Information and stories addressing children.

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Child Soldiers in Mexico

Child Soldiers in MexicoAs the nation’s next generation tries to break the cycle of poverty, the presence of violence and the recruitment of child soldiers in Mexico is a major barrier to progress. Who are the charities trying to stop it and what are they doing?

The Problem

In February 2026, Red Hands Day once again reflects on a year where children, the world over, have had their youth cut short by military recruitment. One nation where this tragic scenario is both prevalent and unconventional is that of Mexico, one of the largest and most developed of the Central American nations, whose youth are engaged in a fight both for and against organized crime. 

The U.S. Bureau of International Labor Affairs estimates that 30,000 minors work in criminal organizations in Mexico. A troubling statistic that doesn’t also account for the potentially thousands of child soldiers operating in local community militia against cartel violence. On both sides of the struggle for regional control, children are fighting in conflicts, suffering trauma, injury and death, all before they are able to reach adulthood.

Poverty and the Recruitment of Child Soldiers in Mexico

The scale of this problem reflects the continued issue of multidimensional child poverty in Mexico where around 38% of the under 17 population live in poverty. In fact, it is this 0-17 age group that makes up the nation’s largest impoverished demographic.

The desperation bred by this form of early-life deprivation is a major contributor to the frequency of child criminal recruitment where a guarantee of food, family and employment are often too tempting to resist. However, this potentially fatal arrangement between cartels and their so-called ‘pollitos de colores’ (’colorful chicks’) is a growing phenomenon with an estimated 200,000 further children vulnerable to recruitment.

This crisis means that some of Mexico’s poorest families and children face an impossible choice, stay where they live and risk either attacks or forced cooperation with organized crime, or flee and join the more than 100,000 other children living in internal displacement.

However, both domestic and multinational organizations are making efforts to intervene in the communities most affected and petition the government to do more to end a practice that condemns many Mexican boys and girls to continue living in a cycle of poverty and violence.  

The major organizations operating on the crisis of child soldiers in Mexico are UNICEF Mexico and Tejiendo RedesInfancia which work with local groups in supporting at-risk children and call on the government to crack down on recruitment.

UNICEF Mexico

Addressing poverty, education and social stability in these communities is essential to preventing the practice of enlisting child soldiers in Mexico. To this effect UNICEF Mexico supports the vital social programs and protection systems that keep children in education. Operating in the nation since 1947, UNICEF Mexico has contributed to efforts in child protection, health, hygiene, and education, providing a vital voice for the most vulnerable of the developing country’s population.

UNICEF Mexico’s backing to programs such as Mi Beca para Empezar, that assists low-income families with financial aid on the condition of their children’ s school attendance, is essential in keeping the youth in the classroom and out of violent and exploitative environments. Since 2023, these efforts have helped ensure that 1.2 million Mexican children stay in education and build a better, safer and more prosperous future.

However, much more work is needed on a national structural level, so UNICEF also supports major legislative change for transformative federal intervention. Most vitally, it is actively pressuring the Mexican state to enact a “permanent national prevention and recruitment care policy” that would recognize enlisted children’s role as forced participants in crime and violent activities and seek to end their exploitation through increased interventions and improved legal classification.

Tejiendo RedesInfancia

Tejiendo RedesInfancia, a Latin and Caribbean children’s rights organization, is similarly using its network of advocates and communities to push for greater federal action. Since it received UN recommendations on the ‘Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict,’ the Mexican state has remained largely passive against the continued practice and widespread childhood criminality.

Tejiendo RedesInfancia is therefore also compelling the Mexican State to proactively adopt of these recommendations which one can summarize in three core statements:

  1. “The recognition and criminalization of the crime of forced recruitment in the penal code.”
  2. “The imperative creation of comprehensive programs of disengagement, rescue, social insertion and specialized psychological treatment for those who have been affected.”
  3. “The construction of a culture of peace from the territories, with special emphasis on schools. In addition to a substantial change in the security strategy based on militarization, punitive populism and criminalization of poverty.”

Looking Ahead

Human rights groups operating on the crisis of child soldiers in Mexico unanimously agree, government action is imperative to make a real difference in the lives of the children suffering from poverty and military recruitment. Following UNICEF’s example on poverty prevention, enacting the policy that can have a revolutionary impact on the lives of the most vulnerable and adopting the statements above may be the start of ending this tragic and destructive practice for good.

– Evan Meikle

Evan is based in Kingston Upon Hull, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Charities Operating in Tunisia

Charities Operating in TunisiaFollowing the Arab Spring, Tunisia entered a period of political and social transition that brought both progress and great challenges. High unemployment, rising living costs and persistent regional inequality continue to affect large parts of the population. Around 16.6% of Tunisians (approx. 1.9 million people) live below the national poverty line. Food insecurity has worsened due to inflation and economic instability, while access to health care and social services remains uneven, particularly in rural communities. In this context, charities operating in Tunisia play a vital role in supporting vulnerable groups and filling gaps in public services.  Below are five charities operating in Tunisia addressing these needs.

5 Charities Operating in Tunisia

  1. Tunisian Red Crescent: Founded in 1956, the Tunisian Red Crescent is one of the country’s most prominent humanitarian organizations. It provides emergency assistance, health services and social support to vulnerable communities. With rising migration flows and increasing food insecurity, many families struggle to meet basic needs. The organization responds through disaster relief, food distribution and efforts to improve access to healthcare, especially for migrants, refugees and low-income households.  In 2024 alone, it distributed food and humanitarian assistance to more than 7,000 stranded migrants in Sfax in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), helping prevent hunger and ensure essential care.
  2. Islamic Relief Worldwide: Islamic Relief Worldwide focuses on poverty alleviation focuses on poverty alleviation and social welfare in Tunisia. Economic stagnation and high youth unemployment have left many families reliant on charitable support, especially during periods of financial strain. The organization provides food assistance, livelihood support and seasonal aid. Since 2011, it has supported nearly 1.5 million people in Tunisia and continues to assist almost 600 orphaned children by helping meet basic needs and supporting access to education, reducing long-term vulnerability.
  3. UNICEF: UNICEF works across Tunisia to support children’s health, education and social protection systems, especially in disadvantaged communities. Although progress has been made, disparities remain between urban and rural regions. In 2024, more than 430,000 children aged 6-18 from low-income households received monthly benefits, through supported social protection programs. Additionally, around 159,000 children gained access to improved water, sanitation and hygiene services in schools and health centers. In addition, UNICEF’s youth programs promote “social innovation” and “entrepreneurial skills,” helping young people build pathways to future employment. Among charities operating in Tunisia, UNICEF plays a key role in strengthening long-term institutional support for children.
  4. Oxfam: Oxfam has been operating in Tunisia since 2012, supporting the country’s democratic transition following the 2011 revolution. Despite the political reforms, socio-economic inequalities have continued to increase, particularly for women, youth and marginalized communities. Oxfam views these groups as “main actors of change” and focuses on gender justice, economic justice and citizen participation, working to strengthen civil society organizations and promote accountability. By empowering communities to advocate for their rights and access economic opportunities, Oxfam addresses the structural causes of poverty and inequality.
  5. Care for 24: Care for 24 is a nonprofit focused on empowering Tunisia’s youth by improving access to education, nutrition, health services and personal development opportunities. Youth unemployment in Tunisia remains among the highest in the region, contributing to economic frustration and social instability. One of its key initiatives, the “Meals for 24” program, seeks to provide nutritious meals to around 1,200 young people, 50 from each of Tunisia’s 24 regions, who are at risk due to economic hardship. The organization also promotes digital literacy and English language skills to expand employment prospects and encourage entrepreneurship. By investing in the next generation, Care for 24 contributes to long-term social and economic resilience.

Looking Ahead

While Tunisia has made significant improvements since 2011, economic instability, food insecurity and social inequality continue to affect millions. The charities operating in Tunisia remain essential in addressing urgent humanitarian needs while promoting sustainable development and social inclusion. As the country navigates ongoing political and economic challenges, the continued work of these organizations will be critical in building a more equitable and resilient future. 

– Ines Wargui

Ines is based in Oxford, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Child Soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Child Soldiers in the Democratic Republic of CongoThe issue of child soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has direct ties to violence, poverty and exploitation, as armed conflict continues to destabilize communities across the country. Widespread poverty and prolonged war push children into militarized groups, where they face abuse, coercion and life-threatening conditions. The recruitment of child soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo highlights the devastating human cost of conflict and the urgent need for international attention and intervention.

Military Presence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Armed groups operate throughout eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in North and South Kivu. One of the most prominent groups, the March 23 Movement (M23), has maintained a strong presence in these areas for years. The group challenges the Congolese government over security and political control and seeks to expand its territorial influence.

According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), M23 has capitalized on regional instability to strengthen its military capabilities and territorial control.

In January 2025, M23 captured the city of Goma, the capital of North Kivu. The group also seized control of coltan-rich regions, a resource critical to global electronics manufacturing. Access to these minerals provides M23 with a steady source of revenue, increasing its military power and influence. As fighting intensified, violence displaced approximately 350,000 people, according to the United Nations refugee agency. This mass displacement further deepened poverty and exposed children to exploitation and forced recruitment.

War and Poverty

The Democratic Republic of the Congo ranks among the poorest countries in the world. As of recent estimates, more than 77% of the population lives on less than $1.90 per day. Chronic poverty severely affects children, with 46% suffering from stunted growth due to malnutrition. Armed conflict exacerbates these conditions by destroying livelihoods, separating families and forcing communities to flee their homes.

Displaced children often become “street children,” lacking protection, education and access to basic necessities. These children face extreme vulnerability and frequently experience exploitation through hazardous labor, abuse and military recruitment. Poverty strips children of alternatives, leaving armed groups free to manipulate and coerce them into violence.

Child Soldiers

Armed groups actively recruit and abduct children from the streets and displacement camps. M23 and other militias forcibly recruit children as young as eight years old and transport them to training camps. In one M23 camp, children made up at least 20% of the 1,000 trainees. Militias target children because they lack power, protection and agency.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, child soldiers are often referred to as “kadogos,” meaning “little ones” in Swahili. Armed groups force these children into dangerous roles as fighters, porters and lookouts. Militias frequently use child soldiers as cannon fodder, assigning them the riskiest tasks due to their perceived expendability. Girls face additional risks, including sexual violence and exploitation, both within armed groups and while living on the streets.

A former child soldier named Constance, living in a displacement camp near Goma in late 2024, told The Guardian, “I went to war… it was a nightmare.” Poverty pushed her to join a militia opposing M23, where she carried rocket-propelled grenades into combat. Her experience reflects a broader pattern, as UNICEF estimates that children make up approximately 30% of armed group members in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Reintegration and Support Efforts

Despite the scale of the crisis, organizations continue to support former child soldiers and displaced children. War Child began operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2004, focusing on education, child protection and psychosocial support. The organization works to reintegrate former child soldiers into their communities by providing trauma-informed mental health care, access to education and family reunification services.

In eastern DRC, War Child has provided more than 14,900 children with education and protective services and delivered psychosocial support to more than 17,000 displaced children affected by conflict. These programs help children rebuild their lives and reduce the risk of re-recruitment into armed groups.

Conclusion

The persistence of child soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo demonstrates how violence, poverty and exploitation intersect during prolonged conflict. Armed groups continue to prey on vulnerable children, using war and economic desperation to sustain their ranks. While humanitarian organizations like War Child offer pathways toward recovery and reintegration, lasting solutions require sustained international engagement, poverty reduction and protection for children caught in conflict. Addressing the root causes of recruitment remains essential to ending the cycle of exploitation and violence.

– Alice Morris

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

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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How the Chernovetskyi Fund Supports Georgia’s Vulnerable

Chernovetskyi FundFor thousands of vulnerable Georgians, poverty is not an abstract concept; it directly means an empty refrigerator, untreated illness or aging alone. The Chernovetskyi Fund tries to close these gaps by giving concrete help and necessary aid to those living in unfortunate circumstances and who poverty inflicts most severely.

What Is the Chernovetskyi Fund?

The Chernovetskyi Fund is one of Georgia’s largest private charitable organizations, launched by philanthropist Leonid Chernovetskyi in April 2012. The organization works to support Georgians struggling to meet basic needs due to income insecurity, illness, disability or age. The Fund’s mission focuses on supporting socially vulnerable groups, including those living below the poverty line, large families and the most vulnerable individuals facing illness, including children and adults.

Its programs are rooted in practical assistance that meets immediate needs while upholding dignity.

Home Care for the Elderly and Bedridden

The Fund’s most consequential program includes home care for older people and bedridden. Caregivers help beneficiaries perform their daily chores, including cleaning, food preparation and taking medicine. The program helps reduce health risks and helps families who can’t afford private care.

The home care initiative protects older adults from medical emergencies or institutionalization in homes and communities.

Family-Type Orphanages and Child Protection

Children who lack parental care are significantly less likely to achieve upward mobility in life and far more likely to experience long-term poverty. According to a report, children raised in unstable family environments face higher levels of social exclusion, poorer educational outcomes and greater economic disadvantage later in life. The Chernovetskyi Fund addresses this issue by supporting family-type orphanages that provide children with stable housing, education and emotional support.

Unlike large institutional settings, these homes offer a family-based environment that leads to stronger long-term outcomes and a lower risk of poverty in adulthood.

Day Centers, Canteens and Social Patrols

Food insecurity is still a daily fact for many low-income Georgians. The Fund has day centers and canteens that serve hot food to older people, people with disabilities and people without homes. Social patrol teams broaden this outreach and help locate individuals requiring immediate support.

By carrying out outreach in neighborhoods and public spaces, these teams make sure that people who do not choose to seek assistance still obtain it. This strategy not only protects against devastating deprivation but also against social isolation itself. In addition to well-defined initiatives, the Chernovetskyi Fund provides direct assistance, including food parcels, medications and household items.

Staff members assess each case individually to match aid with specific needs, ensuring appropriate support. For chronically ill children or adults caring for children, medical expenses can push families deeper into poverty. Targeted aid and caregiving help cover these costs, enabling caregivers to remain employed while keeping the household intact.

Scale and Measurable Impact

The Chernovetskyi Fund has provided more than $9 million for social assistance initiatives since its inception. In other words, thousands of vulnerable people across Georgia have benefited from its programs. The Fund’s scale enables it to respond quickly to crises while also delivering long-term support.

Reliable funding ensures continuity of care, which is crucial for addressing chronic poverty rather than offering only short-term relief.

Success Stories

Six-year-old Anna-Maria grew up in a family struggling with both poverty and illness. According to the Chernovetskyi Fund, her home once lacked consistent access to food and basic supplies, making everyday life a challenge for her and her family. After the Fund provided targeted assistance, including food, clothing and essential household items, Anna-Maria’s mother began to recover from the health issues that had heavily burdened the household.

The most joyful change came from Anna-Maria herself: she thanked supporters for helping her mother and shared, “Now she laughs and plays with me,” a profound shift from their earlier hardships.

Three young siblings—Tornike, Lazare and Luka—represent another heartwarming example of the Chernovetskyi Fund’s impact. According to the organization, the boys once lived in conditions of hardship and uncertainty. With the Fund’s support, they received essential care, meals and family outreach services that helped stabilize their home life.

Today, the brothers are healthy and happy, participating in family and community activities that poverty had once made out of reach.

Many elderly Georgians face poverty and loneliness, especially without family support or sufficient income. The Chernovetskyi Fund has reached people like Grandma Oliko and Grandpa Givi, who once lived with daily uncertainty and minimal access to care. The Fund provided regular food assistance, companionship through social visits and coordinated support that helped them remain safely in their home.

Staff and volunteers report that the couple is deeply grateful, not only for the material aid but also for the dignity and respect that come from sustained attention and care.

These personal stories show how a charity like the Chernovetskyi Fund can go beyond statistics to create real change in people’s lives. From a child’s laughter to a family finding peace and from elderly neighbors feeling seen to receiving care, the Fund’s work demonstrates a key lesson: when communities and donors engage in targeted, human-centered support, poverty becomes less permanent and more preventable.

Each example reflects the Fund’s core mission—to ensure that no one in Georgia is left behind in accessing food, health care, shelter or social support—and highlights how individual lives can improve when everyday kindness is paired with organized action.

A Compassionate Path Forward

The Chernovetskyi Fund’s work demonstrates that the most harmful effects of poverty can be mitigated when programs are targeted and human-centered. Its approach shows that dignity-focused aid, delivered consistently and at scale, can stabilize lives and strengthen communities. In the face of Georgia’s inequality and demographic challenges, the Chernovetskyi Fund plays an indispensable role.

– Salome Jincharadze

Salome is based in Tbilisi, Georgia and focuses on Good News, Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Innovations in Poverty Eradication in Romania

Poverty Eradication in RomaniaVisiting Romania can feel like traveling to two separate countries. On one side, urban, rapidly advancing cities such as Bucharest and Cluj are thriving. On the other side, poverty and stagnation affect rural communities and smaller towns. 

According to the Brookings Institution, more than 25% of the population lives on less than $5.50 a day. This problem worsens because most affected individuals live in rural regions, where 75% of the population experiences poverty. Many of the citizens lack drinkable water and children struggle to maintain a well-resourced education; 40% of the children in Romania cannot read or write at a functional level, and one in five children drop out of school entirely. Romania’s communist roots in the mid-20th century account for much of the country’s persistent poverty. 

Romania’s Escape From Communism

Communist leaders imposed centralized control over Romania after World War II. Nicolae Ceaușescu became ruler in 1965 and oversaw the forced industrialization that contributed to severe poverty and repression, according to Local Histories. The Romanian Revolution in 1989 ended the regime and Romania transitioned toward a market economy. This shift continues to influence innovations in poverty eradication in Romania.

This transition proved difficult because the communist regime directly controlled many key industries. With the collapse of these industries, many small-to-medium cities relying on these industries stagnated. Eventually, through liberalization, privatization and political reform, Romania improved economically. Romania’s acceptance into NATO in 2004 and the EU in 2007 marked a turning point for citizens, but it also revealed gaps in development and social justice. This felt especially true for many of the children living in vulnerable populations.

Community-Driven Change

In 2014, to address the extreme poverty that families in Romania experienced, Foundation Botnar partnered with UNICEF and the Norwegian and Romanian Governments to develop a pilot program in 45 communities in the Bacǎu region. Their solution, the Minimum Package of Services (MPS) model, aimed to expand Romanian children’s access to necessary services and improve their educational outcomes.

An innovation in poverty eradication in Romania resulted from the digital platform Aurora, which efficiently organizes and evaluates data for the MPS model. A trained team consisting of a social worker, community nurse and a school counselor used this platform to collect data on each of the family’s needs.

The program’s nontraditional approach to social change delivered many benefits:

  • Data-Driven: The integration of Aurora made the MPS model more effective by offering evidence-based guidance for supporting children and families within the social welfare system. Aurora further allows for the clear visualization of data, making the model scalable and replicable across communities and regions. 
  • Cost-effective: Preventative measures such as reducing school drop-out rates, limiting family separation and increasing immunization coverage lowered long-term spending for governmental agencies.
  • Community-focused: Families often struggled to navigate the complex welfare system. This program removed many of those barriers by providing comprehensive guidance and support to households, preventing vulnerable families from falling through the cracks.
  • Holistic: To maximize the program’s impact, teams exchange information through strong horizontal (inter-community) and vertical (national–county–community) communication. The program also prioritized comprehensive training, equipping teams with skills in data analysis and project planning.

Impact of the MPS Program

UNICEF conducted independent evaluations in 2017 and 2019 to determine the effectiveness of the program. The 2017 report found a decrease of 20% in households with children at risk of domestic violence and estimated costs fell under $46 USD per child. Furthermore, the 2019 evaluation reaffirmed its cost-effectiveness, determining that the cost per person for the MPS model was one-third for active cases and one-eighteenth for closed cases compared to similar projects funded by European programs.

By strengthening community-based services and emphasizing prevention in health, education and social protection, this initiative set the standard for innovation in poverty eradication in Romania and across Europe.”

– Sachin Kapoor

Sachin is based in Atlanta, GA, US and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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5 Charities Operating in Kosovo

Charities Operating in KosovoMany youths in Kosovo believe that limited access to power and social influence are restricting them. Kosovo is a partially recognized country in Southeast Europe that has faced many political challenges since the 1990s. It is also one of Europe’s poorest countries due to its limited resources, with 28% of its population comprising those younger than 15-years-old.

As of 2016, Kosovo’s unemployment rate is a high 34.8%. By 2022, the World Bank estimated 25.4%-30% of the 1.8 million people in Kosovo to be living in poverty and earning incomes below the poverty line. Many issues, including women’s rights and freedom of expression, plague the country, leaving many feeling powerless. However, Kosovo’s poverty rates declined by 2022 and the World Bank expects them to decline even further. From child welfare to employment opportunities, many Kosovars and volunteers have united to fight for a brighter future. Since the political atmosphere of the 1990s, humanitarian organizations have helped vulnerable Kosovars by providing the resources they need to build their economy. While many nonprofit organizations are making a difference, five charities operating in Kosovo are making notable strides in combating poverty and improving the quality of life.

5 Charities Operating in Kosovo

  1. Action for Mothers and Children/Akcioni per Nena dhe Femiji (AMC) – Since 2013, AMC has helped mothers have healthy pregnancies and save children’s lives. It has provided home services to improve children’s lives and strengthen family medicine. As one of the charities operating in Kosovo, AMC uses education to strengthen the trust between health care workers and families through training programs and engaging activities. Since Jan. 2014, AMC’s Women’s Health Information Center program has supported more than 10,000 pregnant women and their partners. On Nov. 2, 2016, many guests, including Valerie Rockefeller Wayne and Dua Lipa, supported a fundraiser that raised $44,360 to help lower child and maternal mortality rates in Kosovo.
  2. Caritas Kosova – In 1992, Caritas Kosova’s founders believed that the cultivation of solidarity and social entrepreneurship would increase economic independence, well-being and employment opportunities. It has empowered the youth and women with training, practical work, interpersonal skill development and grants. It has also improved rural agriculture through connecting farmers, exchanging knowledge and providing subsidies. By Oct. 2025, the YourJob program had provided 6,571 youths with career counseling. As stated by Don Viktor Sopi, director general of the charity, “young people are the most secure force of the future. We must continue to support young people in their aspirations.” Through charities operating in Kosovo, youths took advantage of opportunities to integrate into the labor market, build careers and shape their futures and communities.
  3. The Ideas Partnership (TIP) – TIP is a charity that has operated in Kosovo since 2009 and has worked to improve education, lobby the government, help youths enroll in school, mediate between families and schools and distribute clothes and supplies. It focused on bursaries, led micro-finance projects such as soap-making and recycling and helped families improve their homes. TIP has used funds and grants to empower people and preserve cultural heritage while protecting the environment. As with many other charities operating in Kosovo, it has always stood alongside children and adults. On May 14th, 2025, TIP celebrated its 16th anniversary by growing with teachers, social workers and professionals from the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities. Through commitment, they have offered long-term support rooted in empowerment and community solidarity.
  4. The Kosovar Organization for Talent and Education (TOKA) – TOKA has operated in Kosovo since 2015, focusing on education and development for disadvantaged children. It has aimed to unlock the youths’ full potential through innovative teaching methods and long-term volunteering opportunities. More than 20,000 participants have tested their programs and more than 30,000 children have benefited from them. Educational gaps between primary schoolchildren and peers in high-income countries continue to prevent youths from reaching their full potential. TOKA’s continuous efforts to improve life trajectories, bridge the gap and strengthen partnerships with the government and global allies have helped youth gain the skills, confidence and opportunities they need, ultimately contributing to improved living conditions in Kosovo.
  5. PL4Y International – In 1999, founders established PL4Y as Sport without Borders. While operating in Kosovo, the charity’s leaders promoted inclusive education, gender equality, inter-ethnic reconciliation and youth empowerment. Collaborating with youth networks, educational authorities and civil society, the programs of charities operating in Kosovo like PL4Y strengthen life skills, psychosocial tools and academic knowledge. For example, Mirela Hysenaj, a teacher at Dardania Primary School, shared how fun activities within the Playdagogy training program fostered an empathetic classroom environment. More than 80,000 children have participated in these programs, including more than 4,000 disabled children. PL4Y has expanded from classroom programs to community fields, using the universal language of play as a tool for learning and development.

The Bigger Picture

While seemingly unrelated to tackling the broader issue of poverty, these five charities operating in Kosovo have helped struggling people access resources to improve their social standing. Education, health care and social support can create long-term benefits, including economic growth and stronger global stability. Through continued efforts by charities like these, Kosovars can strengthen their ability to build a more secure and hopeful future.

– Cindy Nguyen

Cindy is based in Albuquerque, NM, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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5 Ways Zambia’s Free Education Policy Helps Children in Poverty

Zambia’s Free Education PolicyIn 2022, Zambia removed school fees for all public primary and secondary students through a nationwide Free Education Policy (also referred to as “Education for All”). For children living in poverty, this decision changed everyday life. Families that once struggled to cover fees can now send their children to school without facing impossible financial choices.

Within a few years of the policy’s introduction, more than 2.3 million previously out-of-school learners returned to classrooms. Since the policy began, millions of learners have returned to the classroom and early evidence shows that the reform is creating new pathways out of poverty. Here are five ways in which free education is transforming children’s lives across Zambia.

Education Is Now Accessible to All Children

Before the policy came about, many families could not afford tuition fees, exam charges or contributions to parent-teacher associations. These costs often pushed children out of school or prevented them from enrolling in the first place. However, with Zambia’s Free Education Policy, these financial barriers have been removed.

As of 2025, 80% of Zambians say that someone in their family has benefited from free schooling and it is estimated that roughly eight million learners (from early childhood to secondary school) are covered under the free education system. For children living in low-income households, this reform gives them their first real opportunity to access continuous education, opening many more doors for them later in life.

It Reduces the Risk of Child Labor and Exploitation

When families face extreme poverty, children are sometimes sent to work in agriculture, informal labor or other household enterprises to help bring in income, especially when education costs are high. Fortunately, by making education free, the policy reduces one of the main financial pressures that results in pushing children toward exploitation instead of having a better well-being by being in school. The Zambian government and education sector researchers have linked the increase in school enrollment to declines in drop-outs and reduced pressure toward child labor.

This shift gives vulnerable children a much safer and healthier alternative: attendance in school rather than engaging in exploitative work.

It Expands Future Job Opportunities

Education remains one of the most reliable paths out of poverty. By giving children the opportunity to complete primary and secondary education, Zambia’s free education policy opens doors to future jobs that require literacy, numeracy or more advanced skills. With a growing base of educated youth, more young people from disadvantaged backgrounds may access stable employment and obtain skilled professions.

Analysts describe the policy as a major investment in human capital formation and social mobility. For many children living in poverty, this offers a real chance to change their economic trajectory and contribute positively to their communities and national development.

It Creates New Teaching Jobs and Strengthens Communities

The surge in school enrollment triggered by free schooling has led to one of the largest teacher recruitment drives in Zambia’s history. In 2022 alone, the government recruited 30,496 teachers and staff. This expansion provides employment opportunities, especially in communities where poverty and unemployment are significant.

Teacher recruitment also ensures that growing class sizes can be managed, which supports better learning outcomes and helps to stabilize local economies. For families living in impoverished or rural areas, this presents a new path to stable income through teaching, helping strengthen social stability and building a more educated workforce within those communities.

School Supports Social and Emotional Development

Attending school does more than teach reading, writing and mathematics. It provides a structured environment where children build friendships, develop social skills, learn discipline and gain confidence. These social and psychological benefits are widely acknowledged by sociologists and developmental psychologists as early social interaction and peer learning foster emotional resilience, collaborative skills and a sense of belonging.

For children growing up in poverty, who may otherwise lack stable social structures or supportive environments, free access to schooling gives them a place of security, routine and community. Though quantitative data on social development under the policy is not yet robust, the general principle that schooling supports socialization is well-established. In Zambia, by making education accessible across socioeconomic divides, free education helps ensure that all children, not only those from wealthier families, have access to the social and emotional benefits school can provide.

Final Remarks

Zambia’s Free Education Policy is already reshaping opportunities for children living in poverty. By removing financial barriers, reducing the risks of exploitation, opening future career paths, creating new teaching jobs and supporting healthy social development, the policy is proving to be a powerful investment in human potential. If the government continues to support education with adequate infrastructure, resources and funding, every child in Zambia could have the chance to learn, grow and build a better future.

– Daisy Winstone

Daisy is based in Cardiff, Wales and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Child Marriage in El Salvador

Child Marriage in El SalvadorChild marriage continues to plague young girls across El Salvador every year, despite becoming illegal nearly a decade ago. While the rate of child marriage has declined since the ban, factors such as gender inequality, poverty and teen pregnancy play a big role in its concealed continuation.

Current Prevalence and Driving Factors

On August 16, 2017, El Salvador’s Family Code underwent a reformation. The updated Family Code set the legal age of marriage to 18 for women and men, opposed to its previous ruling, which stated that girls could marry regardless of age if they were pregnant or had a child. Following the reformation, according to the Child Marriage Data portal, the prevalence of child marriage dropped from 25% in 2006 to 19.7% in 2021.

However, as of 2025, 199.7 thousand girls now aged 20-24 were married by 15 and 720.3 thousand within the same age range were married by 18. The prevalence is higher in rural areas (26.6%) than in urban areas (16.6%) and it might be due to factors such as poverty and educational opportunity. According to Girls Not Brides, 12% of women living in El Salvador’s most impoverished households and 52% of women with little to no education were married or in a union as children.

In contrast, the numbers are far lower for those in urban, more affluent and educated groups: only 2% of women from wealthy households and 3% of women who completed university were married or in a union as children. Yet, both before and after the Family Code’s reformation, young girls also married young as a form of escape from gender-based violence, hard home lives or teen pregnancy. Following cases of sexual violence, young women would marry their rapist to avoid repercussions involving money or the police. Other young women would marry following a teen pregnancy to avoid straying from societal norms.

Government Action

On August 16, 2017, Salvadoran lawmakers voted to make child marriage illegal, as the previous Family Code acted as a loophole for sexual perpetrators. According to UNICEF and other sources, the 1993 code allowed sexual perpetrators to evade the penal system by marrying their victims. As a result, the cycle of impunity continued. The 2017 reform marked a significant shift in both Salvadoran law and society, advancing protections for children and young adults and signaling a stronger commitment to their rights.

Another Step Forward

Young Salvadoran girls now have the freedom of choice due to the ban on child marriage. However, legal change does not immediately get rid of societal issues. Providing education and economic relief to underprivileged citizens will be another step toward a better country for all and will reduce child marriage in El Salvador.

– Keyly Rios

Keyly is based in Dallas, TX, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Fighting Infant Mortality in Developing Countries

Infant Mortality in Developing CountriesInfant mortality in developing countries remains a significant issue, with complications due to premature birth being a leading cause. Though largely preventable, more than one-third of the 2.3 million newborn deaths in 2021 were due to preterm birth complications. Deaths occurring within the newborn period are also highly associated with diseases and infections contracted due to a lack of proper sanitation, quality care and necessary medical treatment. Countries worldwide have made progress in this area, although it has slowed in the last decade. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 64 countries will be unable to meet the SDG goal for eliminating preventable infant mortality by 2030 without quick action. However, innovations provide hope in tackling this issue.

Survival Rates in High and Low-Income Countries

The survival rate of newborns varies significantly by region, with a notable disparity between high and low-income countries. Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia show the least favorable conditions for infant survival. In fact, these areas accounted for more than 80% of deaths in children under 5 in 2022, many being in the neonatal stage.

These disparities are especially significant for extremely premature infants born before 28 weeks. On the low end, these infants experience a 10% survival rate in developing nations, compared to a rate of more than 90% in parts of the developed world, according to BMC Pediatrics. Without specialty care provided in the newborn stage, surviving preterm babies also have a higher chance of developing lasting health issues and disabilities.

One of the biggest challenges facing health care systems in developing countries is inaccessibility to medical technology and equipment. Due to high costs, inadequate infrastructure and a lack of professionally trained personnel, health care facilities are often unable to implement advanced technologies and deliver life-saving care.

Finding Solutions: IncuNest

Incubators are an essential piece of medical technology used to keep ill and premature babies healthy during their first days of life, while they are vulnerable to fatal complications such as infection and temperature dysregulation. However, high-tech incubators generally cost anywhere from $1,500 to $35,000, an unrealistic investment for many hospitals with limited resources.

Led by Pablo Sanchez Bergasa, Medical Open World developed a medical technology solution made to prevent infant mortality in developing countries effectively.

They created IncuNest, a low-cost incubator which aims to save the lives of vulnerable infants born into environments that lack the resources to keep them healthy. Their incubators cost a fraction of the mainstream price at €350 per unit, making them far more economically accessible. Constructed to be lightweight and portable, they are easy to transport to areas where they are necessary the most, with minimal infrastructure necessary for operation.

Easier to Operate

IncuNest is also easier to operate in areas that struggle with accessing electricity. Being extremely energy efficient, one incubator requires a maximum of only 130 watts and can operate using unconventional energy sources, such as car batteries. With significantly fewer resources required to run the incubators, the technology remains effective, focusing on the most important functions, such as sanitary confinement and temperature and humidity control.

IncuNest is also an open source technology, meaning that their blueprints are fully accessible via the IncuNest website, allowing anyone to construct their own incubators locally. This approach to decentralizing medical technology shifts the focus from incubators being a product to being a tool for advancing human development and well-being. So far, IncuNest operates in more than 200 locations and saved the lives of 4,000 infants.

Looking Ahead

With less developed areas struggling to implement advanced healthcare technologies, IncuNest poses as a blueprint addressing this inequality. Through the creation of medical innovations that are easy to acquire and distribute, more communities gain access to life-saving care. In addition, decentralized approaches that encourage local construction allow for solutions to be adopted more easily. Bridging the gap between healthcare systems in high and low-income nations has no one solution and will require various systematic changes. However, finding ways to bring effective technologies to communities that need them most is an important piece in achieving greater equality and addressing infant mortality in developing countries.

– Quinlan Bohannon

Quinlan is based in Portland, OR, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Ethiopian Donkey Libraries are Advancing Education

How Ethiopian Donkey Libraries are Advancing Education In Ethiopia, around 90% of children cannot read and comprehend an age-appropriate text by the age of 10. Troublingly, 89% of children do not achieve the Minimum Proficiency Level (MPL) by the end of their school careers. These failures stem from many factors, such as low enrollment in schools, subpar teacher training and limited financial resources. However, one of the most prevalent issues plaguing the Ethiopian school system is limited access to schoolbooks and learning materials. In response, a range of creative initiatives have emerged, including Ethiopian Donkey Libraries, which deliver reading materials to the country’s most isolated schools and villages.

Limited Access to Resources

This lack of access to books has a profound impact on education, contributing to the country’s adult literacy rate of just 52%. In many schools, students are forced to share textbooks—sometimes one copy among several pupils—which restricts their ability to study independently and freely, while also reinforcing inequality between urban and rural areas. According to reports, only one in five children in rural regions have books at home beyond their school textbooks, and many schools lack functioning libraries or sufficient classroom resources. This has been described as “learning poverty,” and—like any form of poverty—it carries far-reaching consequences that deeply impact Ethiopia’s sustainable development. 

Donkey Libraries

One of the most striking initiatives combating child illiteracy is the Ethiopian Donkey Libraries. Set up by Yohannes Gebregiorgis in 2005 as part of the Together We Learn Foundation, this project consists of a donkey and cart loaded with a selection of books, traveling through remote or rural areas of Ethiopia that lack resources. Each donkey library is managed by a trained “donkey librarian,” who leads reading sessions, helps children select books and lends them to take home. Outfitted with book shelving and stools for reading sessions, storytelling and other literacy-boosting activities, the cart functions as an entirely self-sufficient and easily transportable library.

Scalability

This project aims to reduce access barriers, such as distance, transportation and cost, so that all children have a fair and equal education. The use of a donkey, or horse cart, reflects rural transportation realities—where roads are often poor and ill-suited to motor vehicles—making it a culturally appropriate and low-tech solution to the country’s literacy challenges. This supports both sustainability and scalability, giving the program potential to reach several rural schools across Ethiopia over time.

The foundation visits 13 rural elementary schools each year, supporting about 7,000 students aged 7 to 15, and has shipped tens of thousands of books across Ethiopia. Since its creation, the Donkey Libraries initiative has received sponsorship from Ethiopia Reads and the Rotary Club, enabling expansion and continued success across the country.

A New Joy for Learning

The operation of education is being revolutionized. This innovative and engaging form of learning transforms reading into an exciting activity, encouraging children to explore stories and textbooks for both pleasure and skill. Ethiopian Donkey Libraries stock a range of fiction and nonfiction books, both new and secondhand, in local languages such as Amharic and Tigrinya, as well as in English. This allows children to foster a love of reading from a young age while acquiring valuable multilingual skills.

Real Improvements

By beginning the journey to literacy early, children gain critical thinking skills that set them up for fulfilling lives and promising careers. The initiative not only benefits individuals but also strengthens the human capital and development of the country as a whole.

Students in schools that utilize Ethiopian Donkey Libraries improved their English literacy score from 5% to 38% over one year, demonstrating the tangible success of the project in changing children’s futures. Within just one month, 708 students—both male and female—visited a donkey library, showing strong commitment from Ethiopian organizations to bridge the educational gap between urban and remote children.

Looking Ahead

By improving learning access among rural children, often from disadvantaged households, the project contributes to long-term social and economic mobility, using education as a key lever out of poverty.

– Emily Wooster

Emily is based in Birmingham, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr