Archive for category: Developing Countries

Information and stories about developing countries.

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Poverty and Electricity in Indonesia

Electricity in IndonesiaAs of March 2023, Indonesia faces significant challenges, with 25.9 million of its populace living in poverty. The country struggles with inadequate housing, insufficient access to clean water and frequent food shortages. Additionally, 30 million people lack reliable electricity in Indonesia, for heating or cooking. The government recognizes the urgency of this issue. It is striving to provide essential electrical services to households in dire need.

Generating Wealth Through Electricity

On March 1, 2024, BPS reported an 8.47% increase in food prices, significantly affecting staples such as rice, peppers and oils. This price hike further exacerbates the challenges faced by Indonesia’s impoverished communities. In response, many are focusing on energy costs to secure adequate heating and cooking resources.

Proper energy access can boost household income by 21% and reduce the yearly poverty rate by 1.5%. The installation, training and maintenance of energy facilities and outreach properties generate jobs. Between 2.1 and 3.7 million jobs are estimated to be created by 2030 in Indonesia’s mission for cleaner and more efficient energy. Significant employment and distribution of energy in Indonesia are under review as it transitions to clean energy compared to its recent 61.5% reliance on coal for energy.

The Renewable Energy Skills Development Project

With clean energy in scope, Indonesia is heavily investing in skills development through the Renewable Energy Skills Development Project. This initiative aims to train and increase the number of qualified staff for the planning, maintenance and design of energy plants. This will ensure that expertise is more accessible. By providing education and higher-paying job opportunities in the energy sector, the project not only improves energy accessibility but also boosts household incomes.

The positive impacts are substantial. Developing a skilled renewable energy workforce positions Indonesia as a global leader in sustainable energy. Additionally, it will enhance energy security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Economically, higher household incomes increase consumer spending, stimulate local businesses and foster economic growth. Improved financial stability leads to better access to education and health care, enhancing overall quality of life.

The focus on renewable energy attracts innovation and foreign investment, further driving economic development. This comprehensive investment in skills development and renewable energy ensures sustainable economic growth, better living standards and a healthier environment for future generations, highlighting the extensive benefits of this strategic initiative.

Policies and Electricity in Indonesia

Indonesia’s Electricity Law ensures affordable, high-quality electricity, prioritizing domestic energy for sustainability. Law No. 15 of 1985 allowed limited IPP participation, expanded by Law No. 20 of 2002. However, this was revoked in 2004 to keep control under the government. Law No. 30 of 2009 confirmed PLN (State Electricity Company) as the primary provider, though private businesses can now obtain supply licenses. Regulations from 2006 to 2013 introduced feed-in tariffs for renewable energy, requiring PLN to purchase from small- and medium-scale sources.

The Indonesian government plans to leverage the power sector to achieve emission reductions in line with NDC targets. With a current 5% growth in demand driven by a 5-6% increase in electricity consumption, Indonesia has significant potential for solar energy. The government aims to achieve a primary energy mix of 23% from new and renewable resources by 2025, increasing to 31% by 2050. This is outlined in Presidential Regulation No. 22/2017 on the General Plan for National Energy (RUEN). This transition is supported by the 2022 regulations that endorsed energy transfer policies.

– Demi Olin

Demi is based in Huntington, WV, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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The Socioeconomic Situation of Children in Syria

Children in SyriaFor a little more than a decade, the children of Syria have continued to bear the blows of the country’s socioeconomic and political crisis. In 2022, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) revealed that around 2.4 million Syrian children no longer attend school, while an additional 1.6 million children were tethering with the idea of dropping out. The lack of adequate funding from the Syrian government has only worsened this epidemic since the national budget for education dropped from 7.1% in 2021 to 3.6% in 2022. Poverty within the family unit thus forces all members to become active contributors, children included.

Children Bear the Burden

Syria remains a country deeply devastated by the ravages of war, with more than 90% of its population living in poverty. A study conducted in 2022 by UNICEF concluded that an estimated 14.6 million Syrian civilians were in need of humanitarian aid. The most affected of this group of individuals was children, with more than 6.5 million in need of assistance.

Syrian children bear the burden of the conflict as many are forcibly pulled from school and thrust into the labor force in an attempt to salvage their family’s crumbling economic state. The Syrian Response Coordination Group detailed that child labor remains an ongoing issue in Syria, specifically among the displaced. The group reported that more than 37% of children between the ages of 14 and 17 are active participants in the labor force.

The humanitarian group also reveals that of the 85% of Syrian children who no longer attend school, 318,000 sought work. Though the exact professions vary, some include physically compromising trades. Young boys occupy positions in these dangerous trades, while young girls tend to take up work in agricultural fields. Bassel Muhammad, a shopkeeper in Idlib City, tells Syria Direct, “No business is empty of children, to say nothing of street vendors.” Muhammad then shares that he has employed two children, one 13 and the other 15, both of whom have left school to provide for their families.

A Changed Generation

Though child poverty persists in Syria, various initiatives have been taken to combat it. In 2013, UNICEF and World Vision joined forces to create No Lost Generation, a program that campaigns for the rights of Syrian youth. With the financial support of various donors, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and United Nations (U.N.) agencies, the initiative focuses on education and child protection.

Another initiative advocating for the rights of Syrian children is Mart Team, a Damascus-based charity. Through its campaign “Aqlamouna Amalouna,” meaning “Hope in our pens,” the charity aims to provide aid to students in need. In an interview conducted by Arab News, Marwan Alrez, the General Manager of Mart Team, states, “Parents have told us that schools demand hefty fees, prompting many of them to remove their children from school and force them into the labor market in order to contribute to household earnings.”

Alrez reveals that the average cost of school supplies for a single student is around 200,000 Syrian pounds, an estimated equivalent of $16. This places a great strain on the average Syrian household since many employed individuals only earn 185,940 Syrian pounds (about $14.8) monthly. Alrez’s charity initiative has helped an estimated 300 primary students meet their needs, whether for school supplies or school fees.

World Vision has also focused on the cause of Syrian children and developed six educational-based projects. These projects provide children in need with lunches, hygiene packages and school supplies. Furthermore, the Syrian government has noted this growing issue and has asked that schools be more lenient with their demands, whether regarding uniform policies or certain school supplies.

Final Remark

Adele Khor, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, proclaims, “A generation of children in Syria have already paid an unbearable price for this conflict.” Despite all of the admirable efforts from various groups, the Syrian children’s plight remains an issue. 

– Yasmine Nowroozi

Yasmine is based in Laval, Quebec, Canada and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Inequitable Asthma Deaths in Low-And-Middle-Income Countries

Asthma DeathsAsthma is a chronic lung disease with many recognizable symptoms, such as chest tightness, wheezing, coughing and inflammation of the lungs. It affects both adults and children and is a noncommunicable disease (NCD), meaning it cannot be caught. However, it does run in families and there are a number of factors that can elevate the risk of developing it. Despite available treatments, it remains “the most common chronic disease among children” and in 2019, there were 455,000 asthma deaths globally. Even milder cases, when they go untreated, can cause people to miss work or school due to symptoms like fatigue and poor concentration. A common knock-on effect of these absences is a negative impact on many families’ finances, which can exacerbate or even cause cycles of poverty.

Disproportionate Asthma Deaths

Underdiagnosis and under-treatment remain a major hurdle in managing the disease effectively. A study published in the “Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology” revealed that only 10% of people with asthma symptoms in Uganda had a formal diagnosis. The effect of this is shown starkly as the “Ugandan asthma mortality rate of 19 deaths per 1000 person-years is 90 times that of the United Kingdom (U.K.).” This is not unique to Uganda, as 90% of asthma deaths occur in low-middle-income countries.

While it is believed that “there is no logical biological rationale for asthma to differ between countries according to their income alone,” the environment can have a drastic impact. A fetus exposed to factors such as smoke, air pollution and antibiotics in utero is more likely to experience asthma and these conditions are often found in urban, lower-income environments.

What Is Being Done?

The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) has organized World Asthma Day since 1998. It advocates education as a partial solution to asthma. Since 2014, the organization has been funded entirely by people purchasing its resources. Some of the organization’s objectives include “increasing awareness of asthma and its public health consequences” and “improving availability and accessibility of effective asthma therapy.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) also advocates for empowering asthmatics (and those who live with them) through education. It believes that increased knowledge in areas such as symptom management, triggers and how to administer medicines will not only reduce health costs but also reduce absences from school and work, resulting in fewer hospitalizations and, ultimately, asthma deaths.

The Good News

The good news is that convenient treatments for asthma have been available since the invention of the inhaler in 1956. Additionally, in 2023, the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Airsupra inhalation aerosol “to reduce the risk of asthma attacks in patients with asthma 18 years of age” and above. However, while there is some difficulty with using inhalers in emergencies or with children, WHO has found that homemade spacers made from plastic bottles “can be as effective” as manufactured ones.

New treatments for asthma continue to be developed. The SHAMAL study in 2023 showed that the use of injected benralizumab every four to six weeks allows more than 90% of patients to decrease their use of steroids, thus reducing the prevalence of undesirable side effects. While the study needs to be corroborated, it may be the start of more “biologic” treatments for people living with asthma.

Final Remark

The fight against asthma is far from over. Yet, with the development of new treatments and hard work being done on the ground educating not only people with asthma but their families and health care professionals, we are working toward a future where asthma-related deaths are a thing of the past.

– Rachael Denton-Snape

Rachael is based in High Wycombe, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Freepik

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5 Poverty Fighting Nongovernmental Organizations Based in India

Nongovernmental Organizations Based in IndiaIndia is currently the fifth-largest economy globally, with a peak gross domestic product (GDP) of 8.4%. Despite this remarkable economic advancement, approximately 3.4 million civilians in India are still living in extreme poverty. Poverty in both rural and urban India has left millions of families without adequate drinking water and has led to persistent food insecurity. The deteriorating socioeconomic opportunities for families living below the poverty line have hindered their ability to achieve a decent standard of living. However, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) based in India have shown dedication to alleviating the distress of impoverished families through empowerment programs and social support. These five grassroots organizations work to transform the lives of hundreds of communities burdened with socioeconomic disadvantages.

End Poverty

End Poverty (EP) is a civil society organization established in India in 2009. Its main goal is to mobilize rural communities to improve their socioeconomic well-being. Given that India’s rural population accounts for nearly 65% of the total population, EP is dedicated to enhancing rural infrastructures through various social interventions.

For instance, EP has endorsed the Holistic Rural Development Project (HRDP) alongside the HDFC bank to revitalize village area opportunities through educational services and agricultural skills training, such as multi-cropping techniques. The HRDP initiative has reached nearly 17 states across India and has triumphantly assisted more than 1,100.

Aarohan

Since its founding in 2005, Aarohan has been fulfilling its mission of supporting child-focused rights and protection. Through intensive research and surveys, the NGO has prioritized healthy development for impoverished children. The organization compartmentalizes multiple sustainable development goals (SDGs) while enforcing food security, health care access and efficient education in its projects.

In particular, Aaarohan’s “Education Program Approach” promoted academic stability for impoverished children in concurrence with nutritional consistency. It has also endorsed vocational training, such as computer skills and financial literacy. This ensures that all individuals who aspire to, can pursue further employment opportunities. This organization has positively influenced more than 7,000 children and has demonstrated a holistic approach to poverty relief through the integration of SDGs in its work.

Dilasa

This agricultural NGO was established in 1994 and is acknowledged for collaborating with 25 other NGOs based in India, working to alleviate poverty. Dilasa has taken on hands-on projects such as building and distributing temporary shelters, housing sheds and educational resources. These projects have touched the lives of more than 2,334 families across the villages of the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions.

Dilasa is also instrumental in its agency for farmer welfare. This organization has successfully set up a farmer support center in Mumbai that has aided women farmers. It has promoted agricultural techniques such as protective irrigation to store rainwater. By doing so, farmers can acquire a stable income that will maintain an adequate standard of living.

Vimochana

Vimochana is a women’s focused NGO based in India. This organization was established in 1979 and has dedicated its mission to establishing security for women who come from distressing environments for vulnerable women. Vimochana has supported women who have experienced societal injustices such as poverty, domestic violence and sexual exploitation. Through the force of advocacy, Vimochana has empowered more than 30,000 women.

Rainbow Homes Program

Formed in 2002 by the Rainbow Foundation India, the Rainbow Homes Program’s agenda is to protect the homeless children in urban India. With more than 18 million vulnerable children working on the streets of India, the nonprofit primarily focuses on caring for children who have been abandoned or forced to live on the streets in the country’s metropolitan cities.

The Rainbow Homes Program remains focused on creating community centers and children’s homes alongside the help of the public sector. This program has extended to approximately 5,601 children and adolescents across India.

These nongovernmental organizations based in India have demonstrated the resilience and effort needed to fight poverty and associated social injustices in the country.

– Abigail Lobo

Abigail is based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Tobacco in Vietnam: A Cause and a Symptom of Poverty

Tobacco in VietnamVietnam is considered a developing country with a lower middle-income economy. Historically, the Vietnamese considered tobacco a means to materially signify “social status, convey respect and support social rituals.” Today, Vietnam is considered one of the highest tobacco-consuming nations in the world, with more than 40,000 premature Vietnamese deaths per year attributed to smoking.

Smoking as a Symptom of Poverty

Socioeconomic inequality can be inherently linked to levels of tobacco consumption. A 2012 study by the National Institute of Health found that poorer men in society were 2.5 more likely to smoke than the wealthier male population. The World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control found that more than “80% of the world’s smokers” reside in “low or middle-income countries.” This is supported by the fact that only 29.1% of Vietnam’s wealthier quintiles smoke daily, compared to 47.9% in the poorer sectors.

The damaging physical and mental impacts of cigarette use further support an argument for tobacco as an indicator of poverty. Nicotine addiction results in Vietnam’s most impoverished citizens consuming tobacco to “reduce the stress of social isolation, economic hardship, prior trauma and the loss of power and status.” Vietnam’s predominantly higher rates of tobacco consumption can be correlated directly with its status as a lower economically developed country.

Smoking as a Cause of Poverty

Cigarettes are not only an indicator of poverty in Vietnam but also a contributing cause of such. A 2018 study found that tobacco-related expenditure increased the number of Vietnamese people considered poor by 305,090 (0.31% of the country’s population). Expenditure on cigarettes exacerbates already stretched budgets in low-income households. A WHO study identified three characteristics of tobacco-related expenses that could amplify the troubles of necessitous households:

  • the reduction of disposable income due to tobacco-related purchases,
  • the loss of household income due to premature mortality and
  • higher expenditure on health care expenses due to the health implications of smoking.

The morbidity and mortality associated with cigarettes aggravates the financial struggles of tobacco-smoking households. Developing countries, like Vietnam, do not have the health care infrastructures in place to support the prevalence of tobacco-induced ailments. Vietnam’s “weak” social insurance system and “expensive” health care means there is a higher risk of smokers and their families falling below the poverty line.

National and International Tobacco Corporations

The tobacco industry employs various tactics to maximize profits, both nationally and internationally. In 2022, a state-owned company, Vietnam National Tobacco Corporation (Vinataba), had the largest share in the national Vietnamese cigarette market, at 58%. This contextualizes the finding that Vietnam has one of the lowest tobacco taxes in Southeast Asia, higher only than Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar.

In 2021, Vietnam imported more than $242 million worth of tobacco from companies such as Philip Morris International (PMI) and Japan Tobacco International (JTI). The multinational tobacco industry recognizes the female population of Vietnam as an untapped industry. As a result, these companies relentlessly target this societal sector through advertising campaigns that associate cigarettes with “fashion, glamor, independence and empowerment.”

However, female tobacco consumption in Vietnam is significantly lower than the male population, at an estimated 4.3% of women compared to a staggering 72.8% of men. While tobacco use is largely gendered, it is recorded that 48% of women are exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke at home and 25% suffer exposure at work. It is also documented that 19,000 Vietnamese citizens have died as a result of passive smoking, with 60% of these being women.

Steps Toward a Smoke-Free Future

The Vietnam National Tobacco Harm Prevention and Control Program aims to reduce tobacco use in Vietnam by raising public awareness of the social, financial, environmental and health consequences of cigarettes. It focuses primarily on younger age groups (between 15 and 24 years old). The program has numerous aims, including a reduction of passive smoking by 30% in the workplace, 75% in restaurants and 80% in cafes and bars between 2026 and 2030.

Through collaborations with international organizations and liaison with local agencies, this initiative has launched media campaigns and school initiatives that promote a smoke-free future for upcoming generations in Vietnam.

Final Remark

Smoking is an epidemic in Vietnam and can be correlated directly with poverty levels. However, the health dangers and economic implications of smoking are being recognized, a recognition that has seen measurable improvements in tobacco-related repercussions. From 2015 to 2022, Vietnam has reduced the number of smokers by 0.85, preventing 280,000 premature deaths and saving 1.277 trillion Vietnamese dongs ($54.4 million). Tackling tobacco abuse has the inherent impact of alleviating poverty in marginalized Vietnamese communities.

– Thea Carter

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

Photo: Flickr

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Women’s Rights Issues in Tuvalu

Women's Rights Issues in TuvaluSituated in the vast Pacific Ocean halfway between Hawaii and Australia, Tuvalu is one of the world’s smallest, most remote island nations, made up of slightly more than 11,000 people, all living on a mere 26 square kilometers of land. Women in Tuvalu encounter challenges across various aspects of daily life, including representation in government, participation in the economy and the risk of violence in the household. Here are three big women’s rights issues in Tuvalu:

Underrepresentation in Parliament

Tuvalu gained independence from Britain in 1978 and since then, only three women have been elected as members of the Tuvalu Parliament. Most recently, in the general election of 2019, only 5.4% of candidates were women and only one was successfully elected. Tradition and cultural norms are factors as to why women are not represented in the government as much as men. Traditionally, it is the belief that women should take care of domestic labor while men dominate the workforce. While this belief is not a hard and fast rule, it does bleed into governance as women are excluded and limited from decision-making in local governmental participation.

In addition, family ties and connections play a big role in who gets elected, as there are no formal campaigns or parties. Although progress toward improving equal representation in the government has been made, tangible improvements toward this goal in terms of a permanent legislature have yet to be made. Exclusion from decision-making marginalizes women’s influence on the legislature that addresses issues that directly affect them, such as poverty, poor education and underemployment. By including women in government, these pressing issues like poverty could be directly confronted.

Economic Disparity

In Tuvalu, women’s participation in the workforce remains unequal to that of men. According to the World Bank, in 2023, young women from the ages of 15 to 24 made up only 43% of the workforce, while young men made up 53%. Additionally, the unemployment rate for women was 16.2% and 4.6% for men in 2022. In terms of education, 37.4% of women were not in training, employment or education. The lack of women in the labor force keeps Tuvaluan women in a cycle of economic inequality and poverty. Addressing these issues could lead to a more productive workforce and economic development that not only helps improve the lives of low-income women but also of the community.

Gender-Based Violence

In Tuvaluan society, nearly 36% of women between 15 and 49 reported experiencing physical violence from a partner within their lifetimes, with 24.3% of women stating that they experienced violence within the 12 months before the report. Violence, including physical, sexual and emotional forms, significantly impacts the lives of Tuvalu women. These women might have a harder time accessing money or making any financial decisions, which can contribute to their financial dependency and their exposure to poverty.

Looking into the Future

While these major areas of society need women to be included to improve, one organization is working on building a better future for the island and women’s rights issues in Tuvalu. The Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP) focuses on building infrastructure to protect and raise the island away from rising sea levels due to climate change. A huge component of this project is advocating for women to speak up in the government and community spaces.

The project focuses on supporting women through education, offering scholarships and helping them obtain governing positions. Two female recipients have already been placed into universities abroad thanks to this program. Additionally, TCAP has created 100 new jobs that not only fight against island erosion but also prioritize female applicants to maintain a 50-50 gender balance. TCAP trains women in the relevant skills to boost their careers and also gives them a platform for their existing streams of income, which typically come from selling handicrafts.

– Rachel Venable

Rachel is based in Berkeley, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Jaco Swanepoel: A South African Transforming the Slums of India

Jaco SwanepoelIndia has a whopping population of nearly 1.5 billion people and this number is continuously on the rise. This has inevitably led to a large section of the population being underemployed and living in unsustainable financial situations. Nearly one in five people in India live in multidimensional poverty, while hundreds of millions lack adequate nutrition, sanitation, housing and good cooking facilities. However, this grim picture has a bright side as well. According to a global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) study at Oxford, 415 million people have left poverty in India in the last 15 years, which paints a very hopeful picture. Such results have been possible because of a number of philanthropists and social workers and one such person is Jaco Swanepoel, a South African who is passionately fighting poverty in India.

The Mission

For more than a year, Jaco Swanepoel has immersed himself in the vibrant yet challenging landscapes of India, dedicated to uplifting the lives of those grappling with poverty. His journey, marked by relentless effort and a compassionate heart, has touched the lives of thousands, particularly among the slum dwellers and the most marginalized communities.

Swanepoel’s mission is not just about providing immediate relief but also about creating lasting change and empowering local populations to sustain themselves. His work exemplifies the profound impact of humanitarian efforts that transcend international borders.

A Year of Transformative Work

Jaco Swanepoel’s commitment to helping the underprivileged has led him to some of the most deprived areas in India. In the past year, he has provided meals to between 900 and 1,100 children living in garbage dumps and to residents of leprosy colonies. These are places where necessities are scarce and survival is a daily struggle. The sight of children rummaging through heaps of trash for food is a stark reminder of the extreme poverty that exists in these regions.

By offering nutritious meals, Swanepoel not only fills their stomachs but also brings hope and dignity to these young lives. His work in leprosy colonies is equally significant. Though curable, leprosy still carries a severe social stigma in many parts of India. Affected individuals are often ostracized from their communities, leading to a life of isolation and neglect. Swanepoel’s presence and assistance in these colonies help break down these barriers, fostering a sense of inclusion and care.

A Vision for Sustainable Impact

Swanepoel’s mission is far from over. He plans to spend another 9 to 12 months in India, traveling to cities like Varanasi and Delhi, which are hubs of both rich cultural heritage and stark economic disparity. His future endeavors will focus on not just providing immediate aid but also empowering communities through training and education. By equipping people with the tools and knowledge they need to sustain themselves, Swanepoel aims to foster self-sufficiency and resilience.

Education and vocational training are central to his approach. In slum areas, where access to quality education is limited, Swanepoel plans to set up learning centers and workshops. These initiatives will provide children and adults with the skills necessary to improve their socioeconomic status. For instance, teaching basic literacy and numeracy can open up new job opportunities. Similarly, vocational training in areas such as tailoring, carpentry or digital literacy can enable individuals to start their own businesses or find better employment.

The Global Impact of Humanitarian Work

Swanepoel’s work highlights a crucial aspect of humanitarianism: the idea that helping humanity is not restricted by international borders. Poverty, illness and suffering are universal challenges that require a global response. Swanepoel, originally from South Africa, has shown that compassion and solidarity can bridge the distance between continents. His efforts in India have not only benefited local communities but have also inspired people around the world to contribute to global causes.

Furthermore, the ripple effect of Swanepoel’s work extends far beyond the immediate aid he provides. By raising awareness about the issues faced by slum dwellers and impoverished communities, he encourages a broader understanding and response to these challenges. His stories and experiences shared through social media and other platforms can mobilize support from both local and international organizations. Increased awareness often leads to increased funding and resources, which are crucial for sustaining long-term development projects.

Final Remark

As Jaco Swanepoel continues his journey across India, his legacy will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact. The communities he touches will not only remember his kindness but also carry forward the knowledge and skills he imparts. By empowering individuals to sustain themselves, he creates a foundation for ongoing improvement and development. His mission is a testament to the power of one person to drive change and inspire others to do the same.

– Sakshi Bhagat

Sakshi os based in Kolkata, West Bengal, India and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Inclusive and Quality Education in Ghana

Quality Education in GhanaThe Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a global commitment to eradicate poverty and promote peace and prosperity. SDG four focuses on quality education. It aims to ensure inclusive and equitable education for all and to foster lifelong learning opportunities. Ghana has made significant strides in its pursuit of quality education, achieving near-universal access to basic education.

Since 2000, Ghana has had a gross enrollment rate of more than 100%. It has attained gender parity in primary education, with notable, though more modest, gains in secondary education. The country has provided an effective educational environment through several policies and strategies, one of which includes its Inclusive Education (IE) policy framework.

Inclusive Education (IE) Policy Framework

Ghana’s IE policy goes beyond the concept of physical location, embodying core values that promote participation, friendship and interaction. This policy acknowledges Ghanaians’ diverse educational needs and requires all stakeholders in the education sector to address these varied needs. This policy was established to ensure the full inclusion of people with disabilities (PWD).

Ghana’s educational sector was surveyed to gauge public perception of inclusive education to measure the impact of the policy. The survey analysis revealed progress in the enrollment of children with special educational needs (SEN). Additionally, students without disabilities have become more accepting of their special needs classmates. This progress is attributed to ongoing orientation on the IE Policy, capacity-building activities related to IE practices and sensitization on inclusion and diversity at all levels.

The Free Senior High School Program

Fee removal has become a popular policy to improve access to secondary education, with Ghana being among the countries implementing this practice. The Free Senior High School (SHS) program, established in September 2017, provides new opportunities for children who previously were unable to continue their education beyond junior high school. The program is dedicated to removing cost barriers, ensuring equality and equity and expanding school infrastructure.

This initiative resulted in an 11% increase in enrolment. Before the program’s implementation, during the 2016/17 academic year, 11,336 out of 420,135 students could not enroll in senior high school due to financial constraints. After the program’s introduction in the 2017/18 academic year, this number decreased to 62,453 out of 424,224 students, indicating increased access to senior high school education.

The Secondary Education Improvement Project (SEIP)

This project was established by the World Bank in Ghana, with the Ghana Education Sector (GES) as a key development partner. The project is known as the first World Bank education initiative in Ghana and it utilizes a results-based financing strategy. It addresses limitations related to the availability and provision of educational resources and infrastructure. This is achieved by constructing new schools in districts lacking public schools. This project also addresses challenges that prevent individuals and communities from accessing education.  This is achieved through scholarships and bursaries for low-income students, particularly girls; these were adapted into bursaries following the introduction of free secondary education in 2017, covering expenses such as transportation and school supplies.

Additionally, targeted in-service training for teachers enhances the quality of science and mathematics education. At the same time, performance partnerships with schools promote increased accountability. Information and Communications Technology (ICT) solutions support learning, with beneficiary schools selected using specific criteria to ensure pro-poor targeting. This project witnessed the transition rates from lower secondary to higher secondary schools in the poorest districts. Rates rose from 39% in 2014 to 72% in 2019. Also, the construction of 21 new senior secondary schools and the rehabilitation of 125 others has substantially expanded the availability of educational spaces. This has created approximately 43,000 additional seats between 2014 and May 2020. From 2014 to 2019, at least 20,000 low-income students received scholarships/bursaries, alleviating financial barriers to education.

– Teniola Yusuf

Teniola is based in the UK and focuses on World News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Peru’s Inclusive Growth Agenda

Peru's Inclusive Growth AgendaPeru is a country full of cultural heritage and natural resources. Yet, it has also constantly struggled with issues of poverty and socioeconomic disparities. The Peruvian government responded to this issue and led a serious campaign toward fostering economic growth that includes all people.

Addressing Poverty

One major objective of Peru’s Inclusive Growth Agenda is reducing poverty. The government has issued several policies and programs targeting the most vulnerable. An example is the Juntos program, launched in 2005, which consists of the payment of conditional cash transfers to impoverished households, conditioned by satisfaction of specific stipulations like schooling and health check-ups. This would imply that studies by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) have established the effect of Juntos on steeply reducing poverty rates, particularly in rural areas where poverty is more entrenched.

Improving Access to Education and Health Care

Quality education and accessible health services are key factors in poverty reduction. Peru has strived far to improve access to such services through the initiative of Qali Warma, a school food program in the country since 2013 that emphasizes the nourishment of children and their school attendance.

Similarly, Seguro Integral de Salud, which translates to Comprehensive Health Insurance, was launched in 2002 and includes health insurance coverage for low-income families. These two programs have ensured that, as reported by the World Bank, more and more marginal communities are sending their children to schools and, in cases of need, seeking medical treatment.

Creating Employment Opportunities

Unemployment and underemployment continue to be major problems in Peru, particularly among the youth and female population. Therefore, job creation remains at the top of the government’s agenda with large programs such as Proempleo and Construyendo Perú.

Proempleo offers training and support to the most vulnerable to find employment. So far, the initiative has helped more than 100,000 people. At the same time, Construyendo Perú focuses on infrastructure projects to generate employment in underserved areas. The International Labor Organization (ILO) paper demonstrates that the program played a significant role in reducing unemployment and fostering social inclusion.

Enhancing Social Protection Mechanisms

Social protection systems have thus gained importance in shielding vulnerable populations from economic shocks. Peru has increased social protection through programs such as Pension 65 and Life Insurance (Seguro de Vida). The former offers cash transfers for elderly citizens in poverty, while the latter offers life insurance to low-income households.

Even though the Inclusive Growth Agenda in Peru has scored some successes, there are still challenges to be considered. The regional inequalities are still significant; for example, in indicators of development, rural areas trail far behind their urban counterparts. Secondly, the COVID-19 pandemic only stressed the previous weaknesses. It once again urged further initiatives that will assure growth with inclusiveness and resilience.

Conclusion

Peru’s Inclusive Growth Agenda has been the most laudable in seeking to address poverty and ensure sustainable development. Its government has done a lot to achieve better access to education, health, employment opportunities and social protection through well-focused policies and programs.

Further, evaluation on a continuous basis and adaptation to the prevailing circumstances remain to be done in dealing with the challenges that are still current and paving the way for the benefits of development to include all societal strata.

– Honorine Lanka Perera

Honorine is based in Highlands, NJ, USA and focuses on World News and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Refugee Employment Programs in Jordan

Refugee Employment Programs in JordanJordan is home to more than 700,000 refugees of different nationalities, including Syrians and Palestinians. In response to the refugee crisis, Jordan has implemented several programs to address the employment needs of its refugee populations. The Jordanian government has recognized the urgent need to integrate refugees into the labor market. Therefore, in collaboration with international organizations and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), it has introduced a range of customized refugee employment programs in Jordan.

​​Jordan Compact

This landmark deal, concluded in 2016 between Jordan and the international community, aims to create jobs for Jordanians and Syrian refugees. The Compact aims to spur economic growth that will eventually generate jobs through instruments such as preferential trade access and financial assistance. A World Bank study cited the role of the Compact in economic resilience and improving the livelihood of refugees and the communities hosting them. 

Cash for Work Programs

Cash for Work programs by agencies like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Mercy Corps entail the short-term employment of refugees in sectors that include agriculture, construction and infrastructure development. Apart from offering a source of income to the refugees, the programs provide back-to-community development initiatives. The International Labor Organization (ILO) believes that cash-for-work programs have helped and they continue to have a huge impact on poverty alleviation and the promotion of social cohesion. 

Vocational Training and Skill Development

Since skill development is an important factor in refugees’ employability, Jordan has taken steps to increase investments in vocational training programs. Programs such as the Vocational Training and Employment Services for Syrian Refugees within the Jordan Compact help provide refugees with market-relevant skills that will be relevant in their labor markets. According to a UNHCR study, vocational training facilitates integration and self-reliance for refugees. 

Challenges and Opportunities

The challenges persist, even though the programs of Jordanian refugee employment are making some strides. Other main barriers to the integration of refugees relate to limited access to formal employment opportunities, legal restrictions on the employment of refugees and competition with hosts. The economic shock from COVID-19 will exacerbate the existing vulnerabilities, so sustained support and investment in refugee livelihoods will be crucial.

Employment programming for refugees in Jordan has been one of the most crucial steps toward meeting economic and social needs among displaced populations. These programs not only reduce the poverty burden among the refugees by providing access to employment but also socially integrate them into the Jordanian community. Continuous efforts in this regard will help overcome the prevailing challenges and ensure long-term refugee livelihoods.

– Honorine Lanka Perera

Honorine is based in Highland, NY, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr