Archive for category: Developing Countries

Information and stories about developing countries.

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A Spotlight on StrongMinds’ Mental Health Initiatives in Africa

StrongMinds' mental health initiativesOften overlooked in the broader landscape of global health initiatives, mental health plays a pivotal role in shaping communities and individuals. With competing health and development priorities, mental health often takes the backseat, with more visible health ailments taking the stage. As of 2021, 66 million women suffer from depression and anxiety disorders in Africa, while 85% of women do not have access to treatment. With a firm grip on the complexities of mental health, StrongMinds’ mental health initiatives have fostered an inclusive environment where communities can address mental health in a culturally relevant way.

Specifically dedicated to addressing the frequently overlooked issue of depression, particularly impacting women in the region, StrongMinds sets itself apart as a singular organization scaling a cost-effective solution to the prevailing mental health challenges. Established in 2013, the organization operates strategically in Uganda and Zambia. What distinguishes StrongMinds is its dedication to the cause and its unique position as the sole organization implementing a scalable and cost-effective solution to the depression epidemic in Africa. Through partnerships and collaboration with NGOs and government entities, StrongMinds efficiently scales access to depression treatment, reaching communities utilizing a priceless resource — the community. 

The Borgen Project had the opportunity to speak with StrongMinds’ Acting Uganda Country Director, Vincent Mujune, who is actively involved in the organization’s mission. In the interview, Mujune delves into the inspiration behind StrongMinds’ exclusive focus on women, the vital role of community health volunteers, the importance of mental health in development, destigmatization strategies, the success of group therapy and the organization’s unique approach.

Impact of Depression on Women’s Lives

The foundation of StrongMinds is rooted in recognition of the staggering impact of depression on women’s lives – about twice as many women as men experience depression. “When a woman is depressed, she works less, she may experience physical ailments, and she will even disengage from her family and community. And when a woman is depressed, the negative outcomes can extend to her children, who are more likely to miss school or have poor physical and mental health themselves,” Mujune says.

Tailored Therapy and Women Empowerment

Mujune discussed how the benefit of tailored therapy for women stems much further than just the women themselves in the community, “Conversely, when a woman recovers from depression, our data show that she is able to work more, provide her children with more regular meals and schooling, and she will generally feel more connected to others in her community.” Women from StrongMinds’ mental health initiatives further reduce the stigmatization in the community by speaking out on their personal experiences with mental health and opening a space in which others can reach out to receive help. “We like to say that when a woman recovers from depression, she changes the world around her.”

The Role of Community Health Workers

StrongMinds’ mental health initiatives not only utilize health professionals to treat depression but also the community as a whole. The involvement of community members, mainly community health volunteers, is integral to the success of StrongMinds’ therapy model. “Through psychoeducation and awareness-raising, community members help create a safe space that reduces stigma and encourages women with depression to seek help. Social support is a crucial element to helping women overcome isolation and enhancing the overall effectiveness of group therapy,” Mujune explains. 

The Interconnectedness of Mental and Physical Health 

While infectious diseases are often pressing matters to address, StrongMinds brings awareness to the interconnectedness of both mental and physical health. Depression is linked bidirectionally with infectious diseases, impacting behaviors and adherence to health care. Addressing mental health contributes to overall development by breaking the cycle of poverty perpetuated by depression-induced limitations in education, job opportunities and economic participation. 

Overcoming the Stigmatization of Mental Health 

One of the most significant barriers to mental health is stigmatization in low-income countries where the same notion of mental health isn’t recognized as it is in the West. StrongMinds implements various strategies to relay the impact of mental health and the importance of speaking on the issue. Psychoeducation provided through mobilization and therapy efforts aims to educate individuals and communities about mental health disorders, fostering understanding and empathy. The organization extends psychoeducation to parents and teachers, creating a support network that aids recovery and reduces stigma at school and home.

Success and Impact 

Measuring the effectiveness of mental health can vary; in the context of StrongMinds’ group therapy programs, a successful outcome is defined by a clinically significant reduction in the “depression score” measured by the PHQ-9 depression screening tool. Approximately 75-85% of clients achieve a depression-free status by the end of therapy, as indicated by a minimal depression score. 

The success of group therapy is illustrated through countless impactful stories. Years after their treatment, women express gratitude for life-changing experiences. Some become volunteer peer therapy facilitators, leveraging their experiences to help others. The collaborative nature of group therapy empowers women to overcome seemingly insurmountable barriers, leading to transformative outcomes such as starting businesses and turning their lives around.

Organizations like StrongMinds contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty perpetuated by untreated depression. The initiative creates a transformative domino effect that reaches families, communities and societies by changing individual lives. As Mujune emphasizes, “mental health is foundational to overall health and is a fundamental human right.” Mental health may display itself differently among communities; nevertheless, StrongMinds’ mental health initiatives have proven that finding solutions is possible, and its effects ripple into the community. The organization’s commitment to this principle promises even more significant positive change. The trajectory of StrongMinds invites anticipation and excitement as it continues to lead the way in mental health treatments, undoubtedly leaving a mark and inspiring other organizations on the global landscape.

– Bella Oliver-Steinberg
Photo: Flickr

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How Leave No Girl Behind is Empowering Marginalized Girls

Marginalized GirlsThousands of marginalized girls in developing countries have been impacted by the Leave No Girl Behind (LNGB) initiative. On top of literacy, numeracy and vocational skills, many have developed a stronger sense of agency. Yet, a recent report shows that without wider collaboration and context-specific support, social and economic barriers may continue to stunt girls’ newfound confidence and skills. Shifting community and stakeholder perceptions emerges as a vital focal point, with successes in this area offering hope for progress beyond the program. 

The Evaluation

The independent evaluation analyzes a U.K.-funded program targeting out-of-school girls in low-income countries. The LNGB initiative provides education pathways for marginalized girls, with options to transition into formal schooling or work environments. Reaching 230,000 adolescents across 10 African and South Asian countries, it focuses on those who have never attended school or dropped out early, mostly from impoverished backgrounds. Many are early brides, teenage mothers or face additional challenges due to disabilities. 

The Research for Equitable Access and Learning (REAL) Centre at the University of Cambridge led the report. The Borgen Project interviewed the study’s lead researcher, Dr. Asma Zubairi, who shared insights about key findings and recommendations. 

Girls’ Perspectives

An estimated 122 million girls are out of school worldwide, and women account for two-thirds of all adults unable to read. In low-income countries, girls are more likely to be out of school than boys, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. The recent evaluation focuses on LNGB case studies from Nepal, Kenya and Ghana, where the compounded effects of poverty and gender norms impact education outcomes. Female youth not in education, employment and training is estimated at 25.3% in Ghana, 25% in Kenya and 45.8% in Nepal. 

Foregrounding female adolescent perspectives was at the heart of the study, and Dr. Zubairi emphasized the significance of participatory research methods to mitigate power imbalances and center marginalized voices. “River of Life” exercises allowed participants to chart their personal experiences visually, encouraging nuanced perspectives to emerge. 

Some of the data collected was quantifiable; for instance, 91% of girls interviewed identified the basic literacy and numeracy lessons as the most positive aspects of the projects. Meanwhile, powerful stories of personal change were spotlighted through individual responses. In Ghana, for example, a 17-year-old girl who had become less shy after the LNGB program stated: “No matter the number of people available, I will be able to speak in their midst.” Meanwhile, a 19-year-old from Kenya, forced into marriage at 14, described how the project taught her to protect herself and start a business. 

Contexts and Marginalization

Marginalization, according to Dr. Zubairi, has “no set definition”. While many projects focused on girls coming from ultra-poor households, others, such as in Nepal, targeted early brides. Nepal presented additional issues of familial and cultural resistance to female youth traveling to the learning centers unaccompanied. 

Successes, therefore, varied according to context. One aim was to shift social norms, like perceptions of girls entering traditionally male fields. In Garissa, a county in Kenya bordering Somalia, there was “not the appetite to focus on male-dominated vocations,” Dr. Zubairi said. Instead, the program led to girls opening up tailoring businesses, a more traditionally female endeavor. In a different Kenyan town, Kilifi, girls had more success choosing non-traditional specializations, including mechanics and plumbing.

Furthermore, levels of marginalization vary within the female adolescent category according to age. “The cultural barriers that a 10-year-old will face are very different to those an 18-year-old comes across in accessing education,” Dr. Zubairi said, emphasizing older adolescents’ increased domestic responsibilities.  

Community Change

Community and household sensitization programs were a significant aspect of the program. In Nepal, the project worked closely with community agents termed ‘change champions’ to sustain commitment to girls’ education. These included religious leaders from temples and mosques as well as government stakeholders. 

For example, religious leaders received messages about the importance of delaying early marriage and pregnancy, with emphasis that girls should not be married until 21. With government stakeholders, a lack of “political will” to finance the projects was addressed. Dr. Zubairi said, “Funding for this type of schooling is really, really, low.” Less than 1% of the education budget is designated to education pathways outside of formal schooling across Kenya, Ghana and Nepal. 

Shifting community perceptions was successful in some cases. A vocational training provider in Garissa said: “We didn’t know the importance of educating a girl child before, but now we know. They taught our village girls different skills in their program. They also discouraged FGM in our community.”

Meanwhile, in Kilifi, female youth taking up careers like plumbing and mechanics resulted in changed community perceptions of the propriety of these paths for women. Previously, investing in girls was seen as a waste of money, whereas now the community sees girls opening up their businesses as elevating household incomes and proving their competence.

Dr. Zubairi said the projects “try to communicate why investment and political will for these programs are crucial. These projects are only six to nine months, but changing community norms — that takes a generation.”

Empowerment

Empowerment is a central theme in the new report, assessing changes in girls’ decision-making. In Nepal, a female aspiring doctor whose father had initially supported her in attending the Learning Centre faced hinderance due to his changed attitude once she left the center. Now 15, he forbade her from attending school. Empowered by the program, she vocalized her desires and attended school secretly while her father worked elsewhere, stopping whenever her father returned. 

The study also assessed household decision-making. Approximately one-third of the participants reported feeling confident in making informed life choices, including the ability to go to the market alone and decide what to purchase. An older girl from Kenya shared that the project had provided her with the skills to make independent decisions, allowing her to gain empowerment through her newfound income in her daily life.

Unfortunately, in some cases, empowerment increases the risk of reactionary violence. “These girls suddenly feel empowered. But often, they’re still contained within contexts where perceptions around girls’ agency have not moved. So there is a risk that if projects don’t continue to support them, girls are at extreme risk because the tools are incompatible within the community, to some degree,” the research lead said. 

In Kenya, women gained independence through sewing machines that helped them generate income. However, this new empowerment sometimes created tension within the community. Although the women became self-reliant, some men held onto traditional gender roles, leading to conflict and resentment. Consequently, a few men chose to damage their wives’ sewing machines.

Continued Investment

Ongoing investment and long-term commitment are crucial to sustain female empowerment. Most participants highlighted financial barriers as a hindrance to their aspirations after leaving the program. Girls transitioning to formal school often lacked the means to acquire equipment, and some starting businesses could not afford to buy tools. 

The study recommends developing multi-stakeholder relationships to ensure progress does not end with the LNGB program. The need to develop community contexts in which girls can thrive is clear. The report provides hope and actionable proposals for long-term change in this direction. “These girls are absolutely worth continuing to invest in,” Dr. Zubairi said. 

Centering on personal stories, the study illustrates both the program’s successes and its current limitations, illuminating the barriers marginalized girls face and the profound potential for their empowerment. 

– Anum Mahmood

Photo: unsplash

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The prevention of malnutrition and IDA in the Philippines

The prevention of malnutrition and IDA in the PhilippinesA significant proportion of the Philippines suffers from malnutrition, and more than 18% of the population lives below the poverty line. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is one of the most prominent micronutrient deficiencies among infants and young children in the Philippines, and it can be easily prevented via the consumption of fortified and iron-rich foods. IDA causes significant health care costs and can result in disability and loss of productivity.

The Impact of Cost

Fortification provides a better solution to IDA and other nutrient deficiencies than supplementation or treatment and would be effective in treating malnutrition in the Philippines. However, many individuals from lower-income backgrounds experience IDA or malnutrition because most nutrient-rich foods are not affordable.

Infants and Children

Infants aged 6-11 months have the highest prevalence of nutrient deficiency in the Philippines, with approximately 56.5% suffering from IDA. This is followed by approximately 41% of children aged 12-23 months also suffering from IDA. Increasing iron uptake would improve overall health and provide a positive impact on both physical and cognitive ability. As a result, these infants and children could grow up to have a more positive contribution to society, both socially and economically, a step toward ending malnutrition in the Philippines.

Women

An additional group of individuals who benefit from food fortification is women of reproductive age. IDA can be caused by an increased demand for iron in the body, as a result of menstruation or pregnancy. Consuming enough iron to prevent IDA is much easier than curing it during pregnancy. Iron needs to be readily available, alongside education that promotes the necessity of an iron-rich diet.

The Philippines Multisectoral Nutrition Project

In 2022, the government of the Philippines launched the Philippines Multisectoral Nutrition Project, “To increase the utilization of a package of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions and improve key behaviors and practices known to reduce stunting in targeted local government units.” Financed by the World Bank, the plan aims to significantly reduce malnutrition in the Philippines within four years, thereby increasing the number of the population able to contribute to the country’s financial success.

One goal is to increase the amount of pregnant women receiving prescribed antenatal care and iron-folic supplementation for IDA by 50%. It also aims to increase the number of infants aged 6-23 months who are consuming an age-appropriate adequate diet by more than 50%. It additionally aims to introduce nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions to help educate communities on the importance of a balanced diet and nutrients such as iron.

This program targets 235 towns in the Philippines, with the aim of providing children and pregnant women with nutritional support and essential health care. Strategies that are part of the plan include providing fortified food and access to clean sanitation to families with infants and young children, and providing supplements and health care support to pregnant women suffering from IDA and other nutrient deficiencies.

Looking Ahead

The Philippines is making great efforts toward reducing and preventing malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies among poorer communities. Using supplementation to provide support for those already suffering, especially vulnerable individuals such as pregnant women, alongside making fortified foods accessible to the poorer communities, provides great hope for a healthier, more productive country.

– Charlotte Campion
Photo: Flickr

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Movement to Decriminalize FGM in Gambia

FGM in Gambia
Gambia stands at a crucial crossroads of tradition, human rights and progress, navigating the delicate path of decriminalizing FGM. Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM), also referred to as female circumcision, is a harmful and invasive but very traditional practice of the partial or complete removal of a woman’s external genitalia for non-medical reasons. FGM is performed as a tradition and social norm as a symbol that a girl is ready for marriage. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), at least 200 million women and girls today have undergone the process of FGM. FGM is harmful due to immediate risks such as pain, trauma and infection, as well as long-term consequences including childbirth complications, chronic pain and psychological trauma. This practice violates human rights, infringing on autonomy and contributing to stigmatization and gender inequalities. 

Movement to Decriminalize FGM 

In August 2023, the conviction of three women in Gambia for FGM reignited a contentious debate surrounding the existing ban on FGM. The women had to pay either 15,000 dalasis (around $1,000 USD) or serve up to a year in jail. The three women received charges under the reasons of the country’s Women’s Amendment Act of 2015.

In a National Assembly session in September 2023, support arose for Sulayman Saho, a National Assembly Member advocating for the repeal of the 2015 law banning FGM. This support was backed by many political and religious leaders actively working for the decriminalization of FGM, with Parliament and the Supreme Islamic Council in Gambia openly supporting the practice. Saho’s remarks coincided with tensions between Islamic leaders, led by Imam Abdoulie Fatty. Saho emphasized the need to examine both the legal and cultural aspects surrounding FGM. Political figures such as Saho and many others believe FGM decriminalization in Gambia preserves cultural and traditional practices that infringe on their rights of personal choice.

Impact of Decriminalization of FGM in Gambia 

Those who oppose the decriminalization of FGM in Gambia, such as the Civil Society and NGO Coalition, emphasized the Gambian government’s legal obligation to protect the rights and health of women and girls. In a statement, they strongly condemned those exploiting social and religious beliefs for personal agendas, highlighting the lasting impact on the lives of affected women. Despite some pushback, women in Gambia are at risk of becoming victims of FGM.

Resistance to the Decriminalization of FGM 

Despite efforts toward the decriminalization of FGM in Gambia, significant opposition has emerged. Established in 1984 as a nonprofit organization, the Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children (GAMCOTRAP), operating in Bakau, Gambia, is at the forefront of this initiative. 

GAMCOTRAP formed in 1984 as a nonprofit at the International Seminar on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children in Senegal with help from the World Health Organization (WHO). The seminar brought together 28 African countries discuss issues impacting the health of girls and women, including traditional practices such as FGM.

GAMCOTRAP focuses on addressing the adverse effects of traditional practices on women and girls, with a particular emphasis on combating FGM and considering the gender dimensions of HIV/AIDS. Employing a strategic approach, GAMCOTRAP has engaged in a critical campaign against harmful traditional practices. This comprehensive effort includes community-based programs, collaboration with other nonprofit organizations, educational initiatives, and advocacy campaigns. 

GAMCOTRAP partners with prominent entities such as UNICEF, U.N. Women and the Global Fund for Women. Together, these groups work to eradicate FGM, employing a multifaceted strategy encompassing awareness-raising, community engagement, and collaboration with internal and international organizations.

The UNFPA provided support to GAMCOTRAP to start the ‘“dropping of the knife” initiative, “an effort that engages circumcisers and custodians of FGM in their families and communities to enhance their understanding of the negative implications of the practice, thus influencing voluntary abandonment.”

Since the beginning of the program, more than 1,000 circumcisers in Gambia have stopped the practice of FGM and are igniting community action to end FGM in Gambia entirely. On October 2, 2021, GAMCOTRAP hosted its sixth “dropping of the knife” ceremony for 27 circumcisers from 25 communities across Gambia.

The Power of Education 

Banning FGM has shown positive outcomes — as evidenced by the 2019-20 Gambia demographic and health survey. The survey revealed a decline in the belief that FGM should continue, dropping from 65% in 2013 to 46% in 2019-20. Notably, this decrease was most significant among women who had undergone FGM. This data underscores the significance of national bans and educational initiatives in preventing FGM. 

In navigating this complex landscape, Gambia faces profound decisions at the intersection of tradition, human rights and progress, with the influence of education emerging as a strong force in reshaping perceptions and fostering societal change. 

– Bella Oliver-Steinberg
Photo: Flickr

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Think Pacific’s Work Supporting Developing Communities

Developing Communities
Think Pacific is a volunteer enterprise that caters to university students and young adults in the U.K., encouraging them to participate in educational and community outreach projects in the Fijian Isles. It intends to expand its reach by launching similar programs in Bali, Indonesia. This expansion aims to further the opportunities for Balinese youth through funding and resource creation to be redistributed to increase opportunities locally. Such opportunities will aim to reduce poverty across developing communities in the Bali province and the wider nation in the long term.

History of Think Pacific

Headquartered in Leeds, U.K., Think Pacific can trace its origins to the experiences of its co-founders Harry Hunter and Simon Darker. Following their respective tenures as volunteers in the Fiji Isles and integrating with the local culture, they established Think Pacific in 2009 to provide young adults from the U.K. the chance to engage in cultural exchanges in Fiji. The purpose of this project is to enhance the futures of Fijian youths and villagers with limited opportunities by implementing the core values of Think Pacific. These values include partnerships, learning and local design. Such values translate into volunteer projects encompassing community building, youth empowerment/education, mental health awareness and sports development.

Think Pacific maintains a partnership with several U.K.-based universities, including Cardiff, Glasgow, Nottingham and others, offering incentives to students through each institution’s respective careers center. These include scholarships and bursaries to make such a mission a reality. 

Over the 15 years since its establishment, the charity’s progress has included providing more than 500 community projects for rural communities, investing more than $15 million into the Fijian economy and utilizing $8.2 million to facilitate the training skills and development of Fijian youths. Think Pacific has recently received an award for best study abroad and global exchange program by professionals in international education at the 2023 PIEoneer Awards. Such progress extends towards pupil engagement in class, where 98% of Fijian teachers agree that Think Pacific’s programs have led to increased pupil engagement within classes and improved literacy rates among children (through testing pupils pre and post-project). These education programs have also led to the development of 83+ work-based training placements organized for unemployed Fijian youths. 

Think Bali

In October 2023, Think Pacific confirmed its plans to extend its values and core beliefs to Indonesia, engaging in outreach projects beginning with Bali in 2024.

Like its operations in Fiji, Think Pacific intends to assist the development of Bali’s youth and wider community through the efforts of volunteers from the U.K. and through funding and resource generation to redistribute to the local populace who possess limited financial resources. 

Furthermore, Think Pacific’s outreach scheme in Bali will prioritize promoting ‘‘positive mental health’’ for communities lacking the same avenues of support available within the Western world. Such activities will consist of sessions focusing on therapeutic exercises and community ventures for school children and elderly residents, respectively. 

Through enabling cultural immersion by housing volunteers within Balinese villages like volunteers participating in the Fijian programs, Think Pacific intends for this program to impart knowledge of local customs to volunteers while simultaneously encouraging the growth of developing communities within Bali. 

Bali Overview

Statistics reveal that the poverty rate within Indonesia overall stands at 9.7% as of September 2021, with the country’s GDP revealing a growth of 5.1% in 2022. One can attribute an increase in community exports and an accommodative fiscal policy to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to this level of growth.

The most recent study from the World Bank reveals that Indonesia’s literacy rate is 96%. Think Pacific is now looking to expand upon this progress in the Bali province by addressing literacy and poverty. Through this outreach scheme, Think Pacific seeks to develop personal transferable skills for volunteers to showcase to employers and expand the opportunities accessible to Balinese youth from developing communities.

Think Global

Think Pacific and Think Asia will become part of a more prominent family of locally registered organizations, Think Global, according to a spokesperson from Think Pacific.

The organization’s expansion into Indonesia reflects its intention to establish a global exchange between volunteers and developing communities within regions across the globe. As with Fiji and Indonesia, the goal will remain to achieve student engagement and educational support and maintain support for communities from humble origins with fewer avenues of support available to them.

– Thomas Perry
Photo: Flickr

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Oprah Winfrey Supports Education in Developing Countries

Oprah WinfreyTelevision personality and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey (“Oprah”) has set up several foundations and networks with charitable causes. Through these foundations, Oprah has helped educate some of the most vulnerable communities within the United States and beyond.

Oprah’s Angel Network

Oprah established a public charity called Oprah’s Angel Network in 1998. During its 12-year history, the charity garnered more than $80 million in donations, all of which went toward supporting charitable causes across the world. According to the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation website, Oprah’s Angel Network dedicated funds towards bettering the lives of people around the world, including helping establish 60 schools in 13 countries, creating scholarships, supporting women’s shelters, and building youth centers and homes.

The Angel Network concluded in 2010 after distributing $1 million in donations to six charter schools to support the improvement of quality public education for children.

Seven Foundations Primary School

In 2007, Oprah’s Angel Network provided funding for the Seven Fountains Primary School located in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Situated in a poor, rural community, the initial school building had no electricity, limited water access, few sanitation facilities, and stood in a dilapidated state. Donations from the network allowed for the construction of an entirely new and sustainably built school building with proper facilities for both learning and recreation. An approximate 1,000 students were provided with educational resources that they and their instructors had previously not had access to, including computers and SMART Boards.

Designed to impact the whole community, the school also granted adults access to use its facilities to further their education or host workshops. Amenities made available to them consisted of a night school, the computer lab, and the library.

Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls

The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (“OWLAG”) was established by Oprah in 2007 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Inspired by former South African president Nelson Mandela and his passion for education, Oprah made a promise back in 2002 to provide the best possible education opportunities for marginalized women in South Africa. The OWLAG, a result of that pledge, is active to this day.

Entry criteria for the academy requires that the applicant has had to overcome childhood poverty and trauma, yet also possesses a resilience, courage and spirit that establishes them as a leader among their peers. With features such as 21 state-of-the-art classrooms, six labs, and a 10,000 volume library, the OWLAG provides chosen girls with access to world-class resources dedicated towards improving their education and supporting them to seek out substantial careers.

As of 2023, 528 girls have graduated from the academy. Out of this number, 90% have pursued college education, some attending top universities around the world.

Improving Education: Looking Ahead

Through Oprah’s charitable work over the years, even the most disadvantaged communities have been able to receive an education that will allow them to gain the skills and knowledge needed to break the cycle of poverty.

In October 2023, Oprah pledged $2.5 million to the U.S. Dream Academy to assist in their efforts to provide after-school and mentoring programs to children with incarcerated parents. With youth education being a priority for her philanthropic deeds, she hopes to continue to provide marginalized groups with the resources they need to be able to shape a better future for themselves.

– Ella Bushell
Photo: Flickr

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Wheels of Change: Motivation’s Wheelchair Initiative

Wheelchair InitiativeThe current proportion of international aid going towards disabled people is insufficient. Only 0.1% of all aid in 2021 went towards projects primarily focusing on disability. Therefore, Motivation, an international development charity and social enterprise focusing on wheelchair provision and assistive technology (AT) in low-income countries, is so important.

The Stats

The WHO’s Global Report on Assistive Technology states, “Access to assistive technology is a human right and a precondition for equal opportunities and participation.” Around the world today, more than 75 million people need appropriate wheelchairs and services to enable mobility and unleash their full potential in society. Four in five people live in developing countries, and sadly, less than 10% have access to the support they are entitled to, preventing millions of people from contributing to society. Furthermore, without AT, disabled people and their families encounter restricted opportunities for education and employment, leading to diminished health and well-being, as well as heightened rates of poverty.

Poverty and disability exist in a vicious cycle, with poverty leading to disability and disability worsening poverty. Delivering wheelchair services to those who need them can, therefore, help break the link between poverty and disability as well as a long list of societal benefits. The majority of the world’s disabled people live in the Global South, and only 0.5% of international aid emphasizes disability inclusion. This is where Motivation’s wheelchair initiative comes in.

Motivation

Motivation, registered as a U.K. charity in 1992, launched several projects last year in Kenya, Malawi, Uganda and India. They implement a “user-focused and user-led” approach to their programs and products. It has a long and successful history of providing appropriate wheelchairs, their most widespread AT product. Appropriate wheelchairs suit the user’s needs and their living environment. A one-size-fits-all approach using the cheapest wheelchair can cause secondary injuries or disabilities and be discarded quickly. Motivation, therefore, designs and supplies wheelchairs that fit correctly are safe, durable and affordable. It also hires physiotherapists, clinicians and professionals for mobility training and maintenance so users can modify and repair their chairs. 

Motivation had an incredibly impactful 2022. More than 1,300 disabled people received wheelchairs that fit their needs, along with mobility and life skills training. The absence of AT for children with disabilities results in lower school completion and poverty later in life. Motivation’s efforts saw more than 430 disabled children regularly attend primary school, develop improved eating habits, and become more included in their families and communities. Disability is rarely just a burden for one person; families, dependents, schools and local government are also affected. Therefore, on a grand scale, Motivation impacted at least 99,000 lives last year — a testament to the power of assistive technology and Motivation’s wheelchair initiative in developing countries. 

Why Motivation’s Wheelchair Initiative Matters 

Motivation’s wheelchair provision unleashes human potential. Through assistive technology, countless individuals gain the ability to actively contribute to the workforce, unlocking untapped potential and broadening the talent pool. Proving appropriate wheelchairs can also foster more significant social and political stability. By reducing the association between disability and poverty, people’s economic conditions improve, leading to greater social harmony. Additionally, empowering individuals to lead independent lives alleviates stress on strained health care and welfare systems in developing countries.

Fighting poverty creates jobs and market expansion, and Motivation’s vision is no different. Access to wheelchairs drives market activity for products and services, fostering job growth in the technology sector and its affiliated industries. This cycle generates economic advantages and is pivotal in global economic development. It improves cooperation among nations, promoting global trade in the disability needs sector.

– Sam Waterkeyn
Photo: Flickr

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Stroke in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Stroke in Low- and Middle-Income CountriesThe World Stroke Organization reported in 2022 that more than 85% of stroke-related deaths worldwide occur in low- and middle-income countries. Strokes also happen at a lower average age in these countries than in high-income countries, often during peak working years. Strokes can cause death and disability and create an economic burden in low- and middle-income countries. The occurrence of strokes in impoverished people in developing countries can severely impact them and worsen their lack of essential resources. A stroke is an abrupt death of brain cells caused by a shortage of blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Key factors contribute to the burden of stroke in low- and middle-income countries, and global organizations implement strategies to improve outcomes. 

Hypertension in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Low- and middle-income countries have a high incidence of hypertension, or high blood pressure, which leads to stroke. The poorest people in developing countries often experience hypertension. The link between poverty and hypertension is counter to the common assumption that people in poverty have low body weight and high physical activity levels. Still, other environmental and lifestyle factors can cause hypertension in poor populations. Hypertension damages blood vessels and can cause them to leak or clog, increasing the chances of a stroke. High blood pressure in developing countries is linked to various factors, including environmental conditions and diets high in salt and low in fruits and vegetables. 

There is less awareness and treatment of hypertension in low- and middle-income countries compared with high-income countries. Research published in 2019 by Pascal Geldsetzer and others showed that 26% of people with hypertension in 44 low- and middle-income countries had never received a blood pressure check. Furthermore, merely one in 10 of the hypertension cases had attained control. People in poverty with hypertension often cannot access quality treatment and heavily depend on good health to support themselves financially. 

Air Pollution and Stroke

Air pollution is a significant contributor to stroke and causes 21% of worldwide stroke deaths, according to a report from Dean Schraufnagel and others in 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported in 2016 that more than 85% of air pollution-caused deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Lower-income groups in developing countries often work outdoors and endure more air pollution exposure, creating a relationship between poverty and air pollution. Jun Rentschler and Nadezea Leonova reported research in 2023 showing that more than 700 million people living on less than $2 per day experience unsafe levels of air pollution exposure. Air quality standards are typically less strict in developing countries than in high-income countries. The sources of air pollution include older models of machines and cars, city transportation systems, industrialization and the clearing and burning of land for farming. 

Both short-term and long-term exposure to air pollution increases the risk of stroke. Over the long term, tiny pieces of air pollutants affect internal organ function, leading to increased blood clot formation and a potential stroke. 

Health Care Access and Stroke Outcomes

Health care access affects the outcomes of stroke in low- and middle-income countries. A research study by Peter Langhorne and others published in 2018 showed that people in low- and middle-income countries had reduced access to evaluation and treatment when experiencing a stroke. Poverty is also linked to decreased access to quality care for strokes and other cardiovascular events. 

According to a study by Mohammad Rabhar and others published in 2022, access to health care contributes to the lower average age of stroke in low- and middle-income countries. Health care facilities in these countries do not always start preventative stroke measures, such as treating hypertension and measuring blood lipids. Developing countries often lack the imaging capabilities necessary to diagnose stroke effectively. Improving access to health care before, during and after stroke is a potential strategy to reduce stroke incidence and death in low- and middle-income countries. 

The Fight To Improve Stroke Outcomes in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

With an increased understanding of stroke in developing countries, organizations are acting to reduce the burden. In 2017, the International Society of Hypertension began a global campaign to screen people for hypertension. Over two years, the effort resulted in the blood pressure evaluations of 4.2 million people. 

There are also regional groups fighting stroke, including the Middle East and North Africa Stroke Organization, the African Stroke Organization, the European Stroke Organization and the Asia Pacific Stroke Organization. In 2022, the American Heart Association recognized the Middle East and North Africa Stroke Organization for its efforts to educate citizens and health care professionals about stroke and its advocacy for stroke health services. 

The World Stroke Organization—Lancet Neurology Commission Stroke Collaboration Group published a multi-pronged practical strategy for improving worldwide stroke outcomes in October 2023. The commission outlines a path to improve stroke outcomes in developing countries, including increasing surveillance, and access to preventative health care, acute stroke care and rehabilitation therapies. To encourage research on global stroke prevention and treatment, the World Stroke Organization announced funding for four pilot research projects in 2024, prioritizing projects focused on stroke in low- and middle-income countries. 

Looking Ahead 

Stroke in low- and middle-income countries is a complex and multifaceted issue. People in poverty can experience increased exposure to the risk factors of stroke and have fewer resources to cope with stroke. International organizations continue researching and implementing practical strategies to reduce stroke in impacted countries. Improvements in the prevention and treatment of stroke can potentially improve citizens’ quality of life and economic contributions.

– Kelly Carroll
Photo: Unsplash

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UN Women’s Oasis Program tackles gendered poverty in Jordan

UN Women’s Oasis Program
In 2016, U.N. Women reported that the majority of women living in Jordan were unemployed, with only 19% of Jordanian women and female Syrian refugees living in Jordan participating in the labor market. The U.N. Women’s Oasis Program has helped more than 30,000 Jordanian women and female Syrian refugees develop skills and become financially independent by working in Oasis centers — overcoming the multitude of barriers to employment that exist for women in Jordan.

Gendered Poverty in Jordan

Providing security and rehabilitation for 700,000 Syrian refugees, Jordan has become a safe haven for women and girls fleeing the violence and destruction that has plagued Syria since 2011. However, without the support of husbands, sons, or brothers, many of them are now experiencing the effects of gendered poverty in Jordan. In 2022, the World Bank found that 14.7% of Jordanian women are employed. One can accredit this low figure to obstacles such as a lack of job opportunities and limited access to higher education and skill development.

Security and Opportunity: The UN Women’s Oasis Program

The U.N. Women’s Oasis program is a humanitarian mission with 22 centers in Jordan, all of which are aimed at combating gendered poverty by empowering Syrian refugees and vulnerable Jordanian women. Originally established to aid women and young girls in refugee camps, such as Za’atari and Azraq, the program expanded its goals by incorporating cash-for-work schemes and training women in labor markets such as home maintenance and childcare. 

Not only does the U.N. Women’s Oasis program help women become financially independent and break down structures of gendered poverty, but it also supports and protects women against gender-based violence. This is accomplished by creating accessible training programs where women can earn money and enter the labor market, supporting themselves and their children without being stuck in dangerous domestic situations.

A Brighter Future for Jordan

Since 2012, the U.N. Women’s Oasis program has had an array of positive effects on Jordanian women and Syrian refugees living in Jordan who seek to improve their financial position. According to a study carried out by the program, 70% of the participants experienced a decrease in domestic violence and 78% felt that they could take on more decision-making responsibility in the household. The Oasis centers also offer a safe, empowering space for women to interact and build social relationships, which 98% of women in the program feel improves their self-esteem, reducing loneliness and depression.

Women in Jordan also cited childcare and housework responsibilities as limiting their ability to access employment. The Oasis centers are working to mitigate this by including nurseries and childcare areas in their facilities. Allowing women to bring their children to work also empowers their children to develop skills and continue their education, further contributing to breaking down gendered poverty cycles.

Conclusion

The U.N. Women’s Oasis program in Jordan equips women with valuable skills that not only motivate them to start their own microbusinesses and further their careers once leaving the centers but also empower them through workshops built around raising awareness on human rights and gender-based violence. With increasing numbers of women able to access skill development services and safe spaces to network, the gendered poverty in Jordan can, with hard work and determination, perish. 

– Zara Brown
Photo: Pixabay

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Operation Christmas Child: Hope and Global Poverty

Operation-Christmas-
In a world fraught with challenges and uncertainties, Operation Christmas Child is a ray of hope, spreading joy and tackling global poverty one shoebox at a time. This heartwarming initiative, spearheaded by Samaritan’s Purse, has gained international acclaim for its impact on children in need. With a mission to deliver gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 100 countries, Operation Christmas Child has become a powerful force in alleviating the burdens of poverty while brightening countless young recipients’ lives.

The Essence of Operation Christmas Child

At its core, Operation Christmas Child is a simple yet profound scheme that invites individuals, families and communities to pack shoe boxes with gifts and essentials for children in need. These festive parcels are shipped to some of the most impoverished regions globally, bringing holiday magic to those who may never experience such joy. The impact of this initiative is far-reaching, transcending borders and cultures. By providing children with a tangible expression of love and generosity, Operation Christmas Child delivers material goods and fosters a sense of hope and belonging. Since 1990, more than 209 million children in more than 170 countries have received shoeboxes from the charity. These small shoeboxes, filled with toys, school supplies and hygiene items, are potent symbols of compassion, reminding recipients that they are not forgotten.

Tackling Global Poverty Through Gift-Giving

Operation Christmas Child is a unique and impactful thread in the myriad efforts to tackle global poverty. The act of giving, especially during the holiday season, has the power to transcend socioeconomic barriers and create a sense of unity among diverse communities. The beauty of the operation lies in its simplicity and inclusivity. Anyone can participate, and every shoebox contribution becomes a building block in the collective effort to make the world a better place for children in need. This approach ensures that the initiative’s impact is widespread and deeply personal, as each donor contributes to the larger narrative of compassion and solidarity.

A Ripple Effect of Joy and Compassion

As these festive shoeboxes traverse the globe, they carry the spirit of giving and the promise of a brighter future. Operation Christmas Child’s ripple effect of joy and compassion is immeasurable. In tackling global poverty, addressing not only the material needs but also the emotional and psychological aspects of deprivation is crucial. Operation Christmas Child accomplishes this by fostering a sense of community and reminding children that they are part of a global family that cares for their well-being.

A Worldwide Movement of Generosity

Operation Christmas Child has evolved into a worldwide movement, engaging people from all walks of life to pursue a more compassionate and equitable world. In conclusion, is more than a seasonal charity; it is a testament to the boundless potential of human kindness.

– Genevieve Martin
Photo: Pexels