Archive for category: Child Poverty

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CARE’s Work Toward Ending Child Marriage

Child MarriageChild marriage (CM) violates human rights and has detrimental effects on the lives and welfare of girls. Although there are legal prohibitions against the marriage of underage girls, cultural and social norms often take precedence over these enforced laws. However, nonprofit foundations and organizations are working toward eradicating the practice worldwide.

Among them is CARE, a nongovernmental organization that started in 1945 after Arthur Ringland and Dr. Lincoln Clark advocated for the establishment of a nonprofit entity designed to transfer food packages from America to Europe during World War II (WWII). Throughout the years, CARE developed other aid initiatives serving crises in response to changing global political dynamics, including the Berlin Blockade and the Korean War.

In 1982, programs for women’s advancement were established in Bangladesh. Similarly, in 1993, CARE targeted its efforts into prioritizing the empowerment of girls and women to tackle poverty. Today, the nonprofit works in up to 109 countries worldwide and has become a global organization working toward gender justice, among other causes.

CARE’s Approach

CARE has approached the fight against child marriage through a primary program called “Tipping Point.” The initiative was implemented from 2013 to 2023, in Bangladesh and Nepal in South Asia and adapted in West Africa, Mali, Niger and Northern Syria in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The program consisted of three phases.

The first phase, which lasted for four years, prioritized innovations and learnings by engaging adolescents and parents in sessions in which open dialogue was encouraged. A central effort in this phase was to challenge deep rooted harmful social norms related to CM. During weekly sessions with separate groups of girls and boys, the kids were encouraged to self-reflect and think about love, their strengths and their dreams, as well as unequal social norms such as girls’ mobility, division of labor, restrictions on girls and risks of Child marriage.

Additionally, boys worked on reflecting on their masculinity. The sessions with the mothers were focused on reproductive health, family planning and also their own agency. Part of these sessions included discussions about their relationships with the children and generally building soft skills within connections at the family level.

Second Phase

The second phase, which lasted three years, invested in creating spaces for all community members to reflect on the unequal social norms. Suniti Neogy, CARE’s Senior Technical Advisor, says that work at the community level was also a crucial part of the program, working toward changing norms around issues that girls grappled with, such as mobility and access to education.

Sessions were also held with religious leaders, school teachers and government officials on reflections on issues of equality, workload, sexual health, virginity and honor, including the risks and benefits of CM. CARE’s fight against CM begins with opening the dialogue among and between the families and the girls. “If you work on girls’ or women’s empowerment, but you don’t work with the families or you don’t work with the community around them, it’s not easy to change that,” says Neogy.

The third and final phase of “Tipping Point,” also lasting three years, used experience from the previous two phases to advocate for policies addressing core factors propelling the practice of CM. The final phase also connected girls with women’s rights organizations so they could find support beyond the program.

Challenges

Neogy says a primary challenge when fighting CM is how “everybody thinks that we are there to stop Child Marriage.” According to her, the question “How many child marriages did you stop?” is frequently asked in government forums. “If her confidence is not built, if she’s not even able to speak for herself, if she continues to have no agency, it will not make a difference in her life if she’s married today or tomorrow,” stated Neogy.

According to Neogy, prevention is the only way to combat Child Marriage. She says the work has to be done with different sectors and different stakeholders so that “from all sides, it’s the same language that is spoken.”

CARE’s Director of “Tipping Point,” Serkadis Amassu, says that combating CM with law reforms has not worked. She states that the practice is highly intrinsic to social and gender norms, with some communities in South Asia believing that marrying girls will bring respect to the family and save them from potential disgrace if the girl becomes pregnant before marriage.

Girls in Action

Girls in Action is also a part of CARE’s gender transformative program. The model brought together girls from different communities in Bangladesh and encouraged them to identify an issue in their community that hindered them from achieving their dreams and aspirations.

Through surveys, the girls collected data regarding that issue within their communities and they then presented it to the parents and other community members. Neogy says activities like this encouraged the girls to speak out, negotiate with their parents and build a relationship between the girls.

Success Story

CARE’s “Tipping Point” program concluded in December of 2023. However, its accomplishments toward bettering the lives of girls and adolescents still linger in the communities. Data published by the organization shows a reduction of CM by 63% in girls who attended 36 to 40 “Tipping Point” sessions in Bangladesh, the country with the fourth most cases of CM worldwide.

Overall, CARE’s published results show a favorable shift in social norms concerning girls’ freedom and agency, as well as a betterment of collective community efforts to uphold girls’ rights over time across various sectors.

– Paula Pujol-Gibson
Photo: Flickr

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What All for One Is Doing To Reduce Child Poverty in Belize

All for OneBelize is situated in Central America and struggles with high amounts of poverty. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), almost half of Belizean children live in multidimensional poverty and more than a third of the population in Belize lives in multidimensional poverty. All For One found that in 2015, primary school completion in Belize was below 87%, contributing further to the high amount of poverty, especially child poverty, in Belize. However, All For One has recognized the vital necessity for intervention in child poverty to help alleviate poverty in Belize.

Child Poverty in Belize

Belize faces multiple obstacles as a country, making alleviating poverty extremely challenging. Belize faces internal social and economic pressures, alongside coping with the effects of climate change, regional economic and political events and migration patterns, all contributing to its challenges.

UNICEF found that only 55% of children have access to quality early childhood education, but 27% of the schools that UNICEF inspected have contaminated water, contributing to the high numbers of diseases among children in Belize.

There’s a significant link between education and poverty, underscoring children’s need to attend school. Education is crucial for equipping them with the skills they need in adulthood. It is also essential for the community to break the perpetual cycle of poverty. Education offers a way out of this cycle, improving the quality of life for the children and society.

What All for One Is Doing

All For One, a nonprofit international and domestic organization, aims to improve communities worldwide through focused efforts to develop children and create healthy environments and educational opportunities. The organization works worldwide, especially in Africa, but has worked considerably in Belize to improve the lives of so many children.

All For One has provided financial assistance to the Mesopotamia Human and Social Development Foundation in Belize City. The foundation aims to empower children through a resource center that offers after-school programs. These programs include computer literacy training for high school students, youth leadership workshops, creative arts, sports and entrepreneurship coaching.

All these programs aim to enable children to have the best possible start in life and equip them with the skills necessary to succeed. Not only does the foundation offer education, but it also provides a food bank and a school feeding program to address the high number of malnourished children.

All For One aims to improve children’s learning potential. To achieve this, the organization has partnered with an educational outreach program to provide basic educational supplies such as book bags, pens, pencils and notebooks. These essential items are typically out of reach for many children due to financial constraints and providing them can help children thrive in their education.

Conclusion

There is a clear connection between poverty and education. All for One aims to improve children’s learning experience through funding to prevent more children from living in poverty in Belize.

– Cordelia Moore
Photo: Flickr

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How Science is Alleviating Child Poverty in Ukraine

How Science is Alleviating Child Poverty in UkraineThe conflict with Russia has dramatically increased child poverty in Ukraine, with the rate doubling to more than 80% in just one year. A promising initiative by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and INSCIENCE now offers displaced children a glimmer of hope.

Child Poverty in Ukraine

As recorded in the Humanitarian Needs Response Plan in 2024, there are 14.6 million people displaced or suffering from poverty in Ukraine and 3.17 million are children. The poverty and risk to the safety of children living in frontline areas across the Russian border are, of course, greater. However, poverty in Ukraine was already a challenge even before the escalation of violence in February 2022.

Educational Disruption and Innovative Solutions

Reports show an increase in poverty in Ukraine from 2021 disproportionally affects households with children in them. As reported by UNICEF, these households suffer most from poor access to basic utilities like electricity, water and heating. 

The war in Ukraine has severely affected children’s education, leading to reliance on online learning as a partial solution. However, the lack of access to essential learning tools like laptops, tablets and internet connectivity, due to the conflict, has compromised the effectiveness of this approach. This decline in educational quality contributes further to the poverty faced by Ukraine’s children. To combat these challenges, UNICEF and INSCIENCE have joined forces to equip children with the necessary resources to handle wartime trauma.

The “Science Kids” Initiative: A Beacon of Hope

The “Science Kids” initiative in Ukraine creates opportunities for children to hone their social skills and navigate the educational hurdles posed by the current conflict. This program not only offers a safe space for learning and creativity but also equips these young minds with strategies to process their trauma and cope with fear and anxiety, providing a semblance of normalcy in tumultuous times.

In Odesa, Mykolaiv and Kharkiv, the “Science Kids” program offers children a respite from the war through science exploration. At these sites, kids engage in learning, experiments and creative projects, such as observing an insect with a magnifying glass and drawing their imaginative insect. This initiative allows them to find some normalcy amidst turmoil.

Child Poverty in Ukraine: Addressing Mental Health

After class, they are then instructed in breathing exercises to help manage stress and anxiety. The coordinator of “Science Kids,” Yuliia Isliamova, spoke of the importance of good breathing exercises, saying it is “a very simple way to deal with anxiety and stress that they can use anywhere and with anyone – for example, with their parents or friends.” 

In addition, engaging with children’s mental health early can prevent the onset of serious psychological effects, thus avoiding its contribution to the cycle of poverty as they grow. Certainly, ending the war in Ukraine would significantly impact efforts to address poverty and child poverty.

Looking Forward

Amidst the backdrop of rising child poverty in Ukraine, initiatives like “Science Kids,” supported by UNICEF and INSCIENCE, offer a beacon of hope and resilience. By fostering educational engagement and mental well-being, these programs provide displaced children with the tools to overcome adversity and envision a brighter future. As the international community continues to support Ukraine, such efforts illuminate the path toward recovery and the potential for lasting change in the lives of its youngest citizens.

– Thomas Field
Photo: Unsplash

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The Progress Against Child Poverty in Estonia

Child Poverty in EstoniaThe rising number of people in Estonia who are at risk of poverty is a worrying trend, particularly when it comes to child poverty. Children in Estonia are increasingly becoming more exposed to poverty, which requires urgent attention. Despite the challenges posed by this growing rate, encouraging progress is being made. From government-determined family benefits that can put a child through university to nonprofit food banks, there are many ways that the issue is being addressed, as well as opportunities for individuals to get involved.

Mistreatment 

Though the highest rate of those at risk of poverty is consistently older people who live alone, child poverty in Estonia is not absent. The recent at-risk-poverty rate increased the greatest for families with children, specifically those with three or more. As living prices for households continue to rise, particularly in the area of groceries, the at-risk number continues to climb, with the total number of people living in absolute poverty increasing from 18,000 in 2021 to almost 48,000 in 2022.

Many children are placed in state orphanages by the courts and while they may be temporarily placed in foster care, they are often not adopted. The The main reason for this is the significant challenge that foster parents face when caring for a child who has experienced trauma. With such a destabilized and traumatic upbringing, the children are not often given the chances or the tools for proper integration and often turn to delinquency.

Discrimination

On top of this, there is an issue of discrimination when large percentages of the population do not speak Estonian. Much of the population speaks only Russian. Though there are efforts to integrate minorities, they still face struggles in the job market when many professions and employers require that they speak fluent Estonian. This, in turn, creates more hardship for the children of the unemployed and difficulties for their future careers.

The percentage of children living in poverty, whether they are in families or living on their own, may vary over time, but it is a persistent issue that requires attention. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has developed a comprehensive plan to fully realize every child’s rights by 2030. Its data on Estonia indicates that, historically, the efforts employed to address the needs of children who live both in extreme poverty as well as anywhere below the national poverty line have been “average.” For these needs to be met by the 2030 goal, that effort will need to be increased to “very high effort” and “high effort,” respectively.

Encouraging Progress

Despite these hardships, there is still encouraging progress in the fight against child poverty in Estonia. Based on the 2022 Estonian Social Survey, even though the risk of poverty rate has gone up over the last 15 or so years, the absolute poverty rate has rapidly declined along the same timetable, with a spike in 2022 requiring focused effort to flatten out again.

As mentioned, food is one of the most significant factors pushing Estonian families and children into poverty. However, this is being addressed by several efforts to make it more accessible for those in need. One is the Estonian Food Bank, which has been significantly supported by the nonprofit organization Riesenkampff Stiftung. The Riesenkampff Stiftung Foundation was established in 2016 by the Riesenkampffs, a Baltic German family, specifically focusing on charitable and philanthropic initiatives in Estonia.

The Food Bank, established in 2010, works hard to fight poverty and encourage solidarity. Through the efforts of the local government and nearly 300 charity organizations, food is being distributed around the country to those in need by saving and redistributing surplus food, most of which would otherwise go to waste. Since the beginning of its food distribution in 2015, the initiative has provided food for an average of 25,000 people per year, with a large portion of them receiving aid twice a year.

Moving Forward

Unlike other European countries, the percentage of those living below absolute poverty in Estonia is measured, which gives an excellent indication of where the statistics truly lie. Since 2014, child poverty has been on a steady decline. At the same time, more effective family benefits systems have been implemented. A monthly child allowance has been the primary one helping children in poverty in Estonia precisely. Because it is not dependent on family income, it ensures opportunities for every child. With the child allowance, every child is eligible for a monthly allowance until age 16, which extends to 19 if they decide to pursue higher education.

Estonia is a small and often off-the-radar country and its plight, especially that of its children, is real. They face poverty, marginalization and uncertain futures. However, despite these real and present hardships, there is encouraging progress being made in terms of overall poverty in the country, as well as specifically addressing the needs of the children in absolute poverty.

– Isaac Songster
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Baby Formula Procurement in Haiti

Baby Formula Procurement in HaitiIt is well-documented that breastfeeding is one of the safest ways to feed a newborn infant. There are wide-ranging benefits to naturally breastfeeding children, the mother and the infant. The act of breastfeeding is connected to protecting a child against life-threatening diseases. It supports healthy brain development and prevents many chronic maternal and childhood illnesses. This in turn can avoid costs of healthcare down the road.

Breastfeeding can be the difference between life and death for newborn infants in developing countries that suffer from widespread malnutrition. So, when a mother cannot produce milk naturally, it can increase the likelihood of child malnutrition and mortality.

Challenges Obtaining BMS

In countries like Haiti, obtaining essential food can be challenging, let alone breast milk substitutes (BMS). Hence, it is crucial for governments and organizations, such as the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), to ensure the proper allocation of funds for incentives that promote the heightened procurement of essential BMS.

Recently, UNICEF has taken a significant step forward by updating its guidance on the “Procurement and Use of Breast Milk Substitutes in Humanitarian Settings.” This revision has prompted policy changes. It includes a strategic emphasis on supporting infants below 6 in areas with high humanitarian needs.

Haiti

Haiti is a case study that UNICEF has highlighted directly in a recent report on the issues surrounding the importance of baby formula procurement. In 2021, Haiti was struck by a magnitude 7.2 earthquake, resulting in the deaths of 2,200 people and an estimated 650,000 citizens in need of humanitarian assistance.

In relation to a report conducted by the “Haiti Demographic Health Survey'” (DHS) in 2016-17, only 40% of infants aged below 6 months were exclusively breastfed. For comparison, 25% were bottle-fed. Among all children between 6-23 months of age, only 25% received a diet that met the minimum dietary diversity, which means a diet containing all four food groups. Moreover, just 11% of these children received a minimum acceptable diet. It’s important to note that this data was retrieved before the disaster.

After the disaster, many children who were not breastfed were considered at a very high risk. This was mainly due to the damaged water systems. The deaths of many parents left their children particularly vulnerable. In addition, the death of a breastfeeding mother puts significant strain on the nutritional well-being of her child. As a result, there is now greater concern about the increased malnutrition and death rates among these infant demographics.

UNICEF’s Response in Haiti

UNICEF achieved an early response immediately after the earthquake. This was achieved with high levels of cooperation from the Haitian government, detailing a precise nutrition plan a week after the disaster. The organization’s BMS procurement was swift and, due to internal quality checks, allowed for the distribution of high-quality BMS and RUIF (Ready to Use Infant Formula). Extensive training was also provided to health care workers to ensure that mothers, caregivers and infants had the proper support.

However, despite these achievements, some key challenges that UNICEF recognizes need to be addressed. Despite a swift response, some BMS distribution delay was encountered due to shipping constraints. A notable security situation in Port-au-Prince delayed the training of healthcare workers at the national level. UNICEF outlines in its report many of these challenges so that they can be analyzed and solutions implemented. The report not only chronicles the life-saving interventions that UNICEF makes in countries like Haiti, which desperately need humanitarian aid but also highlights the importance of baby formula procurement in Haiti and across the developing world.

– Domenico Palermo
Photo: Wikipedia Commons

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Disability and Poverty in Vietnam

Poverty in VietnamAccording to research, 37% of children in Vietnam live in poverty. This stark disparity becomes even more pronounced when compared with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) findings, highlighting that only 10% of children in Vietnam benefit from cash transfers or assistance. This staggering statistic underscores the alarming gap in essential cash support for many of the child population. Mainly disconcerting is the situation faced by ethnic minority children residing in rural areas, who confront age-specific risks such as malnutrition.

Poverty in Vietnam

While Vietnam has dramatically reduced its malnutrition rate since 2004, an unfinished agenda remains. While making strides, the present social protection system reveals inherent gaps in cohesiveness, marked by limited coverage and benefits lacking in progressiveness and child sensitivity. As a result, the system cannot address the multiple disadvantages and vulnerabilities affecting children’s well-being.

Reports on development in Vietnam highlight a noteworthy disparity in poverty rates between the majority of Kinh people, constituting more than 88% of the population and ethnic minorities, comprising less than 15%. The poverty rate among the Kinh population in Vietnam stands at a mere 2.9%, showcasing a relatively favorable economic situation. However, a stark contrast emerges among ethnic minorities, where nearly half grapple with the harsh realities of poverty.

Social Protection

For decades, UNICEF has been steadfast in its mission to advance the rights and well-being of the world’s most marginalized and excluded children. This  includes those with disabilities. With a dedicated commitment to securing the full realization of their human rights, UNICEF strives to create environments that uphold quality and inclusiveness. The organization is committed to its pursuit of a world where children, irrespective of disabilities, can thrive, liberated from the shackles of discrimination, stigma, exclusion and violence.

In alignment with this vision, UNICEF actively supports governments, notably in developing child-sensitive social protection systems. This strategic involvement seeks to lay the foundation for a framework that not only safeguards the rights of every child but also addresses the unique needs and challenges faced by those with disabilities.

Children with disabilities are one of the most excluded and marginalized groups. They often face multiple challenges in realizing their human rights. However, UNICEF, through its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy (DIPAS) initiative, has committed to “delivering disability-inclusive support and services for children in their communities,” including those in Vietnam. In 2022, the initiative reached 4.5 million children with disabilities across 142 nations, ensuring “every child has the support they need to be healthy, educated, respected and protected.”

Final Remark

Inclusion of all children with disabilities is one of the goals to achieve sustainable development. To achieve this objective, it is imperative to fortify legal, policy and institutional frameworks when embarking on national social protection reforms, using universal and life-cycle approaches. This strategic approach ensures that the diverse needs of children at different stages of life are comprehensively addressed. The work of UNICEF in Vietnam has led to the development of a child protection system that serves the interests of all children, particularly the most vulnerable.

– An Tran
Photo: Unsplash

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Child Poverty in Belarus and the Chernobyl Disaster 

Child Poverty in BelarusBelarus is an Eastern European country bordering Russia to the east, Poland to the west, and Ukraine to the south. It has a population of 9,255,524, making it the 96th most populated country in the world. As a developing country, it is ranked 60th on the Human Development Index. Belarus is a member of multiple international organizations, including the United Nations, the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank. However, child poverty exists in Belarus, as it is ranked number 5 in the Top 10 poorest countries in Europe in 2024.

Child Poverty in Belarus

According to UNICEF, a child lives in multidimensional poverty if that child experiences two or more deprivations. As a result, a 2017 study from The Guardian reveals that the proportion of children living in institutional care in the region is 2%–5%. Various reasons outside of poverty include large families who are unable to care for their children and the stigmatization of and discrimination against children with disabilities. However, even in Belarusian orphanages, almost 100 children have been living on the brink of starvation in the capital of Minsk. 

One of the contributing factors to child poverty in Belarus is starvation, leading to a government report of over 30,000 Belarusian orphans placed in public institutions. ChildFund International, a development organization founded in 1938, focuses on caring for Belarusian children living in extreme poverty. Since 1993, ChildFund been helping Belarus care for both orphaned and disabled children through the USAID-funded Supporting Orphans and Vulnerable Child program, enacted for children placed in public institutions to live with foster families. It is through ChildFund’s efforts that “three of five piloted communities stopped placing children in orphanages, and the overall rate of children institutionalization has declined by 25 percent.” This is a significant step in the right direction. ChildFund cares for orphans whether or not they have a disability. They make children’s health care their top priority over anything else.

The Chernobyl Disaster

Another factor that is also associated with child poverty in Belarus is the Chernobyl disaster. A study by UNICEF reveals that Belarus has absorbed an estimated 70% of the nuclear fallout. This is likely because Belarus’s border with Ukraine is just 4 miles from the Chernobyl power plant. More than 20% of adolescent children in Belarus suffer from disabilities caused by birth defects, such as congenital heart defects. Health care in Belarus is a problem because of the Chernobyl disaster. The effects of the disaster continue to plague the people despite the country’s best efforts at improving children’s health. According to UNICEF, “48.6% of children in residential care institutions are children with disabilities.”

Chernobyl Children International (CCI), founded in 1991, works to help children in the region who have been impacted by the Chernobyl disaster, including various facilities in Belarus, such as the Vesnova Home for Invalid Children. The Vesnova Home has helped more than 170 children and teenagers born with severe birth defects resulting from the disaster. It was pioneered as a form of independent living and is a part of CCI’s programs.

Through the intervention of CCI, children can live independently in this institutional program rather than in an adult mental asylum. Without CCI, these children would not have attended any educational institutions. They would also have little to no connection with their peers because of their differences. UNICEF highlights that disability is the main reason for child abandonment. It is also why many children throughout the country live in residential homes. This illustrates how child poverty strikes a family if they are provided any special accommodations if they possess any disability. CCI works with children and their families that continue to suffer from the economic outcome of the Chernobyl accident.

Helping the Children of Chernobyl

The Chernobyl disaster occurred more than 38 years ago. However, it became the starting point of a sharp rise in birth defects, which correlates with child poverty in Belarus. There are 2.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, a key demographic indicator in the under-five mortality rate. According to CCI, “Chernobyl is not something from the past. Chernobyl ‘is forever.’ The impact of that single shocking nuclear accident can never be undone; its radioactive footprint is embedded in our world forever and countless millions of people are still being affected by its deadly legacy.”

As a result, CCI continues to stay active in helping Belarus as it provides social support for children. As a result of Chernobyl, in the economic field, “children are the poorest sector of the population, facing 1.5 times greater risk of poverty than the average level across the country.” Whether they were born before or after it, the disaster continues to leave wounds for those who were affected. Consequently, child poverty continues to exist in Belarus. It is the efforts of CCI and various other organizations that ensure that every child is cared for regardless of their disabilities. This will lead to Belarus progressing toward fighting against child poverty and poverty as a whole in this country.

Chernobyl Children International’s founder, Adi Roche, stated perfectly that “CCI is founded on hope and courage: the hope that the children—one by one and heartbeat by heartbeat—will thrive; and the courage to envision and create a better world.”

It is the efforts of various facilities and organizations that have led to foreign aid. They ensure that Belarus is not alone in its struggles against child poverty.

– Nevin Guler
Photo: Flickr

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Child Poverty in Saint Vincent and Grenadines

Child Poverty in Saint Vincent and GrenadinesChild poverty is prevalent on small Caribbean islands like Saint Vincent and the Grenadines where support to help with this issue is not always available. Saint Vincent and Grenadines is a small island located in the Southern Caribbean. According to 2021 UNICEF data, around 38% of children between the ages of 0 and 17 are living in poverty in the area, alongside 37% of adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19. Child poverty in Saint Vincent and Grenadines also affects certain genders more than others. UNICEF also states that 41% of adolescents who live in women-run households live in poverty, compared to male-led households’ poverty rate which stands at 31%.

The island of Saint Vincent and Grenadines has few options for creating income causing a majority of children to fall into poverty. According to the U.N., Saint Vincent and Grenadines is a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) which means it faces certain unique social and economic challenges that other countries do not face. The country has limited economic resources and is also prone to natural disasters striking the area.

Economy and Child Labor

In an area that is already very vulnerable, the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the issues surrounding child poverty in Saint Vincent and Grenadines. The country went through lockdowns, which hugely affected tourism, one of the most important economic sectors in the Caribbean. In 2020, tourism’s contribution to the country’s GDP declined by 67%, leaving many women unemployed.

According to UNDP, another vulnerability that the country faces is very unstable informal employment, which represents around 38% “of the entire economy and includes family businesses and self-employed owners of the businesses.”

The high levels of child poverty in Saint Vincent and Grenadines have led to other issues within the nation, such as child labor. According to a 2021 United States Department of Labor report, children of very young ages often start to work street vending selling items like fruit and vegetables, with laws for hazardous work are not up to international standards.

Helping the Children

Despite the many hardships that child poverty in Saint Vincent and Grenadines causes, many initiatives and groups are working to solve the problem. In 2012, UNICEF launched the Child-Friendly Schools (CFS) concept in Saint Vincent and Grenadines, introducing 13 pilot schools in the area. Child-Friendly Initiative includes many facets to help children in Saint Vincent and Grenadines, like public education and shedding light on children’s rights.

The country also joined the School Meals Coalition in 2023. The Schools Meals Collation is a program that aims to improve school nutrition and bring healthy meals to children in impoverished areas. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was one of nine new countries to join in 2023 and is the first in the Eastern Caribbean. The coalition has reached 418 million children, as of 2023.

Global Gateway Strategy

The European Commission has had great success with the Global Gateway strategy. In July 2023, it announced a global investment of €45 million to implement this plan in Latin America and the Caribbean, alongside Asia and the Pacific.

Saint Vincent and Grenadines is also working to use more sustainable practices, such as the government’s decision to move toward more nature-based tourism, including a larger focus on fisheries and ocean development. In July 2023, the World Bank provided a $30 million policy credit through the International Development Association (IDA), that is going to be used to help finance policies supporting fisheries and provide relief for any pandemic like COVID-19.

– Madison McCray
Photo: Flickr

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Michael & Susan Dell Foundation

Michael & Susan Dell FoundationEstablished in 1999, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation aims to empower children living in urban poverty by enhancing education, health and family economic stability. Initially rooted in Austin, Texas, the foundation has transcended local boundaries to encompass regions across the United States and extend globally, touching the lives of countless individuals.

Efforts in India

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides improved access to financial services, employment opportunities, education and sustainable livelihoods for India’s urban poor. With 149 active projects spanning the nation, this commitment exceeds $180 million in investments, enriching the lives of children and fostering enduring changes within their communities.

In India, half of students need to catch up in reading and arithmetic, while 33% drop out before completing high school. Additionally, 60% of 18- to 21-year-olds need more preparation for the job market. To address these challenges and enhance educational outcomes for underserved students, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation invests in large-scale statewide projects to improve student learning, teaching skills, school administration and educational leadership.

The foundation has provided crucial financial support to two leading school finance companies in India. It enables school leaders to enhance learning environments and broaden access to high-quality education. This effort aims to bring about significant changes in India’s educational system and is now implementing in Rajasthan, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.

Additionally, in India, more than 400 million people are between the ages of 15 and 29, but many lack the skills needed for job opportunities. Acknowledging this pressing necessity, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation continues to work to improve families’ financial security.

One noteworthy project is a partnership with the Lighthouse Communities Foundation, which empowers young people with the horizontal and vertical skill sets necessary for workforce integration. With 16,000 job placements and 25,000 students enrolled, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation is pivotal in providing India’s youth with the essential tools to obtain meaningful employment, cultivating a road toward enduring prosperity and success.

Efforts in South Africa

Another primary goal is to provide people in South Africa with employment opportunities. The foundation plays a vital part in promoting financial stability among South African households by utilizing brilliant collaborations with entities such as SweepSouth, which provides job placement services to the unemployed.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation’s collaboration with SweepSouth has had a profound impact. Their technology is actively engaging more than 4,000 domestic workers, with a noteworthy 97% of them being women with children. Impressively, more than 80% of these individuals were previously unemployed. This initiative creates job opportunities and instills a sense of empowerment, enabling individuals to experience continuous personal and professional growth in South Africa.

In their commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for underserved youth in South Africa, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation supports the Funda Wande initiative, specifically the “Teach Reading for Meaning” program. This innovative project focuses on equipping teachers with advanced techniques to effectively teach reading, a skill crucial for academic success.

The distinguishing feature of this program lies in its approach. Teachers in South Africa receive training in their classrooms alongside their pupils. With this approach, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and “Teach Reading for Meaning” strive to bridge the educational gap, ensuring that all children attending no-fee schools have access to a high-quality education in South Africa.

Conclusion

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation initially focused its charitable activities in the U.S. Its influence has expanded globally over time, becoming a positive change in the lives of children facing urban poverty. The foundation has never shied away from setting lofty objectives and this unshakable commitment will keep opening doors of transformation for those most in need.

– Olivia Pitrof
Photo: Freepik

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How the Regime Affects Children in North Korea

Children in North KoreaNorth Korea, once known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia, bordered by Russia, China and South Korea. Formed in 1948 in the aftermath of World War II, North Korea has long been defined according to its authoritarian models of government. In the early ‘50s, North Korea’s first leader, Kim Il Sung, attempted to conquer South Korea, but an ensuing conflict with U.S. and U.N.-backed forces forced North Korea’s defeat. Since then, North Korea has typically eschewed Western influence, centralizing instead the concept of juche or self-reliance and structuring itself around a dynasty of autocratic leaders. North Korea’s current leader, Kim Jong-un, exercises supreme authority, bolstered by tight party control and the subjugation of the nation’s ranking elites.

However, economic mismanagement, inadequate food production and military overspending have hindered North Korea’s potential for growth. At the mercy of an authoritarian regime, its population of 26 million grapples with restrictions on travel, free expression and economic opportunity. According to some estimates, 60% of North Koreans live in poverty, ranking it among the poorest countries in Asia. Children in North Korea often suffer the worst, denied adequate resources and even subjected to forced labor.

Lack of Opportunity Hinders Children’s Potential

In the mid-’50s, Kim Il Sung, aiming to neutralize political opposition, implemented a country-wide class system, ranking citizens according to their perceived political loyalty. The Songbun system arrives at its determination by closely considering ancestral ties, patriotism during the Korean War and associations with South Korea or China. Those with better songbun–those more politically loyal–receive better education, health care and employment opportunities.

In the early ’90s, widespread famine and the fall of the Soviet Union necessitated that the Songbun system ease its ban on independently earned wealth. However, its emphasis on conformity still haunts North Korea’s children. Often judged according to their family history, North Korean children face a shortage of opportunities. The quality of their education and job potential suffers accordingly and many struggle to enjoy upward mobility.

Children in North Korea Are Subjected To Forced Labor

As a nominally communist country, the North Korean state tightly controls all facets of its economy, promoting state-run industries and funding military upgrades instead of resource production. To support this economic system, North Korean officials mobilize adults and school-age children to contribute to various sectors, including agriculture, mining and construction. Schools sometimes send children to complete short-term projects in fields or factories in exchange for a boost in funding. Similarly, children who are unable to join the military or whose families are too poor to bribe government officials are enrolled in military-like shock brigades, working long hours in hazardous conditions.

Vaccination Rates Have Plummeted

Hoping to counteract the spread of COVID-19, North Korean officials closed the country’s borders, stymying foreign trade. Without any influx of supplies, vaccines and other medical necessities have grown extremely limited. As the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported, North Korea’s childhood immunization coverage dropped from 97% in 2020 to 0% by 2022, risking the reemergence of diseases like measles, polio and whooping cough. Any outbreaks could strain the country’s health system, weakening its communities’ herd immunity. Without access to routine vaccination, children’s health can only suffer.

Children in North Korea Struggle Against Food Insecurity

In the ’90s, North Korea experienced a severe famine, exacerbated by the fall of the Soviet Union. Though technically recovered, the country still faces widespread food shortages, especially after closing its borders in the wake of COVID-19. Committed to a model of self-sufficiency, North Korea has turned to its agricultural resources to nourish its population despite recent drought and typhoon rains severely undercutting crop production. As a result, in 2020, UNICEF estimated that 10 million people were food insecure, with 140,000 children under 5 suffering from acute malnutrition. In some cases, families have even dropped off their children at local orphanages, hoping to ensure better care and a chance at proper nourishment.

Looking Ahead

In striving to protect children across the globe, UNICEF has maintained a presence in North Korea. In 1990, the nation signaled its support for the Convention on the Rights of the Child, a UNICEF-sponsored international agreement that protects children’s rights and freedoms. However, in many ways, North Korea has failed to maintain its promise, compromising children’s well-being through mandated labor and oppressive class systems.

As a result, UNICEF has worked to restore children’s rights, developing a strategic program that would target food insecurity, social development, sustainability and data management. Also, as COVID-19 restrictions have eased across Asia, North Korea has gradually re-opened its borders, resuming conversations with neighboring Russia and China. Hopefully, renewed trade and foreign support can direct vital resources toward children in North Korea.

Finally, a committed humanitarian and international community remains focused on North Korea’s struggles, noting the oppression of its citizens and pushing for political reform. In advocating this, UNICEF and other organizations hope to restore children’s rights, freedoms and potential for self-determination.

– Sydney Verdi
Photo: Flickr