Archive for category: Child Poverty

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4 Charities Combating Child Poverty in Brazil

Child Poverty in BrazilBrazil has the second-highest economy in the Americas. Despite the country having a whopping gross domestic product (GDP) range of $2.17 trillion as of 2023, it is also home to millions of children living in poverty. Vast disparities in wealth and access to essential resources persist, leaving many children and teenagers alike impoverished. Fortunately, several charities are working tirelessly to address these challenges and improve the lives of the most vulnerable children in Brazil. 

ChildFund

Since 1966, ChildFund has been helping impoverished children in Brazil, focusing on improving the lives of children and families in disadvantaged areas. The organization’s efforts center on education, health care and protecting children from violence and exploitation. ChildFund also aims to train community members to monitor water quality and has partnered with multiple programs to implement measures that promote safe water drinking—one of these partnerships accomplished providing clean water to more than 24,000 people in Brazil’s Jequitinhonha Valley.

One of ChildFund’s key initiatives in Brazil is its focus on education and skills training. The organization provides educational support to children, ensuring access to quality schooling and essential resources for success. This includes reducing violence in classrooms and socioeducational activities promoting leadership. Additionally, ChildFund Brazil empowered 8,200 children through its “Taking Care of the First Years of Life” program.

Children of Bahia

Children of Bahia is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children in one of Brazil’s most impoverished regions, the state of Bahia. Established in 2005, the organization provides food, education and health care to children living in extreme poverty. By working directly with local communities, Children of Bahia addresses the needs of the children it serves and provides targeted support where needed most.

The organization also supports projects where children receive meals, access necessary health care and participate in extracurricular activities like the Wednesday Club. In addition to providing direct support, Children of Bahia strengthens families and communities by offering workshops and community development programs. This approach ensures children get the support they need to thrive at home and within their communities.

GlobalGiving

GlobalGiving is an international crowdfunding platform connecting donors with grassroots projects worldwide, including Brazil. The platform supports various initiatives to combat child poverty in Brazil through its platform. These projects are run by local organizations that deeply understand the communities they serve, ensuring that donations are used effectively to create lasting change.

In Brazil, GlobalGiving supports projects that provide education, health care and necessities to needy children. For example, some projects focus on improving rural communities’ access to clean water and sanitation. In contrast, others provide scholarships and educational resources to children who would otherwise be unable to attend school. The organization’s model allows donors to choose specific projects they want to support, providing transparency and ensuring that their contributions make a direct impact.

Compassion International

Compassion International is a well-known organization that works to alleviate child poverty through its child sponsorship programs. The organization provides children access to education, health care and spiritual guidance in Brazil. Compassion’s sponsorship programs connect donors with individual children. It provides them with the financial support needed to attend school, receive medical care and participate in extracurricular activities.

The organization has also served 223 churches to create safe and nurturing environments for the children, for which approximately 69,000 have received aid. In addition to meeting basic needs, Compassion’s programs emphasize the importance of emotional and spiritual well-being. They offer counseling and support to help children overcome the challenges they face.

Conclusion on Charities in Brazil

The work of charities such as ChildFund, Children of Bahia, GlobalGiving and Compassion International demonstrates that the power of collective action. These organizations have sufficiently reduced child poverty in Brazil via education, health care, food and water supply and sponsoring.

– Christian Core

Christian is based in Princeville, HI, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Child Poverty in France

France is often regarded as a European economic powerhouse of wealth and political influence. However, of the 14.47 million children living in France, 22.8% were at risk of poverty and social exclusion as of 2021. This amounts to around 3.3 million children in total. These children consistently struggle to access education, health care, food, housing and care services. In fact, by 2022, nearly 5,700 children in mainland France lived in shantytowns. Additionally, about 30,000 were housed in hotels—environments deemed unfit for family living—and 1,600 had no accommodation solution at all.

European Council Child Guarantee

Poverty and exclusion threaten about 19 million children in the European Union. In light of this, the European Commission adopted a recommendation from the European Council and created the Child Guarantee Act. This act aims to prevent and fight social exclusion by ensuring that vulnerable children have effective access to a range of basic services, such as free education, free health care, healthy food and adequate housing. By adopting the Childhood Guarantee on June 12, 2021, France pledged to enforce the protection of children’s rights to health, education, security and comfort at the national level. Consequently, France also pledged to enhance existing monitoring systems and develop new ones to better protect these rights.

French Child Guarantee National Action Plan

The Child Guarantee National Action Plan proposed by France to the European Council is ambitious, with many of its measures aimed at tackling child poverty receiving widespread approval. The plan focuses on five main points, which are as follows:

  1. The creation of a national observatory for ‘nonschooling’ now requires parents to obtain prior authorization to home-school their children. Authorities will accept only limited reasons for granting this permission.
  2. To reduce child poverty, the plan improves access to employment and develops the country’s childcare support system, focusing on maternal assistance accessibility during a child’s first 1,000 days.
  3. To reinforce access to education and schooling for vulnerable children, the plan includes enforcing stricter rules in foster care systems.
  4. The plan prioritizes children’s mental health and improves their access to health care overall.
  5. The plan expands the availability of care services to all children up to the age of 21.

Remaining Uncertainties

There are ongoing uncertainties about the funding and implementation conditions for policies designed to tackle child poverty in France. Key concerns include how the French Child Guarantee National Action Plan will be implemented, monitored and evaluated. This is due to an agreement by the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament that requires Member States to allocate 5% of their European Social Fund Plus resources to combat child poverty, but only if their national child poverty rates exceed the European average of 23.4%.

Countries like France do not have to invest a specific percentage of their budget in these efforts. Instead, they only need to allocate an ‘appropriate’ amount. This flexibility in the requirement is concerning, as it could result in inadequate support for vulnerable children in France who are at risk of or currently experiencing poverty, potentially diverting funds to other investments.

Looking Ahead

France faces significant challenges in addressing child poverty. The French Child Guarantee National Action Plan, aligned with the European Council’s Child Guarantee Act, aims to provide vulnerable children with access to essential services like education, health care and housing. However, uncertainties remain regarding the allocation of resources and the effectiveness of these measures, raising concerns about whether the plan will provide sufficient support to those most in need.

– Kristina Grant

Kristina is based in Scotland and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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3 Organizations Providing Education for Children in Malaysia

Education for Children in MalaysiaMalaysia, located just south of Thailand in Southeast Asia, is home to more than 35 million people. Major cities include Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya and Johor Bahru. Recently, Malaysia’s education system was ranked second in the region based on test scores. However, it also placed last in Southeast Asia. While some families can afford quality education for their children, others living below the poverty line struggle to prioritize education. It is difficult for families with lower incomes to spend money on education when they have so many other needs that they need to tend to. Organizations like Dignity for Children Foundation, Teach For Malaysia and Budimas Education Charity Fund are dedicated to providing educational opportunities for children from impoverished families in Malaysia.

Dignity for Children Foundation

Founded in 1998, the Dignity for Children Foundation aims to provide quality education to impoverished children. Its mission includes support programs, education initiatives, a farm academy and various enterprises designed to offer a well-rounded education that prepares children for employment.

Through donations, child sponsorships and the efforts of many volunteers, the foundation has significantly impacted the lives of impoverished children. Starting with 20 students in 1998, the foundation now supports 2,300 students aged 2 to 19 as of 2024. In addition to offering free quality education, the foundation also provides meals.

Teach For Malaysia

Established in 2010, Teach For Malaysia aims to reduce educational inequality across the country. The organization recruits and trains individuals to work in under-resourced schools, ensuring that all children have access to quality education regardless of their family’s financial situation. Partnering with the Ministry of Education, Teach For Malaysia addresses impoverished students’ challenges and advocates for systemic change.

Students taught by Teach For Malaysia’s fellows experienced 36% more academic growth than their peers. By training and placing new teachers in schools with high needs, the organization significantly impacts education in Malaysia.

Budimas Education Charity Fund

Founded in 2001, the Budimas Education Charity Fund is dedicated to making education more accessible for all. In Malaysia, where many children would have to travel more than 40 kilometers to reach school, the organization works to bring education closer to those in poverty.

The Budimas Education Charity Fund has established 12 libraries in underprivileged areas, providing thousands of books and spaces for children to complete schoolwork and engage in educational activities. By offering free books and educational resources in regions with limited school access, the organization is committed to enhancing education for less privileged children in Malaysia.

Final Note

While accessing quality education in Malaysia can be extremely challenging for underprivileged children, organizations like the Dignity for Children Foundation, Teach For Malaysia and Budimas Education Charity Fund are making significant strides to address educational inequality. These three organizations have positively impacted many lives by improving access to education and resources. Although the statistics and rankings regarding education in Malaysia may raise concerns, efforts by these organizations offer hope for a brighter future.

– Poppy Duggal

Poppy is based in Chevy Chase, MD, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Child Poverty in Timor-Leste

Child Poverty in Timor-LesteSince its independence in May 2002, Timor-Leste has made significant progress in expanding its economy and improving its standards of living through various efforts such as rebuilding public infrastructures and institutional frameworks. Today, Timor-Leste, with around 1.3 million people, is a peaceful nation. However, the aftermath of decades of conflicts and other factors like natural disasters persists, as shown by the poverty measure with the national poverty line. Though it has been on the decline, in 2024, 42% of families in Timor-Leste are living in poverty according to the United Nations. Among them, children are the most vulnerable group when it comes to poverty. Fortunately, some efforts are underway to eliminate child poverty in Timor-Leste.

Poverty

According to Timor-Leste’s own country-specific measurement of multidimensional poverty, young children have the highest multidimensional poverty rates, meaning that the children do not have enough access to quality education, health care and nutrition.

Education

According to UNICEF, only 20% of children who are of the age for preschool are enrolled in school and 70% of students in the first grade do not meet basic learning standards. Moreover, educational institutions face challenges due to insufficient necessities as well such as bathrooms and drinking water. 

To address this room for improvement, UNICEF has been working with the government to formalize quality standards for preschool and basic education and an Early Childhood Development Policy. Additionally, UNICEF also advocated for Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Education to establish the Basic Law of Education in 2008, the  National Policy Framework for Preschool Education in 2014, the Basic Education Law in 2010,  the WASH in Schools Guidelines in 2016 and the Inclusive Education Policy in 2017. These efforts for improvements in education and equity will contribute to a higher rate of quality education along with an increase in individual earnings. This will eventually contribute to solving poverty and increasing domestic product per capita in Timor-Leste.

Child Labor

Instead, many children in Timor-Leste work as child laborers to make a living for their families and to buy necessities. According to the United Nations, one child named Ano from Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste, spends nine hours daily selling popcorn and other snacks to subsidize his family’s income. This is not just a problem surrounding one child. UNICEF and ILO jointly announced in their report that around 10% of 5-12 aged children in Timor-Leste work to support their families.

The government of Timor-Leste acknowledged the issue of child labor by ratifying Convention No. 182, an international agreement in 1999, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 2003 with a goal of eliminating any form of child abuse. Other organizations such as UNICEF have also worked to advocate for child rights and eliminate child labor in Timor-Leste.

Nutrition

Food deficits and malnutrition are also problems in Timor-Leste. The World Food Programme (WFP) reported that around 47% of the children five years old and under are stunted and 8.6% of children are suffering from malnutrition. Additionally, 23% of women from age 15 to 49 are anemic, which means they do not have enough red blood cells needed to distribute oxygen to the body’s tissues.

To combat malnutrition, WFP has provided technical support to the government of Timor-Leste to produce fortified food filled with minerals and vitamins for vulnerable families. It has also developed an efficient supply chain management system to ensure that the food reaches households that need the most assistance. Subsequently, in 2022, WFP provided fortified rice to approximately 79,000 children in more than 400 schools in Timor-Leste  through a school program.

Health Care

Due to low access to health care systems, maternal and under-5 mortality rates are the highest in Southeast Asia. In terms of vaccination, a UNICEF report from 2016 indicated that only 49% of children (12-29 months) had obtained all of their vaccinations. Moreover, about 88% of health care facilities in Timor-Leste lack emergency care for women and newborns. These problems are mainly due to limited workforce, supply chains and public financing.

In order to save the lives of children by improving health care systems, many organizations and governments have carried out various efforts. USAID endeavors to expand health care across Timor-Leste and improve the support of infants, children and women. USAID assisted the Ministry of Health in facilitating health promotion sessions including hygiene and nutrition education for 11,317 people. UNICEF also seeks to strengthen health care worker networks and workforces in Timor-Leste along with advocacy for vaccination programs. By 2025, its goal is to increase the number of skilled health care professionals during birth from 55% to 70% and reach 150,000 people at health care promotion activities and health care facilities.

Looking Forward

It was a short period after Timor-Leste became a sovereign state in 2002. Since, there has been a continuous effort made by governments, various organizations and individuals to mitigate the problem of child poverty in Timor-Leste and improve the lives of children. When these collective actions worldwide support its long-lasting growth in Timor-Leste, child poverty in Timor-Leste will gradually decline with more children living the fulfilling lives they deserve. As Helen Keller said, “Until the great mass of the people shall be filled with the sense of responsibility for each other’s welfare, social justice can never be attained.”

– Sein Kim

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

Photo: Flickr

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Addressing Child Poverty in Andorra 

Child Poverty in AndorraAndorra is one of the smallest states in Europe with a total population of around 80,088 and an under-18 population of around 14,000 people. Although the World Bank designates Andorra as a high-income country (having a GNI of $75,090 per capita as of 2022), the leading cause of child poverty in Andorra seems to be a lack of economic resources and security. This in turn can lead to severe material deprivation for a child and their family.

Data Behind Child Poverty in Andorra

As of 2022, 14% of under 18-year-olds and 14.7% of under 16-year-olds are at risk of poverty and social exclusion. This is an increase from 2018 when 13.3% of those under 16 were at risk of poverty (living with an expenditure below 60% of the national median). However, what is interesting is that when looking at single-parent families with one or more dependent children the proportion of those at risk of poverty increases significantly. In 2019, 24.4% of under 16s in a single-parent household were at risk of poverty, with 17.4% of single-parent households struggling with severe material deprivation.

While there is limited data on hunger or malnourishment in children, data does show that around 0.7 to 1% of children are underweight or thin. However, Andorra boasts a 100% literacy rate, making education’s prevalence very high. This is likely due to Andorra making public schooling free, reducing the impact of poverty on a child’s education.

Tackling Child Poverty in Andorra

Although child poverty is still present in Andorra the general poverty rates are still lower than the EU average of 24.8%. The Andorran Government has also implemented multiple initiatives to tackle child poverty and its sources. One example of an initiative that has helped reduce child poverty in Andorra is the Parròquies Amigues de la Infància (Child-Friendly Parishes) initiative. UNICEF Andorra runs the initiative, operating at the regional level and it promotes children’s participation through child Councils; a dedicated “child-friendly budget;” childhood data collection; and “the development of a national plan for children in conjunction with the state government.”

UNICEF Andorra measures the progress of the individual parishes under this initiative. If reviewed positively it grants the parish “the Child Friendly Parish Recognition”. This initiative has been so successful that UNICEF has claimed that “[a]s of 2023, all the seven parishes in the country are involved in the initiative, reaching almost 14,000 children, making Andorra in effect a child-friendly country.” The effectiveness of the initiative is due to its partnership with organizations such as the Community Association and Ministry of Education, facilitating its focus on educating children about their rights so they are empowered to be able to defend their rights and alter their future circumstances.

Promoting Child Rights

The Andorran Government also plans to carry out dissemination campaigns about child rights so that people are aware of these rights, are less likely to violate them and are more likely to guarantee them. The Child-Friendly Parishes initiative has also been key in involving the voices of children in decision-making so that political decisions affecting them are more likely to take into account their wants and needs, allowing these children to help shape their future.

From 2021 to 2022, 80 children from 9 to 12 years old have been elected as councillors from their respective parishes, and 611 students of the same age have participated in workshops promoting participation. Furthermore, 28 people aged 14 to 16 take part each year in the General Council of the Youth where they discuss and debate different proposals for laws on topics that interest them, replicating the operation of the General Council. All seven communal children’s councils have also maintained Child-Friendly Parish Recognition. according to a 2022 report.

Although there is a significant lack of data on the SDG trackers with 35 out of the 48 child-related SDG trackers lacking data the government still demonstrates effective measures and initiatives to reduce child poverty in Andorra. The most effective means of achieving this is through education, which includes multiple initiatives, such as the Child-Friendly Parishes Initiative. Children have been effectively involved in decisions about their future, educating them on how to change their circumstances and future for the better, enabling them to escape child poverty in Andorra.

– Archie Day

Archie is based in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikipedia Commons

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Ready to Use Therapeutic Food and Childhood Malnutrition

ready to use therapeutic foodChildhood malnutrition is a global crisis affecting millions of children younger than the age of 5. The side effects of childhood malnutrition are devastating, such as lower IQs, poor socioemotional skills, weaker immune systems and many more.

Ready-To-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) has a significant impact on treating this condition. This life-saving superfood transforms how severe acute malnutrition is treated, allowing children to recover quickly and regain their health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), well-nourished children are more capable of escaping poverty as adults during the first two years of life.

Why RUTF?

Ready-To-Use Therapeutic Food is a revolutionary food treatment that’s giving hope to millions of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM), the deadliest form of hunger. The WHO estimated in 2007 that severe acute malnutrition (SAM) accounts for around one million child deaths annually. Approximately 20 million children worldwide suffer from SAM and those affected have a mortality risk of more than nine times greater than their well-nourished peers.

RUTF is an energy-dense, micronutrient paste designed to treat severe wasting in children younger than 5. Wasting is characterized by low weight-for-height and occurs when a child does not receive enough food or adequate quality. If untreated, it significantly increases the risk of death.

History of RUTF

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the concept of RUTF was pioneered by pediatric nutritionist André Briend and food processing engineer Michel Lescanne 25 years ago. RUTF is made from powdered milk, peanuts, butter, vegetable oil, sugar and vitamins and minerals. Each sachet of RUTF provides 500 calories and essential micronutrients, allowing malnourished children to gain weight rapidly.

The invention of RUTF marked a revolution in malnutrition treatment, shifting from the traditional therapeutic feeding centers (TFCs) to home-based care. Previously, children with severe acute malnutrition needed round-the-clock care at TFCs, which were scarce and often located far from the communities they served.

This setup required mothers to leave their homes for weeks, causing lost wages and incomplete treatments. The crowded conditions at TFCs also posed infection risks and in conflict areas like Sudan, they were vulnerable to attacks. Recognizing these challenges, Briend aimed to develop a home-administered solution. His goal was to revolutionize the management of severe acute malnutrition, allowing children to receive treatment safely at home.

RUTF’s Role in Community-Based Management

RUTF is vital for community-based management of children with uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition who still have an appetite. Its two-year shelf life makes it convenient for storage and distribution. The appealing taste and easy digestibility ensure that children readily consume it. Most importantly, RUTF requires no preparation. Children can directly have this nutrient-dense food from the packet, making it safe and reducing the risk of contamination.

According to UNICEF, the treatment of children with severe acute malnutrition was traditionally in facilities where they received specialized therapeutic milk under strict regimens. However, many children arrived too late or could not access these centers due to distance, cost and lengthy treatment durations. RUTF has enabled community-based management and transformed it into a home-based treatment. Its single-dose foil sachets do not require refrigeration or mixing with water, making it practical and safe for home use. This innovation has significantly improved treatment outcomes and accessibility.

Success of RUTF

RUTF and the community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) have proven to be powerful. In emergencies like famine, child mortality rates typically range from 20% to 30%. However, with the combined use of CMAM and RUTF, these rates have dropped to 4.5%, saving countless lives. A notable pilot program in Darfur, Sudan, treated 25,000 acutely malnourished children with similarly positive results.

From 2002 to 2006, Concern Worldwide implemented a large-scale pilot in Malawi, yielding excellent treatment, coverage, community acceptance and cost-effectiveness outcomes. This success led to the publication of the CTC field manual in 2006 and a joint recognition by WHO, UNICEF and the World Food Programme in 2007, establishing CMAM as a global best practice. Today, millions of acutely malnourished children have been successfully treated with RUTF through the CMAM approach. In South Sudan, UNICEF and partners treat nearly a quarter of a million children annually with RUTF, achieving a treatment recovery rate of 95% and averting potential deaths.

Challenges in Distributing RUTF

UNICEF plays a pivotal role in the global distribution of RUTF, procuring and delivering 75-80% of the world’s supply. It ensures that RUTF reaches the most vulnerable children, even in challenging environments. Large-scale operations by UNICEF have saved countless lives during emergencies.

Despite its success, RUTF is not universally available. Many countries do not include RUTF in their essential medicines lists and treatment for severe wasting is often poorly integrated into routine health services. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic and global conflicts have increased the cost of RUTF, further limiting its availability.

Conclusion

Ready-To-Use Therapeutic Food has proven to be a lifesaving superfood, transforming the treatment of severe acute malnutrition and saving millions of children’s lives. Its success underscores the need for increased global efforts to ensure all children have access to this essential treatment.

– Sumaiya Sultana

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

Photo: Flickr

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Ending Child Marriage in Guinea

Child Marriage in GuineaChild marriage occurs in many countries but Guinea has some of the highest prevalence rates in the world. The World Bank defines child marriage as a “marriage or union taking place before the age of 18.” Many often associate it with poverty and low levels of education, and it disproportionally affects girls. There are several successful programs to reduce child marriage in Guinea.

Affected Population

In Guinea, though the law states that the minimum age of marriage is 18, this is not always upheld in practice. According to Girls Not Brides, 47% of girls marry before 18 and 17% of girls marry before the age of 15. This compares with 2% of boys who are married before age 18.

Rates of child marriage differ based on location. Rates of child marriage are two times higher in rural than urban areas, which may coincide with higher levels of poverty in the countryside. Child marriage in Guinea is more common in some areas of the country than others, with the highest rate being in Labé where 76% of children marry before 18, according to Girls Not Brides.

Reasons behind Child Marriage

Child marriages are often done with parental consent and because of financial worries, as children can be offered in exchange for goods. Other reasons include religious beliefs and fears of girls falling pregnant outside of marriage, Girls Not Brides reports.

Child marriage brings many dangers to these girls; 95% of girls married before 18 experience FGM/C, according to Girls Not Brides. Girls who are married as children are more likely to give birth earlier and experience complications in these pregnancies. They also have a higher chance of contracting infections like HIV and are at a higher risk of experiencing domestic violence.

Child Marriage and Poverty

Guinea is experiencing high levels of poverty with, according to the World Bank, 43.7% of people living below the poverty line – this equates to 5.8 million people. Statistically, there is a strong positive correlation between rates of poverty and rates of child marriage. This can be seen in Guinea; Labé is one of the poorest areas of the country with 66% of people living below the poverty. The city also has the highest rate of child marriage in Guinea. 

UNICEF has identified that increasing access to education is a significant contributing factor to reducing rates of child marriage. According to Girls Not Brides, 63% of women without an education marry before 18, compared with 26% with secondary level education or higher. Therefore, a key aspect of tackling child marriage is increasing access to education; this is also an important aim of downsizing poverty.

Solutions

Though Guinea is amongst the highest in the world for child marriage, some changes are taking place. The country signed up to the SDGs, one of which aims to end child marriage. Guinea also signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child and in 2017 launched the African Union Campaign to End Child Marriage in Africa, according to Girls Not Brides. This campaign began in 2014 and aims to target the countries in Africa most affected by child marriage. It has given countries and leaders space to advocate for girls’ rights and has encouraged many countries to change their laws regarding child marriage. It has also led to more research on child marriage, providing important information on its impacts.

UNICEF has implemented the Fundamental Skills Improvement Programme, which trains teachers with the overall aim of improving the reading and mathematical abilities of children in Guinea. At the beginning of the program, 61% of students could not identify numbers. Just six months into the scheme this decreased to only 4%. Because of this success, many other schools are applying to the program, increasing its reach from 1,500 students to almost 6,000.

Equity Committee

The U.S. government has also offered help to increase access to education; the USAID education programme created an Equity Committee to grow the number of girls in education. The World Bank also joined this to fund studies into how to educate girls, as it was such uncharted territory, as well as running publicity campaigns to encourage more girls, and their families, to access education. This resulted in the percentage of girls attending school increasing from 23% to 36% and the percentage of boys rising from 51% to 66% in just four years.

This increase in education has had an impact on the number of child marriages in Guinea. There has been an overall decrease in the number of child marriages: the World Bank has reported that the mean age of marriage in 18-22-year-olds is 15.5, compared with 16.8 in 18-49-year-olds, therefore showing a decline.

There have been notable improvements and the future opportunities are looking brighter for Guinea’s young people as work continues to decrease child marriage in Guinea. By continuing to increase the number of children, especially girls, accessing education and by downsizing poverty, Guinea can further the progress made to eradicate child marriage.

– Eryn Greenaway

Eryn is based in England and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Single-Mother Families and Child Poverty in Japan

Child Poverty in JapanDespite being one of the wealthiest developed countries worldwide, Japan grapples with a significant child poverty issue, ranking among the highest in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Alarming statistics reveal that one in seven Japanese children lives in poverty.

Causes of Child Poverty in Japan

A significant factor contributing to child poverty is the high percentage of children living in single-parent households. Approximately 50% of single-parent families, most often mother-children households, fall below the poverty line. The summary report shows that the number of mother-children households is roughly 565,000 in 2022, while the number of father-children households is only 75,000.

Furthermore, the societal structure in Japan predominantly favors full-time male employees, leading to a gender wage gap where women, even those working full-time and overtime, often receive lower wages and fewer benefits. The average income per mother-children household is merely 3.73 million yen ($23,529) a year, compared to 6.06 million yen ($38.199) in “single-parent families with a father.” Nearly two million mothers with children in households have no jobs.

“I feel deprived of my dignity because I’m a single mother, I’m on public welfare, I don’t have enough money for daily food and school and I don’t have a job,” said Mika, a 45-year-old single mother who raises her two children, aged 3 and 7, on her own. “My children would like to join clubs and travel, but I can’t afford it.”

Additionally, 22.5% of mother-child households have no savings, the highest percentage among all types of households. Meanwhile, the lowest percentage of mother-child households have savings. In the self-assessed survey of living conditions, around 39.4% of mother-child households claimed a “very difficult” condition, the highest among all types of households. Only 23.4% of mother-child households think they live in a “normal” condition.

The Japanese Social Care System

The Japanese social care system involves local governments offering protective services to children who are either without parents or whose parents are unable to care for them. The system involves fostering psychological care and local community support goals. Other supportive systems such as psychological treatment facilities for children, facilities to support the development of children’s self-sustaining capacity and maternal and child living support facilities also provide home assistance and daycare to assist children and their parents.

Additionally, a children’s home provides a safe living environment for children without parents or those whose parents are unable to care for them due to abuse, serious health issues, or financial difficulties. According to data from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the number of children’s homes in Japan is approximately 600 and the number of children living in such homes is 27,300.

NGOs Providing Solutions

Apart from government support, many organizations are fighting for child poverty in Japan:

  • Lights On Children: A nonprofit organization that assists and supports children’s social needs.
  • Kids Door: A nonprofit organization that provides education, comfortable homes and career workshops.
  • YouMeWe: A Tokyo-based nonprofit organization that nurtures and supports local students from institutionalized homes, helping them achieve full independence by the age of 18 through initiatives like financial literacy programs.

Final Remark on Child Poverty in Japan

These supportive programs and institutes have effectively alleviated children’s poverty. A report from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare indicates a decrease in children’s poverty rate from 2018 (14%) to 2021 (11.5%). The relative frequency distribution of the number of children in households with disposable income shows a drop in the range of less than 400,000 yen ($2,520) and between 400,000 and 1,400,000 yen ($2,520 and $8,820). The frequency of single-parent and children in households also declines in the range between 1,000,000 and 1,400,000 yen ($6,300 and $8,820).

Nevertheless, the Japanese government repeatedly made promises to provide financial support to children in poverty and mother-children households. However, the action was very slow. Akihiko Kato, a professor at Meiji University, has criticized the Japanese government for its sluggish response in delivering financial support to families with children. “It’s one thing we can do more of in society: try to recognize people’s cries for help,” said McAvoy, the filmmaker of Japanese single mother film “The Ones Left Behind.”

– Cindy Hong

Cindy is based in Milpitas, CA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Francis Ngannou is Fighting Poverty in Cameroon

Francis NgannouPoverty is a global issue. It is present in every country and continent. This is a story about Francis Ngannou, an MMA fighter and cross-over elite boxer, who runs a foundation to help improve access to education and opportunities for thousands in Cameroon.

Poverty in Cameroon and Sub-Saharan Africa

According to the World Bank, in 2019, 57% of the world’s poor lived in sub-Saharan Africa. This means that more than half of the families in the subcontinent experience poverty and consequently have challenges accessing necessities like food, water, clothing and shelter.

In Cameroon, 43.6% of people live in multidimensional poverty. Multidimensional poverty is a World Bank index that measures the percentage of households that experience poverty in “health, education and standard of living.”

Francis Ngannou escaped poverty in Cameroon by traveling a dangerous route to Europe, in the process getting jailed and becoming homeless. Luckily, he found fortune as an MMA fighter initially in France, later in the U.S., and also crossed over to global elite boxing.

Life in Cameroon

Francis Ngannou was born on September 5, 1986, in the village of Batié in Western Cameroon, the fourth of five children. He struggled to get an education as the system in the country did not embrace the needs of diverse young learners like him. He became a child laborer for meager wages in the sand mines to support his poor family at the age of 10. In 2012, at the age of  25, his relentless spirit for success led him to undertake a dangerous odyssey to leave Cameroon and try to reach Europe. His dream was to become a professional boxer.

His ordeal became further complicated when he arrived in Spain by boat as an undocumented immigrant and was jailed for two months for illegally crossing the border. In the same year, he made it to France, where he was homeless for many months before his fortune changed.

Francis Ngannou’s career as a mixed martial artist began in France, where he achieved initial success, which allowed him to catch the attention of American mixed martial artists’ biggest company, the Ultimate Fighting Champion (UFC), where he became Heavy Champion of the World in 2021.

Ngannou was able to leave Cameroon, however, millions who live in the country, face challenges like child labor, poverty and low wages. 

The Francis Ngannou Foudation

Founded in 2018, the Francis Ngannou Foundation was his way to give back to his community and country. According to the foundation’s website, its mission is to “reach highly low-income, underserved and vulnerable populations, marginalized communities, causes and geographical locations often overlooked by mainstream philanthropy in Cameroon and Africa.” The foundation focuses its work on core areas: education, sports and arts, health, mental health and drug addiction and Emergency Relier.

Notable achievements of the foundation include renovating, modernizing, and expanding dozens of schools across Cameroon.  The foundation provided school materials to thousands of children and students with quality supplies so that they could start their academic year well-equipped and motivated. During the COVID-19 crisis, the foundation distributed groceries and financial aid to 1,050 families. The organization has also built the first and second MMA-certified gyms in Cameroon and Central Africa in Douala.

– Jonathan Ajah

Jonathan is based in London, UK and focuses on World News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Addressing Child Poverty In Kiribati 

Child Poverty in Kiribati
As a country that is geographically isolated, fragmented, environmentally vulnerable and economically challenged, Kiribati struggles with degraded soil, and challenges with education access, along with overpopulation. This trickles down to the children–the heart and bulk of its society. About 21.9% of the country lives below the poverty line, living off of subsistence farming, sea-faring industries or opportunities in the urban center of South Tarawa. Child poverty in Kiribati results in a lifestyle for those who must fend for themselves.

The Current State

Kiribati is a youthful country. About 36% of the population is under the age of 15. The under-5 mortality rate sits at 48 per 1,000 live births and has one of the highest neonatal rates of mortality in the Pacific—39 per 1,000 live births. In comparison, Australia sits at three per 1,000 live births.

About 22% of people live in poverty. However, this varies based on the region, education and labor market characteristics of certain households. Kiribati’s remote, decentralized structure, makes it hard to obtain an accurate sense of the situation amongst these islands. However, there seem to be two groups of poor existing in Kiribati: those in South Tarawa, the capital, and those who live in the southern and northern divisions of the country.

Those who live in South Tarawa—a rapidly growing urban center—have access to more services, human capital and opportunities for employment and education, according to the SPC Statistics for Development Division. Those in other regions may not have access to basic needs or the possibility of economic mobility.

Geography

Kiribati is vulnerable to sudden weather changes. None of the islands rises above eight meters, the highest being Banaba (285 feet). Lower levels leave the land at risk of floods, as well as droughts, according to Britannica. In 2022, an extended drought created a scarcity of quality drinking water, putting people at risk for waterborne disease.

The bulk of Kiribati’s economy comes from the capital of South Tarawa, where tourism, agriculture and fishing provide jobs.

Overpopulation and Waste Management

Though the increasing population makes for a larger workforce, the lack of economic diversity, its remote location and reliance on imports create a situation where much of the population still lives in poverty.

South Tarawa is devastatingly overcrowded, holding upwards of 69,000 people with a density that resembles Tokyo or Hong Kong. People who live a subsistence lifestyle on the outer islands aim to move to the urban sectors. This migration to the main islands puts pressure on the structural systems of the city, leaving multitudes of citizens struggling and unemployed.

Waste and sewage management is an issue that puts freshwater sources at risk. The city holds just over half the total population of Kiribati, contributing to the water crisis. The Country holds the highest infant mortality rates in the Pacific, the deaths inevitably linked to diarrhoea, dysentery and gastroenteritis.

Education

Primary education is free for children ages six through 15. Eight out of 10 children complete lower-level secondary education, but the rate dips to two out of 10 for upper-level secondary education. Though many teachers have certification up to year 11 of secondary primary school, there have been reports of inaccurate qualifications and certifications.

Those who can send their children to secondary school do so in Tarawa, swelling the overpopulation issue. Children attending school in urban centers are isolated from their parents. This leaves them more vulnerable to different forms of neglect and abuse. In the home, corporal punishment is an accepted form of discipline, a practice that is embedded in social and cultural norms.

By law, children under the age of 14 cannot work in Kiribati and those under 16 are not allowed to work industry jobs or on sea-faring ships. As a result, many children work unofficially after mandatory school hours, producing funds by selling small items such as brooms, combs, etc.

The lack of status, education and money exacerbates child poverty in Kiribati. Many are at risk of sexual exploitation and violence. These issues have been linked to fishing vessels coming to sell food and other items. According to the U.S. Department of State, Kiribati is a “source country” for sex trafficking.

Food Poverty and Malnutrition

The malnutrition crisis is the leading cause of death for children under 5. Poor soil quality makes agriculture challenging. As a result, people rely on imported, processed foods that fail to provide adequate nutrition needs. The intake of more unhealthy food intensifies the problem, increasing levels of anaemia, malnutrition and overweight/obesity issues.

Food poverty affects many developing countries living under adverse conditions. As of 2022, one in three children (200 million globally) consume food from less than two food categories a day, as opposed to the recommended eight. Half of East Asian and Pacific children eat under four food groups, according to Global Citizen.

As for Kiribati, the situation is dire. A recent study from UNICEF found that “upwards of 90% of children live in food poverty,” Global Citizen reports. The situation could only get worse with the stagnation of the efforts to improve food security in the East Pacific.

Improving Child Poverty in Kiribati

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) began providing maternal and neonatal health care in Kiribati in 2022, focusing on Tarawa and the Gilbert Islands. It aims to reduce pregnancy-related illnesses and mortality by training local health care workers and offering clinical support. In 2022, MSF assisted 520 births and conducted 87 parental consultations.

The Child Fund helps impoverished children and their communities build self-reliance. In the Pacific, it focuses on Kiribati, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. The organization addressed the water crisis in Kiribati by installing solar water distillation units in schools and communities and educating about sanitation and hygiene, according to its website.

– Jonathan McCloud

Jonathan is based in Royse City, TX, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr