Information and stories on development news.

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Gelephu Mindfulness City: Bhutan’s Model for Poverty Reduction

Gelephu Mindfulness CityIn 2025, Bhutan launched the Gelephu Mindfulness City, a $100 billion development project to bolster economic prosperity by focusing on spiritual well-being. The project’s primary goal is to reduce poverty and youth unemployment by building an international economic hub based on the principles of Bhutan’s unique philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH).

Renowned Danish sustainable architect Bjarke Ingels will design Gelephu Mindfulness City, which will span more than 2,000 square kilometers near Bhutan’s southern border with India. The project aims to transform the underdeveloped Gelephu region into a thriving center of sustainable commerce, cultural exchange and holistic living.

A Philosophy of Happiness Over Pure Growth

The project’s foundation lies in Bhutan’s GNH framework, which prioritizes psychological well-being, cultural preservation and environmental sustainability alongside traditional economic development. Rather than focusing solely on financial metrics like GDP, Bhutan uses GNH to measure societal success and quality of life.

“Happiness and well-being of people must be the purpose of capitalism,” said Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay in conversation with TIME Magazine. “We are talking about creating a new paradigm, an entirely new system of urban development.” Gelephu Mindfulness City plans to advance all four pillars of GNH: sustainable development, environmental conservation, cultural preservation and good governance.

The project will employ green infrastructure, Buddhist architectural motifs, wellness centers and organic agriculture in all construction and community planning. This is part of a broader strategy to boost quality of life and address the root causes of poverty.

Job Creation Through Holistic Infrastructure

More young people are entering the workforce in Bhutan than the economy can absorb. Gelephu Mindfulness City aims to address this problem by creating thousands of jobs across construction, education, hospitality, agriculture and the wellness sector. The city will include schools and universities focused on sustainability, health and traditional knowledge. The plan aims to create short-term employment and long-term professional pathways for Bhutanese citizens.

The project also hopes to attract foreign direct investment through its designation as a Special Administrative Region. This status allows Gelephu to adopt more flexible policies and business regulations than the rest of Bhutan, to encourage ethical investment aligned with Bhutan’s values. The region will screen potential businesses and investors based on their respect for Bhutanese culture and commitment to sustainable and equitable development before extending an invitation to do business in the city.

Sustainability as an Economic Engine

Gelephu Mindfulness City plans to become a global blueprint for mindful urbanism, leveraging ecological integrity to increase economic inclusion. The city will feature renewable energy sources, pedestrian-first planning and strict limits on pollution. Organic markets and traditional healing centers will support local farmers and artisans, further stimulating small business development. These plans aim to attract climate-conscious businesses and tourists while preserving Bhutan’s pristine environment.

The emphasis on sustainability is particularly well-suited for the Gelephu region, a large flatland situated among the Himalayan foothills. Bhutan’s famously rugged terrain and limited industrial capacity render sustainable development the most viable long-term growth strategy. Sustainable transportation also plays a central role in the plans, with neighboring India committed to connecting border towns to the region via railway and improving roads in and out of Bhutan.

A Strong Likelihood of Success

Bhutan’s credibility in launching the Mindfulness City stems from its long-standing success in aligning development with environmental goals and overall well-being. The country is one of the few in the world that is carbon negative. Thanks to its vast forest cover, reliance on hydropower and constitutional mandate to maintain at least 60% forestation.

Past infrastructure projects have effectively incorporated eco-friendliness and community well-being principles, such as green schools and health initiatives emphasizing holistic care. These past successful initiatives demonstrate Bhutan’s capacity to balance modern development with its commitment to Gross National Happiness and provide a strong foundation for the ambitious goals set forth for Gelephu Mindfulness City.

A Blueprint for the Global South

Gelephu Mindfulness City provides a bold example of how low- and middle-income countries might reimagine development. Rather than regarding happiness and prosperity as unrelated metrics, Gelephu Mindfulness City treats them as inextricably intertwined. By reimagining capitalism and aligning economic goals with human well-being, Bhutan proposes a revolutionary mindset shift that could improve the lives of the 99% around the globe.

If successful, this model could inspire similar initiatives across the Global South, particularly in regions where conventional economic growth has failed to address deep-rooted inequalities. As Bhutan pushes forward with this ambitious project, it offers a fresh perspective on the fight against poverty: one that values sustainability, community and joy as invaluable elements of prosperity.

– Kelsey Eisen

Kelsey is based in San Francisco, CA, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Higher Education in Trinidad and Tobago

Higher Education in Trinidad and TobagoHigher education in Trinidad and Tobago stands at a critical crossroads, balancing its legacy of expanded access with the urgent need for reform. The role of universities and tertiary institutions has never been more pivotal in shaping the country’s future.

Overview of the Higher Education System

These institutions offer various programs in engineering, law, education, medicine and business, from associate degrees to doctoral studies. Many universities have also developed research initiatives to address local and regional challenges, including climate emergency, public health and economic diversification. Despite these positive developments, Trinidad and Tobago’s higher education sector struggles with issues related to outdated curricula and insufficient alignment with the evolving needs of industries.

For instance, while there has been a rise in demand for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)-related qualifications, other fields, such as the humanities, may not be adequately supported or emphasized in the curriculum. The government has historically supported access through initiatives like the Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses (GATE) program, which subsidizes tuition costs for citizens. This has led to higher enrollment rates and increased access, especially among underrepresented groups. However, there are still significant gaps in ensuring equitable access to all.

Current Challenges Facing the Sector

One of the most pressing issues facing higher education in Trinidad and Tobago is funding. In recent years, government budget hampering has led to reductions in the GATE program. This cornerstone policy once made higher education widely accessible to citizens. These cutbacks have particularly affected lower-income students, creating new barriers to entry and forcing many to either delay their education or seek other options.

This situation threatens to widen social inequality and reduce the country’s ability to develop a skilled and educated workforce. Additionally, institutions face increasing pressure to maintain high-quality education amid limited financial resources.

Future Directions for Strengthening Higher Education

The future of higher education in Trinidad and Tobago will depend on its ability to adapt to changing economic, technological and social conditions. Various experts suggest that ongoing reforms are essential to addressing current challenges, such as funding constraints, curriculum updates and the need for increased alignment between education and the labor market.

Several key strategies have been proposed for strengthening the sector. These include updating academic programs to incorporate more technical, vocational and entrepreneurial training to meet the demands of emerging industries. Moreover, experts highlight the importance of providing more targeted financial aid to ensure equitable access, especially for students from lower-income backgrounds.

Final Remarks

Higher education in Trinidad and Tobago remains a powerful tool for national progress. Yet, it has to evolve to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. While past efforts such as the GATE program have broadened access and improved enrollment, economic pressures, quality concerns and graduate employability issues now demand a strategic, forward-looking response.

– Glenn Brown III

Glenn is based in Smyrna, GA, USA and focuses on Business and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Social Safety Net Programs Are Fighting Poverty in Bangladesh

Fighting Poverty in BangladeshMillions of Bangladeshi citizens live in abject poverty. As of 2022, the overall poverty rate was approximately 19%. However, the country has made significant improvements in decreasing poverty over the past few decades, mainly due to the country’s Social Safety Net Programs (SSNPs).

The nation has implemented these initiatives to help low-income Bangladeshis and give vulnerable communities long-term economic stability. With programs that provide food assistance, cash transfers and skills development, Bangladesh’s SSNPs aim to create a pathway for success for many struggling citizens.

The Vulnerable Group Development Program

One of the most impactful initiatives, the Vulnerable Group Development (VGD) program, primarily helps women suffering extreme food insecurity. Due to gender disparities in the country, women often suffer the most when it comes to poverty and hunger. Originally started as the Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) program in 1975, it changed to the VGD in 1982, shifting priorities from emergency relief to long-term development. The program distributes nutritious food over a specific period.

However, the program goes beyond that. Through a partnership with BRAC, Bangladesh’s largest nongovernmental organization (NGO), it educates individuals in basic reading, writing and nutrition skills, giving people the tools to lead a healthier and more successful life. By providing both food and education, the program helps vulnerable women break the vicious cycle of poverty as opposed to short-term help.

The Old Age Allowance Program

As the country is experiencing an aging population, the government has acted on the need to protect older citizens, with many lacking retirement savings. Before the program started in 1998, only retired government workers had pensions. The Old Age Allowance provides essential monthly cash transfers of BDT 500 (about $4) to older people.

The program helps nearly four million elderly citizens afford basic human necessities such as food, medicine and shelter, improving their quality of life and fighting poverty in Bangladesh. The program’s financial assistance also eases the burden on young family members who might be struggling financially to support them.

Income Generating for Vulnerable Group Development

The Income Generating for Vulnerable Group Development (IGVGD) program is another initiative that builds on the VGD program. The government designed IGVGD as a two-step poverty-reduction model. It helps low-income women develop from needing food aid through the VGD program to becoming self-sufficient workers earning a stable income.

Women in the program learn essential job skills, such as poultry farming and tailoring, which are crucial for future success. They may also receive small loans or grants to help them start their own businesses. Encouraging self-reliance and assisting women to secure employment empowers them to impact society and contribute to a growing economy. Over time, these efforts give women more control over their lives and strengthen the economy of local communities.

The Impact of the Social Safety Initiatives

These social safety initiatives have proven successful in fighting poverty in Bangladesh. There has been a major national decline in poverty rates in the past two decades. Poverty fell significantly between 2010 and 2016; in urban areas, it declined from 21.3% to 18.9%, while in rural areas it declined from 35.2% to 26.4%. Additionally, helping women develop vocational skills shows the program’s commitment to women’s empowerment in a country that historically offered them limited opportunities.

Recently, the government has decided to expand its social safety initiatives. It is working toward using technology to improve targeting mechanisms. Many international development organizations, such as the World Bank and the United Nations (U.N.), have also supported Bangladesh’s effort to improve the country’s SSNPs.

Final Remarks

Overall, Bangladesh’s Social Safety Net Programs show how time and investment in often overlooked groups of people can have a tremendous impact in reducing long-term poverty. It shows the effectiveness of targeted intervention in reducing poverty and creating long-term economic stability. By supporting at-risk groups, such as women and older people, with food assistance, cash transfers and vocational training skills development, the programs address major societal problems while creating a path for long-term success.

– Rafe Photopoulos

Rafe is based in Gainesville, FL, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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How AI Upskilling Is Creating Jobs in Africa: The Case of Zindi

ZindiAccording to a report by Deloitte, African rural regions are currently experiencing a lack of digitalization essential for potential economic growth. Many African rural communities struggle with limited access to critical internet infrastructure, which is necessary for sustaining small businesses and education.

However, promising AI startups are rising to address these challenges through innovative solutions. Among them, Zindi stands out with its modern approach and rapid growth by upskilling the AI jobs market in Africa.

Digitalization in Sub-Saharan Africa

According to the World Bank, sub-Saharan Africa faces significant challenges for development due to the lack of affordable digital infrastructure. Additionally, low engagement with community-owned digital access and difficulty using digital platforms hinder progress. This lack of access to digital technologies impacts not only educational and business systems but also prospects for job creation, employment and career growth for local populations.

As digitalization challenges persist, the world’s largest companies are investing heavily in solutions. Over the past 10 years, the World Bank has contributed approximately $731.8 million to 11 Digital Development Projects. It has also committed $2.8 billion across 24 active Digital Development projects in sub-Saharan Africa.

However, large corporations aren’t the only ones tackling Africa’s digital growth challenges. Startups like Zindi are taking a broader approach by focusing on both digital solutions and their impact on education and the economy. They offer rural communities accessible internet and AI innovations. They also drive employment through youth training, AI career development and digital upskilling initiatives, laying the foundation for long-term prosperity.

About Zindi

Zindi, one of Africa’s most impactful AI startups, began its mission to tackle the region’s digital challenges in 2018. Driven by the belief that data can tell stories, drive innovation and improve lives, Celina Lee founded Zindi (a platform where 70,000 data scientists develop AI-driven solutions to pressing challenges) in Cape Town, South Africa. Zindi is committed to bridging gaps in tech access, skills and employment across rural and urban communities.

Zindi Impacts

  • Data Farming. One of Zindi’s key initiatives is data farming, which applies AI and machine learning to agricultural challenges in rural Africa. Zindi deepens the use of data science to tackle agricultural challenges, particularly in precision agriculture, including crop yield prediction, pest detection and fertilizer optimization. This focus is critical, as agriculture remains a vital economic pillar for most rural communities across Africa. Additionally, Zindi enhances accessibility for local farmers and business owners through low-tech solutions, such as basic mobile apps, enabling seamless communication with workers whenever needed.
  • Health Care Systems. Zindi has also made a notable impact on health care systems. Using AI, the company tackles major health challenges like malaria and COVID-19. In 2024, Zindi hosted competitions to model malaria spread in Southern Africa, enabling data-driven resource allocation. That same year, it supported telemedicine by partnering with organizations like FruitPunch AI to develop SMS-based algorithms that connect rural patients to doctors, especially in areas with limited health care access.

Final Remarks

As Zindi AI expands across Africa, it prioritizes local talent through its employment and training initiatives. By offering free AI upskilling programs, such as hackathons, it provides underrepresented individuals with affordable, practical learning to solve local challenges and gain hands-on experience.

Despite its niche approach to digital solutions, Zindi’s focus on employment and rural digitalization centers on people and their stories. It empowers not only the technical side of digital transformation but also supports the individuals behind it.

– Liubov Linnyk

Liubov is based in the United Kingdom and focuses on Business and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Nepal’s Poverty Reduction Through Local Solutions

Nepal's poverty reductionNepal, a landlocked Himalayan nation, has made significant strides in poverty reduction over recent decades; however, significant challenges persist, particularly in rural and underdeveloped regions. According to the Fourth Nepal Living Standards Survey (NLSS) 2022–23, the national poverty rate stands at 20.27%. Rural areas are disproportionately affected, with a poverty rate of 24.66%, compared to 18.34% in urban regions. Contributing factors include limited access to essential services such as education, health care and clean drinking water. Youth unemployment remains a pressing issue, with more than 19% of young people unemployed, a figure significantly higher than the national average. This has led to increased migration, both internally to urban centers and externally abroad, as youths seek better employment opportunities.

Government Initiatives

The Nepalese government has implemented several programs aimed at poverty alleviation. The 15th Periodic Plan (2019–2024), developed by the National Planning Commission, focuses on achieving sustainable development goals and transitioning Nepal to a middle-income country. Key objectives include economic diversification, infrastructure development and social inclusion. Another significant initiative is the Prime Minister Employment Program (PMEP), which seeks to provide short-term employment opportunities to unemployed individuals, particularly in rural areas. The program aims to enhance skills and increase income levels among marginalized populations.

International Aid and Partnerships

International organizations have played a crucial role in supporting Nepal’s poverty reduction efforts. USAID has been instrumental in sectors such as education, agriculture and health through financial aid. However, recent budget cuts have led to the suspension of several projects, raising concerns about the continuity of essential services.

The World Bank’s Rural Access Improvement and Decentralization Project has improved rural infrastructure, facilitating better access to markets and services. Similarly, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has supported climate resilience and local governance initiatives, including the implementation of Local Adaptation Plans of Action (LAPAs) that empower communities to address climate change impacts.

Community-Based Efforts

Grassroots organizations have been vital in addressing poverty at the local level. READ Nepal, part of the READ Global network, organizes Community Library and Resource Centers that offer educational resources, vocational training and women’s empowerment programs. These centers have reached millions in rural communities, fostering literacy and economic development while reducing income inequality. The Federation of Community Forestry Users, Nepal (FECOFUN) empowers local communities to manage forest resources sustainably. By providing employment opportunities and generating income from selling forest products, FECOFUN promotes environmental stewardship and economic development.

The Role of Remittances

Remittances from Nepalese working abroad account for a significant portion of the country’s GDP. In 2023, remittances totaled more than $11 billion, accounting for more than 25% of the GDP. These funds have been instrumental in reducing poverty, improving household incomes and contributing to economic stability.

Moving Forward

Nepal’s comprehensive approach to poverty reduction—combining government policies, international aid and community initiatives—demonstrates the effectiveness of collaborative efforts in addressing economic challenges. Continued support and investment in these areas are essential for sustaining progress and achieving long-term development goals.

– Giovanni Garcia

Giovanni is based in Long Beach, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Unicorns and Startups: Declining Poverty in India

Declining Poverty in IndiaOver the last 15 years, India’s economy has grown significantly. Once viewed as a developing country that shipped its skilled labor and talent abroad, India increasingly retains young entrepreneurs within its borders. Due to this emerging sense of entrepreneurial activity, India now has the third-largest tech ecosystem in the world, behind only China and the U.S..

According to the most recent estimates from the World Bank, 12.92% of India’s citizens lived in extreme poverty (under $2.15 a day) in 2021. That number jumps to about 44% when poverty is defined as living on less than $3.15 per day. Yet at the same time, India’s startup ecosystem has skyrocketed, led by its “Unicorn” companies. A Unicorn company is a startup with a total valuation of more than $1 billion. India now has more than 100 Unicorn companies across the tech sector, ranging from EV startups to online financial services.

A Rising Tide

The startup ecosystem has undoubtedly created many positive benefits for Indian society. For instance, the emerging companies create new job opportunities for Indian citizens with varied skills and backgrounds. Estimates show that job growth in India will continue its upward momentum and expand at a rate of 9% in 2025. As new startups continue to pop up, new employees will be necessary to fill various roles. Increasing employment is a direct way to create new economic opportunities and stable environments for Indian citizens, as research suggests that job growth helps to reduce poverty.

The logic here is that a rise in the general wealth of the state could benefit all its citizens. Besides directly creating jobs, India’s rising wealth also means that funds could go into philanthropic opportunities. Public affairs expert Nicole Manetti notes the charitable impact of the Azim Premji Foundation. Once the chairman of the Indian tech startup Wipro, Premji now uses the money he made as a business leader to invest in educating India’s poor. Premji’s case demonstrates that the increased levels of wealth in India’s top classes can still benefit its poorest citizens.

Moreover, the new businesses increasingly create job and leadership opportunities for women in India, helping to close the gender gap in business. Female entrepreneurial activity is almost equal to that of males, at a rate of .73 to 1. While a clear funding gap for women-led businesses still exists, the gender divide has been closed in other ways. Thanks to government initiatives centered around the drive toward entrepreneurship, males and females in India now own bank accounts at equal rates.

Companies That Care

Leaving aside the net benefits generated by the new tech ecosystem as a whole, individual businesses alone can create products and systems that benefit India’s poor. For example, Indian fintech startup Refyne is helping India’s poorest citizens avoid the crippling debt cycle and predatory lending practices that often prevent poverty-stricken individuals from climbing the socioeconomic ladder. Refyne offers a cheaper line of credit than its competitors to workers living paycheck to paycheck. By giving workers a money advance they have already earned, the company provides a safer lending alternative to those struggling to make ends meet.

Karya, a startup that collects large-scale data to feed AI machines, is another business working to alleviate poverty in India. Karya pays competitive wages to its part-time workers, who help train the AI systems in their native dialects. Because AI is largely trained on widely spoken languages like English, there is a need for data on smaller, regional dialects.

Karya works with organizations to find people most in need of work, and gives its employees ownership of the data that they create. However, generating economic activity among poverty-stricken citizens is not Karya’s only benefit to Indian society. The hope is that the language data collected from workers in remote regions will make AI more accessible to those same workers, making it easier for those who speak rare dialects to get health and financial advice.

Do Unicorns Help the Poor?

For all the good these tech startups create, some question whether the businesses effectively alleviate poverty in India. Researcher John Hoffmire points to India’s high poverty rates and large wealth gap as evidence of an unequal distribution of the tech boom’s benefits. He highlights the problem of informal workers whose “low wages and minimal protections” result in “an unbalanced labor market.” Adding to this inequality and imbalance is the fact that a large portion of India’s population is still at risk of poverty, especially when using the $3.15 benchmark.

However, using the Gini Index, it is clear that India’s inequality has declined in recent years, moving from 35.9 in 2017 to 32.8 in 2021. This can be compared to the global average Gini Coefficient of 38.2.

Moreover, Bhalla and Bhasin note that India has nearly eliminated poverty below the severe $1.9 line. This leads them to suggest that India should set new standards for measuring poverty within its borders. This trend follows the other poverty-reducing improvements, such as decreased inequality and increased job growth, discussed in this article.

The Future of Poverty Rates in India

While it is not certain that declining poverty and inequality in India can be directly tied to its startup boom, it is clear that many of India’s new businesses are creating positive social and economic change. From increased job growth to a greater level of female entrepreneurship to projects specifically focusing on helping India’s poor, much of the tech ecosystem activity focuses on eliminating poverty in India. Although India’s continuously decreasing poverty rates may be due to a confluence of factors, the country continues to trend in the right direction. Led by its ambitious new startups in the tech sector, India’s economy continues to grow as its citizens move to a more sustainable economic outlook.

– Charles Citron

Charles is based in Boston, MA, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Things To Know About Higher Education in the Bahamas

Higher Education in the BahamasThe Bahamas, a nation known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture, faces unique challenges and opportunities in its higher education system. While poverty poses significant barriers, ongoing efforts and systemic strengths offer hope for a brighter future. 

Low Graduation Rates Pose Challenges

The Bahamas struggles with worryingly low graduation rates at the university level due to socioeconomic factors, academic challenges and other circumstances. Additionally, only 7% of students at the University of The Bahamas are studying science and technology-related courses. This lack of focus on key fields limits the country’s ability to diversify its economy, leaving the tourism sector the dominant growth driver.

Poverty as a Barrier to Access

Approximately 25% of households in The Bahamas experience poverty, especially those led by individuals with no formal education. Many families cannot afford the costs associated with university or college attendance, including fees, books and living expenses. 

Limited scholarship opportunities and financial aid programs mean students from disadvantaged backgrounds often do not pursue higher education entirely. Ultimately, this deepens social inequality and prevents talented individuals from underserved communities from reaching their full potential.

A Structured Education System With Potential

The Bahamian education system, modeled after the British framework, provides a structured pathway to higher education. Students complete The Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) before pursuing advanced studies at institutions like the University of The Bahamas.

However, The Bahamas has only one public university, making it highly competitive for students, especially those from low-income households, who cannot afford to study in private institutions or abroad.

Growing Educational Attainment Offers Hope

Despite challenges, the higher education system in the Bahamas is progressing. The percentage of Bahamians aged 25 and older with at least a bachelor’s degree has risen steadily, reaching 15% in 2010 from 0.3% in 2000.

While still low compared to global standards, this upward trend reflects increasing access to higher education and a growing recognition of its value. 

Future Opportunities Through Innovation and Investment

The future of higher education in The Bahamas is promising, with opportunities to overcome poverty-related barriers through innovation and investment. The government and private sector are exploring partnerships to fund scholarships, improve infrastructure and integrate technology into classrooms. 

These efforts aim to equip students with the skills needed for a more diversified economy beyond tourism.

A Path Forward

Higher education in The Bahamas faces significant hurdles, particularly for students experiencing poverty. Yet, the nation’s structured system, rising attainment rates and commitment to innovation provide a foundation for hope. 

– Sydney Carr

Sydney is in San Diego, CA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Impact of Losing Third Places in Europe

Third Places in EuropeThird places are vital social spaces between work and home – offering individuals a sense of engagement, interaction and community. The popularity and availability of third places in Europe have faded with the rise of social media and the gentrification of inner-city neighborhoods. As one of the key frontiers providing local community touchpoints, third places support the well-being of individuals, especially those living or at risk of being near the poverty line.

A Recent History of Third Places in Europe

Third places are social sites such as cafes, community centers and neighborhood environments, including local parks, sports grounds and places of worship. They have existed for centuries in human populations and the rise of the coffee house during the 17th Century is a popular example of third places in Europe. The COVID-19 pandemic saw the closure of local hang-out spots and widespread social distancing measures. The closures led to the permanent shutting of many local small businesses and a loss of community centers hit by significant funding cuts. As a result, critical spaces where people could engage in social interaction were lost.

Moreover, gentrification has only exacerbated a loss of inclusive third places in Europe. The process of gentrification in popular tourist and financial cities is transforming once-vibrant community areas into spaces of exclusion. For example, tourism-driven gentrification in Barcelona’s El Raval and Barceloneta neighborhoods led to increased rents, pushing out established local businesses or forcing them to adapt to tourist preferences. The accompanying social networks fostered in these spaces quickly dissolved.

Similarly, gentrification in Stockholm created “filter bubbles” and left low-income neighborhoods, often plagued by high levels of youth gang violence, without sufficient investment in social spaces for youth to develop away from the influence of gang activity and recruitment. While co-working spaces as “third places” in Mediterranean countries are on the rise, these are artificial spaces prioritizing productivity and professional networking rather than fostering meaningful, work-free social interactions. Co-working space identification as “third places” may be a more prominent symptom of a growing societal tendency to value individuals based on economic contribution rather than emotional well-being.

Social Media and the Cost of Third Places

The rise of virtual third places, especially social media, has contributed to the erosion of physical third places and the developmental process of learning social interaction. While social media platforms have created virtual connection spaces, they cannot replace the face-to-face interactions essential for community engagement and mental health. According to the Cigna Loneliness Index, Gen-Z, despite being the most digitally connected generation, reports the highest levels of loneliness.

Additionally, many third places are becoming increasingly expensive to frequent. For example, in London (U.K.), coffee prices have surpassed $6 in many establishments, making cafes and paid social spaces too expensive for regular visits in times of falling disposable incomes.

Mental and Physical Health Impacts

The role of third places in Europe is essential. The spaces are associated with improving quality of life, well-being and health. Third places provide crucial opportunities for social interaction. For instance, using third places (such as cafes) has been shown through multiple studies to improve how older adults can participate in society by providing informal support networks and social relationship-building to help combat cognitive decline and symptoms of depression later in life. The role of third places in combating loneliness is vital – with loneliness potentially cutting lives short by 15 years.

Third places in Europe also play a key role in helping mitigate poverty. Poverty is a multidimensional issue; however, social exclusion is both a determinant and by-product of some people’s realities of living in poverty. Without accessible third places, individuals living in poverty are more vulnerable to social exclusion, which further exacerbates their economic and mental health challenges.

Future Cities

For those living near the poverty line, access to these third places remains crucial for mental and physical health, as well as for preventing social exclusion. In the face of gentrification, digital spaces and rising costs, there is a pressing need for policies that prioritize creating and preserving accessible third places in Europe and its cities.

– Autumn Joseph

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

Photo: Pixabay

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Hope for Haitians: Baking a Brighter Future

Hope for HaitiansCenturies of French colonization heavily impacted Haiti’s economy and human development, making it the most impoverished nation in the Western Hemisphere. Political unrest and natural disasters continue contributing to negative economic growth and discouraging foreign investment. However, in 2024, Hope for Haitians started a baking project in Haiti with Au Bon Pain de Ton-Ro/Boulangerie et Pâtisserie, a for-profit bakery in Trou du Nord, Haiti.

This initiative, supported by the HELP Foundation and Village Leadership Councils (VLC), helps people in seven rural villages acquire jobs, providing job security while creating self-reliance in both the economy and food sources. This initiative can have a significant impact, as unemployment in Haiti affects about 15% of the population, nearly three times the global average.

Sustainable Partnership

Hope for Haitians and Au Bon Pain de Ton-Ro have similar goals, with Hope for Haitians respecting Au Bon Pain de Ton-Ro’s position as a locally owned business. Hope for Haitians provides the necessary funding to improve the bakery’s facilities, buy equipment and provide vocational training, ensuring the future success of this baking initiative in Haiti.

The bakery provides at least two jobs in each village, baking food for Hope for Haitians-VLC to sell and training employees to continue developing their skills. The main focus is long-term economic growth, which is accomplished through building job skills to keep the bakery operating while ensuring the success remains within the local economy.

Empowering Communities

This baking in Haiti project offers workers leadership roles and economic opportunities, fostering a sense of empowerment for people who struggle with poverty. Although Hope for Haitians-VLC provides operational and managerial support, each village has complete control over selling the bakery’s goods, helping workers earn locally.

The project uses a revenue-sharing system to support sellers and to give back to each community. Local sellers earn 5% of the sales; another 5% goes to schools, health care or public services. The project also creates jobs beyond the bakery, with workers receiving vocational training to acquire skills to participate in other business ventures.

This allows the workers to improve their baking skills while creating future opportunities in Haiti’s growing food industry. Infrastructure upgrades such as new ovens, milling equipment and distribution vehicles ensure the continued success of this initiative.

Overcoming Challenges

All parties involved understand that large projects come with risks and Hope for Haitians has pledged to use its resources to support the villages’ ongoing economic development. The organizations have implemented measures to ensure bakeries operate safely and efficiently, addressing challenges as they arise.

For example, if a village faces distribution issues, the bakery and Hope for Haitians-VLC work together locally to identify and resolve the problem, preventing it from affecting the broader operation. Additionally, contingency plans are in place for potential shutdowns or unexpected disruptions. This thoughtful approach reflects Hope for Haitians’s dedication to the community’s long-term success.

The Future

The bakery represents progress and hope for the future, showing how people living in poverty can become successful if given the right opportunities and support. Hope for Haitians is promoting a future founded on long-term growth by funding local companies rather than managing from outside.

As the project grows, its impact reaches beyond baking and distributing bread. It demonstrates how companies and nonprofits can work together to strengthen impoverished communities and help them escape poverty. The initiative allows Haiti’s rural areas to become more self-sufficient by focusing on local leadership and building community relationships.

– Rafe Photopoulos

Rafe is based in Gainesville, FL, USA and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Stellah Bosire: A Lifetime of Fighting Health and Economic Poverty

Stellah BosireAlthough widely described as the largest slum in Africa, Nairobi’s Kibera is deeply rooted in community values and caring for your neighbor. While women face higher rates of health risks in varying forms, Dr Stellah Bosire persevered as a child engulfed in poverty. Feeling encouraged by her community and teachers, she became a highly influential human rights activist.

Childhood

Before Bosire was a Gates Foundation Goalkeeper and accomplished actor globally, she faced the same struggles that persist to this day in Kenya. Children were taught at a young age that odd jobs were necessary to provide basic needs for your family. Along with unsafe work opportunities, Bosire and nearly a third of women in Kenya have experienced sexual violence.

Despite the overarching strength instilled in the women around her, Bosire could not help but realize how much they are being held back due to inevitable health risks. For example, the neighborhood struggles with inadequate sanitation, while dangerous social norms blockade women into unfair cycles of poverty.

After falling into this cycle herself at 13 years old, she prioritized finishing school despite selling drugs to financially support her family. She studied the material and took her final exams after just two weeks, scoring the second-highest grade in her school, The Gates Foundation reports. It was this validation that showed Bosire the potential of her knowledge and gave her the confidence to work hard at solving the hardships her community has faced for years.

Bosire’s Career and Giving Back

Bosire attended the University of Nairobi’s School of Medicine, receiving a full scholarship. Her long list of accolades began compiling soon after beginning schooling. She has achieved a Bachelor of Science in Medicine and Surgery, a Master of Business Administration in Health Care Management, and a Master of Science in Global Health Policy. To cover all aspects of her activism, she is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Law at the University of Nairobi.

Bosire has excelled in several leadership positions, allowing her to expand her efforts and help those internationally. She served as vice-chair for Kenya’s HIV Tribunal, focusing on women in the healthcare system who were discriminated against due to their HIV status, The Gates Foundation reports.

Bosire has brought a more holistic approach to health care in Kibera, focusing treatment efforts based on the context of individual lives. In 2021, Bosire created the HerConomy initiative to fund projects that allow women to excel economically, The Gates Foundation reports. This program provides aid and workshops to make a reliable worker, such as loans for healthcare expenses, making soap and professionalizing women-owned small businesses.

Along with accumulating more than 5,000 members, Bosire has also had to overcome harmful gender norms. Men in her own hometown called her “the homewrecker” for trying to shift gender dynamics in the home, according to The Gates Foundation. As a result of this, she invited the men to community discussions to shift their perspective on how economic empowerment for women can benefit all.

Using Her Own Experiences

Coming from an unsafe and uncertain environment, Bosire has used her power to give back to her community. Her mother was ill her entire life, and after Bosire’s education and exposure to formal schooling, they recognized her condition as depression and schizophrenia. In her last year of schooling at the University of Nairobi in 2011, she had lost her mom to Aids related complications.

The work that Bosire has put back into Kibera is present in the whole community. After her mother’s death, she became heavily involved in HIV/AIDS treatment and generated multiple projects for women affected with HIV/AIDS.

Street Healing Program

Tending to women in Kenya and all over Africa, Bosire has also digitized the experience of economic prosperity. She is building a software program to ease the lives of women in the economy, in the form of saving/accessing funds and building credit for a profile in the formal banking system, according to The Gates Foundation.

In addition to women’s economic empowerment, Stellah Bosire also tends to everyone she can on the streets of Kenya. Bosire runs what she calls the “Street Healing Program,” where she walks the business districts in Nairobi, medical bag in hand, ready to help any homeless people who are in need of common treatments or wound cleaning, Nation reports.

With no limits to her selflessness, Stellah Bosire has proven through overwhelming adversity that good change is possible. She credits hard work and resilience for her success, a message that has been relayed back to Kibera. Bosire’s childhood friends and others in Kibera call her achievements a “community degree” since that is where its efforts will flourish, right at home.

– Rachael Wexler

Rachael is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr