Information and stories addressing children.

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Fotokids: Helping Children in Guatemala

Children in GuatemalaFotokids, originally known as “Out of the Dump,” is a nonprofit that has been working to help vulnerable and at-risk children for the last 30 years. Founded in 1991 by the award-winning, former Reuters news service photographer Nancy McGirr, the organization began by teaching basic photography skills to children from Guatemala. It has evolved into teaching other classes, such as “digital imaging, computer-generated graphic design, video, creative writing, theater, advertising, ecology and English.”

History of the Organization

While conflict-stricken areas undoubtedly give rise to vulnerable populations, children become the most highly affected by this vulnerability, demanding special attention to protect them from spiraling into poverty. In 1991, Fotokids began with only six children from the garbage dump in Guatemala City. Intending to break the cycle of poverty through training children in visual arts and technology, the organization expanded in 1996 to include communities outside of Guatemala, such as the areas covered under the “Children in Conflict” program. Over the years, Fotokids grew and evolved even further, providing services to children from poverty and violence-stricken areas around the world.

The Program

The organization has focused on developing monetizable and employable skills among the children. They teach them to use photography, writing and computers to better their lives and bring them to par with the rest of the globalized and digitalized world. The goal is to help “small groups of Central American young people from the poorest of barrios.”

Fotokids is an integrated program that mandates enrolled children to attend schools, offering full or partial scholarships to support their education while simultaneously learning essential skills provided by the program. Upon entering, each student is given a camera and taught the basic skills of black-and-white photography, which then evolves and develops into teaching them newer and more complicated skills. Throughout this process, the program relies highly on long-term teacher-student relationships as a means of learning and guidance.

Impact

Since its inception, the organization has helped more than a thousand children escape their state of poverty and desolation, impacting the lives of more than 500 families. Students from the program have gone on to give back to the organization, assuming roles in program management. About 14 of the program graduates have become a part of the Fotokids’ Guatemalan staff, playing a pivotal role in extending assistance to children in Guatemala.

Exhibitions and Galleries

The work done by the organization and its children has been exhibited in various museums and galleries over the years: Colombia, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, among others. Additionally, due to its work and impact, Fotokids has also been featured in numerous lectures held at Harvard University, Bowdoin College and Boston University in the U.S. Further, it has been presented at international conferences in countries like Brazil, Guatemala, Japan, Spain and the U.S.

With its wide-ranging and highly positive impact, Fotokids continues its program today, still working to provide an alternate life to children from six different communities in Guatemala and the farms of the Central Valley of California.

– Manasvi Kadian
Photo: Flickr

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Somalian Children: Malnutrition Amidst Poverty and Conflict

Somalian Children:Somali children face the threat of malnutrition and disease daily. With high poverty rates and violent conflict infiltrating the nation, the children are bearing the brunt of the struggles. The African nation has a large population of slightly more than 18 million. The number is growing rapidly despite high infant mortality rates and low life expectancy. The outcome of malnutrition and disease is a high infant mortality rate, with 1/10 Somalian children dying before the age of 5.

Malnutrition and Disease in Somalia

Alongside malnutrition, children in Somalia are severely affected by life-threatening diseases, often succumbing to them due to a lack of resources. A common disease among children in the nation is cholera, with the number of cases rising in recent years. The spike in cases has been a result of the lack of clean water resources, especially in rural areas.

Millions of children in Somalia do not consume enough food, leaving their bodies weakened and susceptible to disease. Additionally, the mothers of children are often undernourished themselves, having illnesses such as anemia and vitamin deficiencies. As a result of these diseases, almost half of all Somalian children do not attend school.

Natural Disasters Affecting Children

The geographical location of Somalia makes it prone to drought and flooding, depending on the time of the year. As Somalia borders the Indian Ocean, it is vulnerable to the natural elements, with several of its largest cities situated along the coastline.

Flooding is a recurring issue in the country, accounting for 45% of all natural occurrences since 1980. This has led to the outbreak of waterborne diseases, such as cholera and malaria, due to the ideal breeding grounds flooding produces. Furthermore, droughts have been a major point of concern as in 2019, affecting upwards of 2.3 million Somalians, furthering the issue of the nation’s malnourishment.

Displacement Due to Conflict

Conflict in the nation has been ongoing for many years, with civil disputes resulting in high levels of displacement across the country. Many Somalians have been forced to leave their homes to find refuge in other areas, often neighboring countries.

Due to this conflict, 2.6 million Somalians have been displaced internally, with 30% of those displaced being under the age of 11. With countless children orphaned, abandoned or separated from their families, it has left them vulnerable to disease.

Necessary Aid

It is estimated that 5.1 million children in Somalia need urgent humanitarian aid. There is a necessity for nationwide food banks and health centers for children in Somalia. They are not only faced with disease and malnutrition but also risks due to conflict and natural disasters, all contributing to the poverty rates.

How Help Is Reaching the Children of Somalia

Many organizations are working with the Government of Somalia to increase funding and support the population, especially children. In 2020, Somalia received $2 billion in official development assistance to help those in need. Through global financial assistance, Somalian children are receiving help in the form of access to food, water and health resources.

– Lily Thornhill
Photo: Unsplash

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Changemaker: Fighting for Refugee Children in Zambia

Refugee Children in ZambiaZambia is a landlocked country located in southern Africa. Due to its unique geography, Zambia hosts approximately 105,000 refugees predominantly from bordering countries such as Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and former Rwandan and Angolan colonies. Many of these refugees and asylum seekers live in three main refugee settlements in Meheba, Mayukwayukwa and Mantapala, with some residing in Lusaka, the capital city.

The Experience of Refugee Children in Zambia

The nature of being a refugee or asylum seeker involves plenty of travel. As such, many organizations, including the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), have identified many violations of basic human rights during this process. In particular, refugee children seem to be dramatically affected by the process of claiming asylum. Challenging discrimination against refugee children in Zambia is one of the key case studies in UNICEF’s research on the issue. Others range from child marriage, child labor and gender-based violence.

A New Approach by UNICEF

To tackle these issues, UNICEF Zambia decided to organize what it calls a “Changemaker Workshop” in Lusaka. These workshops are designed to foster inclusion with refugee children in Zambia to directly address the unique problems they face daily, as well as canvassing for solutions.

The initiative involved 20 children aged 13 to 19 who shared their personal experiences as refugees living in Zambia. They were encouraged to highlight adversities faced while navigating the asylum process, detailing instances of discrimination and the challenges of living as orphans or being raised in child-headed households, typically led by an older sibling. As a UNICEF Changemaker, these refugee children can actively participate and consult on issues that directly affect them. Furthermore, they can provide better information to charitable organizations like UNICEF to develop a better outcome for them.

The Impact of the UNICEF Changemaker Program

As a direct result of this initiative, UNICEF has compiled valuable feedback from the participants. Many have proposed practical solutions to various challenges they face, including:

  1. Access to clean water and sanitation.
  2. Encouraging the refugee community to adopt reuse, reduce and recycle practices.
  3. The creation of more learning opportunities in the program.
  4. Establishing additional youth groups focused on teaching skills like writing, reading and organized sporting activities.
  5. Ensuring key information such as paper processing, environmental protection, reporting security issues and access to clean hygiene and sanitation services are presented in a way that can be understood by refugee children.

UNICEF Zambia says that these workshops enable a greater level of participation from refugee children in Zambia in a meaningful way. Consequently, the organization is expanding this initiative by collaborating with partners to establish additional safe spaces for children. This aims to amplify the voices of more adolescent refugees, fostering a platform where their perspectives are heard and solutions are envisaged.

– Domenico Palermo
Photo: Flickr

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Child Soldiers in Guatemala

Child Soldiers in GuatemalaMilitary groups worldwide recruit children and although the U.N. has put measures in place to prevent this, the issue is still prevalent. Their roles are not restricted to only soldiers or gunmen, but spies, messengers, sex slaves and suicide bombers. The U.N. receives regular “reports of children as young as 8 or 9 years old associated with armed groups”. When discussing child soldiers in Guatemala in the present day, separating state and non-state armed groups is essential. Guatemala’s gangs and guerrilla groups rely on child recruitment and, as these are not state institutions, these groups are harder to study or control.

Child Soldiers in the Civil War

From 1960 to 1996 Guatemala stood as a site of internal conflict. The leftist guerrilla movement Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca (URNG) fought against the Guatemalan Government in the Civil War. In this 36-year war, it was “common practice” for both the national army and the guerrilla groups to recruit children. There is a lack of information on the exact number of child soldiers involved in the war. However, the U.N. estimates that out of the 3,000 members of the URNG, 214 were under the age of 18. Unfortunately, this lack of data meant that, after the war, child soldiers in Guatemala did not receive compensation, or benefit from any reintegration programs.

Progress

In 1992, the U.N. wrote the Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) to tackle issues of child safety and exploitation. This states that parties cannot recruit anyone under the age of 15 into the armed forces and pushes the State to take preventative measures.

In 2000, the Optional Protocol to the CRC that focuses on the involvement of children in Armed Conflict (OPAC) raised the age from 15 to 18. Guatemala signed both of these documents, however, there is no evidence of progress.

Military Schools

Guatemala’s military schools are a key example of how the state is still subjecting children to violence and ignoring the concerns raised in the CRC and OPAC. Children in these military schools take part in combat training and weapons handling. Many of these military schools do not meet the government’s educational standards and there are numerous complaints of the use of corporal punishment. Child Rights International Network (CRIN) revealed that in 2016 at least three students reported rape by soldiers at the military school Adolfo V Hall.

Even if these children are not legally members of the armed forces until they are adults, they are still victims to and witnesses of violence at such a young age. In these cases, differentiating voluntary and coerced enlisting is extremely difficult.

Child Soldiers in Gangs

Maras are a type of gang in Guatemala and the 2023 CRIN report shows that recruitment is hard to regulate as maras control large residential areas.

The Maras specifically target children on their way to and from school. These children are coerced and threatened into becoming spies or gunmen and many children have been murdered on their way to school for refusing to take part. According to a 2023 CRIN report “Save the Children reports that children as young as 6 are recruited to transport guns…and have been coerced into homicides as young as 13.” This has had a detrimental impact on education. School is no longer a space of safety and learning but “a site of recruitment.” This creates a vicious cycle, as with lower access to education more children turn to gang activity.

Schools of Peace

Save the Children has worked with Guatemalan families suffering from poverty since 1999. In the last year,  Save the Children positively impacted 201,000 young people. Aside from alleviating poverty, Save the Children has created a Schools of Peace project. This project results from education and child protection services working together to prevent any disruption to the education of young people. The initiative interrupts the process of gang recruitment and ensures that schools in Guatemala have the right protection from any danger due to armed conflict.

Save the Children tells the story of 16-year-old Estrella, a daughter of a gang leader. Her life was wrapped in violence and her education was sacrificed until Schools of Peace intervened. She is doing very well at school and works as a youth leader near Las Canoas to help others who have suffered like her.

Toybox

Toybox is a charity that provides young people with safe spaces and communities outside of school. The organization works in the country’s capital, Guatemala City and provides counseling and therapy to young children. It has provided children across the world with psychosocial support. Toybox identified that 10% of annual births in Guatemala are undocumented. This reduces the amount of protection the state can provide in conflict situations.

In 2022, Toybox helped 2,794 children around the world obtain legal identity documents. The charity also holds weekly sports activities to develop and maintain trusting relationships between staff and children. It is setting up a support network for these young people, while also demonstrating that other, more constructive, paths are still viable to children who live under gang rule.

A 2023 CRIN report identifies that poverty exacerbates non-state violence and increases child recruitment. It suggests treating the root cause of poverty to see a drastic difference in the levels of child soldiers in Guatemala. Initiatives such as these are important to show that there is a path out of the violence that dominates their lives.

– Liz Johnson
Photo: Flickr

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What About Child Poverty in Finland

Child Poverty in FinlandChildren are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for a future. John F. Kennedy is among the many who have famously quoted hopeful statements about children. Children are the future, and if they are taken care of properly, then chances are it will be a promising future. With the increased living costs, many single-parent families in Finland are struggling to provide their children with what they need to thrive.

Child Poverty in Finland Stats

According to UNICEF’s Report Card Study, which compares child poverty in the European Union and OECD countries, Finland is ranked 14th out of 39 countries, with 10.1% of children living in poverty between 2019 and 2021. Children in single-parent households face acute struggles. With the increased living costs, single parents face difficult decisions, such as buying food or new clothing for their children. 

The Biggest Threat

Finland’s government cut its social security and unemployment budget in 2024, hoping to encourage its immigrant population to enter programs designed to prepare them for the workforce. However, the Social Affairs and Health Committee of the Finnish Parliament, after emotional and “chaotic” meetings, expressed concern about how these policy choices impact their population, as similar actions taken by Denmark in 2002 and 2015 resulted in drastic increases in poverty and crime levels. Researchers are also concerned that implementing these policies will discourage immigrants from participating in government integration programs.

UNICEF studies have shown that social security is essential for keeping children out of poverty. Sanna Koskein, a senior expert on child-friendly governance with UNICEF, says, “The proposed social security cuts by the current government will have serious consequences for the children’s well-being.” 

Solving Child Poverty in Finland

Finland has announced an action plan to reduce the number of people at risk for poverty to 100,000 by 2030. This program focuses primarily on people with pensions and families with children and aims to encourage families to participate in government integration programs. The children of families who participate in these programs tend to stay in school longer, perform better academically and enjoy more success in the workforce. In the face of budget cuts to social services, programs aimed to reduce poverty levels are a path forward toward Finland reducing its child poverty rates, thus ensuring a better future for all its citizens. 

– Heather Gisi
Photo: Unsplash

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Music Organizations Empowering Disadvantaged Children in India

Disadvantaged Children in IndiaAnyone who listens to bands, plays an instrument or composes songs will know that music is more than a hobby. It can reduce stress and anxiety, increase auditory perception and even increase chances of good sleep. The positive effects of music on development have gained traction in research circles over the past 50 years, with studies showing that its practice can instill feelings of leadership, responsibility and empathy in children. A program named El Sistema, which was rolled out in the ’70s, demonstrated that music could completely alter the paths of disadvantaged children, removing them from the path of risk and causing self-esteem to boom. It will come as no surprise, then, that music is a powerful tool in uplifting those in poverty. In India, where nearly 170 million people live below the poverty line, four Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs) are demonstrating how music empowers disadvantaged children, working to bring creativity, confidence and opportunity into their lives.

Inspire India

Inspire India is a subsidiary of the larger Shankar Mahadevan Academy Initiative, an organization operating in 60 schools worldwide. The initiative’s hopeful mission is to inspire, uplift and even “design moments of extreme joy” for the children they reach. A more accurate description would be designing moments of joy for all who encounter them, supporters and beneficiaries alike.

The smaller branch of Inspire India is no different. Founded on the ambition to foster musical ability and passion among children from vulnerable families, the organization currently operates centers in Delhi and Mumbai, with plans to open thousands more nationwide. Their programs play a crucial role in revitalizing neglected creativity by nurturing the talents of the children they engage with, providing them with the space to flourish. Through these initiatives, Inspire India fosters confidence and resilience in the participating children, empowering them to confront life’s challenges with strength and determination.

Child’s Play

Founded by Dr. Luis Dias in 2009, Child’s Play India has a clear goal: to “install positive values and provide social empowerment to India’s disadvantaged children.” Its method of choice to get there is a little more unexpected. The organization aims to reach its goal “through the teaching of classical music to the highest possible standard.”

Dias’s inspiration came from one fateful night at the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) proms when two unusual orchestras from Venezuela and South Africa took the stage. Having spent his last year wondering why India, with such a big population, was falling behind smaller countries in its musical standard, the appearance of these groups was a lightbulb moment for one simple reason: they were entirely made up of disadvantaged children.

Consequently, Dias formed the concept of Child’s Play. He began to teach classical music to disadvantaged and street children in Goa, believing that the music would, in turn, allow them to develop discipline and self-esteem. By allowing them to lean into their creativity and believe in their excellence, the organization has provided more than 500 children with a newfound confidence and the promise of a future career.

Anahad

Registered as an NGO in 2013, Anahad is a studio and a community of musicians. Anahad, on a mission to uplift underprivileged communities, harnesses available production technology to preserve traditional folk music and empower the musicians who create it. An interesting example is the story of Dapu Khan, one of its musicians, whose collaboration with the organization has directly resulted in a substantial increase in income.

Khan, passionate about education but denied the chance himself, spent what little money he had on his children’s learning. When he met with the Anahad group, he explained his belief that Rajasthani folk music could touch the souls of its listeners, advocating for a broader platform to reach more souls. Anahad provided Khan with his first chance to work independently, without a third party or manager. The NGO equipped him with digital platform skills, assisted in setting up a website and facilitated the recording of two of his songs. The launch yielded a remarkable effect, leading to Khan securing wedding contracts, performances in Germany and the U.S. and a viral YouTube video that attracted collaboration offers from celebrities.

Manzil Mystics

Manzil Mystics was initiated by six musicians who themselves struggled with challenging upbringings. The organization operates through three primary branches: education, employing music for Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in schools; gender, raising awareness about women’s health and rights; and livelihood, establishing a career pathway for aspiring musicians and structured support to help them achieve their goals.

Manzil Mystics runs various programs across India, each illustrating how music serves as an empowering force for underprivileged youth. One such initiative is the Performing Arts and Kids Happiness (PANKH) program, which involves visiting schools and teaching children how to write and sing songs. The sessions are fun and designed to build confidence and unleash children’s curiosity.

Learning music through programs like PANKH not only imparts musical skills but also aids children in developing cognitive and socio-emotional skills. It actively engages them in the learning process and enhances their empathy. PANKH goes beyond a singular focus, serving as more than just a music education initiative. In addition to teaching music, it provides safe spaces for children and young adults to discuss topics such as reproductive health, gender and other social issues. Furthermore, PANKH offers English language instruction and helps students acquire digital technology skills that will be valuable for their future careers.

– Peggy Hughes
Photo: Flickr

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Child Poverty in Benin  

Child Poverty in BeninLocated in West Africa, the Republic of Benin is one of the most economically challenged nations worldwide. With up to 45% of its population consisting of children under the age of 15, child poverty in Benin is a major concern.

Economic Factors

According to the World Food Program USA, Benin’s economy is primarily agrarian. Up to 70% of the population relies on agriculture as a core source of income. Vulnerable to weather fluctuations and changing weather patterns, the sector of rain-fed agriculture has been challenged by the success of consistent food crop production. In addition, the country is often exposed to droughts and floods that threaten the economic conditions of Benin’s population. This frequently leaves families in uncertain economic situations. As poverty rates among families increase, child poverty in Benin worsens due to insufficient resources to fulfill their essential needs.

Threatened Food Security

In addition to contributing to a lack of financial stability, the unstable nature of agribusiness in the nation has also led to an increase in food prices. As reported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), children in Benin are severely affected by malnutrition. Up to 50% of children up to 5 years of age have developmental issues as a result of nutritional deficiency. The World Food Program USA shows that up to 32% of Beninese children suffer from recurrent malnutrition.

Health Concerns

While improper nutrition has emerged as a significant health concern for children in Benin, the absence of proper health care has also affected the nation’s children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), malaria is the leading cause of death for children under 5 years old in Benin. USAID states that the COVID-19 pandemic posed a risk to ongoing efforts made to reduce the transmission of the disease. The U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative, created in 2005, has been working toward the reduction and treatment of the disease in African countries, including Benin.

Despite the pandemic’s impact on developmental progress, the initiative’s 2024 strategy outlines the introduction of the malaria vaccine in Benin within the initial quarter of the year.

Child Labor

A direct repercussion of child poverty in Benin is the educational deficit due to child labor. As Beninese families go through financial hardships, children quit their education and engage in varying work practices. Some of these include domestic work, working on cotton plantations and forced begging. Children exposed to child labor practices become vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. Work conditions can be hazardous, and children are at risk of becoming victims of human trafficking. Data published by UNICEF shows up to 25% of children in Benin are victims of child labor.

Aid Initiatives

Tackling child poverty in Benin requires a wide range approach, integrating economic development, health care, food security and education. Recent years have shown multiple attempts to improve Beninese children’s livelihoods. A report published by the U.S. Department of Labor states that social services inspections freed up to 400 children from child labor in 2021.

In 2022, the government maintained the Integrated National School Feeding Program, providing meals to up to 75% of Benin’s schools. That same year, UNICEF expanded its presence in the north of the nation. UNICEF also collaborated with the religious congregation known as the Salesians of Don Bosco to build a temporary residence for children living on the streets. The congregation runs the charity Foyer Don Bosco, with the mission to fulfill all basic human needs of children living in poverty in Benin. It heavily focuses on helping victims of child labor and human trafficking, striving to ensure that children receive quality education so they can have a better future.

Efforts by organizations like UNICEF and the Salesians of Don Bosco reflect a collective commitment to combat child poverty in Benin and serve as a source of optimism in the ongoing fight against it. 

– Paula Gibson
Photo: Flickr

Reducing Child Poverty in Mozambique

Child Poverty in MozambiquePoverty and health issues share a link. Where one exists, the other is not far away. However, since 2002, organizations like the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (GAVI) have addressed this link through national immunization campaigns. The following is an overview of how health organizations are working to reduce child poverty in Mozambique. 

About Poverty in Mozambique

Mozambique is one of the poorest countries in the world, ranking 180 out of 189 countries in the UNDP’s 2019 Human Development Index ranking. Recurring natural disasters and conflict exacerbate the issue of poverty in Mozambique. Cyclones from the Indian Ocean cause regular destruction, drought is becoming more pronounced in the southern provinces due to climate change and insecurity in Cabo Delgado Province has displaced nearly a million people, including women and children.

Providing basic health services and humanitarian assistance to those in need is therefore challenging and many are lacking access to clean water, food and sanitation. As a result, many face the prospect of becoming ill from malnutrition and disease. Cholera infections are rising, as are occurrences of polio and measles, disproportionately endangering vulnerable groups like women and children.

Why Disease and Poverty Share a Link 

Poverty does not only cause poor health, but it is also a consequence of it. By increasing the chances of poor health, disease traps communities in poverty and makes breaking free of its constraints difficult. For example, in countries like Mozambique, tropical diseases kill and weaken many because they are unable to generate an income. Alternatively, others have to care for sick relatives. As a result, instead of going to school, many children enter the labor market at a young age to support their families and their lack of education means they face a future of low-paid/low-skilled jobs. 

Health Programs Reducing Child Poverty in Mozambique

Immunization and vaccine programs have been a cornerstone of global public health policy since 1974. These programs have sought to give children the best possible start in life by making them less susceptible to the risks of disease. The most famous of these is the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI).

Because of many African countries’ high rates of child mortality due to diseases like measles, tuberculosis and neonatal tetanus, the EPI is a crucial part of the health care strategy for Africa. With countries like Mozambique having little money to fund public health programs, the EPI is a cost-effective intervention. 

Currently, the program has evolved into what is commonly known as the Essential Programme on Immunization. With nearly every country today having a national immunization program, it highlights the belief that vaccines are one of the safest and most cost-effective public health strategies for preventing death and improving the lives of Mozambique’s children. 

Organizations Helping Deliver Immunization Programs in Mozambique 

Immunization programs like the EPI are a truly international effort. While guidelines and policy are written by the World Health Organization (WHO), its implementation is undertaken by several actors, including national governments, WHO, UNICEF, the World Bank, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the vaccine industry, public health institutions and non-governmental organizations. 

Collectively, these actors form the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (GAVI), which aims to provide children worldwide with access to vaccines, helping fight infectious diseases and reduce poverty. 

GAVI works by providing a forum for partners to identify key issues and coordinate responses to outbreaks. It uses funds to strengthen immunization services and vaccination programs in countries that require assistance through a special financial mechanism called the Vaccine Fund. This fund receives commitments from wealthy nations like Norway, the U.K., the U.S., the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and the private sector. 

Since 2002, health organizations have been working to reduce child poverty in Mozambique with assistance from GAVI. GAVI importantly has supported the country’s Ministry of Health in providing effective immunization services against several preventable diseases.

Currently, Mozambique is considered an example of the EPI’s success, having achieved several significant milestones. With many rural provinces now having immunization coverage rates of more than 95%, children are given a significant weapon to protect their future health and also escape disease-associated poverty traps. 

The government, with GAVI’s help, has implemented a vaccination catch-up plan for children who missed shots due to COVID-19. They have also successfully coordinated responses to recent cholera outbreaks and rolled out the first phases of a measles-rubella vaccination campaign.

On December 10, 2023, the member organizations of GAVI returned to Mozambique to renew their commitment to the country’s immunization program following its success. In a statement, David Marlow, CEO of Gavi, said: “Gavi and Alliance partners reaffirm commitment to support Mozambique’s immunization efforts. The upcoming official visit presents an opportunity for sustained engagement, detailed conversations and the strengthening of our partnership towards our shared vision: a well-resourced and effective immunization program that improves health outcomes for the people of Mozambique.” 

Looking Ahead

In the efforts against poverty, one effective approach is safeguarding children from the long-term social and economic impacts of diseases. Organizations like GAVI provide successful immunization strategies, which serve as valuable tools for governments in their fight against illnesses. These efforts not only save lives but also create opportunities to break free from the cycle of poverty associated with diseases. This exemplifies the work of health organizations striving to reduce child poverty in Mozambique.

-Cameron Mason

Photo: Flickr

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Spreading Joy With Shoe Boxes

Shoe BoxDuring times of crisis, children often find themselves in especially vulnerable situations. Worldwide, more than 330 million children are grappling with the harsh realities of poverty. These are not just economic struggles; these children lack essentials like clean water, food, shelter and health care – the very basics needed for their well-being.

This is where Team Hope steps in to make a difference. Collaborating with schools throughout Ireland, this initiative calls upon volunteers to bring joy by assembling and sending gift-filled shoeboxes to underprivileged children in Africa and Eastern Europe. These shoeboxes are a lifeline, delivering Christmas gifts that these children might otherwise never receive.

Each donated shoebox has the power to brighten the life of a single child, transforming not only their holiday season but also making a lasting impact on their families. It’s an effort that proves that even small acts of kindness can bring about meaningful change in the lives of vulnerable children.

Team Hope: The Shoe Boxes Appeal

Team Hope has a reputation for collaborating with primary and secondary schools across Ireland to spread joy each Christmas. Since 2010, Team Hope has sent at least 2.5 million shoe boxes to vulnerable children worldwide. In 2022, Ireland sent 173,563 shoe boxes to happy children in Romania, Ukraine, Malawi and Kenya. By sending clothes, hairbrushes, toothbrushes, soap and fun toys, the initiative makes a positive difference to every child’s life. These boxes undergo careful checks before they make their journey across the world. The boxes offer children important essentials and a delightful gift to bring happiness to every child’s life.

School Volunteers

A lot of the volunteers come from primary and secondary schools, as children work together to create the perfect gifts. Team Hope collaborates with teachers, students and parents from preschool through to third level in order to spread joy across the world. 

Teachers Ms. Lauren Scanlan and Mrs. Grace Cart explained that the appeal also helps Irish students learn about and understand poverty. Ms. Scanlon shares that she has worked with Team Hope for many years with the Shoe Box Appeal in primary schools around Waterford, and Mrs. Carty, who teaches in a primary school in County Galway, states that “the shoe boxes are great! Once the children start putting their boxes together they truly start to understand about poverty and the importance of giving.” She notes that “it gives the children a proper realization that not everyone in the world has what they have, and the children are eager to help and are excited at the idea of their present reaching a friend across the world and giving them a happy Christmas.”

The initiative not only helps those living in poverty, but it teaches children in Ireland that a little bit of kindness can go a long way.

Looking Ahead

Many of the shoeboxes for this appeal come from schools, but anyone can participate. The process is straightforward. After decorating and wrapping the shoebox, the volunteer selects the age group and gender of the recipient. They then choose a mix of practical and fun gifts to fill the box, ensuring the recipient has a special Christmas. Once the gifts are dispatched, people can track their destination on Team Hope’s website. This initiative has made a positive impact worldwide and continues to bring holiday cheer each Christmas season.

– Éadaoin O’Leary
Photo: Unsplash

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Tumaini Children’s Charity: a brighter future for children in Kenya

Tumaini Children's Charity In the heart of Gitamaiyu, Kenya, David and Alice Hinga initiated a remarkable journey 25 years ago with the establishment of Tumaini Brooks School. Their commitment to the community began modestly, offering meals at local church services. This service soon evolved into a more significant endeavor when two children, Paul and Susan, living on the streets, sought refuge with them. Their plight deeply moved the Hingas, propelling them to establish what is now a sanctuary for many: Tumaini Brooks School. Located near Africa’s largest slum, the school is an oasis in a region where poverty is a stark reality for nearly 20% of the population (around 8.9 million people).

The Role and Impact of Tumaini Children’s Charity

Tumaini Brooks functions as a boarding school. It is a haven where food, pastoral care and quality education coalesce to uplift children from Gatamaiyu’s harshest environments. Cassie Watts, Tumaini Children’s Charity’s Social Media Manager, in her conversation with The Borgen Project, shed light on the school’s ethos. Cassie first got involved with Tumaini in 2016, when she heard about it from Hannah, the organization’s Chairperson. In 1998, Hannah had been looking for philanthropic work that would make a tangible difference but hadn’t found any that pulled her in. She met David and Alice and felt compelled to take part in their efforts, beginning the U.K.-based charity shortly afterward to raise funds for the school and bring awareness to its mission. Cassie immediately felt that she had to contribute to its efforts and, frustrated by the charity’s out-of-date website, became the Social Media Manager.

Tumaini Brooks’ unique adaptability to meet the community’s dynamic needs sets it apart, with a mission centered on breaking the poverty cycle through comprehensive education and care.

Navigating Challenges: Tumaini Brooks During the Pandemic

The advent of COVID-19 brought unprecedented challenges, with government directives leading to nationwide school closures. For the residents of the surrounding slums, this meant losing access to crucial services, including the school-provided meals for their children. Tumaini Brooks responded with agility, shifting its focus to food distribution. This endeavor grew exponentially, supporting hundreds of families weekly and highlighting the school’s pivotal role in the community during a global crisis.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Tumaini’s Journey

The path for Tumaini Brooks has not been without obstacles. External challenges, such as political corruption and shifting government policies, constantly test the school’s resilience. These challenges range from sudden curriculum changes to new student-per-classroom mandates, requiring Tumaini to allocate precious resources towards meeting these demands rather than focusing on its vision. Despite these hurdles, the school has made significant progress toward self-sufficiency. Investments in agricultural land, solar energy and a reliable water supply underscore its commitment to independence. In addition, the establishment of the school as an exam center marks a milestone, offering educational benefits to students and a sustainable income source.

Tumaini Brooks: A Beacon of Hope and Transformation

Despite the success in breaking the poverty cycle for many, some students return to their challenging circumstances. This reality underscores the complexity of the issues Tumaini Brooks tackles. The school’s unwavering commitment is to cater to the multifaceted needs of its more than 600 students, whether it’s providing a nurturing home, fitting clothes, quality education, or emotional and spiritual support. Cassie Watts’ reflections capture the essence of Tumaini’s impact. She speaks of the community’s resilience and gratitude, especially evident in the children who view the school as a “mothership of hope.” 

Tumaini Brooks, through its multifarious initiatives, has become a symbol of hope and opportunity for many. The school’s role in providing a stable environment for learning and growth is also notable. It stands as a testament to the power of education and care in transforming lives. As Cassie Watts put it, the school instills a sense of trust and positivity in the students, despite their challenging circumstances. The belief that “everything will turn out ok” resonates deeply within the Tumaini community, fueling their efforts to offer a chance at a better life.

Looking Forward: The Vision of Tumaini Children’s Charity

As Tumaini Brooks School continues its noble journey, the vision for the future is clear. Moreover, Tumaini Children’s Charity remains dedicated to supporting the school’s mission toward complete self-sufficiency. This goal involves creating multiple income streams to ensure the school’s sustainability and reduce its dependence on external factors, including the Kenyan government. By doing so, the charity aims to fortify the school’s ability to provide uninterrupted, high-quality education and care to its students.

The story of Tumaini Brooks School is one of compassion, resilience and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. Currently, the efforts of David and Alice Hinga, the charity’s supporters and the resilient spirit of the students serve as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the transformative power of education and dedicated care in one of the world’s most challenging environments.

– Lydia Greene
Photo: Flickr