their ancestral country. However, being based in the U.S. presents challenges in directly supporting disadvantaged children in Romania.

To overcome this, they organize fundraisers at their local church. In the past two years, they have raised $20,000. The funds have been used to provide children and their families with clothing, school supplies and other necessities. They have also funded high school students’ educational field trips and cultural immersion experiences.

– Sophia Manole

Sophia is based in Bellevue, WA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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ChildFund in Brazil

ChildFund in BrazilBrazil is one of the largest and most populated countries in South America; it has more than 200 million people within its population. Yet, Brazil scored 48.9 on the Gini index for economic inequality and a significant proportion suffers from discrimination, and income inequality and around 24% of people live below the poverty line. ChildFund is a global charity that focuses on supporting children suffering by providing education, better access to health care or improving the cleanliness of drinking water where possible.

Education and Youth

Due to the effects of COVID-19, the education system was in dire need of support, UNICEF stated that, in 2022, 2 million children from the ages of 11 to 19 had not completed basic education and had not returned after the closures from COVID-19. ChildFund in Brazil have been persistent in trying to eradicate the education system to make a more positive environment; it has started introducing awareness workshops within the community schools. Additionally, more than 12,000 young people took part in ChildFund’s “Skilled and Involved Youth” projects in 2015. The organization conducted several workshops focusing on natural disasters and violence.

There are several campaigns that ChildFund runs and networking sessions to get more young people involved in current affairs which also, opens more avenues for young people to be involved in decisions directly relating to them. ChildFund is working alongside local partners (OSPs) to encourage children to have a routine to stick to and they have several social groups that support children in several activities, such as dance and judo. OSPs have also created several play kits to support the children with art supplies and they supply the correct age-appropriate items. All of these initiatives help support the children of Brazil.

Health Care

Brazil has purposefully attempted to rebuild the health care system after the devastating disaster of COVID-19 and the government’s focus has been on achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Although there are several improvements to health care and being more available there are still shortages in public funding, suboptimal resource allocation and weaknesses in health care delivery persist. Those who are most vulnerable to these issues are children, the elderly and those with terminal illnesses; thus, ChildFund aims to improve the health care systems for children. In 2015 ChildFund in Brazil created a “Taking Care of the First Years of Life” program which has benefitted more than 8,000 children in 31 different areas in Brazil, according to its website.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was very difficult to support people physically however, ChildFund partnered with local staff who could help them connect with families virtually and provide at-home kits for caregivers and educators. It also hand-delivered food to more than 7,700 families including baby supplies such as baby cribs and clothes.

Safe Drinking Water

There have been several severe droughts in the southeastern areas of Brazil and these conditions have created a shortage in water for agriculture and clean, drinking water for people, according to ChildFund. ChildFund in Brazil has constantly worked with local partners and organizations to have a better monitoring system in place for when these events occur and in particular making sure the water quality is clean for drinking.

According to ChildFund, it collects regular samples and tests for bacteria and any other pollution and it has created a backup system to be more prepared and also, encourage others to be aware of these issues and raise awareness. The World Food Programme (WFP) Centre of Excellence against Hunger and ChildFund in Brazil signed a partnership to promote food and nutritional security for children and find solutions to fight hunger. ChildFund has always tried to defend children’s rights and they are an important asset to building sustainable solutions for children.

– Charlotte Johnston

Charlotte is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Charities Operating in Bulgaria

Charities Operating in Bulgaria
There are several charities operating in Bulgaria that address the poverty challenges it faces. In 2007, the Republic of Bulgaria joined the European Union alongside Romania. Today, however, it is the poorest member with the lowest Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and since 2020, the country has been troubled by political instability, with governmental coalitions collapsing. There have been six parliamentary elections between 2021 and 2024 – a seventh election already in sight. This political uncertainty impacts Bulgaria’s access to EU funds while also slowing its mission to fully join the Schengen area and adopt the euro as its currency. 

According to UNICEF’s “Child Poverty in the Midst of Wealth” report, more than one in four children in Bulgaria lived in poverty between 2019 and 2021, with a child poverty rate of 26.1 percent. Despite a 55% increase in efforts to reduce child poverty, there has been less than a 10% change in the poverty rate since 2012. The inadequacy of social transfers, such as family benefits and social assistance, is evident, as these payments fail to account for inflation and rising living standards. Consequently, an “economically vulnerable household” with out-of-work parents and two children will receive 17.5% of the national average wage in social transfers – without housing benefits – placing Bulgaria 37th out of 39 OECD/EU countries.

Bulgaria’s weak social protection system underscores the critical role of charities operating in Bulgaria, with 36.2% child material deprivation and 12.9 percent housing problems. These nonprofit organizations play a crucial role in improving the lives of Bulgarian citizens, and here are five charities operating in Bulgaria and combatting poverty.

Children of Bulgaria

Since 2014, the nonprofit organization Children of Bulgaria has raised funds for its annual projects to improve children’s health. The charity’s operations are crucial, with the average infant mortality rate in 2021 being 5.2 per 1,000 live births – a little less than double the EU 3.6 average for that year. Instead of simply sending capital to the recipients, Children of Bulgaria uses 98% of its donations – the remaining 2% are operating costs – to fund projects and buy the necessary equipment, thus preventing fraud and misuse of contributions.

In 2023, it delivered medical equipment to the Neonatal Ward in the Hospital of Silistra – used to help an average of 150 premature babies annually. Similarly, in 2021 and 2022, the organization focused on improving centers for autistic children since most daycares in the country are unfit for children with the disorder, and child psychiatrists are scarce. This year’s 2024 project focuses on funding four new centers for children with special needs in South-East and South-West Bulgaria, underlying the importance of inclusive childcare.

Habitat for Humanity Bulgaria

Habitat for Humanity is one of the key charities operating in Bulgaria. Since 2001, it has advocated for adequate housing – since the Bulgarian constitution does not recognize the right to housing as a fundamental human right. Nonetheless, the necessity for affordable housing is distinct, with one in three Bulgarians needing accommodation in 2022, while the country also had one of the highest overcrowding rates in the EU – 36.2% compared to an average of 16.8%. 

Habitat for Humanity Bulgaria has been fighting this struggle since 2014 by creating the Coalition “Decent Homes.” It collaborates with 36 organizations, from the municipal, business and non-governmental sectors, to better decision-making in housing policies. The nonprofit has built 12 houses and helped to more than 6,000 families find settlements in the country through partnerships with local communities and volunteers, providing affordable housing construction and enhancing accessibility to housing improvements. 

Light of Bulgaria

After the fall of communism in Bulgaria, the younger generations moved to work in the city, making Light of Bulgaria a crucial charity for the older population. Most of them still living in the mountains and forests of South-West Bulgarian on minimal pensions – 580.57 BGN per month or $330.28 USD – do not have access to social or medical care. 

Light of Bulgaria reaches more than 60 villages, providing food, clothes and medical care while also helping families who struggle with mental health problems or are victims of neglect and domestic violence. When temperatures drop below fifteen degrees in winter, the nonprofit also implements its program “The Soup,” providing nutritious food for the villagers and assisting them through their hardships. 

Trust for Social Achievement Foundation

Minorities in Bulgaria face significant disadvantages, and the Roma community is no exception. Although they are estimated to comprise around 10% of the population, many Roma do not officially declare their ethnicity due to fear of discrimination, leading to varying figures. The Roma community grapples with poverty, social exclusion and limited access to education and health care. Many Roma people live in marginalized neighborhoods with poor living conditions, where discrimination severely limits their opportunities for employment and integration into society. Furthermore, derogatory remarks from government officials, including Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, who has publicly referred to the Roma as “bad human material,” exacerbate the situation and deepen the social divide.

To face these challenges and support the Roma community, the Trust for Social Achievement Foundation has created various programs. For example, the “Continued Support for Roma Students at the American University in Bulgaria” provides financial aid, mentorship and academic support to Roma students, helping them overcome barriers in higher education. Additionally, the “Early Learning and Care” program focuses on improving early childhood education by providing access to quality learning resources and parental support, aiming to address educational disparities from a young age – with 45% of Roma children not attending preschool. These initiatives are part of broader efforts by charities operating in Bulgaria to combat systemic barriers and discrimination, improving long-term outcomes for the Roma community.

UNICEF

In 2022, the Agency for Social Assistance reported 736 cases of domestic violence in Bulgaria, with 73% involving children. ATD Fourth World, an international nonprofit focused on ending poverty, also reported on child protection in Bulgaria, highlighting the link between poverty and child abuse. Indeed, children in poverty are especially at risk of abuse and neglect because financial problems create stress and instability in families. Thus, those struggling with poverty often lack the support needed to prevent or address abuse – leading to higher rates of harm among children from marginalized communities.

In response, UNICEF Bulgaria has worked to strengthen protection for vulnerable children and families by supporting the National Programme for Prevention of Violence and Child Abuse. This program aims to create a comprehensive framework for preventing and addressing violence and abuse by integrating various services and policies. On the ground, UNICEF has directly assisted 259 children—181 girls and 178 boys—who were victims or witnesses of abuse, through the Zona ZaKrila protection centers in Sofia, Shumen, and Montana. Additionally, UNICEF’s “For Every Child, Protection from Violence and Abuse” initiative has trained 525 specialists in preventing and responding to violence against children and women, as well as in preventing sexual exploitation and abuse. These efforts are vital for fostering safer environments and ensuring that every child receives the protection and support they need to thrive.

Looking Ahead

Bulgaria’s long journey to becoming a prosperous and thriving country is far from complete, but progress has been made in the last decades. With funding from the European Union and help from charities operating in Bulgaria, the living conditions of its citizens are improving. 

– Alissa Naydenova

Alissa is based in Colchester, Essex, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr