Archive for category: Children

Information and stories addressing children.

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Child Welfare Program in Buenos Aires

Children playing with caregivers outdoors, representing the Child Welfare Program in Buenos Aires. Child Welfare Program in Buenos AiresLe Sartén por el Mango, established by the Arché Foundation, is a child welfare program in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Literally translated to “the pan by the handle,” the center provides nutritious meals and enrichment activities for vulnerable children ages 6 to 13.

In December 2025, data reported that 28% of the city’s population lives in poverty. Many of those attending the child welfare program in Buenos Aires also experience additional challenges such as domestic violence, exposure to drugs and neglect. A safe and positive environment offers them a much-needed sanctuary.

How Was It Founded?

In December 2013, Argentinian Valeria Taraborelli and New Zealander Ben Whittaker founded Le Sartén por el Mango. They wanted to set up a community kitchen to provide children with nutritious meals and artistic activities to support their well-being. The Borgen Project spoke to Soledad Arce, the head coordinator of Le Sartén, about her work at the center. Arce has worked there as an art teacher and progress facilitator since 2014. She took over from Taraborelli and Whittaker in 2021, and Le Sartén became part of the Citizen Construction scheme of the Arché Foundation. This seeks to foster community and welfare in Monte Chingolo, the neighborhood in which the center is based.

About the Center

The team running the child welfare program in Buenos Aires is made up of both permanent workers and short-term volunteers. They run activities such as gardening, cooking, sports, academics and arts and crafts, as well as providing emotional support. Arce spoke of the vulnerability of the children. She wants to give the attendees a space where they can “experience a different reality” and stressed the importance of the program because “everyone deserves the opportunity to live well and develop to their full potential.”

When asked about a typical day at the center, Arce remarked that no such thing exists. She emphasized the strive to establish routine while balancing the unexpected. “The children are going through difficult situations with their families. Sometimes they come very angry, other times they cry, and other times they are very quiet,” Arce said. To manage this, she ensures she has an overview of everything so she can prioritize what is most important. She consistently checks in with her colleagues, the kitchen, volunteers, the children and their families to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible.

At the end of each day, Arce and her team evaluate the activities they put on to ensure they are tailored to the needs of the children currently at the center. Limited time and resources make this even more important. They must be flexible and willing to adapt to make sure everything they do is purposeful and deliberate.

The child welfare program in Buenos Aires used to be funded by the profits of a café Whittaker ran while in Australia. That has since closed, and they rely solely on fundraising events and monthly sponsors to keep up with growing attendance and inflation. Arce expressed her anxieties about the decreasing quality of food, activities and care they can offer the children and her desire to pay the hardworking staff better wages. Speaking on one of the many issues they face, Arce pointed out that they have only two shovels between 30 children, making group tasks in the garden nearly impossible. “We have to do a lot with very little,” she said.

The center witnesses many happy times. Arce spoke of positive experiences she has had with the children who attend. “The hugs, the laughter, and their achievements make it all worthwhile,” she commented. She described Le Sartén as a “refuge” that empowers her children to strive for a better life. She spoke of her awe of the children who have the strength to navigate so many difficult issues.

When asked about her favorite memory, Arce talked about La Sartén’s 10th anniversary in 2023. She invited past attendees and they reminisced about happy moments they had at the center. Arce saw firsthand the long-lasting impact the program has on whoever comes through its doors. It was “among the most deeply moving experiences I have had,” Arce expressed.

Looking Ahead

In the future, Arce hopes to expand the child welfare program in Buenos Aires. She hopes to build more classrooms and even open centers in new locations. This year, she is focusing on further fundraising efforts to ensure this vital work can last long into the future.

– Louise Nethercott

Louise is based in Vienna, Austria and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Le Sartén por el Mango

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Environmental Risks to Children’s Health in Central Asia

Industrial smokestacks emitting pollution under cloudy skies, highlighting environmental risks to children's health.Every year, billions of children suffer from illnesses related to environmental risks. Ambient air pollution and mercury poisoning are linked to a shocking 1.7 million child deaths under the age of 5 each year. Reducing environmental risks to children’s health in Central Asian countries, like Mongolia, through changing energy usage practices and reducing child exposure to mercury and other toxic materials would prevent an estimated one in five child deaths annually.

Household Air Pollution (HAP)

An annual 2.9 million deaths are attributed to HAP worldwide. Some common conditions include ischaemic heart disease, stroke and lower respiratory infections, which cause a total of 76% of HAP-related deaths per year. In Mongolia, where coal is the predominant energy source for those living in poverty, indoor and outdoor air pollution cause 132 out of every 100,000 people to die prematurely each year.

Ulaanbaatar is the capital city of Mongolia. With 60% of the city’s population living in ger districts and many living in traditional felt tents, known as “gers” and small houses, a large number of children are exposed to extreme levels of HAP every day.

The country’s harsh climate, which can cause temperatures to plummet to as low as -20°C, forces Mongolians to heavily rely upon coal to survive, with three to six tons being burned annually in order to cook and provide warmth to their homes.

A study by Zaiyou Dai and colleagues in 2025 investigated the effects of HAP on the health of 1,279 infants by monitoring their health at 7, 13 and 36 months. They found the following results:

  • A positive correlation between the HAP score and the hazard ratio for pneumonia, which increased by 2% for every HAP score increase.
  • A positive correlation between HAP score and height for age (HAZ) score, which decreased as exposure to HAP increased.

The incomplete combustion caused by burning other materials, such as wood and charcoal, can also result in the emission of toxic gases like carbon monoxide. As one of the biggest environmental risks to children’s health in Central Asia, it is critical that energy production shift permanently away from burning these fossil fuels.

Mercury Poisoning

Mercury can be extremely harmful if consumed or inhaled. Central Asia has some of the most mercury-contaminated countries on the planet. For example, China contributes more than 600 tons of Hg to global emissions.

Toxic to humans, most people who experience mercury poisoning have come into contact with the chemical element by eating contaminated fish or inhaling vapors during industrial processing. Exposure can cause difficulties in child development both in utero and early life, as well as the following issues:

  • Toxic and damaged kidneys
  • Dysfunctional motor and cognitive skills
  • Impaired neuromuscular functions.

Due to fish being a key food source for lower-income families, children all over the world are put at risk of mercury poisoning. A study by Zhen-Yan Gao and colleagues in 2015 found that more than 14,000 Chinese children aged 0 to 6 years old had higher mercury levels than normal, with concentrations rising significantly if their diets included the frequent consumption of fish. These levels are an extreme cause for concern.

Ultraviolet Radiation

Ultraviolet rays, which individuals are vulnerable to during any exposure to sunlight, can be a useful source of much-needed vitamin D, but they can also have some disastrous and harmful effects. Because they are immunosuppressive, UV-B rays can cause skin damage and autoimmune diseases like lupus.

Sufferers of lupus, otherwise known as systemic lupus erythematosus, often experience:

  • Joint and muscle pain
  • Rashes caused by sun exposure
  • Weight and hair loss.

A long-term condition, lupus is life-changing and, while rare, about 15-20% of lupus patients are diagnosed as children. As the ozone layer slowly thins due to the changing climate, it is more critical than ever to protect children’s skin and their health from ultraviolet radiation.

While new environmental issues arise every day, it is also important to acknowledge the progress being made toward protecting children’s health. People from hundreds of nations are collaborating to find solutions to the many environmental risks to children’s health in Central Asia.

UNICEF and Its Fight Against Air Pollution

In 2021, UNICEF launched a program called UniSat, which was designed to help protect children’s health in Central Asia by educating youths. Girls from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan were taught how to use nanosatellites and other technology that can be used to monitor air, so the future generation can make life-saving, progressive changes that will reduce air pollution in their country and consequently protect thousands of children’s health.

The staggering loss of 1.7 million lives each year emphasizes the significance of the environment and its impact on health, a harsh reality now catalyzing countless life-changing, innovative programs and policies, such as UniSat and the Minamata Convention. With the ever-changing climate and a surge in pollution worldwide, it is now more important than ever to rethink energy usage and direct attention toward achieving a safe environment where children can thrive, not just survive.

– Ruby Fraser

Ruby is based in Cannes, France and focuses on Global Health, Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Supporting Poor Families in Brazil: The Criança Feliz Program

Children in festive attire celebrate at a community event in Brazil. Criança Feliz.Low-income families in Brazil face challenges that can affect children long before they enter school. Brazil had an estimated population of 213.4 million people in 2025, according to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Although Brazil has reduced poverty in recent years, millions of families still live with limited access to food, education, housing, sanitation and other basic needs.

UNICEF reports that about 32 million children are in vulnerable situations. These include lack of education, child labor, living in poor conditions or lack of water and food. IBGE also reported that Brazil’s poverty rate fell to 23.1% in 2024, while extreme poverty fell to 3.5%. These improvements show progress, but the number of people still affected by poverty remains high.

The Criança Feliz Program

The Criança Feliz Program, also known as Primeira Infância no SUAS/Criança Feliz, is one response to early childhood poverty in Brazil. The program uses home visits to support families registered in Cadastro Único, Brazil’s registry for low-income families. During these visits, trained workers guide families on child development, family care and access to public services. The program focuses on pregnant women, young children and children with disabilities in vulnerable families. Its goal is not only to provide information, but also to strengthen family and community bonds. By working directly inside the home, Criança Feliz helps caregivers understand how everyday actions, such as talking, playing, reading and responsive care, can support a child’s development.

Connecting Families to Services

Criança Feliz connects families to Brazil’s broader social protection system. Instead of treating childhood poverty as a single problem, the program links families to services related to social assistance, health care, education, culture, human rights and child protection. This is significant because poor families in Brazil often face multiple challenges simultaneously.

In 2025, Brazil’s Ministry of Development and Social Assistance announced that Criança Feliz would be part of the country’s social protection network through the Social Assistance Reference Centers (CRAS) and the Family Protection and Comprehensive Care Service (PAIF). CRAS centers serve as local entry points to programs and social assistance, while PAIF works directly with families to prevent and respond to vulnerable situations. This change makes the program more accessible for public services.

Impact of the Program

Criança Feliz has reached families on a large scale. According to Brazil’s Ministry of Development and Social Assistance, the program surpassed 57 million home visits in 2021 and brought child care information to families in more than 3,028 municipalities. Another government update reported that the program had accompanied 1.5 million families, including 1.4 million children and 374,000 pregnant women.

The program’s impact should be explained carefully. A randomized study of Criança Feliz in 30 Brazilian municipalities did not find clear improvements in child development outcomes under routine conditions. However, researchers also found implementation problems, including low coverage, management challenges and differences in visit quality. This means the program’s reach is large, but its long-term success depends on stronger implementation and consistent visit quality.

Organizations and Partners Supporting the Program

Although Criança Feliz is a federal program, several organizations and partners have helped strengthen its model. The Bernard van Leer Foundation reported that the program’s home visitors use technical material based on the Care for Child Development method developed by UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). These materials help guide visits around child development and family care.

The program has also involved support from groups such as UNICEF, UNESCO, UNDP, PAHO, WHO and the Bernard van Leer Foundation. These partners have supported technical material, training methods, monitoring and evaluation. Their role shows how partnerships can help public programs improve services for poor families in Brazil.

Why Support in Early Childhood Makes a Difference

Early childhood support matters because poverty can affect children’s development before they enter school. The World Bank states that millions of young children do not reach their full potential because of poor nutrition, limited early stimulation and learning and exposure to poverty and stress. These early disadvantages can affect health, education and future income. For that reason, programs like Criança Feliz focus on the first years of life. Home visits can help caregivers support children’s growth while also connecting families to services they may not know how to access. When early childhood programs work well, they can help reduce the long-term effects of poverty by supporting children before disadvantages become harder to reverse.

Conclusion

Criança Feliz shows how Brazil is trying to support children by supporting families first. The program does not solve poverty alone and research shows that implementation quality still matters. However, its large reach, home-visiting model and connection to Brazil’s social protection system make it an important effort for helping poor families in Brazil. By focusing on early childhood, family support and access to services, Criança Feliz offers a practical way to address poverty before it shapes a child’s future.

– Mateo Alcocer

Mateo is based in West Hills, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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5 Charities Operating in Myanmar

Charities Operating in MyanmarThe saying “The children are our future” is a widely held belief that underscores the importance of prioritizing children’s well-being worldwide. Yet, some regions, including Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), fall short of this ideal. This is not a unique issue facing Myanmar, however. Fortunately, Myanmar’s children are not alone in their fight for a better future. Five charities operating in Myanmar are responding to the crisis with diverse, supportive action.

What Are Some Challenges Facing Myanmar?

Myanmar is a Southeast Asian nation bordering India, Bangladesh, China, Laos and Thailand. Its geographic location and ethnic diversity have contributed to long-standing internal conflict.

In February 2021, the military junta staged a coup and assumed absolute control of the country, committing widespread humanitarian violations against the population, including the suppression of free speech, manipulated elections, unlawful detentions, indiscriminate airstrikes on civilians, unregulated resource extraction and restricted access to medical care and supplies.

As foreign aid and attention toward the conflict dwindle, Myanmar sinks deeper into chaos. Protecting the most vulnerable is crucial, and humanitarian action for Myanmar’s children is imperative.

Humanitarian Action for Children in Myanmar

Myanmar’s conflict has created an urgent and time-sensitive need for humanitarian action for children. Violence, displacement and disruptions to educational and health services continue to threaten children across Myanmar. By mid-2025, as the scope of the military takeover expands and intensifies, the conflict has internally displaced more than 3.5 million people, including 30% who are children. Of the 20 million people requiring assistance, 6.4 million are children.

Environmental disasters exacerbate children’s safety concerns. Cyclones, typhoons, monsoon floods and earthquakes destroy vital infrastructure, including homes, schools, hospitals, access to clean water and proper sanitation, especially in underserved areas.

About 55% of Burmese children live in poverty. Malnutrition and lack of immunization for vaccine-preventable diseases limit opportunities. Ongoing violence, attacks, forced military recruitment and marriage threaten children’s well-being. Sanctuaries for children are vanishing due to both natural disasters and human conflict.

Myanmar’s children still have the opportunity for a better future. Five charities operating in Myanmar continue working tirelessly to alleviate suffering and provide vital humanitarian aid to Myanmar’s children, helping them find happiness and a reimagined future.

5 Charities Operating in Myanmar

  1. Save the Children: Save the Children Myanmar is one such charity operating on the ground. It provides humanitarian aid to children in Myanmar through programs in education, health and nutrition. It offers malaria testing and emergency relief and shelter for children affected by the 2025 earthquake. Since COVID-19, Save the Children Myanmar has implemented educational programs to help children enroll in school and regain a sense of normalcy. Save the Children Myanmar has operated in the country since 1995, maintaining a neutral and impartial presence while helping children “survive, learn and be protected.”
  2. UNICEF Myanmar: UNICEF Myanmar has been dedicated to supporting children in Myanmar for more than 70 years. Its success stems from decades of experience and adaptability in the region, allowing them to promote children’s rights, understand local problems and provide effective solutions. Whether in remote areas or with local communities, UNICEF Myanmar aims to make a difference, regardless of location or circumstance. After the 2025 earthquake, it offered emergency aid, emotional and psychosocial support, including safe spaces for children to smile, play and simply be kids.
  3. The Shew Ya Min Foundation: The Shew Ya Min Foundation (SYF) is a charity organization with a mission to ensure that disadvantaged children in Myanmar receive the support they need to escape the cycle of poverty. Its goal is to assist abused children by providing access to education, health care, counseling and life skills to help them navigate instability. Its humanitarian aid for children is diverse, including drop-in and housing centers, mobile outreach programs and emergency shelters in Yangon. The SYF accommodates 100 children during the school year, with a boarding center housing more than 50 students and a medical clinic accepting 35 patients daily.
  4. World Vision International Myanmar: World Vision International Myanmar is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization. Its humanitarian aid for children in Myanmar transcends religion, race, ethnicity and gender, protecting the innocence of children exposed to violence and hostile environments. Child protection and disaster response are priorities, and implementing education, health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene programs improves livelihoods and offers hope for the future, benefiting more than 1.35 million children, including 349,383 girls, 319,724 boys and 1,322 children with disabilities.
  5. Children of the Mekong: Children of the Mekong has operated in Myanmar since 1958, providing humanitarian aid to Myanmar’s children and remaining faithful to its goal of loving and supporting them by offering a future through education. To improve individual lives, the charity helps children build character and grow intellectually, emotionally and morally. On-the-ground development programs create environments suitable for education, with access to drinking water, housing, and school supplies. Sponsors help more than 23,400 children attend school. These programs help children avoid child labor and exploitation while gaining access to education and long-term opportunities. The organization intentionally meets the needs of children and families and is determined to support Myanmar’s children in the long term.

Looking Ahead

The good news for Myanmar’s children is much louder than the noise of hardships stripping them of a happy childhood and a safe future. Their resilience, combined with the dedication of humanitarian organizations, continues to bring attention to their struggles and needs. These five charities operating in Myanmar have answered the call and affirmed their unwavering support for Myanmar’s children. Providing children with a safe environment where they can grow and thrive remains essential.

– Elora Gunn

Elora is based in Louisville, KY, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Immunization Initiative Reduces Child Mortality in Zimbabwe

Child Mortality in Zimbabwe In 2025, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) publicly recognized the government of Zimbabwe for its investments in the health and safety of its children. In October 2025, Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) launched a vaccination initiative in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) to reduce child mortality in Zimbabwe. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, a public-private global health partnership dedicated to vaccinating children around the world, and the government of Zimbabwe funded the health campaign. Zimbabwe allocated $1.9 million from its national treasury to fund the program.

Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign

The government of Zimbabwe titled the initiative the National Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccination and Vitamin A Supplementation Campaign. It targeted children between the ages of 9 and 59 months across all regions of the country, regardless of previous vaccination status. An estimated 1.7 million children received vaccinations as a result of the program. Ncebile Ngwenya, a frontline nurse in Plumtree, Bulilimamangwe district in the Matabeland South Province, described the campaign’s approach: “The campaign utilised scheduled outreach points, which improved access to immunization services by delivering them at the community level. It will help protect children from measles and rubella, ensuring strong immunity and a healthier future for our communities.”

Vitamin A Supplementation and Child Nutrition

In addition to the measles-rubella vaccine, nearly 2 million children also received Vitamin A supplements. The rationale for providing these supplements was the same as that of the vaccination effort: to reduce child mortality across Zimbabwe. Vitamin A deficiency is a widespread issue across the country’s young population and can lead to malnutrition, disease and, ultimately, death. One of the most significant risks of Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is total loss of vision. VAD is one of the leading causes of blindness in low-income countries. Keratomalacia, a condition that causes corneal deterioration, is especially prominent in individuals with VAD. The average income of families in Zimbabwe is $3 a day, meaning most children do not have consistent access to foods rich in Vitamin A or other crucial nutrients.

Measurable Results

The combined effects of the measles-rubella vaccination and Vitamin A supplementation produced significant health improvements. WHO Zimbabwe estimates that 95% of children in Zimbabwe aged 9 to 59 months experienced improvements in both nutrition and disease immunity. By launching the campaign across all regions of Zimbabwe and vaccinating all children from ages 9 to 59 months regardless of financial means or prior vaccination status, the government actively addressed fatal health risks in its youngest and most vulnerable population.

Looking Ahead

The National Measles-Rubella Vaccination and Vitamin A Supplementation Campaign demonstrates how combining vaccination with nutritional supplementation can produce measurable health outcomes for children in low-income countries. As other countries facing similar challenges with malnutrition and childhood disease consider their public health strategies, Zimbabwe’s approach offers a model for reducing child mortality at scale.

– Natalie Naylor

Natalie is based in New York City, NY, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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School Meals and Refugee Education in Chad

Refugee Education in ChadIn Chad, education is the path to a more stable future free of long-term hardship, yet millions of children remain out of school. Education Cannot Wait announced a $20 million grant in December 2024 to extend its multi-year resilience program in Chad, following a report that at least 3.2 million children and adolescents were absent from the classroom. This funding is expected to reach 66,000 crisis-affected learners.

That matters in a country where issues such as conflict spillover, climate shocks and poverty continue to disrupt education. School meals and refugee education in Chad are essential because food support and classroom access can work together during emergencies.

The Crisis in Eastern Chad

The pressure has only intensified since war broke out in neighboring Sudan in April 2023. The World Food Programme (WFP) says the Central African country now hosts 1.5 million refugees. They include 900,000 people who immigrated from Sudan, putting greater strain on communities that were already experiencing immense poverty and food insecurity.

In eastern Chad, UNICEF reported in April 2026 that 900,000 children were not registered in an educational institution. The same report said nearly 300,000 refugee children in the east were not receiving any schooling.

Why School Meals Matter

School meals are one of the clearest tools helping children stay in class. WFP says its emergency response to this problem included providing school meals for more than 125,000 children in refugee-hosting areas in 2025. It also supports home-grown school feeding programs that connect schools with local farmers so children can consume locally sourced meals while rural producers gain a market for their crops. 

According to WFP, this approach has already improved nutrition and school attendance outcomes for more than 110,000 children. In a crisis setting, a meal at school helps improve learning and household food security.

Education Support Beyond Food

Education support is also expanding beyond meals. Education Cannot Wait says more than 40% of the 66,600 children targeted through its new grant will be refugees. The program will also train more than 1,500 teachers in pedagogy, psychosocial support and risk reduction. 

This broader work strengthens school meals and refugee education by combining food assistance with improved classroom support. This is important, since Chad not only needs more students attending school, but it also requires schools that can handle displacement and overcrowding. UNICEF says eastern Chad still needs about 5,000 temporary learning spaces and 10,000 latrines to meet minimum standards.

A Positive Path Forward

These efforts are particularly important for girls. In its 2024–2028 Chad country strategic plan, WFP said that increasing home-grown school feeding can help improve nutrition and health while also keeping girls in school. UNICEF’s report on eastern Chad states that without enough education support, 70,000 children, including refugees, returnees and those from host communities, could miss school days or drop out. 

This raises the risk of child labor and child marriage. In this situation, school meals do more than tackle hunger. They help safeguard children’s futures.

Closing Remarks

School meals and refugee education in Chad are deeply connected. Food support helps children show up in class and stay enrolled, while new education funding helps schools respond to crises more effectively. Despite this, Chad still faces a major gap. 

However, active programs from WFP, UNICEF and Education Cannot Wait show that investments can keep more children in school. If those efforts continue to expand, they could strengthen educational access and long-term resilience for families across the country.

– Ashirah Newton 

Ashirah is based in Brooklyn, NY, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Targeted EdTech and Education in Sierra Leone

Education in Sierra LeoneAs global education funding declines, millions of vulnerable children face an increased risk of dropping out of school. UNICEF reports that disruptions to education systems continue to affect access to learning worldwide, particularly in low-income countries where resources remain limited. These challenges contribute to a growing global learning crisis.

The Wi De Ya System

In Sierra Leone, digital education interventions are helping schools respond to these challenges. The Wi De Ya system uses real-time data to track attendance and engagement, with plans to build local capacity to support long-term maintenance. This approach allows educators to identify students at risk of dropping out and intervene before disengagement becomes permanent.

While data systems identify risk, human support plays a central role in improving outcomes. The Global Partnership for Education reports that financial and social assistance can improve school retention among vulnerable learners. Once students are identified as at risk, schools and partners can respond with tailored support. 

This may include school supplies, financial assistance or connections to social services. The World Bank notes that education investments are more effective when they focus on the most vulnerable populations, improving both efficiency and outcomes.

Addressing Barriers Beyond the Classroom

In Sierra Leone, barriers to education often extend beyond school environments. Many children in Sierra Leone face economic pressures that push them into work, limiting their ability to attend school. UNICEF reports that child labor remains a significant issue, highlighting the need for support for vulnerable children and their families.

A 12-year-old girl named Adama, featured in a UNICEF report, spends her days breaking rocks in a quarry instead of attending school. She explains that her family earns only about $2 a day, which is not enough to cover basic needs or education costs. Like many children in similar situations, she hopes to return to school but remains unable to do so due to economic pressures.

Data from these systems also helps educators better understand the challenges students face. Schools can respond with supportive measures rather than disciplinary action. Research supported by UNESCO shows that early warning systems identify students at risk of dropping out and enable targeted support strategies that improve retention and learning outcomes.

A Cost-Effective Response To Declining Funding

As education funding becomes more limited, scalable and efficient solutions are increasingly important. This approach offers a cost-effective model by focusing on early identification and targeted intervention. The Education Commission highlights the importance of investing in effective and equitable education systems to improve learning outcomes.

By reducing dropout rates, these systems also contribute to long-term economic stability. The World Bank links increased school retention to improved economic outcomes and poverty reduction. This model demonstrates how data-driven systems can support vulnerable students in resource-constrained settings.

– Isil Ertas Senturk

Isil is based in Oakville, Ontario, Canada and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Village Health Workers Close the Immunization gap in Lesotho

Immunization gap in LesothoIn Lesotho’s mountain communities, a missed vaccine is often not just a missed appointment. It can result from distance, transport costs, difficult terrain or uncertainty about where services are available. That is what makes the immunization gap in Lesotho both a poverty issue and a health issue. During the Ministry of Health’s nationwide measles-rubella campaign in October 2025, village health workers helped reduce these barriers by going door-to-door. They directed parents to vaccination points and helped health teams reach children who might otherwise have been missed.

A Campaign Built Around Outreach

Lesotho began preparing early for the October 2025 campaign. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the national drive ran from Oct. 20–24, followed by mop-up efforts from Oct. 25–27 in low-coverage areas. The campaign was expected to reach 196,308 children ages 0–59 months through four interventions: measles-rubella vaccine oral polio vaccine, vitamin A and deworming tablets.

The WHO also said 85 participants joined training beforehand, including district health officials and representatives from the education and local government sectors. This campaign also built on earlier progress. According to the UNICEF Lesotho Annual Report 2024, measles-containing vaccine first-dose coverage rose from 84% in 2023 to 93% in 2024. The same report stated that UNICEF supported the administration of 12,564 measles-rubella vaccines in hard-to-reach areas during Africa Vaccination Week. It also highlighted media partnerships and outreach efforts to improve vaccine confidence. 

How Village Health Workers Closed the Gap

Lesotho’s immunization gap has narrowed because village health workers performed practical, local work that a central system alone could not. First, they went house-to-house. The WHO’s reporting from Qacha’s Nek stated that village health workers explained the importance of immunization directly to families and guided them to vaccination sites.

In places where households are scattered across steep terrain, door-to-door outreach helps families who might otherwise miss the campaign entirely. This approach is crucial for those who do not know where to go, when vaccinators will arrive or who cannot risk a difficult trip without clear information.

Second, they helped build trust. The WHO reported that in Mokhotlong, health teams used patient dialogue and accurate information to speak with parents who were initially hesitant about vaccination. Village health workers were central to that effort because they were known in their communities and could speak as trusted neighbors rather than as distant officials.

Third, they noticed who was missing. A Gavi VaccinesWork report described how a village health worker in Leribe realized that a mother’s children had not appeared at a temporary vaccination point and alerted nursing staff. That follow-up uncovered a deeper problem: the family had fallen behind on routine childhood vaccines because the mother could not afford the $1.50 medical booklet or the roughly $1.60 return fare to Motebang Hospital. The case showed how village health workers do more than spread information. They help health teams identify children whose absence is tied to poverty rather than refusal.

Why Poverty Keeps Children at a Distance

The Leribe case shows why the immunization gap in Lesotho is tied to poverty. According to the World Bank, Lesotho’s unemployment rate was at 30.1% in 2024 and about 45.7% of the population lived on less than $3.00 per day. In that context, even minor health-related costs can become real barriers to routine care. For families living that close to the edge, access is shaped not only by whether vaccines are available but by whether reaching them is affordable.

Partners Supported Local Action

Lesotho’s Ministry of Health led the campaign, but local efforts were strengthened by external support. Gavi, the WHO and UNICEF provided financial and technical support for planning, implementation and monitoring. UNICEF’s 2024 annual report also stated that it developed community-based health policies and standardized training toolkits for village health workers, helping strengthen care quality at the community level.

The campaign showed that inclusion matters. A December 2025 VaccinesWork report stated that Lesotho printed 400 braille information packets ahead of the campaign, the first time the country’s immunization system had made vaccine information available in braille. According to the same report, 110,733 children under 5 received the measles-rubella vaccine, polio drops, albendazole and vitamin A during the Oct. 20–24 campaign. 

This matters because closing the immunization gap in Lesotho is not only about delivering vaccines. It is also about making sure information reaches parents in forms they can use.

Final Remarks

Lesotho’s October 2025 campaign did not erase every structural barrier in a single week. The immunization gap in Lesotho is still shaped by poverty, geography and the limits of routine service delivery. But the campaign showed what progress looks like in practice: village health workers who know which households have young children, local chiefs opening their homes as vaccination sites and health teams that follow up when children do not appear. 

In mountain communities where exclusion can happen quietly, this kind of community-based effort makes health care more accessible to families who are most likely to be missed. If Lesotho continues investing in village health workers, outreach and inclusive communication, more children from low-income families will be far less likely to be left behind.

– Tom Basu

Tom is based in Buckinghamshire and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Rawpixel

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How Gamified Learning Is Expanding Access to Education in Kenya

Education in KenyaKenya continues to face significant challenges in ensuring quality education, particularly in low-income and rural communities. Despite high enrollment rates, learning outcomes remain uneven, with many students struggling to meet basic literacy and numeracy standards. Limited resources, teacher shortages and regional inequalities make quality education difficult for many children, highlighting the need for innovative, accessible learning solutions.

What Is Gamified Learning and Why It Matters

Gamified learning refers to the use of game elements, such as quizzes, rewards and progress tracking, to make learning more engaging and interactive. Instead of relying solely on traditional teaching methods, it introduces systems that allow learners to “level up,” monitor their progress and improve through practice rather than being penalized for mistakes.

This model also supports more flexible learning, enabling individuals to follow different paths and build skills at their own pace. By creating a more supportive and motivating environment, gamified learning encourages consistent participation. It helps learners stay engaged over time, especially in contexts where maintaining motivation is a challenge.

Expanding Access Through Digital and Gamified Learning in Kenya

Digital learning platforms are helping address long-standing education challenges in Kenya, particularly in areas where resources and classroom support remain limited. Research shows that gamification within e-learning platforms can improve motivation, engagement and overall learning outcomes, making it a valuable tool in education systems facing persistent learning gaps.

In Kenya, platforms such as Eneza Education use mobile-based learning to reach students who may lack access to traditional educational resources. Through SMS-based lessons, quizzes and interactive features, students can practice regularly and receive feedback, even with basic mobile phones. This approach is especially valuable in rural areas, where internet access and infrastructure are often limited.

At the same time, increasing mobile access is making these solutions more widely available. Smartphone penetration in Kenya has reached around 83.5%, enabling more students to access digital learning tools and educational content through their devices.

Beyond Eneza, the broader rise of education technology in Kenya is making learning more flexible and accessible. Digital tools allow students to learn at their own pace, revisit difficult topics and stay engaged through interactive content. By combining accessibility with engagement, gamified digital learning is helping reduce educational gaps and reach students who might otherwise be left behind.

From Learning to Economic Opportunity

Education is often the starting point for preventing long-term challenges, especially poverty. When people have access to quality learning, they are more likely to develop the skills needed to secure stable jobs, build businesses and improve their living conditions. In Kenya, this link between education and economic growth is already becoming clear.

According to the World Bank, the country has made significant progress through education reforms, reaching more than 16 million students across nearly 90,000 schools. These improvements have helped position Kenya among the top education performers in Eastern and Southern Africa. At the same time, the country’s economy is expected to grow by around 5% annually, highlighting the role of education in broader economic development.

Learning outcomes have also improved over time. For example, performance in subjects such as mathematics and languages has improved, while secondary school enrollment rose by more than 50% in the years before the pandemic. These developments matter because stronger learning outcomes are directly linked to better job opportunities and higher income potential.

Similarly, research shows that innovative approaches such as gamified learning can further strengthen this impact. Gamification is not just about engagement; it also helps build practical skills such as problem-solving, decision-making and digital literacy. In development contexts, these skills are essential for employment and entrepreneurship. 

Studies have shown that gamified learning environments can improve motivation, participation and knowledge retention, making education more effective overall.

Conclusion

As digital access continues to expand in Kenya, learning is no longer limited to traditional classrooms. Gamified learning, combined with mobile-based education, is creating more flexible and accessible ways for students to build skills and stay engaged. This is especially important in contexts where consistent access to quality education remains a challenge.

Together, these developments point to a clear pathway: education builds skills, skills create opportunities and opportunities help reduce poverty. By improving both access to education and the way people learn, Kenya is not only strengthening its education system but also creating new pathways for economic participation and long-term development.

– Elif Oktar

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

Photo: Flickr

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CRY India and Their Promise of Childhood

Cry IndiaIndia is one of the countries most affected by extreme weather and natural disasters. Floods account for more than 40% of natural disaster crises in India, damaging infrastructure and displacing communities. Children make up approximately 40% of India’s population, yet only 2.46% of the national budget is dedicated to child welfare and children’s health in India. Children are among the groups most affected by these extreme weather events. 

Natural Disasters and Children’s Health in India

India is among the world’s most disaster-prone nations, with 27 out of 29 states vulnerable to hazards such as cyclones, earthquakes, landslides and floods. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), more than 17,000 children lost their lives between 2000 and 2016 as a result of these events.

Multiple aspects of a child’s life are adversely affected by natural disasters, including access to education, displacement and access to sanitation facilities. Between 2016 and 2021, 6.7 million children were displaced. One of the most severe consequences is the impact on children’s health in India, due in part to injuries caused during these events, but also to lost access to medical care that prevents children from receiving immunizations, nutrition or proper monitoring from medical professionals.

According to the UNICEF child displacement report, India is one of the top three countries with the highest record of disaster-related child displacement, with 95% of child displacements driven by floods and storms. These hazards leave 21.4 million people in need of health assistance, 27.6 million in need of nutritional assistance and 28.1 million in need of access to clean water.

A study on the effects of natural disasters on children’s health in India found that extreme events such as floods and droughts increase the likelihood of acute illnesses like diarrhea, fever and acute respiratory illness (ARI) in children under five by 9% to 18%. Both diarrhea and ARI are the leading causes of child mortality in children under five and together account for 40% of the child mortality rate in this age group each year. The research also found that exposure to disaster in the past year is linked to significantly worse nutrition, increasing the risk of stunted growth and being underweight or malnourished.

CRY India’s Work in Children’s Health

Child Rights and You (CRY India) has recognized this issue with children’s health in India and has been working to address it. Established in 1979 by Rippan Kapur, an Indian Airlines purser, CRY began with six co-founders to restore children’s rights. Today, the organization has 144 partners and works across 20 Indian states, having reached 4.7 million children.

CRY’s data shows that two out of five children in India are not fully immunized, two out of three child deaths are due to malnourishment and every third child under five is severely malnourished. The organization addresses these issues through health programs that focus on pre- and postnatal care for mothers, monitoring children’s growth and development, and creating community gardens and kitchens where families can receive proper nutrition in times of disruption and displacement.

According to research on the impact of disasters on children’s health, boys and children under one are more likely to receive medication and food during crises. CRY works to share access to medical care and nutrition with all children and mothers, regardless of socioeconomic background or gender. The organization connects families to communities, aid, schools and government services.

CRY India’s Impact

CRY’s impact on children’s health in India has been substantial. The organization has helped 2,500 children recover from malnutrition through medical monitoring and care from governmental health care centers. Collaboration with the national government has allowed CRY to expand its work and reach children and families in both rural and urban regions. Additionally, 600 kitchen gardens have been set up across seven states under the sustainable nutrition initiative, and more than 7,000 children under one have been immunized.

Looking Ahead

The issue of children’s health and welfare in India is being addressed through collaboration between the government and organizations such as CRY. While the scale of displacement from natural disasters remains large, these efforts represent measurable progress. With continued support, programs like those run by CRY India can help restore stability and equal access to health care for children across the country.

– Jaya Noonan

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

Photo: Unsplash