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How COVID-19 Technology in Pakistan Accelerated Progress

COVID-19 Technology in PakistanFor Pakistan, COVID-19 became an incubator for innovation. The country adopted global practices through digital transformations to sustain governance and daily operations during the lockdown. These practices, such as hybrid and remote work, soon became a permanent part of the professional culture, bridging the gap created by reduced resources across multiple sectors.

Initially, the COVID-19 outbreak led to severe economic deterioration for Pakistan. For example, an overall decline in economic parameters such as GDP growth, unemployment rate, inflation, per capita income, debt, tax collection, poverty and trade (imports/exports). These disruptions were major challenges to its economic activities. The result was that during the fiscal year 2020, for only the second time in Pakistan’s history after 1951–1952, the country recorded a negative GDP growth rate of −0.4%.

Initial Challenges Caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic

The primary challenges caused by COVID-19 in Pakistan were rising unemployment and poverty. The pandemic caused nearly three million people to lose their jobs, leading to a sharp increase in the unemployment rate, which reached 9.56% in the 2020 fiscal year. Global trade disruptions also hit the country hard.

In 2020, exports fell by 6.36% to $22 billion, while imports declined by 8.56% to $45 billion. Meanwhile, pressure on debt servicing intensified as total debt rose from $95.2 billion in 2018 to $112.8 billion in 2020. This pushed Pakistan further into a debt trap, forcing it to borrow new loans to repay old ones.

Innovation in COVID-19 Technology in Pakistan

Despite the initial setbacks, Pakistan showed resilience by adopting global best practices that fueled digital transformation. The COVID-19 pandemic became a turning point for digital progress in Pakistan, especially in the work and education sectors. The introduction of hybrid work models and remote employment systems reshaped professional environments, including public and private institutions.

Organizations increasingly use digital tools, online platforms and cloud-based communication systems to maintain productivity and ensure operational continuity. According to a report, the pandemic significantly boosted digital payments in Pakistan as citizens reduced their use of physical cash to minimize health risks.

The introduction of COVID-19 technology in Pakistan improved efficiency. It helped conserve vital resources such as time, paper and energy by reducing physical commuting and manual workflows. It also accelerated the adoption of online education, pushing schools and universities to embrace digital learning platforms to maintain academic progress.

According to the World Bank, Pakistan responded swiftly by launching the federal TeleSchool program for students nationwide and the Taleem Ghar initiative for learners in Punjab. These e-learning programs in Pakistan ensured continued access to education during lockdowns, demonstrating how technology bridged learning gaps and supported the country’s broader digital transformation.

Economic Adaptation Through COVID-19 Technology in Pakistan

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pakistan saw a shift toward digital transformation, as technology became the only possible adaptation for individuals and institutions. The pandemic caused a shift toward remote work, freelancing and digital entrepreneurship, helping sustain livelihoods in widespread economic uncertainty.

According to The Dayspring, “Pakistan’s freelancing economy surged by 22% amid COVID-19.” Payoneer also reported the country’s overall freelancing revenue growth from 47% to 69% during the pandemic. Government initiatives such as Punjab’s e-Rozgaar program also played a significant role.

This program empowered youth to earn through online platforms, providing training and access to freelance marketplaces. As INP-WealthPK highlighted, Pakistan witnessed a record 47% growth in freelancing earnings in 2021, with women making up 52% of total graduates and contributing around half of the total earnings. This marked a significant step toward digital inclusion and women’s economic empowerment in Pakistan’s gig economy.

Similarly, the Ministry of IT’s DigiSkills program, a national-level training initiative, has trained more than 1.28 million individuals in freelancing, enabling them to generate sustainable incomes from home. Federal Minister Syed Amin Ul Haque emphasized the goal of expanding female participation in the program from 23% to 33%, reflecting the government’s vision for inclusive digital growth.

Furthermore, the private sector quickly adapted to the new normal of remote work and virtual collaboration. Many companies eliminated mandatory office attendance, providing employees with the necessary resources such as computers, internet connectivity and secure data access to work efficiently from home.

Technology in Public Services and Broader Social Impact

Sehat Kahani emerged as one of Pakistan’s leading examples of digital health care innovation during the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan. The platform provided telemedicine services through its mobile app, including free online consultations and e-prescriptions. It helped thousands of patients in remote and low-income areas.

According to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Sehat Kahani’s expansion during the pandemic demonstrated how digital health services in Pakistan can bridge access gaps and empower women doctors to serve communities from home. In the education sector, digital transformations in Pakistan helped sustain learning during lockdowns. The government launched several e-learning programs, ensuring continued education through televised and online lessons.

The World Bank reported that these programs successfully reached millions of students. A report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) further highlighted the broader social impact of digitalization. It revealed that districts showing stronger digital transformation also ranked higher in human development outcomes.

All these studies highlight how Pakistan’s growing investment in digital public services, from telehealth to education, has strengthened national resilience and paved the way for inclusive growth.

Conclusion

All these digital transformations from remote work and freelancing to telemedicine and online education helped Pakistan rebuild its economy and move toward sustainable growth. By 2023, Pakistan’s GDP growth rate recovered to around 3.04%, reflecting how the nation’s digital adaptation turned adversity into opportunity. This evolution shows that when a crisis is met with innovation, collaboration and the right technological tools, it can become a catalyst for development rather than decline.

– Sidra Tahir

Sidra is based in Rawalpindi, Pakistan and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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ChildFund in Brazil

ChildFund in BrazilBrazil is one of the largest and most populated countries in South America; it has more than 200 million people within its population. Yet, Brazil scored 48.9 on the Gini index for economic inequality and a significant proportion suffers from discrimination, and income inequality and around 24% of people live below the poverty line. ChildFund is a global charity that focuses on supporting children suffering by providing education, better access to health care or improving the cleanliness of drinking water where possible.

Education and Youth

Due to the effects of COVID-19, the education system was in dire need of support, UNICEF stated that, in 2022, 2 million children from the ages of 11 to 19 had not completed basic education and had not returned after the closures from COVID-19. ChildFund in Brazil have been persistent in trying to eradicate the education system to make a more positive environment; it has started introducing awareness workshops within the community schools. Additionally, more than 12,000 young people took part in ChildFund’s “Skilled and Involved Youth” projects in 2015. The organization conducted several workshops focusing on natural disasters and violence.

There are several campaigns that ChildFund runs and networking sessions to get more young people involved in current affairs which also, opens more avenues for young people to be involved in decisions directly relating to them. ChildFund is working alongside local partners (OSPs) to encourage children to have a routine to stick to and they have several social groups that support children in several activities, such as dance and judo. OSPs have also created several play kits to support the children with art supplies and they supply the correct age-appropriate items. All of these initiatives help support the children of Brazil.

Health Care

Brazil has purposefully attempted to rebuild the health care system after the devastating disaster of COVID-19 and the government’s focus has been on achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Although there are several improvements to health care and being more available there are still shortages in public funding, suboptimal resource allocation and weaknesses in health care delivery persist. Those who are most vulnerable to these issues are children, the elderly and those with terminal illnesses; thus, ChildFund aims to improve the health care systems for children. In 2015 ChildFund in Brazil created a “Taking Care of the First Years of Life” program which has benefitted more than 8,000 children in 31 different areas in Brazil, according to its website.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was very difficult to support people physically however, ChildFund partnered with local staff who could help them connect with families virtually and provide at-home kits for caregivers and educators. It also hand-delivered food to more than 7,700 families including baby supplies such as baby cribs and clothes.

Safe Drinking Water

There have been several severe droughts in the southeastern areas of Brazil and these conditions have created a shortage in water for agriculture and clean, drinking water for people, according to ChildFund. ChildFund in Brazil has constantly worked with local partners and organizations to have a better monitoring system in place for when these events occur and in particular making sure the water quality is clean for drinking.

According to ChildFund, it collects regular samples and tests for bacteria and any other pollution and it has created a backup system to be more prepared and also, encourage others to be aware of these issues and raise awareness. The World Food Programme (WFP) Centre of Excellence against Hunger and ChildFund in Brazil signed a partnership to promote food and nutritional security for children and find solutions to fight hunger. ChildFund has always tried to defend children’s rights and they are an important asset to building sustainable solutions for children.

– Charlotte Johnston

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

Photo: Flickr

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Disability and Poverty in Algeria 

Disability and Poverty in AlgeriaPoverty and disability are issues that significantly affect many Algerians. Despite efforts to address socio-economic development, poverty remains a persistent problem in the country as it increased in 2020 for the first time in more than 20 years. Individuals with disabilities face additional barriers, worsening their economic hardships as “integrating these individuals into Algerian society “remains insufficient.” This article will highlight the ongoing efforts from charities, organizations and the Algerian government to combat the correlation between disability and poverty in Algeria. 

Poverty in Algeria

Recent statistics indicate that almost 75% of the poor in Algeria undertake informal jobs within urban areas. In Algeria, the unemployment rate reached 11.2% in 2015, with no significant changes within the first half of 2016. High unemployment levels persisted, particularly among women, at 16.6% for women and 29.9% of youth. 

The World Bank found that young people experienced a higher overall unemployment rate. For instance, in 2021, Algeria’s unemployment rate was 12.7% for the total labor force, rising to 31.9% among youth aged 15 to 24. This high rate of youth unemployment suggests that young Algerians struggle to enter the job market – possibly due to factors such as a lack of experience, having little to no background in education or a general scarcity of jobs. This poses a problem as they miss out on earning potential income in order to help themselves and their family. This lack of income can make it harder to afford basic needs such as food, clothing and housing, pushing them further into poverty. 

The Pandemic

Approximately, 10% of Algeria’s population is at constant risk of sinking back into poverty. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened this situation in which, “Algeria was ill prepared to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Health care workers were challenged by a shortage in hospital intensive care unit beds, ventilators, protective gear, medical oxygen, oximeters, and medications.” This lack of preparedness, coupled with job losses and increased living costs due to the pandemic, severely strains social safety nets and government resources. As a consequence, this further widens the inequality gap and perpetuates a cycle of financial instability that traps individuals in poverty. 

Disability in Algeria

In Algeria, individuals with disabilities face significant challenges despite legal frameworks aimed at protecting their rights. As the charity Disability:IN states, Algerian society has an evolving outlook on people with disabilities. However, those with disabilities are often not included fully into society and often face discrimination, unfairness and exclusion. 

The government has enacted legislation to promote the employment of persons with disabilities in Algeria within public and private sectors, including offering incentives for employers and establishing a 1% employment quota. Between 2005 and 2018, the National Loan Agency financed 1,522 projects to support the professional integration of people with disabilities. According to a 1998 census. there were 1.6 million people in Algeria with disabilities, a number which was now estimated to be 2 million by 2018. 

There remains a significant gap between the laws and their implementation. Experts have raised concerns about outdated definitions in the 2002 Disability Law and the presence of derogatory terms. More than 7,000 children with disabilities still live in institutions rather than in family or inclusive settings, underlining a need for improved integration of disabled children within Algerian society.  

Education is mandatory for all children from age six, and efforts have been made to include children with specific needs in mainstream schools. Currently, 37,000 children with disabilities are integrated into schools, with 32,500 children in mainstream settings. The government supports 232 specialized institutions and initiatives like the use of sign language have been introduced to facilitate a better understanding in classrooms.  Despite these efforts, broader measures are needed to bridge the gap between legislation and the experiences of those living with disabilities in Algeria.

Addressing Disability and Poverty in Algeria

Efforts to support those with disabilities and combat poverty in Algeria also involve international organizations. Oxfam has been active in the Sahrawi refugee camps since 1975 and they work to improve food security by distributing fresh vegetables and gluten-free flour to the disproportionately large celiac population within the camps. Further to this, the World Food Programme (WFP) has supported vulnerable refugees in Algeria since 1986, covering basic food and nutrition needs. The European Union is the largest donor to the World Food Programme (WFP) in Algeria. Since 2003, the EU has contributed nearly €85 million euros to support WFP’s operations for Sahrawi refugees in the country. This year, the EU’s contributions represent almost 20 percent of the total funding required by WFP in Algeria.

Humanity & Inclusion (HI) has been active in Algeria since 1998, working to promote the rights of individuals with disabilities. HI trains teachers in understanding specific methods when working with disabled children, while also raising awareness among parents about the importance of education for children with disabilities. One of their projects focuses on the rights of disabled children without families. In partnership with national and local actors, including the Ministry for National Solidarity, the Ministry of Health, NADA, parent organizations and UNICEF, HI collects and analyzes data to improve care-management practices. The project aims to enhance conditions for children with disabilities in specialized settings. There are 232 specialized institutions providing support to children with disabilities, receiving government funding amounting to 10 billion Algerian dinars. 

The Takeaway

In conclusion, Algeria faces significant challenges in addressing poverty and disability in Algeria, despite various efforts by the government, charities and international organizations. The increase in poverty rates in 2020, for the first time in over two decades, highlights the persistent socio-economic issues that high unemployment, especially among youth and women, has exacerbated. Individuals with disabilities encounter barriers within their integration into society with a gap between legislation being proposed and the actual implementation of said proposals.

However, initiatives by organizations such as Oxfam, the World Food Programme and Humanity & Inclusion, along with government efforts, are continuously providing support and improving the lives of vulnerable populations. These efforts are necessary to bridge the existing gaps and ensure a more inclusive and equal society for all Algerians.

– Fahima Begum

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

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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6 Global Health Achievements to Celebrate from 2023

6 Global Health Achievements to Celebrate from 2023 While acknowledging the need for continued progress worldwide, it’s also crucial to recognize significant advances. Moreover, the year 2023 was noteworthy for global health achievements, particularly marking strides away from the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s to celebrating six notable global health advancements from 2023.

6 Global Health Achievements to Celebrate

  1. Disease Elimination. There was an unprecedented amount of disease elimination across the world in 2023, according to WHO. Some examples include Gambinese human African trypanosomiasis in Ghana – a life-threatening sleeping sickness that had threatened rural and impoverished communities. Fortunately, Benin and Mali succeeded in eliminating trachoma, a disease of the eye that can lead to irreversible blindness.
  2. COVID-19 No Longer a Global Health Emergency. After 13.3 billion vaccination doses worldwide and a review of the generally high levels of immunity and the declining COVID-19-related deaths and hospitalizations, the WHO’s emergency committee declared COVID-19 to no longer be a global health emergency. As a result, this is among the most significant global health achievements in 2023 as the world moves forward from the years of the pandemic.
  3. Bangladesh Triumphs over Kala-Azar. In 2023, Bangladesh eliminated visceral leishmaniasis, or kala-azar, a huge achievement for the country. Caused by parasites transmitted through the bite of an infected female sand fly, if left untreated the disease has a survival rate of just 5%. Wiping out kala-azar on a national scale is a significant step forward for Bangladeshi public health.
  4. Egypt Paves the Way for Beating Hepatitis C. Egypt became the world’s leading country in eliminating Hepatitis C in 2023. A virus affecting the liver, that if untreated can lead to serious and possibly fatal damage. Furthermore, Egypt officially achieved the gold tier level in tackling the disease and is collaborating with the Africa CDC (Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention) to help other Member States achieve similar results.
  5. Adoption of the Rabat Declaration. The 2023 Rabat Declaration pledged to improve migrant and refugee access to health care. Countries adopting the declaration will work to improve the health of migrants and refugees. They advocate for their health care to be included in the national policy of host countries, highlighting the right of every individual to have access to health care. Above all, this declaration is a huge global health achievement. It marks a big step forward in the protection and care of millions of vulnerable people across the world.
  6. The ‘Big Catch-Up’ for Childhood Vaccination. As a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, countless children are behind on their routine vaccinations. This has caused vital immunization levels to decrease in more than 100 countries. This has led to a worrying rise in diseases such as measles, polio and yellow fever in children. However, the WHO aims to return essential vaccination levels to pre-pandemic standards. In addition, the WHO announced the ‘Big Catch-Up’ in 2023, working to restore health care workforces and rebuild the trust and understanding in childhood vaccination – to protect as many children and adults from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Looking Ahead

For many, 2023 was the year that started to feel like the world was no longer in the grips of a global pandemic. The first steps being made back to normality. As COVID-19 began to no longer be such a pressing concern, countries were able to turn their focus to tackling other diseases and health care concerns. Consequently, great global health achievements were seen last year. There is hope that with continued efforts and support, there may be many more advancements and milestones reached across the world in 2024.

– Rose Williams
Photo: Unsplash

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5 Facts About Poverty in the Caribbean

Poverty in the Caribbean
The Caribbean is a region in the mid-Atlantic Ocean composed of island nations known for their easy-going lifestyle and beautiful weather. The Caribbean has everything that a tourist looking for the perfect beach vacation could want; from historical landmarks to world-renowned beaches and more, the Caribbean is a popular choice for vacationers of all preferences.

However, like many tourist destinations, the Caribbean has economically successful tourist towns bordering impoverished villages. The region boasts mansions of the world’s ultra-wealthy but also houses an astounding number of the world’s extremely poor. Despite the wealth that a healthy tourism industry can bring to a country and a people, many inhabitants of the Caribbean’s island nations experience extreme poverty. Here are five facts about poverty in the Caribbean.

5 Facts About Poverty in the Caribbean

  1. The Caribbean is one of the poorest regions of the world. Currently, about 32% of people in the Caribbean live below the poverty line. While one in three below the poverty line is already too many, it is not the highest rate of poverty in the world. However, because of the lack of economic growth, poverty in the Caribbean is worsening, and the Caribbean is on track to become the poorest region in the world as soon as 2050.
  2. Haiti is the poorest country in the Caribbean. Overrun by gangs, damaged by natural disasters and vulnerable to corruption, Haiti is a fragile nation. The economy often experiences crashes and has had an average of 2% negative growth over the last four years. Because of their weak economic state, people are ransacked by extreme poverty without hope of leadership or guidance from the government.
  3. Poverty in the Caribbean causes two challenges that ultimately lead to increased amounts of trafficking and other crimes — unemployment and institutional weakness. Unemployment in the Caribbean is high, averaging more than 7% across all of the countries, so many have to find ways to generate income other than a traditional job. In addition to relatively unsteady labor markets, Caribbean countries often suffer from corrupt or otherwise weak governments and unstable economies. Because these institutions are unreliable, Caribbean persons often have to resort to crime and trafficking to make money and stay out of extreme poverty.
  4. The massive dip in tourism that COVID-19 brought on shocked Caribbean economies and halted growth, even in the wealthier countries. Tourism makes up nearly a quarter of the Caribbean’s total GDP. The Caribbean depends on tourism to create jobs and continue the cycle of money in and out of the country. Because the pandemic nearly eliminated travel in all parts of the world, the Caribbean suffered from a huge cut in income for many consecutive months during the height of the pandemic. This hit to the economy increased poverty in all Caribbean countries, even those who had previously been on the road to economic success, including Barbados and Jamaica.
  5. The Caribbean depends on foreign investment to keep its economy alive. In 2021, Latin America and the Caribbean received nearly $143 billion in foreign investment. The COVID-19 pandemic decreased foreign investment because main investors like the U.S., the U.K. and Canada shifted resources from foreign investment to their domestic fights against the pandemic. An unforeseen lack of foreign aid shocked the Caribbean economy and caused many to fall below the poverty line. Since 2020, foreign aid has steadily increased but has not yet reached pre-pandemic levels and poverty rates have remained high.

Looking Ahead

Although the Caribbean is one of the poorest regions in the world with weak institutions, trafficking issues and challenges from COVID-19, the tourism industry offers these countries opportunities for economic growth. As long as the natural beauty of the region can be preserved, the Caribbean can expect a steady and even growing tourism sector that creates jobs and brings money into local economies. This sector has the power to bolster the entire region’s economy and decrease the poverty rate in many island nations.

– Suzanne Ackley 
Photo: Flickr

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The Impact of COVID-19 on Barbados

Impact of COVID-19 on Barbados
Amid the global pandemic, nations faced numerous challenges in various areas such as the economy and public health. The impact of COVID-19 on Barbados was profound, affecting the lives of its citizens and causing significant economic setbacks. In June 2021, the World Bank approved a $100 million relief effort to address the economic downturn that the pandemic in Barbados caused.

Impact on the Economy

Due to Barbados having been a popular travel destination, it comes as no shock how the halt in tourism was one of the leading factors to the increase in poverty. Its heavy dependence on the tourism industry resulted in around 40% of the workforce becoming disadvantaged; mostly women dominated in this industry.

In 2020, there was an estimated 18% decrease in the economy, accompanied by a 4% inflation rate. This inflation impacted the prices of essentials like vegetables and fish, which increased by 4.5%. Prior to the pandemic, Barbados was already grappling with GDP issues. However, the impact of COVID-19 led Barbados to act quickly. The plan to contract the real GDP to 3% is what eventually helped Barbados bounce back from what could have been devastating to the economy. In June 2021, the World Bank gave a $100 million stimulus package to Barbados in response to the pandemic’s health-related, economic and social impacts. This package also included a vaccination strategy and a program to support employment in the tourism sector.

Equity in Education

Like many other countries, the rapid impact of COVID-19 led to school closures with some schools never opening up even after the end of the pandemic. Unfortunately, for developing countries such as Barbados, the lack of infrastructural resources did not even give students the chance to continue their education remotely. This is where the challenge of equity in education presents itself.

Estimates determined that in the Caribbean alone, school closures affected at least 1.7 billion children across 21 countries. Thankfully, through the help of private-public partnerships, it did help to support access to the internet to help continue the education for most students. Though not everyone in Barbados was easily able to access this resource, it ensured 100 schools got access.

Prices and Employment

In December 2019, the unemployment rate in Barbados stood at 10.1%. However, the pandemic caused a significant increase in unemployment, particularly in the tourism sector, which accounted for 26% of the labor force. The exact number of job losses in this sector has not been fully accounted for, indicating that the actual unemployment rate is higher than reported.

Prior to the impact of COVID-19 on Barbados, unemployment was averaging around a 10% rate but following the lockdowns this number skyrocketed to 24-26% from 2020 to 2021. Barbados took account of this percentage during the 23rd week of lockdown and tourism did not restart until 2022.

The impact of closing the tourism sector was significant, even if the economy opened back up; this is based on models predicting how the GDP would look after reopening. Experts predicted that the GDP would only move to 6% in 2021 from its previous decline of 7% in 2020 during the lockdown, showing that unemployment would remain high. They also predicted that unemployment would average 12% in 2020 and decrease to only 10% in 2021.

Positive Future

Despite the challenges, Barbados has shown resilience and received support from other nations. While it will take time for the country to fully recover from the impact of COVID-19, the government is dedicated to assisting its citizens during this difficult period. The tourism sector, which the pandemic halted, is a vital source of income for Barbados. To combat the pandemic’s impact on poverty, the DCI program collaborated with Barbados to introduce the “12-month Barbados Welcome Stamp” visa. Leveraging the remote work trend, this program became the world’s first remote work visa initiative, promoted through an aggressive earned media campaign.

The Barbados government announced this program in June 2020, resulting in more than 4.8 billion impressions and 2,000 applications. The official Visit Barbados website provides information on how to apply and highlights the benefits, including the option to reapply if individuals enjoyed their initial year. This program has been successful and the website offers resources for various categories, including families, individuals and even pets, showcasing why Barbados is an ideal destination.

Looking Ahead

The impact of COVID-19 on Barbados has been significant, affecting various aspects of the country’s economy and society. The heavy reliance on tourism led to a sharp increase in poverty, as two years prior to the pandemic it was at 15% and had a 2% increase afterward. However, with international support and the resilience of its people, Barbados is taking steps toward recovery. Initiatives such as the 12-month visa program and the country’s unique cultural offerings have helped revive the tourism industry and overall economy. While the road to full recovery may be long, Barbados remains committed to supporting its citizens and welcoming visitors from around the world. Through media campaigns and highlighting its distinctive experiences, Barbados aims to rebuild its tourism sector and regain economic strength in the post-COVID-19 era.

– Isabella Polo
Photo: Flickr

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Access to Education in Sub-Saharan Africa

Access to Education in Sub-Saharan AfricaMany see education as one of the most important variables when it comes to a country investing in its future. The proliferation of educational institutions, resources and syllabi contribute to a well-rounded, literate populace capable of working in a wide range of fields and actively participating in their local communities. Unfortunately, there have been difficulties with access to education in Sub-Saharan Africa in recent years, particularly in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 Challenges

The technological solution to the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic posed is uniquely impacting sub-Saharan Africa, as more than half of the region does not have access to electricity. A 2018 UNESCO Fact Sheet revealed that nearly 20% of primary school-age sub-Saharan children are not in school, with that number rising to 58% for upper-secondary age (high-school-aged students). UNESCO predates the onset of a global pandemic that made it difficult for schools to continue to supply quality education to students, even with the support of technology. The low educational participation rate in sub-Saharan Africa, coupled with the technologization of education worldwide, has made this region of the globe an important focus of educational development going forward.

Despite advancements in technology that have supported the education of millions of students worldwide, it is difficult to argue that technology could adequately replace the teacher’s pedagogical relationship with their students when operating in person. With the closing of schools during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a rise of “private operators” in sub-Saharan Africa. These groups exist outside of government-funded compulsory education programs and take advantage of parents concerned about the education of their children.

For example, in Cameroon, private operators created tools “for the sole purpose of generating profit, to the detriment of the public education service.” This may be profitable in the short term, but it could ultimately harm the public education system by promoting state disengagement. This practice ignores the need to preserve education as a universally accessible public good, rather than a privilege afforded to the wealthy and elite.

UNESCO and SDG4

The rise of private operators poses a hindrance to UNESCO’s goal, which aims to make universal primary and secondary education accessible by 2030. When a country starts to rely on private education to provide support for national literacy and civilian competence, it could lead to the reallocation of government spending away from education and into other sectors. This is precisely what happened in Cameroon when private operators became increasingly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) is UNESCO’s initiative that focuses on education, leveraging partnerships with governments, policy guidance and monitoring to meet the goals listed on its roadmap.

SDG4 is a bold and ambitious undertaking, and yet all the more important due to the global educational setbacks that the pandemic posed. Despite the recent complications, a broader overview of the development of education in sub-Saharan Africa shows the positive trend the region has been on for the past few decades. From 1970 to 2010, the percentage of children who were able to complete primary school increased by around 50%, from 46% to 68%. Furthermore, the incorporation of research-based educational strategies, such as increased teacher accountability, structured, predetermined teacher guides, scripted lesson plans and school-provided food programs have all had positive impacts on literacy rates in countries like Kenya and Uganda.

Looking Ahead

Access to education in sub-Saharan Africa has come a long way in the past 50 years. With African participation and cooperation in programs such as UNESCO’s SDG4, as well as the incorporation of new pedagogical methods based on research findings, there is room for optimism toward the future of education access and quality, an essential preliminary step to combating a range of other social challenges, from job insecurity to political stability.

– Lucas Bunting Giordano
Photo: Flickr

Impact of COVID-19 on Poverty in Jamaica

Impact of COVID-19 on Poverty in JamaicaThe COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated poverty rates in countries all over the world, including Jamaica, one of North America’s poorest countries. An island country with a shrinking economy and high poverty rates, the impact of COVID-19 impact on poverty in Jamaica is still alive three years after the declaration of the first public health emergencies. On the other hand, the nation also showed signs of substantial progress in its recovery efforts.

COVID’s Impact on Poverty in Jamaica

Historically, Jamaica has always grappled with high poverty rates, with rates declining in recent years. However, poverty rates have increased since the start of the pandemic, completely unraveling years’ worth of work and successful efforts to combat this crisis. According to the World Bank, Jamaica’s poverty rate increased from 19% to roughly 23% in 2020. Some residents who were beginning to make ends meet in the years preceding the initial outbreaks fell below the poverty line as a result of the pandemic. Many residents are still lacking access to resources such as reliable housing and clean drinking water. Around 150,000 Jamaicans lost their jobs during the pandemic, with re-creation and rebound well underway.

COVID’s Impact on the Jamaican Economy

While enduring aftereffects less severe than some of its neighboring islands, Jamaicans are still reeling from the pandemic’s impact on the economy. The Jamaican economy has experienced its greatest contraction in history as a result of the pandemic. It has struggled to rebound since the post-pandemic era and since the distribution of vaccines and other treatment resources, undoing years’ worth of efforts to promote economic stability and fiscal responsibility.

To remain prosperous and stable, the economy relies heavily on the tourism industry, including hotels and resorts, restaurants and entertainment venues. Overall, the industry accounts for roughly 70% of the country’s GDP. However, travel restrictions from other nations adversely affected the country’s economic climate, with the economy shrinking by 5% and GDP declining by roughly 10% in 2020. As Jamaican air and sea borders prohibited the entry of international travelers, the industry began to destabilize, along with the nation’s economy. Workers in the tourism industry were forced out of their jobs as countries restricted travel and demand for their services declined. According to the Ministry of Tourism, at least 50,000 employees within the industry subsequently got laid off.

Aid and Assistance

The Jamaican government has initiated several programs and efforts to aid residents reeling from COVID’s impact on poverty in Jamaica. One of these is the COVID-19 Allocation of Resources for Employees Program, an initiative that provides cash transfers to members of the population who are the most vulnerable. About 500,000 received aid from this program, including those who lost their jobs due to the pandemic. The program provides an automatic grant of $18,000 to all who received the most recent SET Cash Grant and are unemployed as of Sept. 30, 2021.

Similarly, the Supporting Employees with Transfer of Cash program provides cash transfers to Jamaicans, after verification, who have lost their jobs on or after March 10, 2020. In 2021, the World Bank provided Jamaica with $150 million to contribute to its recovery and rebound from the pandemic. Ozan Sevimli, World Bank representative for Jamaica and Guyana, states, “The operation supports the expansion of the country’s social protection programs to benefit women and men disproportionately affected by the crisis and introduces a social pension for the elderly. It also supports measures for the recovery of affected businesses.”

Jamaica also received aid in receiving and distributing vaccinations to its citizens through COVAX, a worldwide initiative that comprises multiple health agencies working toward equitable distribution of vaccines to the population.

Recovery and Rebound

Despite being slower than most of its neighboring nations, Jamaica has made substantial progress in its post-pandemic recovery efforts. Data from the Planning Institute of Jamaica shows Jamaica surpassed pre-COVID-19 levels of economic growth and recorded its highest level of employment, with 1,269,300 citizens holding a job. In July 2022, Jamaica recorded its unemployment rate at 6.6%, lower than pre-pandemic levels. In addition, the nation’s tourism industry has almost completely rebounded. According to Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, the industry has recovered by 90%. He also looked to 2022 as a “true year of recovery.” At a celebration of the country’s 60th anniversary of independence, he proclaimed, “We expect to close 2022 having welcomed a total of 3.2 million visitors contributing more than $3 billion to our economy.” Considering the post-pandemic trends. Jamaica looks to be on its way to a more prosperous future.

– Nicholas DeLuca
Photo: Flickr

Impact of COVID-19 on Poverty in Belgium

Impact of COVID-19 on Poverty in BelgiumFrom its start, the COVID-19 pandemic toppled daily life and called for many societal changes that still linger today. Prior to the virus’ spread, a 2012 study showed 16.7% of citizens under the age of 18 were living in households with an income below the poverty line.

The impact of COVID-19 on poverty in Belgium, where the poverty line for a two-income home stands at €2,256 a month, represents a notable issue. Several key areas in the country experienced the impact of the pandemic.

Access to Education

School closures became incredibly challenging for children of low-income families because of their difficulty of access to the technology necessary for remote learning and a stable internet connection. COVID-19 posed the threat of widening the educational disparity between incomes by further displacing a cohort that was already at a disadvantage in the classroom.

In response to the difficulties, the Belgian government invested €10 million into bringing back retired teachers into the school to help make up for lost time. Additionally, schools were able to vet which students required spare equipment for the remote style of learning and equipped them as needed.

Social Impact

One of the first things to go as a consequence of the lockdowns was regular social interaction. For those already facing financial strain prior to the pandemic, the new isolation torpedoed some Belgians’ mental health and access to their support systems.

During the pandemic, 59% of the population reported feeling lonely as a result of COVID-19 mitigation. Unemployed persons or those suffering from illness have reported feeling “very lonely.”

A 2021 OCED report revealed that the response to the pandemic green-lit most of the risk factors for poor mental health, especially for those experiencing financial insecurity and lack of educational engagement. The report highlights the impact of COVID-19 on poverty in Belgium as the same report shares that levels of anxiety across the country nearly doubled, heightening the stress of an already vulnerable demographic.

Nonprofits, including Mental Health Europe, sought to improve mental health aid for people across Europe by promoting initiatives that would allocate the necessary resources. The program also provided viewers with tips to improve their well-being that does not require expensive treatment.

To combat the feelings of isolation, communities banded together to form “caring neighborhoods,” which encouraged neighbors to check in on their peers to help satisfy their needs regardless of age, a 2021 Brussels Times article said.

Health Impact

People in financial hardship faced increased difficulty accessing adequate hygiene necessities and medical attention. To ensure that all Belgians regardless of financial background were not prone to the virus, the government issued a voluntary dose of the vaccine for free. The government also promised at the start of the pandemic to ensure “social protection,” stating that citizens would have guaranteed access to health care. If citizens could not afford medical costs, they would receive allowances and credits to meet their needs.

Looking Ahead

While Belgium’s economic future remains unclear following the pandemic, the European Commission revealed a “recovery and resilience plan.” Details included €5.9 billion in grants aimed at investments accelerating the transition towards a low-carbon and “climate-resilient economy.” In addition, the plan anticipates a 0.9% rise in GDP leading into the 2026 fiscal year. Efforts like this aim to lift Belgium out of the hardships imposed by the pandemic and set the country on a path to economic progress.

– Michael Mardones
Photo: Wikimedia

The Impact of COVID-19 on Poverty in Cambodia

Impact of COVID-19 on Poverty in CambodiaPrior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cambodia’s economy started to make an upturn due to economic growth from tourism, exports and rising wages. Poverty in Cambodia had dropped dramatically since 2009: median household income and GDP increased significantly and indicated an upward trend. However, the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic set back the economic progress that Cambodia had made over the past decade.

Unemployment in Cambodia

A substantial rise in unemployment, particularly in the nation’s informal sector, took place as a result of the pandemic. The informal sector of a nation’s economy is traditionally defined as an economic sector that is neither taxed nor monitored by the government. Within Cambodia, this takes the form of service work, as well as labor in agriculture and construction. Presently available data places Cambodia’s workforce employed in the nation’s informal sector at anywhere from 80% to 93%. Around one in five workers in Cambodia’s informal sector lost their jobs due to closings, layoffs and decreased demand. Unemployment levels in the informal sector continue to remain higher than they were pre-pandemic. The rise in unemployment in turn resulted in a rise in poverty in Cambodia.

Furthermore, tourism also fell, causing significant economic losses. International visitors dropped by about 80% in 2020, causing many businesses to cease operations, lose significant revenue and business and lay off workers. This impacted businesses, from travel agencies to street food vendors. While the Cambodian government is working to offset these economic losses and independent agencies have put together recovery plans, recovery has been slow for many within the tourism industry. Many are struggling to reassert their footing in an economy that has changed so fundamentally within the past three years.

Recovery Initiatives in Cambodia

Even with the substantial negative effects that the COVID-19 virus had on the economy in Cambodia, government initiatives have worked to mitigate some of the impacts of the pandemic. One of the most notable is the country’s new cash transfer program. Implemented in June 2020, the program’s benefits have been incredibly significant. The Cash Transfer Program acted as a safety net for those classified as poor under the country’s IDPoor system, as well as for children (5 years old and younger), the elderly and the disabled. An analysis performed by the United Nations Development Program found that the cash transfer program resulted in economic growth. Poverty in Cambodia was also reduced and metrics for food security, economic productivity and health and wellness improved. The program reached over 600,000 households and over 2.7 million people across the country.

In addition, there are non-profits and NGOs working to mitigate the worst effects of poverty in Cambodia. For example, the organization M’Lop Tapang provides education, meals, community support and medical care to impoverished families and at-risk youth within Cambodia. It partners with the Cambodian government as well as several NGOs to help those most in need. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the poverty rate in Cambodia was 17.8%. Poverty in Cambodia has increased to include approximately 460,000 more people classified as poor. M’Lop Tapang helped during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering food to hundreds of needy families.

Looking Ahead

There is no doubt that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was economically disastrous for the people of Cambodia. However, Cambodia continues to improve economically one day at a time, and a return to exceptional growth for the people and economy of Cambodia looks to be a matter of ‘when’ and not ‘if.’

– Alexander Pommells
Photo: Flickr