Archive for category: Development

Information and stories on development news.

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The Link Between Poverty and Crime in Pakistan

The Link Between Poverty and Crime in Pakistan
Poverty and crime in Pakistan can be intrinsically linked due to the nature of the cause-effect relationship. High rates of both inflation and unemployment and a fractured political system have plunged millions of Pakistani citizens into poverty, often often end up in the dark underworlds of crime. 

Pakistan’s Turbulent History

After British India gained independence in 1947, the land was split into three wings: Pakistan, India and East Pakistan (later gaining independence to form the nation of Bangladesh). 

Reports have indicated that nearly 17 million people have moved in both directions between India and the two wings of Pakistan, marking the largest mass migration of people on record.

As the new country emerged, Pakistan struggled to find a national identity and evolve a political system for the incredibly diverse population. The goal of national integration and creating a unified population proved more difficult than first anticipated, and early prime ministers found themselves assassinated or overthrown rapidly. 

A Fractured System

It has been difficult for politicians and governments to rectify the issues of poverty due to the nature of Pakistan’s political system. The opposing factions who battle between secularism and religion mean that there is rarely any form of agreement.

Very few prime ministers have seen out their full term with the increasingly powerful army often overthrowing them, resulting in years of marshal rule and military dictators. Coups and assassinations are all too common, resulting in a fragmented political system that is not fit to instate poverty-reducing legislation. 

Increased Poverty and Crime

A lack of political representation for ordinary citizens and an elite that dominates the class system has resulted in higher levels of inequality than ever. It is estimated that 38% of people live in multidimensional poverty because of inflation and increasing levels of unemployment. 

Child malnutrition sits at 38%, and the Global Hunger Index has highlighted hunger as a persistent problem within Pakistan. 

A positive relationship between crime rates and unemployment has been observed as it is believed that poverty may lead to a high level of stress and mental illness, in turn causing individuals to adopt a mindset that views illegal activity as lucrative. 

There is also a strong correlation between income inequality and crime rates. Poverty and crime in Pakistan have led to the rise of organized crime groups, drug traffickers and terrorism-related activities. Criminal organizations often target poor communities, exploiting their vulnerability and desperation to recruit members or extort money.

An Interview With Shmaila Malik

The Borgen Project spoke to Shmaila Malik, a Former United Nations Information Centre officer based in Islamabad, Pakistan. Malik argues that one could certainly make the case that poverty can lead to increased crime rates:

“I think poverty ultimately makes people desperate. We have seen that those affected by poverty, especially those with families or young children, simply just want to feed their families. Thus, these are the people most willing to go to any extreme to do so.”

Malik also states that membership within an organized crime group “will provide a bit of quick cash and can buy food or a month of school fees.” The crime rate within Pakistan has been rising, as the National Police Bureau reported, with an increase of 12.2% between 2012 and 2018.

Many believe that the extreme shortage of necessary items due to the Pakistan economic crisis and the easy availability of sophisticated weapons has led to a sharp rise in violent crimes.

Police in Lahore, one of Pakistan’s largest cities, have reported a 282% increase in gang robberies.

While it is clear that poverty and crime have a link, the question also remains of what can help alleviate the effects. Malik believes that it is now up to the goodwill of the government to act and ensure the holding of free and fair elections. She also believes that NGOs and the government must now collaborate more than ever:

“The work of smaller NGOs and grassroots organizations in providing education and awareness about the effects of poverty should also be given more commendation. Their work is vital, and it is imperative that any new government chooses to support this.”

The Vital Work of NGOs

While global aid bodies like the UN and UNICEF are consistently working, the work of smaller NGOs is vital in reducing the effects of poverty and crime in Pakistan. 

Foundation Fighting Poverty is an NGO operating within Pakistan’s major cities since 2009. Its youth programs target the younger demographic within the country, aiming to spread awareness about social issues and target positive change. 

The organization’s social benefits span a range of sectors, including education provisions for those who cannot afford government schools and providing basic health treatments to the less fortunate. Its aim to break the cycle of poverty and ensure that children do not find their way down a life of crime has been a common feature since their creation.

Multiple reports have exposed the link between poverty and crime in Pakistan. Still, hope remains that the situation will improve, given the response of NGOs and international aid bodies. 

– Maryam Rana
Photo: Flickr

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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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Thailand’s Increased Minimum Wage Will Help Alleviate Poverty

Thailands minimum wage.
Thailand recently announced plans to increase its daily minimum wage. This proactive measure will benefit millions of workers across multiple industries, reducing income inequality and promoting economic growth. Thailand’s increased minimum wage is vital to aiding economic recovery from the financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Increase

On December 8, 2023, a committee of representatives, labor unions and employers met, unanimously agreed on and announced Thailand’s increased minimum wage. The daily pay is expected to rise by 2.37%, making the new minimum wage 330 to 370 baht per day — roughly $9.33 to $10.38. The exact numbers will vary depending on the specific region, according to the Ministry of Labor. Government officials say this increase will begin on January 1, 2024, with another increase to 400 baht per day expected by the end of 2024. This promise of the ruling Pheu Thai Party is creating a bright future for the country.

Thailand’s Workforce

Thai workers have faced numerous challenges in the past years. The COVID-19 pandemic triggered widespread job losses, especially in sectors reliant on international tourism. Unfortunately, the Thai economy and workforce have still not recovered from the impacts of the pandemic. 

Reports from the World Bank show that the overall labor force participation rate is expected to decrease by 5%, or 14.4 million people, by 2060. Additionally, employees endure reduced working hours, inadequate job security and labor rights issues. These struggles, accompanied by an increasing cost of living, intensify the burden on households and reduce the quality of life for Thai workers.

Thailand’s increased minimum wage will help combat these struggles and support workers by providing increased financial stability and access to resources.

The Impact on Poverty Rates

Thailand grapples with persistent poverty, primarily due to drought and extreme weather. Though Thailand reduced its poverty rate from 58% in 1990 to 6.8% in 2020, 79% of those living in poverty work in the agriculture sector. Studies found that almost 40% of Thai farmers live below the national poverty line. The Equitable Education Fund estimates that 1.8 million Thai students come from extremely low-income families which earn just 34 baht, or $0.95, per day.

By elevating the minimum wage for the nation’s workforce, Thailand’s government is raising living standards for millions. A higher minimum wage will improve access to basic needs, such as health care, education and housing. Additionally, the increase will stimulate consumer spending, resulting in a boost to the economy. These factors may help break the cycle of intergenerational poverty, creating a promising future for the country. 

Conclusion

As Thailand strives to lift its citizens out of poverty, the increased minimum wage stands as a pivotal point in fostering a sustainable future for the country. Thailand’s increased minimum wage is the key to countering worsening economic conditions and poverty rates.

– Trisha Borde
Photo: Flickr

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The Connection Between Burning season in Thailand and Poverty

Thailand's Burning Season and PovertyOn April 6, 2023, the city of Chiang Mai in north Thailand temporarily became the most polluted city in the world. Unlike Thailand’s capital city, Bangkok, and other highly polluted cities, northern Thailand’s extreme seasonal air pollution is not due to fossil fuels and industrial activity. “Burning season” in Thailand drives poor air quality and is both a cause and consequence of poverty.

Slash-and-Burn Farming

“Burning season” in Thailand occurs every year from January to April when farmers in the north, particularly rice and sugarcane farmers, use a traditional practice to cultivate their farmland. This practice, tagged slash-and-burn agriculture, consists of farmers cutting down and burning the remaining vegetation from the previous harvest, with approximately 70% of rice straw being burned yearly. 

Slash-and-burn is a low-cost and efficient method of cultivation that effectively removes leftover agriculture and is thought to eliminate invasive plants and animals that may hinder future crop yields. The widespread use of this method led to the coining of the term “burning season,” which also refers to the high levels of pollution generated due to this technique.

The Problem with Burning Season 

While slash-and-burn practices are effective for farmers, the burning season has adverse impacts across Thailand, predominantly in the form of extreme, hazardous air pollution, which, in 2023, affected an estimated 1.7 million Thai citizens. The presence of PM2.5 pollution particles in the air has substantial consequences for human health, worsening preexisting conditions such as asthma and causing other conditions such as lung disease, cancer and sometimes premature death. In some areas of Thailand, such as Chiang Rai, PM2.5 levels were over 76 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended exposure level. 

In Chiang Mai alone, pollution-induced illnesses caused the deaths of 1,800 people during the burning period. 

Burning Season Is Driven by Poverty 

Approximately 40% of Thai farmers live below the poverty line and rely on high crop yields to make a living, so naturally, they would resort to cheaper farming practices, such as slash-and-burn. 

Alternative options for these farmers, while less detrimental to air quality, are minimal due to their higher costs. For instance, a common method of clearing and cultivating agricultural land is using heavy machinery such as combine harvesters; however, this option is not always a feasible option for farmers in Thailand due to the expense of owning and operating machinery and the incompatibility between these machines and rice farming itself, which tends to be done in steep upland areas. Another alternative would be for farmers to hire laborers to cut manually and clear crops. Yet again, this process is costly and time-consuming, which, in turn, could lead to a delay in growing the next cycle of crops and generating income, thus worsening poverty. 

After burning vegetation, a nutrient-rich ash settles on the newly cleared land, providing farmers with a natural fertilizer to aid crop production in the following season. This process eliminates the need to buy manufactured fertilizers, which tend to be imported and costly. 

Burning Season Worsens Poverty

In just one week in March 2023, more than 200,000 Thai citizens were admitted to hospital with conditions caused by pollution. This figure indicates the human health consequences and presents economic challenges, particularly for those below the poverty line. Hospitalization and treatment come at a high cost, which is problematic for those without adequate health care plans. Additionally, families are at risk of income losses if they cannot work due to health problems, equally affecting local businesses that lose their employees. Businesses are also implicated by reduced consumerism due to sickness and advice to stay indoors during periods of high air pollution. 

Chiang Mai is a popular tourist destination, and tourism significantly contributes to the city’s GDP per capita. However, tourists are advised to avoid the city and other areas of northern Thailand during the burning season, leading to income losses for local businesses and employees, especially those working directly in the tourism sector. In fact, in 2019, the burning season in Thailand caused an 11% reduction in the nation’s gross domestic product. 

Government Policies Are not as Effective as They Seem

In 2019, the Thai government banned open burning, making it illegal for farmers to burn their land. While this ban is a seemingly positive advancement, it has been criticized as ineffective as farmers have resorted to burning their land at night to detract any attention from their now illegal practice. This response results from the government’s failure to provide Thai farmers with the resources to assist them in shifting away from slash-and-burn practices, such as providing grants or farming supplies. 

Innovative Solutions 

IQAir recommends that citizens wear facemasks, use air purifiers/filters, purchase air pollution monitors and avoid the outdoors during the burning season to protect themselves from PM2.5 pollution, yet this is not always feasible for those living in poverty.

However, Chiang Mai University has created and begun to install vending machines that provide citizens free face masks, air filters and purifiers, which remove the presence of PM2.5, in places such as schools and hospitals where the most vulnerable citizens are present. 

In the Chiang Rai province, the Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna recently developed a smartphone app known as “Smoke Watch,” which uses NASA satellite data and detailed data on fire “hotspots” to monitor fires in the region in real time. Local communities and firefighters receive alerts when there is nearby burning, providing information such as fire location and the fastest route to get there. This app allows for the fast elimination of fires and reduces the pollution they generate. In collaboration with organizations and NGOs, a second app, “Burn Watch,” is currently being developed. The app requires local farmers to submit requests to burn their land, allowing for more regulated and controlled burning. 

Thailand Clean Air Network 

The work of the nonprofit organization Thailand Clean Air Network (CAN) is leading the effort to alleviate the threat of air pollution caused by the burning season in Thailand. The organization comprises volunteer activists and academics who raise awareness of problems surrounding the burning season to the Thai government and the public. 

In 2022, Thailand CAN drafted the Clean Air Act, which discusses the various catalysts and consequences of the burning season while outlining potential solutions the government could implement. Thailand CAN is awaiting the Prime Minister’s endorsement to make the act official legislation. 

– Lucy Jacks
Photo: Wikimedia

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How Tab for a Cause is Addressing Global Poverty

Tab for a causeSince its launch in 2011, Tab for a Cause has raised more than $1.5 million for charity. The method by which Tab for a Cause is able to hit this milestone is simple: any time one of Tab for a Cause’s users — called Tabbers — opens a new tab in their browser, the browser extension allocates between one-tenth and one full cent to charity.

While Tab for a Cause’s traditional interface allows users to pick and divide their donations among a range of approved charities, the nonprofit recently rolled out specific global initiatives. This article illustrates four of these specific initiatives, which address global poverty.

Tab for Ukraine

Following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Tab for a Cause launched its Tab for Ukraine initiative. Tab for Ukraine provides user-initiated donations that help Ukrainian families in the war access food, water, shelter, education and other crucial services. The specific charity that this initiative supports is Save the Children, which has worked in Ukraine since 2014.

In 2022 alone, Save the Children provided essential services to more than 1,095,323 Ukrainians. These services included hygiene kits, mental health support, direct cash transfers, online education spaces and locations where children could safely participate in sports, art, language learning, socialization and playtime.

Tab for Global Health

Another Tab for a Cause initiative is Tab for Global Health. This initiative provides donations that help train and employ health care professionals in developing nations, enabling health care access in the communities that need it the most and generally creating “healthier and happier communities around the world.” The charity that this initiative supports is Partners in Health.

Founded in 1987, Partners in Health provides high-quality health services to people in Haiti, Kazakhstan, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mexico, Peru, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and the Navajo Nation. While Partners in Health mostly focuses on developing nations, they work within the U.S., too.

Tab for Ending Hunger

For users looking to fight food insecurity, Tab for a Cause also offers its Tab for Ending Hunger. This supports the charity Action Against Hunger, which provides baby formula, emergency nutrition services and quality food to those who need it, fighting global malnutrition.

Action Against Hunger originated in 1979, and operates in 55 countries throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean and the Middle East. Through its programs, Action Against Hunger provides services to an average of 28 million people worldwide every year.

Tab for Ending Poverty

The final initiative covered in this article is Tab for Ending Poverty. This funnels donations to GiveDirectly, which provides money directly into the pockets of those who need it, trusting that those living in poverty will spend the money on necessities. The goal of this charity is to accelerate the end of extreme poverty.

Founded in 2009, GiveDirectly provides direct cash transfers to people in Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Türkiye, Uganda, the U.S. and Yemen. To date, GiveDirectly has provided more than $700 million to people living in poverty in the aforementioned countries.

Conclusion

With each day that passes, Tab for a Cause’s users raise more money for charity, helping to fight global poverty and food insecurity. For those looking to be part of this effort, Tab for a Cause is free and available for Google Chrome, Safari and Microsoft Edge.

– Natalie Coyne
Photo: Unsplash

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Women in Nigeria Lead Entrepreneurial Charge

Women in Nigeria Lead Entrepreneurial ChargeThe Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has recently reported that women own 40% of the businesses in Nigeria, which is a large improvement from the World Bank’s report of only 34% of women owning businesses in 2018.

Women in the Workforce

Women in Nigeria lead the entrepreneurial charge. More Nigerian women are now focused on making their own money in 2023. Also, according to UN Women, “unemployment has decreased by 7.5% for women in Nigeria.”

They demonstrate the uptick of women in the Nigerian workforce, which men have notably dominated. The increase in women working connects to Nigeria’s dire economic status and the recent gas and food price increases. Nigerian families are struggling to feed their children, forcing women into the labor force.

Women are shattering barriers and breaking into male-dominated jobs such as agriculture, vendors, or skilled manual workers to help their husbands stay afloat and families survive. 

Nigerian Women Breaking the Glass

Today, more Nigerian women have become empowered to join and lead the workforce. 

Fara Ashine-Jituboh is the founder and CEO of Okra, a tech company that helps create a faster way for African companies to access financial data.

“You’re now seeing women be leaders, cofounders, CEOs, CTOs, COOs and they’re building across multiple spaces… More teams are seeing female leaders as well,” says Ashine-Jituboh.

Despite the exceptional growth of female entrepreneurs, Nigerian women still face barriers when starting a business. Recent data by the African Development Bank reports a $42 billion gender financing gap, meaning women are less likely to receive higher business loans compared to men.

Nonetheless, Nigerian women persevere. Many Nigerian women have found great success with numerous tech start-ups, as it is a booming enterprise in Nigeria.

Maya Hogan-Famoda, a Nigerian-American venture capitalist investor in her interview with CNN, states:

“In 2016, it was only $129 million that came into all of African tech; in 2021… venture capital dollars into technology companies were over $5 billion.”

Nigerian Women are Leading the Entrepreneurial Charge

Over the years, tech start-ups have been an excellent route for many female entrepreneurs, but tech is not the only path that brings success to Nigerian women. Here are some female-owned businesses that have thrived in various avenues.

ReelFruits

A pioneering company in the snacks industry in Nigeria, Affiong Williams founded Reel Fruits in 2012 with the initial goal of simply employing Nigerians as Nigeria was dealing with an immense decline in employment.

ReelFruit has created more than 250 jobs in Nigeria and includes local farmers in manufacturing to put money into their economy.

However, Williams has gone beyond her original goal, as she has created the largest dried fruit processing company. They now sell their snacks in more than 10,000 retail stores in Nigeria and have begun to expand into foreign markets, exporting to the U.S. and Europe.

Volition Cap

Volition Cap is a growth equity firm that educates businesses and individuals on creating wealth in Africa. The two Nigerians behind Volition Cap are Subomi Plumptre and Kola Oyeneyin, who founded Volition Cap in 2018  to create a “safety net” for African working-class citizens.

Volition Cap offers online investment courses for small businesses to ensure more African companies are financially stable.

Subomi Plumptre explains in her interview with CNN how important it is to educate the African community on finances.

“If the businesses go under, then it affects the people who depend on the businesses for their livelihoods: the employees, the suppliers, and the contractors. It has such a multiplier effect. So when there’s a recession, as fund managers, we need to turn our attention to funding businesses, and that’s what we’re doing now.’’ 

Plumptre advocates for economic literacy as the helping hand Africa needs to develop thoroughly.

Some of Volition Cap’s most significant accomplishments comprise developing a $30 million private equity fund for local farmers and real estate agents in Africa. The firm collected $250,000 for its entertainment and media fund, which will help filmmakers and the domestic film industry.

House of Tara

Makeup has become a massive market for many Nigerian businesses, and one of the more notable pioneers of its popularity in Nigeria is the founder of House of Tara, Tara Fela-Durotoye.

Fela-Durotoye established House of Tara in 1998 to create makeup designs for Nigerian brides. In 2004, Fela-Durotoye built the first make-up studio and schools in Nigeria, where she would go on to teach 80% of Nigerian makeup artists.

Fela-Durotoye explains to CNN the goal behind the creation of her schools:

“The aim is to equip graduates with everything they need to launch their beauty store, and past graduates have gone on to start small firms that employ a handful of other makeup artists.”

Fela-Durotoye now has 14 schools, 19 studios in different areas of Nigeria, and 4,000 reps nationwide. Being one of the first female-owned businesses in Nigeria, Fela-Durotoye has been a crucial inspiration to many Nigerian women.

Conclusion 

Women in Nigeria lead the entrepreneurial charge by withstanding the blockades thrown at them. Many Nigerian women, like Tara Fela-Durotoye, know these barriers and note that supporting fellow female entrepreneurs will allow for more significant progress in the community and the Nigerian economy.

– Jessica Jean-Baptiste
Photo: Flickr

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3D-Printed Prosthetic Limbs in Cambodia

3D-Printed Prosthetic Limbs in Cambodia
Cambodia is one of the most heavily mined nations due to conflicts between the 1970s and 1990s. It has the highest proportion of landmine survivors, with more than 9,000 people in need of artificial limbs.

The landscape of disability is evolving with an increase in cases resulting from traffic accidents, workplace incidents and diseases related to changing lifestyles, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular conditions.

The demand for prosthetics in Cambodia is profound, with an estimated 1.6 million people living with disabilities and little access to assistive devices, leaving individuals trapped in a lifelong cycle of poverty.

3D-printed prosthetic limbs in Cambodia have emerged as a revolutionary solution for amputees in the most disadvantaged and marginalized populations.

The Solution

The loss of limbs presents significant challenges for individuals. Traditional solutions like wheelchairs are impractical due to poor road conditions in Cambodia. Thus, the absence of prosthetic limbs leaves individuals unable to participate fully in areas such as education, work, community endeavors and daily life activities. As such, the lack of access to affordable prosthetic limbs deepens poverty, especially in a country with a poverty rate that already stood at around 18% in 2019/2020, according to the World Bank.

Cutting-edge 3D-printing technology has transformed the medical field making prostheses as accessible and useful as possible. It offers a rapid and cost-efficient creation of custom prosthetics. For example, one traditional below-the-knee prosthetic can cost from $1,200 to $5,000 and take up to three weeks to make.

However, 3D-printed prosthetics can cost as little as $50 in comparison and can be produced in a day. Therefore, enabling Cambodia to obtain inexpensive prosthetics helps overcome challenges that traditional prosthetic production in this developing nation once faced.

Exceed Worldwide

Exceed is a British charity established in 1989 at Cambodia’s government’s request to assist landmine survivors across five Asian countries. Its mission centers on training individuals free of charge in the art of providing prosthetics and orthotics with a focus on improving the lives of those in need.

For those individuals who can afford it, profits from paid services go towards funding free programs for the most disadvantaged who cannot afford it. The charity thus enables access to prosthetics and orthotics, and allows individuals with lower limb disabilities to experience acceptance and confidence and finally break free from a lifelong cycle of poverty.

Exceed Worldwide Partnerships

Exceed embarked on a transformative journey in 2017 by initiating a seven-month trial in Cambodia in collaboration with a Canadian nonprofit organization, Nia Technologies. It originated in 2015 with a specific focus on orthopedic clinics in resource-poor countries to help clinicians make prosthetics faster and more affordable than traditional methods. This system is designed to align with the existing International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) polypropylene technology to manufacture prosthetic devices. Polypropylene is traditionally chosen in developing nations, as it is cheap, requires few materials in the manufacturing process thus is easy to process and versatile.

This ground-breaking aspect of 3D scanning and printing technology in Cambodia generates digital replicas of limbs in a mere half-hour, avoiding the mess associated with traditional methods. The trial, which involved 60 Cambodian children, employed a technology called “3D Print Ability.” It uses a sophisticated integration of computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), scanning, modeling and printing. This process reduces the production of below-the-knee sockets and leg braces to just three days.

Its success in the trial has highlighted the potential for global implementation in Exceed centers worldwide, promising individuals in resource-poor countries more access to devices to help them walk.

Victoria Hand Project

The Victoria Hand Project is a Canadian prosthetics NGO, transforming lives through 3D printing in Cambodia to craft personalized prosthetic hands, revolutionizing the entire prosthetic process for increased efficiency and affordability. The project establishes clinics and equips 3D printers to local communities. This initiative empowers and trains individuals. It offers comprehensive training on printer usage, prosthetic assembly and software utilization.

In 2016, the project forged a significant partnership with ARC Hub PNH, Cambodia’s pioneering 3D printing firm founded in 2013, and the Siem Reap Physical Rehabilitation Centre. Together, these collaborative efforts have resulted in the successful fitting of functional prosthetic hands on upper-limb amputees costing $300 and taking around 40 hours to print.

In 2019, alone around 25 amputees have benefited from Victoria Hand Project’s prosthesis systems. This represents a tangible step toward empowerment and highlights the project’s commitment to making a meaningful difference to Cambodian victims of landmine explosions.

Future Revolution

The adoption of 3D-printed prosthetic limbs in Cambodia marks a ground-breaking advancement in both medical innovation and humanitarian assistance. Key charities have played pivotal roles in transforming the lives of amputees in Cambodia. These initiatives have efficiently addressed the urgent needs of amputees while promoting self-sufficiency and empowerment within local communities.

This collaborative approach, uniting international organizations, local partners and innovative technologies, has made a significant social impact in Cambodia. The success of these efforts highlights the transformative potential of technology in healthcare for developing nations while also demonstrating the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing complex societal challenges.

These initiatives serve as inspiring examples of how advanced technology is reshaping Cambodia’s narrative. It brings positive change and improves the quality of life for people with disabilities while reducing their risk of falling into poverty as it allows them to engage in productive and developmental activities such as education and employment.

– Ellen Jones
Photo: Flickr

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Circuses and Poverty: The Unseen Impacts

Circuses and Poverty: The Unseen ImpactsAs the poverty crisis became exacerbated across the world over the past several decades, millions of like-minded people united in numerous different ways to combat it. Billions of dollars of fundraising, programs dedicated to disadvantaged populations and generous aid circulation have significantly impacted the lives of poverty-stricken populations across the globe. 

One method in particular is especially striking, the use of circuses. Circuses have been famous for centuries because of their vivid, entrancing colors and their silly performers and yet the true extent of the social impact that circuses have has long been overlooked. Circuses give marginalized children the opportunity to finally have the spotlight. Many circuses combine entertainment with education and teach youth life skills by employing the use of performing arts. As such, this article will delve into the correlation between circuses and poverty, explaining their impact and reach across the globe.  

The Unseen Impact

Studies on social circuses across the world decode their impact on youth. The National Institute of Health studied the impacts of the Cirque du Monde, a social circus created to target disadvantaged and marginalized youth. The program educates children by encouraging the development of self-esteem, as well as the cultivation of life skills such as risk-taking, ambition and hard work. Training these populations of excluded children in the circus can simultaneously teach them these vital skills while also helping them grow as individuals. 

Results of the surveys connected to the study displayed that the program promoted an increase in self-esteem of significant percentages of those involved in the circus programs. Another study by ScienceDaily on circuses in general notes that children undergoing training in social circuses admit that the programs helped them extensively with developing confidence in themselves and their lives. 

Here are some of the international programs that are changing the world.

Spark Circus

Located primarily in Thailand, this incredible organization works for disadvantaged children, refugees and poverty-stricken populations. By including local communities in circus training and performances, Spark Circus encourages creativity through workshops and performances to uplift youths. The primary goal of the organization is to teach young children to be the next generation of entertainment educators within their own communities. Since its formation, the Spark Circus has performed at several locations such as hospitals, small schools and refugee camps, uplifting children across Thailand.

Circus Zambia

This Zambian social enterprise circus entertains marginalized youth and trains them with skills that will be infinitely helpful throughout life. Whether the skills are personality-related, such as confidence, trust and teamwork, or they are performance-related, this organization offers participants both life skills and employment skills that will never become outdated. Circus Zambia offers workshops for youth and adults alike, as well as entertainment through performances. This program provides communities in Zambia with employment opportunities within the circus should they wish to be a part of the community. Apart from the circus, the program also offers a space for these populations to express creativity through singing, art, or general performance! With the help of funding, the organization attracted several new members and created new programs in 2021 that impacted thousands of Zambians. 

Clowns Without Borders

This incredibly unique organization prioritizes laughter as a cure. Clowns and circus performers alike work with youth no matter their background. The history behind the organization is truly heartwarming. In 1993, Spanish children fundraised to send a clown to refugees in Croatia when they wrote to them saying, “We miss laughter.” The project was such a success that it formed the organization. This proves that the circus can truly be an escape from unfortunate reality, and can act as a much-needed happy moment in these children’s lives. With programs across nearly all continents, Clowns Without Borders makes room for those who were subject to displacement, crisis or war. With just five international projects in 2020, the organization served over 23,000 people through performances and workshop programs. 

Looking Ahead

The noteworthy work of each circus proves that laughter can truly be the cure to anything. These inspiring social enterprises intertwining circuses and poverty offer disadvantaged populations opportunities across the world, changing both their mental and physical well-being for the better while displaying that there really is a light at the end of the tunnel. 

– Divya Shankar
Photo: Pixabay

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How Access to Haircuts Empowers the Vulnerable

Access to HaircutsIn the complex landscape of socioeconomic disparities, the simple act of getting a haircut might seem inconsequential to many. However, for vulnerable populations in Brazil and beyond, access to haircuts can be a transformative tool in breaking down barriers and fostering empowerment. This article explores how initiatives providing haircuts to the vulnerable not only enhance physical well-being but also contribute to improved mental health, self-esteem and social integration. 

The Power of a Haircut

Beyond the aesthetic aspects, self-grooming practices contribute significantly to a person’s overall well-being and sense of identity. Maintaining personal hygiene and appearance can boost self-esteem, fostering a positive self-image and confidence in one’s abilities. Personal hygiene and grooming, including haircuts, can significantly impact a homeless person’s ability to secure employment. In the competitive job market, first impressions matter, and a clean, well-groomed appearance signals professionalism and self-care. 

Maintaining good personal hygiene demonstrates to potential employers that individuals value themselves and respect the workplace environment. Unfortunately, for those experiencing homelessness, access to regular grooming facilities may be limited, making it challenging to present themselves in the best light during job interviews. The lack of proper grooming can reinforce negative stereotypes and prejudices, potentially hindering their chances of employment.

Access to Haircuts and Mental Health

Homelessness often exacerbates mental health challenges, as the harsh realities of life on the streets or in unstable living conditions can lead to increased stress, anxiety and depression. The lack of a stable home environment and support systems can further impede access to mental health resources, creating a cycle that underscores the intricate relationship between homelessness and mental well-being. 

The connection between appearance and mental health is also well-documented. For vulnerable individuals, the ability to maintain personal grooming routines, including regular haircuts, can have a profound impact on mental well-being. Feeling clean and presentable contributes to a positive self-image, boosting confidence and self-esteem.

Community-Based Initiatives in Brazil

Brazil has seen the emergence of several community-based initiatives addressing the grooming needs of vulnerable populations. One such initiative is run by Henrique Campos, a local barber co-owner of The Great Barber Shop, in São Paulo, who provides free haircuts to men with scheduled job interviews. Inspired by a friend’s need for a haircut before an interview, owner Henrique Campos decided to extend the offer to others in need. To avail themselves of the service, individuals only need to email evidence of their upcoming job interview. 

Leandro Matias, a hairstylist from Votorantim, São Paulo, has also gained attention for offering free makeovers to boost the confidence of homeless individuals. He has helped over 30 homeless people by offering free makeover services. 

This includes Bruno Henrique Cassimiro Ramos, 33. Leandro, who himself has been helping homeless people for over five years, emphasizes the emotional impact of the makeovers, often bringing clients to tears with gratitude. Bruno’s dramatic transformation, shared on social media, not only led to job offers for him but also garnered support from a dentist and local residents offering clothes and donations, indicating a positive turn in his life.

Access to haircuts might seem like a small step, but for vulnerable populations in Brazil, it can have an enormously transformative impact on empowerment and social inclusion. Initiatives providing grooming services go beyond the superficial, addressing fundamental aspects of well-being and identity.

– Genevieve Martin
Photo: Flickr

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David Sengeh’s Innovations in Sierra Leone

Innovations in Sierra LeoneDr. David Moinina Sengeh is Sierra Leone’s Chief Innovation Officer and the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education. During his time in office, he has led the innovation effort in Sierra Leone through education reform and medical advancements. 

Who Is Dr. David Moinina Sengeh?

Born in Sierra Leone, Sengeh attended Harvard University for his bachelor’s degree in 2010. At Harvard, Sengeh researched “aerosolized vaccines for tuberculosis.” After Harvard, Sengeh went to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to complete his doctoral degree. Sengeh’s research at MIT was focused on “inventions and technology for human augmentation designing comfortable prosthetic interfaces.” The latter would be an integral piece of Sengeh’s innovations in Sierra Leone. 

Some of Sengeh’s achievements so far include: 

Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, asked Sengeh to return to Sierra Leone in 2019. The roles of Chief Innovation Officer and Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education were added to the Sierra Leone government, with Sengeh as the first officeholder. At the center of Sengeh’s role is the goal to “halve learning poverty in seven years.” The Multidimensional Poverty Index shows 59.2% of Sierra Leone’s population is multidimensionally poor.

Education Reform 

One innovation in Sierra Leone is using digital transformation to improve the country’s education systems. Sengeh’s background, before becoming an education minister, was in technology, and he continues to use that background to improve education in Sierra Leone. 

Sierra Leone’s investment in #TechOnOurTerms is part of this education reform. Sengeh implemented the #TechOnOurTerms project in July 2023. Through this project, the investment is solely in the technologies that will support Sierra Leone’s learning objectives. One such technology is a Geographic Information System (GIS) tool that uses geospatial data to visualize and identify where the blind spots are in access to education. With investment in GIS tools, the government of Sierra Leone can reform education policy more efficiently and reduce learning poverty. Sierra Leone is currently in a learning crisis, with 8% of third-graders able to read. 

Prosthetics for Civil War Amputees

From 1991 to 2002, Sierra Leone found itself amid a brutal civil war. As a consequence of the civil war, over 8,000 people were left with amputated limbs. Sengeh grew up in this atmosphere and, during this time, noticed that many of the people around him were not wearing their prostheses. This common practice could be attributed to the prosthesis either causing more pain or not fitting around the amputated limb properly.

During TED2023, Sengeh told AfroTech journalist Ngozi Nwanji: “Before I left for college, I had these conversations with amputees because a lot of people always said amputees just wanted a beg on the street side. They didn’t want to use their prosthesis, and I learned that it wasn’t just because they wanted to beg, but the majority did not use their [prosthetics] because it was painful.”

At MIT, Sengeh researched methods to make comfortable and affordable prosthetics. Sengeh’s goals were made possible with a combination of MRI imaging, 3D printing, soft tissue modeling and collaboration from various fields. With this combination, Sengeh and the team he worked with at MIT could build precise prosthetic sockets that could work regardless of where the amputee resides or who they are. These limbs can also be produced quickly and at a decent cost.  

Concluding Remarks

David Sengeh continues his work on innovations in Sierra Leone as a Minister of Education and the Chief Innovation Officer. Constantly innovating and looking at how technology can be integrated within Sierra Leone, Sengeh is leading the government in taking steps toward poverty reduction. Education reforms spearheaded by Sengeh can reduce learning poverty by providing access to schools and a quality education geared towards Sierra Leone’s learning objectives. 

Sengeh’s work on prosthetics provides a possibility for civil war amputees to not suffer from their injuries and not be forced to beg on the streets. As innovations in Sierra Leone continue to increase, the hope for achieving Sengeh’s goal of halving learning poverty also grows.

– Komalpreet Kaur
Photo: Flickr