Archive for category: Children

Information and stories addressing children.

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Early Childhood Education in Bosnia: Creating Brighter Futures

Early Childhood Education in BosniaWith its war-torn past and multi-ethnic population, Bosnia has faced challenging economic and social conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed weaknesses in the country’s educational system, especially at the early grade levels. Recognizing that future economic and social stability begins with children, the European Union (EU), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other organizations are investing in programs aimed at improving early childhood education in Bosnia.

A Systemic Problem

Bosnia is divided into three separate entities, largely split along ethnic lines: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH), Republika Srpska (RS), and the Brčko District, an autonomous, self-governing municipality. These entities are divided further into districts and cantons. As a result, the three systems fragment school curricula, financing and attendance requirements.

This decentralized and disparate organizational structure makes it particularly challenging to implement a uniform set of educational standards for children across the country. Likewise, tracking the effectiveness and quality of current curricula across 14 government bodies is challenging and inefficient, making early childhood education in Bosnia a vulnerable and shaky institution.

Bosnia spends more than its Western Balkan neighbors on education: about 4.4% of its GDP. However, under the current educational structure, 90% of allocated school funding for the entire country goes into staffing expenses, compared to an average of 77% in EU countries, according to World Bank figures. This leaves just 10% for other elements such as textbooks, school supplies, teacher training, modernization and upgrades critical to a quality education. 

The results are telling. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), 41% of 15-year-old students scored as “low performers” in the core subjects of math, reading and science. This is a direct result of the lack of early childhood education in Bosnia.

Access to School

Pre-primary school education, which is the bedrock for strong childhood development and links to higher wages in adulthood and an overall reduction in poverty, is considerably deficient in Bosnia. Though preschool is mandatory in FBiH and Brčko District and free of charge in all three states, only about 42% to 46% of children aged 3 to 6 have access to it. This falls heavily short of the EU target of 95%. 

Limitations are different depending on the area. In cities like Sarajevo, there is a high demand for preschool enrollment, which the existing infrastructure and funding cannot meet, resulting in long waiting lists. In the rural countryside, higher unemployment, lower wages and more traditional approaches to child-rearing contribute to low enrollment rates. 

Investment and Support

Determined to reform and revitalize early childhood education in Bosnia, UNICEF, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) have launched the ‘Reimagine Education for Marginalized Boys and Girls during and post COVID-19’ project. The project focuses on four pillars: to build cooperation between the various disparate government entities of Bosnia, to improve the quality of teaching, to modernize classroom infrastructure and to develop new e-learning platforms. 

Further, these groups sponsored a series of formal conferences, drawing 1500 participants from both the government and education sectors, aimed at charting a path forward together. In this collaborative spirit, participants produced a declaration of commitment to establishing Bosnia’s first-ever uniform education policy, which all 16 of the country’s education ministers from the various cantons signed. Work on this policy has begun in earnest, with the United Nations (U.N.) funding and support. 

This commitment has also spawned a ‘Nurturing Care Framework’ focused on expanding access to early childhood education in Bosnia, specifically targeted toward those lacking water access or who are otherwise marginalized, like Roma or the poor. FBiH, RS and Brčko District, in conjunction with UNICEF and the EU, are scaling up preschool services across the country and modernizing currently existing facilities. 

As of 2025, the EU has provided €16 million in support and grants targeting Bosnia’s schools, including preschools. Currently, 20 preschools across Bosnia are undergoing renovations with the help of these funds, which will enable these schools to reach more children with higher-quality programs and support.

Toward a Brighter Economic Future

The influx of investment and cooperation by Bosnian authorities and aid organizations is a boon to Bosnia’s future. By expanding and improving early childhood education in Bosnia, these entities are laying the groundwork for continued social and economic development. Children who receive a network of care, support and education from an early age statistically become larger contributors to their society.

– Nikola Stojkovic

Nikola is based in Villa Park, IL, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Combating Child Marriage in Belize

Child Marriage in BelizeChild marriage in Belize is a pervasive issue, trapping both young girls and boys in a cycle of poverty and inequality. However, although the rates of child marriage remain high, organizations and the government have committed to addressing the issue.

Key Child Marriage Statistics in Belize

In Belize, child marriage is more prevalent among girls, with 34% of girls marrying or entering a union before they turn 18 and 6% before they turn 15. However, Belize also has one of the highest rates of boy marriage in the world, with 22% of them marrying before the age of 18 and 5% before 15.

One of the key drivers of this high rate of child marriage is the education level. According to Girls Not Brides, 16% of the girls who had received no education were married before they turned 18. Additionally, 26% of girls who were married between the ages of 15 and 19 did not complete their education beyond the primary level.

Poverty is also a key driver of child marriage. About 11% of the girls who were married before their 18th birthday came from some of the most impoverished households in Belize, compared to 3% from the richest households.

Initiatives 

The government is committed to combating child marriage in Belize. In 2024, it submitted a voluntary national review into the elimination of gender-based violence, of which child marriage is part. Furthermore, in 2020, the government developed the Road Map to End Child Marriage and Early Unions in Belize. It focuses on taking action in the health, education, child protection and economic development sectors as a holistic approach to combating child marriage in Belize.

Organizations such as the Spotlight Initiative have also been crucial in combating child marriage. This initiative, started by the United Nations (U.N.), is working to tackle gender inequality and violence in Belize by establishing mobile women’s centers. These centers provide crucial services to women, such as “sexual and reproductive health services, legal advice, psychosocial support and information on gender-based violence.”

Therefore, the women who visit these centers are not only more aware and educated about their choices, but also less vulnerable to gender-based violence such as child marriage. Because the centers are free, the underserved and most vulnerable women in Belize can now access services they previously could not afford.

Looking Forward

While the initiatives put forward by the government and the U.N. are a crucial step in combating child marriage in Belize, poverty, lack of education and ingrained patriarchal notions about the status of women and girls are key drivers of child marriage. 

– Victoria Adrados

Victoria Adrados is based in London and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Violence Against Children in Myanmar

Violence Against Children in MyanmarAfter a violent military takeover in 2021, the already suffering country of Myanmar faced a catastrophic earthquake that further affected the country’s weakened infrastructure. The citizens of Myanmar are facing a violent violation of human rights that calls for a much-needed act of humanitarian aid.

Violence Against Children in Myanmar

From 2020 to 2023, there was a reported 400% increase in violence against children in Myanmar. In 2022, more than 500 children were killed or maimed, compared to the staggering 861 in 2023. The armed forces are not only attacking citizens, but also the country’s development systems.

Myanmar’s Armed Forces have directly targeted hospitals and schools. More than 200 attacks were carried out on schools and hospitals. These indirect attacks violently affect and harm the children in Myanmar and their future. Attacks on education and healthcare harm a child’s stability, as these two systems are vital to their survival.

The armed forces are also contributors to the abduction of children. These abductions take place for reasons such as:

  • Recruitment
  • Financial extortion
  • Information gathering

The aggressive jump in child violence statistics from 2020 to the present day is a call to action. To provide a future for the children of Myanmar, immediate humanitarian aid is critically needed.

What’s Being Done?

After the devastating events in Myanmar, children continue to face severe hardships every day. Organizations and groups have come together to provide aid and support.

  • Justice For Myanmar: This organization focuses on applying pressure to halt military funding that is directly killing the children of Myanmar. Applying public pressure through media exposure brings awareness of current grave violations. Pressures from global organizations and governments can help cause an instantaneous effect. This activist-based group reports on ongoing violations to dismantle the current leadership.
  • Save the Children: The group focuses on the development of children in various countries. This organization guarantees that children’s needs are met through first-hand encounters and visits. By holding leaders accountable, Save the Children prioritizes aspects like education, health and resiliency. The nonprofit can apply funds and pressure to hold leadership to their promises.
  • CARE: By providing funds to underdeveloped programs, CARE applies itself to building relief efforts for the children of Myanmar. Besides offering support for necessities, CARE supports other vital programs, such as helping people access basic financial services.
  • World Vision: Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) is a central focus of World Vision’s work in Myanmar. The organization ensures children have access to clean water, safe sanitation and proper hygiene practices. Protecting children’s health and well-being is a critical mission, alongside building resilience and long-term sustainability in vulnerable communities.

Final Remarks

These groups share the mission of rebuilding Myanmar and creating future rehabilitation programs. Their focus extends beyond immediate crisis response to long-term developmental growth. By offering programs that build adaptability and support socioeconomic development, citizens gain more than just food and WASH assistance. Strengthening Myanmar’s economic foundation can help ensure greater resilience and stability in the face of future disasters.

– Emma Rowan

Emma is based in Boston, MA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Transforming Education in Zimbabwe

Education in Zimbabwe“Not all superheroes wear capes; some carry school bags, walk 10km to class and still dream of changing the world,” says Jacqueline Nyakunu, founder of a small rural education nonprofit in Zimbabwe. Financial support through scholarships, government aid programs like the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), NGO initiatives and community-based efforts is vital in improving the education system for vulnerable children in Zimbabwe. These interventions transform their futures and empower communities through increased educational opportunity.

The Challenge of Accessing Education in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s education system experiences some strenuous challenges from systemic underfunding, rural disparities compared to urban areas and holistic inequalities. The government allocated 14% of the national budget to education in 2023, an improvement from 13.4% the previous year. However, it still falls short of the “20% threshold on budgets when it comes to the education sector” recommended by the Dakar Framework.

This constant underfunding has led to poor infrastructure in rural areas, where some schools operate in makeshift garages or abandoned buildings. This leaves students in remote regions, with limited resources and inadequate infrastructure, at a severe disadvantage compared to their urban counterparts. In 2021, an estimated 30,000 students failed to register for national exams due to financial barriers.

High dropout rates compound the problem. UNICEF reports that nearly 50% of children are out of school, specifically in the pre-primary (68%) and adolescent (47%) age groups. Girls face additional hurdles, including period poverty, which affects around 60% of rural girls and contributes to a school attendance rate of 20%, as well as a 21.2% child marriage rate among girls aged 15 to 18 years of age.

Technological inequality further limits learning opportunities, with most rural schools lacking electricity, internet access and digital resources. Most of these schools “do not have the necessary equipment like computers and computer labs needed for ICT studies and virtual learning.” Overall, in the modern world, not having access to the internet or technology while also lacking tangible resources makes it extremely difficult for students to flourish. With 72% of Zimbabwe’s population aged below 18 living in rural areas, these challenges point to a severe education crisis that disproportionately affects the country’s most vulnerable communities.

Government and Institutional Support

Beginning in 2009, Zimbabwe revitalized its BEAM via a partnership between the government and UNICEF to provide tuition, examination fees and rally support to needy students. The initiative targets children in school who are struggling to pay the expenses, dropouts due to financial burdens, those who never enrolled and other socially marginalized groups, such as orphans or children with disabilities. In 2009, BEAM served approximately 527,330 students across 5,055 schools. It achieved approximately 94% of its initial goal of 560,000 beneficiaries, with a gender equity of 50% of beneficiaries for girls.

Despite this early impact, funding challenges quickly developed. In 2011, BEAM received $10 million from donors for primary and special needs schools and $13 million from the government for secondary schools. This fell $7 million short of the $30 million needed to meet the program’s goals. BEAM complements efforts like the Education Transition Fund (ETF). The ETF is designed to supply teaching and learning materials and broader social protection objectives coordinated through district and national Child Protection Committees.

Community-Based Initiatives

The Borgen Project spoke with Nyakunu, a rising senior at Davidson College, who shared her personal journey and the inspiration behind her nonprofit work. She spent her early years in rural Bocha, Zimbabwe, where she and her brother walked close to 15km to reach Chapeyama Primary School, often crossing a river along the way. “Although I enjoyed learning, the long journey and lack of resources made school physically and mentally draining,” she recalled.

Her circumstances changed dramatically when her family moved to an urban area and she transferred to Sakubva Primary School. With access to textbooks, a library and transportation, Nyakunu began to thrive. She eventually graduated top of her class and earned a fully funded place at Davidson College in the U.S.

During the interview, Nyakunu spoke about Start-Up Rural Gen (SURG): the youth-led nonprofit she founded in high school. What began as a capstone project has become an organization that now expands educational access for rural students in Zimbabwe and Kenya.

SURG focuses on addressing both financial and material barriers for Zimbabwe’s education system through four core initiatives:

  • Scholarships: Covering school fees for students whose families are unable to pay.
  • Material Support: Providing essentials like textbooks, stationery, school uniforms and sanitary wear.
  • Mentorship and Career Guidance: Offering workshops and personal mentoring to help students prepare for higher education.
  • Community Engagement and Partnerships: Collaborating with schools, volunteers and donors for sustained impact.

Since 2021, SURG has supported more than 1,000 rural students. Nyakunu highlighted the example of Mt. Matedzi Secondary School, where overcrowded classrooms and limited textbooks make learning difficult. In one case, she described an 11-year-old boy from Mukwada who now receives full support through SURG and consistently ranks at the top of his class. What began with a $600 grant has grown steadily, now receiving funding from sources like Davidson College, AFS Intercultural Programs and even Nyakunu’s income!

Moving Forward

Financial support through government programs like BEAM, scholarships or philanthropic efforts like SURG is more than just assistance; it is a lifeline changing the trajectory of thousands of children in Zimbabwe. These initiatives are closing critical access, resources and opportunity gaps, especially for rural and marginalized communities.

However, continued investments from institutions, local governments, donors and individuals alike are necessary and urgent. This ongoing commitment will ensure education is not a privilege for the few but a fundamental right for every child in Zimbabwe.

– LaRaymee Lee

LaRaymee is based in Missouri City, TX, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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From Loopholes to Legal Clarity: Child Marriage in South Korea 

Child Marriage in South KoreaUntil recently, child marriage in South Korea remained legal for teens as young as 16 with parental consent, making the country an outlier among developed nations. However, that changed when lawmakers amended South Korea’s Civil Act to set the minimum marriage age at 18 with no exceptions. While child marriage affects one in five girls worldwide, the South Korean child marriage ban demonstrates that decisive policy and public awareness can dismantle harmful traditions, safeguard youth and advance the global movement to end child marriage.

From Loophole to Legal Clarity

The revised South Korea’s Civil Act, specifically Article 807, now establishes 18 as the absolute legal marriage age. This change frees minors from the pressure to marry before adulthood. Previously, Article 808 allowed underage marriage with parental consent but lawmakers eliminated that exception to safeguard young people. These reforms challenge traditional values in which parents play a decisive role in early marriage arrangements, causing South Korean parents to consider the concerns that the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child raised.

Marriages Beyond Borders: The Loophole Challenge

While South Korea’s child marriage ban closes domestic legal loopholes, a persistent concern remains in marriages arranged beyond its borders. Since the 1990s, international marriage brokers connect South Korean men with women from other countries. Some families exploit cross-border arrangements to wed partners under 18 abroad, and then return to register the marriage in South Korea.

This practice blurs the line between child marriage and human trafficking, pushing the boundaries of the child marriage ban in place. Brokers finalize matchmaking deals typically within nine days, giving minors and adults little time for informed consent.

As of 2007, 40% of Korean men in agriculture, forestry and fishing were married to foreign wives, primarily from China, Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines. Migrant brides face obstacles such as language barriers, economic dependency and cultural isolation, which make them vulnerable to abuse.

The Murder That Sparked Reform

A landmark case of abuse involves Thach Thi Hoang Ngoc, a 20-year-old Vietnamese bride, murdered by her mentally ill 46-year-old Korean husband only eight days after arriving in South Korea. The broker of the marriage failed to mention her husband had schizophrenia, causing a public outcry for officials to pay more attention to international marriage regulations.

“The general public in South Korea was shocked and outraged and demanded that the government take more proactive measures to strictly regulate international marriage practices,” Helen Lee wrote in a 2010 Law Library of Congress report.

In 2007, South Korea enacted the Act on Regulation of Marriage Brokerage Agencies which requires brokers to register, follow foreign regulations and provide written agreements between both parties to prove consent. The amended Act in 2010 imposes stricter restrictions and the Cross-Governmental Policy to Promote Wholesome International Marriage, which adds tighter broker rules and mandatory educational seminars for Korean spouses. Officials now conduct rigorous criminal and medical background checks to protect future spouses from dangers identifiable early on.

A Victory for Children’s Rights

South Korea currently holds one the world’s lowest teenage pregnancy rates—about two to three births per 1,000 girls aged 15-19. Even with these low figures, officials remain concerned about any link between the teenage pregnancy rate in South Korea and child marriage.

By enforcing Article 807, the child marriage ban in South Korea protects young people from early parenthood, helps ensure uninterrupted education and limits health risks associated with teenage pregnancy. The reform also advances Sustainable Development Goal 5.3 (SDG 5.3), the global pledge to end child marriage by 2030.

The Cultural Shift

Since the child marriage ban in South Korea, cultural standards surrounding arranged marriage have shifted. Once deeply rooted in Confucian traditions, matchmaking practices adapted to emphasize youth autonomy.

Rights organizations like Girls Not Brides note that child marriage in South Korea has been rare and often undocumented, linked more to gender inequality and trafficking than to mainstream cultural practices.

The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family celebrated South Korea’s reform as a step toward ensuring equal opportunities for all youth to pursue education, work, and personal growth.

Since lawmakers changed the legislation, cultural and familial approaches to matchmaking have shifted, and South Korea increasingly recognizes that personal choice to marry is paramount in marital decisions involving youth. As a 2022 study notes, “Young adults’ changing values, particularly concerning marriage, are among the key factors that have contributed to this phenomenon.”

Global Role in Ending Child Marriage in South Korea

The South Korean child marriage ban shows that even highly developed countries can harbor outdated laws, and that real change is possible with political will and public support. Local NGOs and South Korean citizens emphasize the need to pair strong legal protections with cultural change, using South Korea as an example of a successful complete ban on child marriage, barring parental consent as a factor entirely.

Nationwide awareness campaigns and school programs aim to promote the value of education, self-determination and self-advocacy in marital decisions. South Korea co-sponsored Human Rights Council initiatives aimed at ending child, early and forced marriage, addressing topics ranging from the consequences of child marriage to its occurrence in humanitarian crises, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For countries struggling with partial bans, South Korea offers a clear blueprint: set a clear minimum age, remove all exceptions and enforce the law consistently while updating legislation regularly. 

Looking Ahead

The child marriage ban in South Korea has focused attention on teenage pregnancy, education disruption and youth autonomy. The success of the laws and the government’s ongoing revisions ensure that minors will no longer face the same legal pressure or loss of agency in South Korea again.

South Korea’s journey from conditional allowances to a total ban proves that legal reform and public consensus can protect the formative years of life. It stands as a global role model for the global push to end child marriage and lower the teenage pregnancy rate worldwide.

– Nicole Fernandez

Nicole is based in Reno, NV, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Innovations in Poverty Eradication in Argentina

Poverty Eradication in ArgentinaArgentina, located in South America with a population of 45.7 million, has faced persistent economic instability, with 38% of the population living in poverty at the end of 2024. Although the number of people experiencing poverty in Argentina is alarming, this percentage has decreased from 53% in the first half of 2024 with President Milei’s attempts to grow Argentina’s economy. However, despite these improved figures, there is still a long way to go, and organizations and the government are continuing to work to get more people out of poverty. Here are three key innovations in poverty eradication in Argentina.

IDB Group Financial Support Package 

Last month, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) outlined a three-year strategy to support the transformation of Argentina. This plan, developed with the government, focuses on implementing reforms to ‘promote sustainability and efficient public spending.’ As part of this strategy, the IDB Group allocated $10 billion to grow Argentina’s economy and reduce poverty faced by the country. Both the private and public sectors will receive this financial support package. About $3 billion will be focused on private investment, with the remaining $7 billion focused on initiatives in the public sector. Furthermore, the plan also focuses on addressing poverty directly by ensuring the health care and education systems are improved, as well as living conditions for the most vulnerable populations.

Early Childhood Strategy 

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted Argentina’s poor early childhood care system and existing inequality, as 2.7 million children are part of a vulnerable group. In response to this, the UN’s early childhood and sustainable development programme worked with the Argentine government to address this ‘care crisis.’ This strategy focuses on improving the childcare system across the country and has trained almost 3,000 workers on the effects of COVID-19 and social isolation on children. These improvements have worked to narrow the inequality gaps between children and are integral innovations in eradicating poverty in Argentina.

Income Transfer Programmes 

Income Transfer Programmes have been a key method in alleviating poverty. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government expanded cash transfers to 9 million workers, subsidizing the income of the most vulnerable in Argentina. However, while Income Transfer Programmes are not a new method of eradicating poverty as one that has been in place for 20 years, recent developments have increased their impact. For example, the Universal Child Allowance, since it became the most prominent programme, led to a 3% decrease in Argentina’s overall poverty and a nearly 30% decrease in extreme poverty.

Looking Forward 

While the innovations in poverty eradication in Argentina outlined here have been crucial in lowering poverty rates and will continue to be, the fight to truly eliminate poverty in the country is far from over. The complex and structural issues leading to Argentina’s high poverty rate persist. However, the various innovations in poverty reduction outlined here represent a holistic approach to tackling Argentina’s issues and, therefore, offer hope for eradicating poverty in the country.

– Victoria Adrados

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

Photo: Flickr

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How Bolivia’s Ineffective Education System Is Failing Its Children

Bolivia’s Ineffective Education SystemIn the heart of South America, Bolivia faces a profound education crisis that threatens its youth’s future and the nation’s economic stability. Despite minimal efforts to reform and invest in education, systemic barriers, poverty and inequality continue to prevent millions of Bolivian children from accessing quality schooling. Only one in seven children completes their education. Additionally, more than a million Bolivians aged 15 and above remain illiterate. Hence, the country is grappling with a cycle of underdevelopment that could deepen if left unaddressed.

The Roots of the Crisis

Bolivia has the lowest GDP per capita in South America, at just $4,000. This economic reality directly impacts education, especially in rural and indigenous communities. Students in rural areas complete an average of only 4.2 years of schooling before dropping out to support their families, compared to 9.4 years in urban areas.

Data from the Bolivian Campaign for the Right to Education (CBDE) shows that most students struggle with basic literacy and comprehension. About 70% of third graders and 80% of sixth graders cannot interpret or reflect on written texts. Math and science performance is similarly low, with most students scoring at the lowest levels and unable to apply fundamental concepts.

Data from the World Bank shows that over time, Bolivian children are not completing secondary education courses, while fewer and fewer students enroll in primary education. Bolivia’s ineffective education system fails to equip students with even the most basic skills, leaving them unprepared for higher education and the workforce.

The country’s education system also suffers from a mismatch between what students learn and what the labor market demands. This makes it one of the significant catalysts for an ever-growing wealth disparity. Many graduates find themselves ill-equipped for Bolivia’s dominant agriculture, mining and construction industries, which favor hands-on experience over formal education.

Poverty and Education: A Repeating Cycle

The lack of education in Bolivia is both a cause and a consequence of poverty. Children who leave school early often enter informal labor markets with little opportunity for upward mobility. This keeps a cycle going where families stay trapped in poverty, unable to invest in their children’s futures and it continues for generations. Similar patterns are seen in other countries facing economic struggles.

Several studies have found a strong correlation between education and poverty reduction. Higher levels of education significantly decrease the probability of being impoverished and reduce income inequality. Yet, Bolivia’s ineffective education system fails to deliver these benefits to its vulnerable populations.

Government Efforts and Community Initiatives

Bolivia has tried to make notable efforts to reform its education system. The 1994 education reform aimed to decentralize funding, improve teacher training and expand intercultural bilingual education. These reforms were designed to address the diverse needs of Bolivia’s population, especially in rural and indigenous areas. While efforts to mainstream Indigenous languages in education and reform teaching methods yielded encouraging results, other challenges hinder broader school progress.

In 2010, the Bolivian government enacted the Avelino Siñani–Elizardo Pérez Education Law. This law redefined the country’s educational framework by establishing an educational system rooted in cultural diversity, social inclusion and lifelong learning principles. Rather than using the term “lifelong learning,” the law emphasizes “alternative education,” which serves youth and adults seeking to continue their studies outside the conventional educational system given to them.

The law also promotes education as a fundamental human right and an integration into intercultural and multilingual approaches to strengthen social cohesion, especially among indigenous communities. The holistic approach aimed to democratize access to education and align learning with Bolivia’s social and cultural realities.

Organizations like CHOICE Humanitarian have also taken action to fill gaps. CHOICE Humanitarian has built schools with solar panels, internet access and ecological classrooms that double as greenhouses, providing education and nutrition to students in remote areas. Despite these efforts, Bolivia’s ineffective education system struggles with implementation, consistency and scalability, especially in underserved regions.

The Path Forward

Bolivia’s ineffective education system is complex, rooted in historical inequalities and economic hardship. Yet, the country can pave the way for a brighter future with sustained investment, community involvement and policy reform. In this future, every child can learn, grow and contribute to a prosperous Bolivia.

– Dylan Fly

Dylan is based in Detroit, MI, USA and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Returning to School: Ukrainian Children in Poverty

Ukrainian Children in PovertyDuring the Russo-Ukrainian war, attacks have destroyed or damaged 1,600 schools in Ukraine, according to U.N.-verified data. Nearly 40 % of children across Ukraine study only online or through remote classes and in-person study. Returning to school for children in Ukraine is important for mental health improvements, development and well-being. It is equally worrying for those children who were born three years ago at the start of the Russian invasion and have now spent their early years in extreme loss, during which their brains develop the fastest and set their foundation for life.

Ukrainian Children in Poverty

There are 3.7 million Ukrainians internally displaced within the country, with 1.4 million refugee children. Furthermore, reports show that more than 600,000 children remain out of school and as of 2024, the poverty rate in Ukraine has risen to 37%, according to the World Bank. This absence of schools for children in Ukraine puts further pressure on lower-income homes, which may struggle to homeschool their children.

Those in poverty may also lack the means for their children to access school remotely due to a lack of resources. Rebuilding schools will help families in poverty and provide a comforting and warm place for children to learn life-long skills.

In 2023, poverty levels among Ukrainian children were at 65% due to the ongoing war. With this number only likely to increase with the ongoing war, it is more vital now than ever to get children in Ukraine back into schools.

Repairing Schools in Ukraine

The European Union (EU) is funding the “School Repairs in Ukraine” project, which has become possible through the Directorate-General for the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO). This scheme has been in action by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and will see around 2,000 children across communities in Kyiv and Chernihiv return to schools that offer in-person learning with safe and comfortable conditions.

So far, 44 educational facilities have been restored in Kyiv, Kharkiv and Chernihiv, with plans to renovate more than 70 additional schools by the end of 2025. EU head Marianna Franco emphasized the importance of in-person learning, noting its vital role in a child’s development. She stated, “Restoring access to educational facilities in Ukraine remains one of the key priorities of the EU’s support to Ukraine.”

The LEARN Program

The Lifting Education Access and Resilience in Times of Need (LEARN) is a $415 million education program. It will improve school safety conditions, provide free transport, implement education reforms for grades 1-12, purchase textbooks, train teachers and strengthen education management.

LEARN equips Ukrainian schools with the tools needed to maintain high teaching standards and create safe spaces for children amid the ongoing war. By the end of 2025, the program aims to reach one million teachers, school staff and students.

The money for this scheme comes from $235 million from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), $150 million from the International Development Association (IDA) and $30 million from the Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Trust Fund.

By improving education, it will help Ukraine on the long path to social and economic recovery, as the students and children of today are the people of the future rebuilding Ukraine to success.

Ukraine Reforms

The LEARN program is a part of the efforts by the Ukrainian government in its reform called “The New Ukrainian school” (NUS). This reform started in 2018 to modernize education and aim to meet EU standards. It emphasizes a curriculum with modernized education management and 21st-century skills.

The reform focuses on teaching methods and adapting to new approaches to provide children with better skills that match the standards of Europe. This reform is set to continue until 2029. From the 2023-2024 academic year alone, the scheme benefitted more than 2.2 million pupils from the updated curriculum and improved teaching practices.

From the start of the reform to 2024, the Ukrainian government has spent more than $150 million on the scheme’s implementation.

Moving Forward

The rebuilding of schools in Ukraine is a positive step toward ensuring Ukrainian children in poverty receive the support and education they need during wartime. War is unpredictable and it is in these moments that children require the most protection and care. Restoring schools provides education, stability and security for developing children. However, much more remains to be done, as many children still lack access to a safe learning environment.

– Alice Haston

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

Photo: Flickr

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Children International: Lasting Poverty Relief

Children InternationalStarting with a meek beginning in 1936, an organization, not yet formally named Children International, began its outreach out of a one-room medical clinic to help families around Jerusalem.

Over the following decades, the initiative’s care expanded as its positive results increased with the growing care providers. Much of its growth included the development of its own global headquarters, child sponsorship programs, hospitals and many different specialized care opportunities.

By 1989, the organization formally named itself Children International. It began their full-fledged mission to give children poverty relief for a lifetime.

How Children International Works

Children International seeks to provide care and support to all children in need, helping to break the cycle of poverty. Its specialized programs are flexible, adapting to give each child the resources they need to flourish.

One of the organization’s most pertinent parts is sponsorship-supported interventions. These help children and adolescents reach critical milestones and create lasting pathways out of poverty.

Measuring Success

Children International supports its recipients in specific areas to help them achieve lifelong freedom from poverty. The organization’s outreach focuses on the following key aspects of life:

  • Medical Care and Access. Since 2021, Children International has provided more than 100,000 medical and dental services, nearly 40,000 more than in previous years. Additionally, it provided medical support to 20,000 adolescents, giving them access to addiction treatment, contraceptives and other essential services to protect their health and safety. This increased access to health care gave many lower-income families the support they needed to live healthily and adequately.
  • Education Quality and Access. Children International provides students with a wide range of educational resources, focusing on increasing school enrollment, boosting completion rates and improving learning outcomes. Since 2022, 92% of participants in a specialized course designed to help students finish school have completed it. Among youth sponsored by Children International, 99% complete their education. In addition, 150,000 children and youth have been given access to proper technology during their schooling to ensure quality education. Globally, almost two-thirds of children lack internet or technology access, making this service a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty.
  • Empowerment and Quality of Life. Empowerment and Quality of Life. To lead a higher quality of life, Children International also implements many programs that help youth maintain high emotional well-being. As of 2022, the organization recorded having more than 60,000 participants in its Emotional Well-Being Program. This program aims to improve mental well-being through group settings. Its emotional support services help communities interact socially and strengthen social connections.
  • Into Employment Opportunities. As children and adolescents complete their programs with Children International, they are set up for a proper future that includes poverty relief for a lifetime. This relief includes many meaningful skill learning opportunities such as résumé writing, interview skills, job searching, job applying and other essential career skills. This training allows youth to break the cycle of poverty and gain a life that keeps improving.

A Lasting Impact

Children International aims to create connected, thriving communities for every child, family and individual. The charity allows communities to grow and prosper through programs supporting health, education and careers.

Using targeted outreach strategies, Children International works to break the cycle of poverty and provide families with lasting relief through essential resources.

– Angelina Tas

Angelina is based in Cleveland, OH, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Addressing Hunger and Trauma Among Rohingya Children

Hunger and Trauma Among Rohingya ChildrenIn the world’s largest refugee settlement in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, the crisis impacting the Rohingya children is double-edged: widespread hunger and deep psychological trauma. The good news is that proven, scalable solutions range from community-run nutrition services to play-based mental health support. With sustained funding, addressing hunger and trauma among Rohingya children is not a slogan; it’s an achievable goal.

Keeping Children Alive With Integrated Nutrition Services

UNICEF and its partners operate Integrated Nutrition Facilities within the camps. There, children below the age of 5 are routinely weighed and measured, screened with MUAC colour tapes and put on treatment plans. In 2021, these facilities treated 6,923 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.

The organization exceeded its annual target, providing ready-to-use therapeutic food, deworming treatments and follow-up care. It also offered counseling for parents on breastfeeding and complementary feeding, reaching 14,000 pregnant and lactating mothers with infant and young child feeding support. Indeed, these cost-effective, life-saving services are making a real difference.

Restoring Food Rations and Protecting Nutrition Budgets

When rations are cut, hunger spikes quickly. New International Rescue Committee (IRC) data reveal that between 2022 and 2023, the number of Rohingya refugees without adequate food jumped from 44% to 70%. Nearly half of young children displayed physical signs of malnutrition and fewer than one in six children ate three meals daily.

Restoring rations to prior levels and ensuring predictable funding would immediately blunt wasting and protect child development, whilst addressing hunger and trauma among Rohingya children.

Healing in Crisis

A large randomized controlled trial tested BRAC’s Home-Based Humanitarian Play Lab (HPL), which offered weekly peer-led sessions for Rohingya mothers and children under 2. The program significantly improved mothers’ mental well-being. It enhanced children’s developmental outcomes through simple, low-cost activities led by trained Rohingya “Mother Volunteers.” In settings where specialist care is scarce, HPL provides a practical, scalable way to deliver psychosocial support.

Similarly, BRAC’s broader Humanitarian Play Lab approach is home-based for ages 0–3 and centre-based for ages 3–5. It creates safe, culturally rooted spaces where trained Rohingya Play Leaders guide activities. These activities build language, problem-solving skills and resilience. Furthermore, evaluations in Cox’s Bazar show gains in children’s development and improvements in maternal mental health. The model is now being adapted to other countries, offering the kind of community-powered intervention donors can scale.

Furthermore, child-friendly spaces run with UNICEF support give children predictable routines to play, learn and feel safe. This is critical in protecting them from toxic stress. These hubs are also entry points for early learning, protection, nutrition and health services referrals.

Nutrition + Mental Health = Better Outcomes

None of these solutions works in isolation. In December 2021, UNICEF Bangladesh reported that one-third of Rohingya children under 5 were stunted due to poor diets and repeated illness. Combining nutrition services with caregiver counseling and play-based psychosocial support multiplies impact, helping children recover physically while stimulating their brains for long-term learning and well-being. Trained Rohingya community members are already delivering this integrated package.

– Arabella D’Aniello

Arabella is based in Toronto, Canada and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr