Information and stories on education.

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Deworming Programs & School Attendance in Cambodia

Deworming ProgramsParasitic worm infections remain a common but preventable health challenge for children in Cambodia. While these infections are rarely life-threatening, they can cause chronic fatigue, anemia and recurring illness that make it difficult for children to attend school consistently or concentrate in class. For low-income households, these repeated health disruptions can quietly undermine education and limit long-term economic opportunity.

In recent years, national deworming programs implemented through schools have become a core part of Cambodia’s public health and education strategy. By reducing preventable illness among school-aged children, these initiatives help protect learning and remove health-related barriers that can trap families in cycles of poverty.

A Persistent Health Burden

Soil-transmitted helminth infections, including roundworm, whipworm and hookworm, continue to affect more than one billion people worldwide, with children among the most vulnerable groups. According to a 2023 fact sheet from the World Health Organization (WHO), chronic worm infections contribute to malnutrition, impaired growth and reduced physical stamina, particularly in areas with limited sanitation and access to clean water.

In Cambodia, exposure remains common in many rural and peri-urban communities. Rather than causing acute illness, these infections often create a steady health burden that lowers children’s energy levels and increases short-term absenteeism. Over time, the persistent drag on health weakens children’s ability to benefit fully from schooling.

Why Attendance Is Fragile for Poor Households

For children from low-income families, school attendance is often highly sensitive to health. Even a relatively minor illness can result in missed days when households lack access to timely health care or cannot absorb repeated disruptions. These short absences accumulate, creating learning gaps that are difficult to recover from.

Education is widely recognized as one of the most reliable pathways out of poverty. However, its benefits depend on consistent participation. When preventable health conditions interfere with attendance, the effectiveness of education spending is reduced, particularly for children already facing economic disadvantage. 

Schools as a Platform for Health Delivery

Deworming involves periodic administration of safe, low-cost medication to eliminate intestinal worms. The WHO’s most recent guidance, updated in the early 2020s, recommends preventive treatment for children living in endemic areas where infection prevalence exceeds established thresholds.

When delivered through schools, deworming programs can reach large numbers of children efficiently and at a minimal cost. According to recent estimates summarized by the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL), school-based deworming programs typically cost around $0.50 per child per year. This makes them one of the most cost-effective public health interventions currently in use.

In Cambodia, deworming efforts are coordinated by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. This allows treatment to be integrated into routine school activities rather than relying on clinic-based delivery.

Evidence From Implementation in Cambodia

Cambodia’s school-based deworming programs have historically achieved high levels of coverage among enrolled children. A treatment coverage survey conducted in Kamport Province in the early 2010s found that 84%–89% of targeted school-age children received treatment. This result demonstrates the effectiveness of school-based delivery in reaching the intended population.

While this study reflects an earlier implementation phase, more recent WHO country profiles indicate that Cambodia has continued regular school-based deworming in the 2020s as part of its neglected tropical disease control strategy. The country has maintained national program coverage in endemic areas. High treatment coverage plays an important role in reducing the overall burden of infection within schools and surrounding communities.

It supports sustained improvements in child health when programs are delivered consistently and at scale.

Protected Learning and Household Stability

Deworming programs do not create educational opportunities on their own. Instead, they help prevent preventable illness from eroding children’s ability to attend school regularly and participate in learning. Healthier children are better able to maintain attendance and avoid repeated short-term absences that disproportionately affect students from low-income households.

For families living near or below the poverty line, recurring illness can also lead to avoidable medical expenses and lost income when caregivers must miss work. By lowering infection prevalence, deworming programs help reduce these health-related economic shocks and support household stability.

A Low-Cost Way To Safeguard Opportunity

Deworming programs are widely recognized for their reliability rather than their novelty. Their strength lies in consistent delivery, high coverage and low cost. Implemented through schools, they help ensure that basic health conditions do not quietly undermine the effectiveness of education for children most at risk of poverty.

In Cambodia, continued investment in school-based deworming reflected a broader understanding that poverty reduction depends not only on expanding access to education, but also on protecting children’s health so that education can work as intended.

– Tom Basu

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

Photo: Flickr

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Education in India: Access, Challenges and the Path Forward

Education in IndiaIt’s no secret that education opens up pathways and opportunities for those able to attend school. Countless organizations and activists fight for education access worldwide every day. Unfortunately, the reality is that thousands of children worldwide are unable to attend school and receive the education they deserve.

In India, an estimated 1.17 million children aren’t attending school as of 2025. The lack of educational access stems from various reasons, including the uncertainty of the job market after graduating. Unemployment rates for Indian college graduates are staggeringly high. One graduate’s perspective attempts to shed light on this issue and the education system in India as a whole.

Who Has Access to Education in India?

Despite the challenging job market, education in India remains a powerful tool for combating poverty and inequality. Education and poverty are closely linked. Education helps reduce poverty by creating job opportunities and driving economic growth, while poverty limits access to education by restricting resources and opportunities for low-income individuals.

A family isn’t likely to prioritize the education of their children if they are forced to choose between putting food on the table and purchasing school supplies. These children face fewer opportunities in life than their peers and much higher chances of lifelong poverty. Children belonging to marginalized groups are more likely to face educational adversity.

Socioeconomic status, gender and residing in rural areas have been proven to negatively affect education levels. Due to cultural expectations of household chores and marriage, nearly 30% of girls in India do not finish their elementary education. Teacher shortages and a lack of an updated and usable facility to hold classes affect those in less-populated areas.

Yet, this problem is not limited to adolescents, as more than 19% of adults are illiterate.

Education and the Workforce

Though education in India is of high quality for those who can access it, a degree does not guarantee employment. In fact, 13.4% of college graduates struggle to find jobs that offer fair wages. More than half of unemployed young people are educated, some holding multiple degrees.

An estimated seven million jobs will need to be created over the next decade to meet the demands of India’s growing workforce. The bleak outlook of post-graduate employment, often earning as little as $2.40 per day, discourages many students from continuing their education.

Making Education Accessible

Many organizations are making efforts to make education more accessible to all. The issue of children facing barriers to education isn’t solved in its entirety. However, these acts are a step in the right direction and offer thousands of children opportunities they wouldn’t have otherwise had.

  • The Right to Education Act makes education for children 6-14 years old free and compulsory. This act prevents children from being expelled or dropping out of school before completing elementary school, as well as providing teachers with the right training and qualifications in every school. This act guarantees children years of free education, which will help a large portion of the children in low-income families. If there are no associated costs with obtaining a basic education, parents are more likely to send their children.
  • Furthermore, India launched the National Education Policy (NEP) in 2020, in an effort to revamp the education system and offer quality education on all levels. The main focus is on a new system of a 5+3+3+4 pattern of education. In other terms, dividing education into four stages, with an emphasis on development, language learning, vocational skills and holistic development.
  • Pratham is one of the largest nongovernmental organizations working to make education accessible to all children in India. Founded in 1995, the organization began by providing education to children living in the slums of Mumbai. Pratham developed the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) approach, which places children in learning groups based on what they know rather than their age. This method has significantly improved student learning outcomes, as well as classroom organization and management. Today, Pratham is widely recognized for its impact on education access and has received numerous awards for its work.

Final Remarks

Working to solve India’s job crisis will work in tandem with increasing education rates; if pursuing education and degrees results in higher-paying jobs, then more individuals and families will prioritize education. With the growing use of AI, many entry-level positions once available to new graduates are no longer accessible.

To address this issue, school curricula are beginning to shift toward incorporating skills such as digital science, robotics, data science and applied AI to better prepare students for the workforce. Education is an incredible tool that opens doors for many people. It can continue to change lives and create a lasting impact, regardless of an individual’s country of residence.

– Sydney Uhl

Sydney is based in Vancouver, WA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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A Glance Into Poverty in Portugal

Poverty in PortugalPortugal, a beautiful country, is littered with sprawling cathedrals and castles. One of Portugal’s primary attractions is its high number of visitors. According to Road Genius, Portugal attracts an average of 15 million to 18 million people per year; despite being such a popular tourist destination, Portugal continues to battle with many financial and economic problems. This article will outline the problems and solutions to tackling poverty in Portugal.

A Glance Into the Facts About Poverty in Portugal

SDG Watch Europe states that 2.2 million people, which makes up about one-fifth of Portugal’s population, are at risk of poverty or social exclusion. Portugal had an economic crisis from 2011 through to 2015, which elongated its existing financial issues. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic furthered this.

Portugal observes an extremely large gap between the richest and the poorest. Euro Weekly News states that the wealthiest 25% of the population hold 48% of the country’s total income.

SDG Watch Europe argues that having a job in Portugal does not guarantee its citizens a decent standard of living. For instance, in 2017, about one out of every five people was earning the national minimum wage. Women earning the national minimum wage were double the amount of men.

SDG provides a few solutions: one is to strengthen the social protection and the benefits system to make it fairer and more effective for society in Portugal. Secondly, it recommends a focus on more inclusive growth through policies of income and wealth distribution. This includes more equal and progressive taxation.

Addressing Education in Portugal

SDG states that education is improving in Portugal. For example, school dropout rates have fallen and there has been a sharp increase in girls’ education. However, SDG illustrates that Portugal is one of the least educated countries in Europe with 22% of the population completing only the first cycle of compulsory education. Many children under the age of sixteen end up leaving school in search of work or live on the streets.

According to Eurydice, the Portuguese Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation has launched a Learning More Now Plan, in the school year of 2024-2025, which includes a “strengthening of assessment literacy in leadership” and “early interventions to prevent yearly retention and early school dropout.” Strengthening education is one solution to reducing poverty in Portugal.

The Portuguese National Action Plan

The Portuguese National Action Plan began in 2022 and plans to continue in 2030. This plan has seen a development of initiatives such as the reduction of poverty among children and young people, with the goal of a reduction of 170,000 children in poverty by 2030. So far, there has been 270 measures to reduce the risk of poverty such as the free school meals, enhanced housing support and social benefits.

The President’s Stance on Poverty

According to The Resident, the current president of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, has admitted his frustration with the lack of improvement in Portugal’s poverty figures. At the start of the mandate, the president hoped to help eradicate poverty and improve the situation for the homeless. To improve, President de Sousa has argued for the implementation of a global strategy to eradicate poverty in Portugal.

Portugal needs a large improvement in reducing poverty, particularly for a country that attracts so many global visitors per year. Implementing the solutions that the SDGs set out helps tackle Portugal’s financial and economic issues. This is furthered by initiatives in education such as the Learning More Now Plan.

– Joe Langley

Joe is based in Edinburgh, Scotland and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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How Public Libraries Are Alleviating Poverty in Rural South Africa

Poverty in Rural South AfricaIn rural South Africa, where access to education, technology and employment opportunities is often limited, public libraries are playing a pivotal role in breaking the cycle of poverty. These libraries have transformed into vital community hubs that offer much more than just reading materials. They are gateways to education, digital literacy and skills development, providing rural populations with the tools they need to improve their livelihoods.

The Role of Public Libraries in Rural South Africa

Public libraries in rural South Africa play an essential role in enhancing the local information environment by providing equitable access to information, education and digital tools. In areas with limited resources, these libraries serve as crucial community hubs, offering a wide range of services, including access to books, the internet and educational programs. By bridging the digital divide, public libraries empower individuals with the skills needed to navigate the digital world, improving their chances of economic success and social inclusion.

Furthermore, libraries facilitate lifelong learning by offering various educational opportunities, from early childhood literacy programs to adult education and vocational training. In this way, public libraries help address information poverty, promote equality and contribute to sustainable development, alleviating poverty in rural communities across South Africa.

Empowering the Next Generation

One of the most significant ways libraries help reduce poverty in rural South Africa is through their work with children and young people. In under-resourced communities, libraries serve as spaces for learning and personal development. Programs such as after-school tutoring, reading clubs and skills workshops help improve literacy and encourage a lasting interest in education.

By supporting the education of the next generation, libraries play a vital role in breaking the cycle of poverty that has held many families back for generations. For young adults, libraries offer opportunities for personal development and career advancement. Workshops on job readiness, training on resume writing, application processes and interview skills are often conducted in collaboration with organizations.

These programs give young people the tools they need to succeed in the job market and secure employment, thus enhancing their economic prospects and contributing to local economic growth.

Access to Information and Resources for Adults

Public libraries also serve as vital resources for adults seeking to improve their lives. In rural South Africa, many adults face unemployment or underemployment, often due to limited skills or restricted access to information. Libraries help address this gap by offering resources that go beyond traditional reading and language support.

Today, public libraries play an important role in promoting Media and Information Literacy (MIL). In an increasingly digital world, they help individuals develop the skills needed to critically engage with information, assess sources and use digital tools responsibly. Supported by UNESCO, MIL equips people to navigate online spaces safely and build trust in digital technologies.

This includes addressing challenges such as the spread of misinformation and disinformation, hate speech and the growing decline in trust toward media and digital technologies like artificial intelligence. By offering MIL resources alongside traditional literacy programs, libraries empower individuals to make informed decisions and engage more effectively with the information ecosystem. Over time, these efforts contribute to reducing poverty in rural South Africa by strengthening digital confidence, critical thinking and access to opportunity.

Success Stories: Impacting Lives in Rural Communities

One notable success story is the African Library Project. This nonprofit organization establishes libraries in rural and underserved communities across Africa. The initiative has played a key role in improving literacy rates and expanding educational opportunities by collecting and distributing books to schools and local libraries.

Through partnerships with community members and volunteers, the African Library Project helps create sustainable, resource-rich libraries that support both students and adults. These efforts not only provide access to essential learning materials but also encourage a culture of reading, helping to bridge educational gaps and promote lifelong learning across the continent.

Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead

Despite the positive impact that public libraries have had, challenges remain. Many libraries in rural South Africa face challenges, including a lack of competent, qualified staff and outdated, limited resources. However, there is hope.

Efforts are underway to address these challenges. Recent studies and advocacy initiatives highlight the important role libraries play in development, particularly as public access points for information and communication technologies (ICTs) and community-based programs. Organizations such as the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and the African Library and Information Associations and Institutions (AfLIA) are actively working to amplify the impact of African libraries and expand their role in development efforts.

These efforts, supported by local and international advocates, reflect a growing recognition of libraries’ transformative power to foster development and improve access to information in underserved communities. With sustained support, public libraries can become powerful agents of change in the fight against rural poverty. By providing access to knowledge, skills and opportunities, they help individuals build better futures for themselves and their communities.

– Chris Tang

Chris is based in Singapore and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Higher Education in Malta and Its Role in Reducing Poverty

Higher education in MaltaHigher education in Malta has expanded significantly over the past decade, placing the country above the European Union average for tertiary attainment, according to the European Commission’s Education and Training Monitor. However, unequal access to education continues to limit who benefits from this growth, directly affecting poverty outcomes.

These disparities matter because education remains one of the strongest predictors of long-term economic security. In small, service-based economies such as Malta’s, higher education often determines access to stable employment, higher wages and upward social mobility.

Public institutions such as the University of Malta and the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology have driven much of the growth in higher education in Malta, supported by a growing private higher education sector. Despite broader access, participation and outcomes remain uneven across socio-economic groups.

Education Attainment and Poverty Risk

Data from Eurostat shows a clear relationship between education level and poverty risk in Malta. Individuals with tertiary education face a significantly lower risk of poverty than those with only secondary or post-secondary, non-tertiary qualifications.

This gap illustrates the protective role higher education plays against poverty. University graduates are more likely to secure stable employment and higher wages, particularly in sectors such as finance, health care, education and information technology. Workers without tertiary credentials often face low wages, job insecurity and limited career mobility. 

Despite high public investment, outcomes remain polarized. Roughly 40% of adults in Malta still have less than upper secondary education, which limits access to higher education in Malta and reinforces intergenerational inequality.

Barriers To Higher Education Access

Early educational attainment plays a decisive role in determining who reaches university. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds in Malta underperform in literacy and numeracy, reducing their likelihood of completing secondary education and progressing to tertiary studies.

Socio-economic background further shapes educational trajectories. While public universities charge no tuition for Maltese and EU citizens, indirect costs such as housing, transportation, study materials and foregone income discourage students from low-income households from pursuing higher education.

Adult learning participation reflects similar inequality. Lifelong learning programs in Malta primarily attract individuals who already hold higher qualifications, while adults with lower education levels participate far less, limiting reskilling opportunities and increasing long-term poverty risk.

Labor Market Mismatches and Inequality

Even among graduates, outcomes remain uneven. Malta faces shortages in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields, while some graduates experience underemployment due to skills mismatches. Weak alignment between education outcomes and labor market needs can undermine the poverty-reducing potential of higher education in Malta.

 To address these gaps, policymakers emphasize closer coordination between tertiary institutions and labor market demand. Strengthening vocational and technical pathways alongside traditional university degrees can broaden access to stable, well-paid employment.

Higher Education as an Anti-Poverty Strategy

The Maltese government introduced initiatives to improve access to higher education. The Get Qualified Scheme provides tax credits to individuals pursuing higher education or vocational training, reducing financial barriers and encouraging workforce upskilling.

The government also provides monthly student stipends to help cover living costs, which supports retention and reduces dropout rates among full-time students from lower-income households.

International research consistently identifies education as one of the most effective long-term strategies for reducing poverty. Tertiary education increases lifetime earnings, improves health outcomes and strengthens civic participation.

Conclusion

Higher education in Malta reduces poverty risk by improving employment stability and income potential. However, unequal access, early educational disparities and labor market mismatches continue to limit its full impact.

Expanding financial support, strengthening adult learning opportunities and aligning education with workforce needs would allow higher education in Malta to function as a true engine of social mobility and long-term poverty reduction.

– Sean Leung

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

Photo: Flickr

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Poverty Reduction in Kashmir

Poverty Reduction in KashmirIn many parts of Kashmir, income does not flow into households monthly. It depends upon tourism seasons, harvests, weather conditions and the access to markets that can disappear without any warning. For decades, this inconsistency and instability drove families through cycles of debt and unemployment. Today, poverty reduction in Kashmir is centered around rebuilding livelihoods that last more than a single season.

India has consistently and significantly reduced extreme poverty nationwide, according to the World Bank, but regions experiencing political tensions and geographical isolation face slower progress. In the state of Jammu and Kashmir, poverty stems from economic vulnerability, limited employment options, weak education systems and even weaker access to financial services. Development programs now focus on strengthening local income sources rather than relying on temporary assistance.

Farming and Handicrafts Anchoring Local Economies

Agriculture and handicrafts remain central to rural life in Kashmir. Small farmers and artisans often rely on narrow profit margins and informal markets. To address this, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) supports projects that improve irrigation, better crop diversification and connect producers to more assured markets.

These initiatives help farmers reduce losses due to climate variability while increasing productivity. IFAD reports that similar rural livelihood programs across India have raised household incomes and improved food security, especially among smallholder farmers.

Women’s Self-Help Groups Promote Savings

Women lead self-help groups that have proven to be effective tools in poverty reduction in Kashmir. Through Jammu and Kashmir’s Rural Livelihoods Mission, women gain access to services such as savings accounts, low-interest loans and overall entrepreneurship training. 

Many women pioneer tailoring businesses, food processing units and other local shops. These enterprises guarantee a steady income and therefore, the household does not solely depend upon informal lenders. Government data demonstrates that the households involved in self-help groups experience greater financial stability and better access to social services.

Education and Skills Create Pathways for Youth

For young people in Kashmir, limited employment opportunities often reflect gaps in skills and education rather than a lack of ambition. Education disruptions and unemployment perpetuate the unending cycles of poverty. UNICEF works alongside local partners to reinforce school attendance, making digital learning more accessible and vocational training in underserved districts.

Skills programs target sectors such as information technology, hospitality and renewable energy maintenance. UNICEF reports that education interventions in conflict regions increase long-term earning potential and help to reduce economic vulnerability boosting resilience.

Employment Guarantees Offer Income During Uncertainty

Social protection programs provide critical support during periods of job instability. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) provides wage employment to households while funding community infrastructure projects. 

In Jammu and Kashmir, this program supports families during the agricultural off-seasons and economic and political disruptions. Official data indicate increased participation in recent years, helping households maintain a stable income all the while improving local infrastructure.

Entrepreneurship Expands Local Opportunity

Beyond the traditional rural livelihoods, entrepreneurships play a major role in poverty reduction in Kashmir. The Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute promotes small businesses through training, seed funding and mentorship.

These enterprises offer food processing, tourism services and handicraft exports as few of their services. Officials report that small businesses have grown significantly which has created local employment and reduces reliance on public assistance, multiplying the economic impact within said communities.

Building Resilience One Livelihood at a Time

Poverty reduction in Kashmir increasingly depends upon coordinated efforts that link livelihoods, education, financial inclusion and social protection. Challenges remain, but consistent and sustained investment in people and local businesses continue to help the economy build resilience across the state. 

Development experts emphasize that continuous progress requires sustained efforts and market access. As these initiatives expand, they offer a stable and steady path towards greater economic success for such affected families across Kashmir.

– Parthivee Mukherji

Parthivee is based in Edinburgh, Scotland and focuses on Global Health and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Vocational Education and Training in Samoa

Vocational Education and Training in SamoaSamoa was added to the UN’s least developed country (LDC) list in 1971. Membership to this list is determined by gross national income, health and education outcomes and other factors. While landing a place on this list is intimidating, doing so gives many countries a path to graduate from it.

In the case of Samoa, high levels of general education coupled with a limited amount of formal employment opportunity can be a conundrum. While Samoans are well educated, for many years the country lacked a structured system of job training that aligned education with local labor market needs. As a result, young people often moved overseas where larger economies rewarded their existing skillsets.

Although migration has declined slightly in recent years, Samoa continues to expatriate more people than it gains. Because of this, the country maintains one of the largest overseas diaspora populations in the Pacific. This reality speaks to the urgency of creating new pathways to encourage working-age Samoans to remain in-country. Retaining talent is not simply a demographic concern—it is essential to sustaining economic growth, strengthening local  industries and reducing long-term dependence on remittances.

Recognizing this challenge, deliberately building vocational education and training in Samoa or TVET has become a priority in the last 15 years. These reforms are beginning to show results, but their long-term successes depend on sustained investment and continued policy support.

How the System Was Built

A major turning point came in 2010 with the passage of the Samoa Qualifications Authority Act. This legislation established a national framework to define training standards and qualifications across all levels of education, from certificate programs to doctoral degrees. For the first time, clear and nationally recognized standards governed vocational education and training in Samoa. After years of progress, the country was able to graduate from the LDC list in 2014 only four years after the re-structuring of vocational education and training in Samoa.

This framework provided the foundation for expanding TVET programs across the country. By formalizing qualifications and aligning training with industry needs, Samoa began to address long-standing gaps between education and employment. The goal was not only to improve skills, but to ensure those skills were relevant to local economic priorities such as construction, agriculture, tourism and skilled trades.

Building on this foundation, the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture introduced the National School TVET Policy in 2018, covering the period through 2023. This policy focused specifically on integrating vocational training into the national education system and promoting TVET as a viable and respected pathway for young people. It emphasized employability, workforce readiness, and economic growth, while also aiming to shift public perceptions that had long viewed vocational training as inferior to academic education.

What Progress Looks Like

Samoa is now seeing encouraging signs that these reforms are working. Participation in formal TVET programs has increased, and the stigma surrounding vocational education is gradually fading. Young people are increasingly viewing trade and technical training as practical, respected routes to stable employment.

These changes are beginning to translate into broader economic gains. Employment in the formal sector is growing, and tertiary education enrollment has increased. While it takes time to measure the full impact of workforce reforms, early indicators are promising. Samoa’s adult unemployment rate stands at approximately 2.8%, and the country has experienced steady GDP growth in recent years.

Although TVET reforms are not solely responsible for these outcomes, they suggest that aligning education with labor market needs is contributing to improved economic resilience.

The Path Forward

Despite this progress, vocational education and training in Samoa is a system that remains under-resourced. Expanding access, maintaining quality standards and keeping programs aligned with evolving industry needs will require continued investment. Without it, the gains made over the past decade risk stagnation.

Strengthening TVET is ultimately about more than skills training. It is about giving Samoans meaningful opportunities to build livelihoods at home, reducing the pressure to migrate, and ensuring that economic growth benefits local communities. With sustained commitment, vocational education can help Samoa retain its young workforce and position itself as a stronger, more self-sufficient participant in the global economy.

– Nicole Miller

Nicole is based in Pittsburgh, PA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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The Emerging Role and Evolution of AI in the Caribbean

evolution of AI in the CaribbeanThe Caribbean consists of 16 independent countries and 18 associated territories, resulting in many unique problems that AI can solve. In an interview with The Borgen Project, University of Central Florida (UCF) Professor Rohan Jowallah, who works as a consultant for AI and AI policies in the Caribbean, provided necessary insight into AI in the Caribbean and what the future potentially looks like with AI.

Professor Rohan Jowallah’s Insight

In The Borgen Project’s interview with Professor Rohan Jowallah, The Borgen Project asked him about his most recent presentation on AI in the Caribbean and how the region has used AI. The organization also questioned him on how his role as a consultant has been beneficial to the Caribbean as a whole and the impact of the policies the region has enacted.

AI has benefited a wide range of sectors, including hospitality, transportation, hospitals and agriculture. There have even been instances of people using ChatGPT to promote real estate. According to Jowallah, the Caribbean is using AI “to simulate how guests should be served” in restaurants. Meanwhile, Trinidad is using AI in education. AI has become more prominent in the education field as it can support learning by being available to students at any time of the day.

When asked about his presentation on AI in the Caribbean and how he felt about the impact of that presentation, Jowallah stated that there is a lot to keep in mind, such as “the transformation of teaching and learning, how it’s going to shape how people learn, and how it’s going to shape how content is delivered.” He also stated that the way teachers teach will not be the same in the future as new advancements occur, also noting that “critical AI literacy” is going to be a necessity in order to navigate spaces with AI.

Upon being questioned about his role as an AI consultant, Jowallah said that the main thing to consider through the use of AI is how to safeguard the future. Finally, the last question that The Borgen Project asked was about where he thinks policies are regarding ethical concerns for AI, with his main thought being that it was simply too early to tell.

Addressing Problems With AI

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Trinidad & Tobago, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten aligned itself with CARICOM to address problems with AI. It implemented AI in public administration to resolve problems like limited institutional capacity, scarce resources and heightened vulnerability. The hope is that with AI, and also knowing the opportunities and risks to worry about, there will be a greater understanding of how AI can accelerate sustainable development and resilience in the Caribbean, with many experts in their respective fields all coming together to better understand what AI can do for the region.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) also has pillars already set regarding the speed at which the emerging role and evolution of AI in the Caribbean is happening. Examples of a few of these pillars include culture and creativity, safeguarding intellectual property rights and promoting AI-driven creative industries. Another pillar is education and upskilling, which aims to integrate AI education/training across sectors to best utilize AI’s potential, thus leading to economic growth. With these policies, the emerging role and evolution of AI is finding a more definite role in the Caribbean.

In the case of the emerging role and evolution of AI in the Caribbean, the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has recently opened up the door to permitting the usage of AI in exams in 2026. This is for the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination, Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate and Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level Competence with clearly defined rules and regulations in place to ensure smooth sailing.

Looking Ahead

The Caribbean is right there as far as AI discussions go, as there is a foundation in place to ensure that in any capacity AI is being used in, it can be used safely and in any imaginable sector. Experts like UCF Professor Rohan Jowallah are at the forefront of the emerging role and evolution of AI in the Caribbean, looking to continue to push boundaries and innovate. With AI being readily available to assist in education or provide training for jobs, AI in the Caribbean could transform lives.

– Amari Jennings

Amari Jennings is based in Orlando, FL, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Educational Reform in Egypt: Successes and Setbacks

Educational Reform in EgyptEducational reform in Egypt has encompassed various projects, collaborations and strategies aimed at achieving multiple objectives to improve the well-being of Egypt and its people. In 2012, USAID and Egypt partnered with World Learning on a $25 million project, which was later extended to $30 million in 2016, according to a 2018 USAID audit report. This project has involved a collaboration between the Egyptian Ministry of Education (MOE) and USAID to advance STEM education in Egypt.

According to Egypt’s government, Egypt established Strategic Vision 2030 in 2016, a national agenda for sustainable development across social, economic and environmental dimensions. A key intention of the strategy is to enhance the quality of life for Egyptian citizens and achieve inclusive, sustainable economic growth. In 2018, the Egyptian government introduced an educational reform program as part of Vision 2030.

Egypt’s reform program was backed by the World Bank in 2018, with a $500 million project between the two. Egypt has also established an Education Sector Plan for 2023-2037, a strategy outlined to effectively transform Egypt’s educational system.

Reform Goals

The investment and prioritization of educational reform in Egypt underscores the intrinsic importance of education within the broader context of sustainable development, enhancing lives and reducing poverty. According to 2021 World Bank Data, the poverty rate (the percentage of the population that lives below the national poverty line) in Egypt is 33.5%. According to the World Bank, education is “one of the strongest instruments for reducing poverty and improving health, gender equality, peace and stability.”

By working to improve educational outcomes, Egypt enhances the country’s economic and social standing, as well as that of its population. Egypt’s educational reform occurs within the context of a contemporary job market where employees require skills that traditional education systems have been unable to provide. A major goal of the project is to transform the examination system into one that fosters analytical and critical thinking skills, better equipping students for career success.

A feature story published by the World Bank includes testimony from a secondary student in Egypt. They say the new examination system has given them a greater sense of personal responsibility for their education and the ability to apply their learning to real-world situations. The student states, “My father is ill; sometimes my biology readings enable me to help him.”

Other goals of educational reform in Egypt include improving access to and the quality of early childhood education, expanding access and use of education technology and “enhancing the capacity of teachers and education leaders.”

Persistent Challenges

While there have been several victories for educational reform in Egypt, challenges endure as well. According to Egypt’s 2023-2027 Education Sector Plan, some of the setbacks include: overcrowding and insufficient infrastructure in schools, a shortage of fully trained and qualified teachers and gaps in educational participation across different demographic groups. According to the report, Egyptian students rank low in foundational knowledge and skills internationally.

These setbacks underscore the need for ongoing reform and adaptable strategies. Though challenges may prove persistent, Egypt’s strides in educational reform show the potential of such reform projects.

Project Successes

University of Illinois professor Linda Herrera documented the ongoing reform of Egypt’s educational system, recognizing the digital transformation of education in Egypt. According to Herrera, in 2016, the Egyptian Knowledge Bank was established, featuring 120 databases, videos, books and other materials. The online library is accessible free of charge to anyone with an Egyptian ID.

Herrera notes the significance of this reform when considering Egypt’s greater context: it is the largest country in the Arab world by population, with a major influence on other Arab countries. According to Herrera, Egypt is an exporter of teachers, learning materials and ideas to its Arab neighbors. What Egypt does to bolster its own education system can have a reverberative effect across an entire region.

Summary

The successes of the educational reform in Egypt have been a result of several projects and partnerships, including with the U.S. According to the 2018 USAID audit report, USAID’s collaboration with MOE resulted in nine STEM schools being established in Egypt by 2016, surpassing the initially expected three to five schools. The report states that this is a testament to MOE’s capability not only to implement but also to advance and replicate the STEM model.

In 2017, numerous STEM students in Egypt participated in local and international science competitions and many received international scholarships or were placed in exchange programs. The fact that there had been no students achieving such things previously shows the impact of Egypt’s advancements in STEM education. Subsequently, the Egyptian Government planned to open more STEM schools in each of the 27 governorates, indicating the program’s staying power and potential for expansion.

– Emma Kelsey

Emma is based in St. Paul, MN, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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5 Charities Operating in China

Charities Operating in ChinaBy 2020, China had eradicated extreme poverty. Over the past four decades, the country lifted around 800 million people out of extreme poverty, accounting for roughly 75% of global poverty reduction. The speed and scale of this achievement are unmatched. Charities operating in China played a crucial role in the elimination of extreme poverty and continue to contribute as the country advances towards its goal of common prosperity. 

Poverty Persists

However, poverty in China has not disappeared entirely. While China has eliminated extreme poverty under the national standard of $2.30 a day, the World Bank, using a higher poverty benchmark of $8.30 a day, shows that around 15% of the population still lives in poverty, which is nearly 300 million people. Using a higher poverty standard line typical of upper-middle-income countries such as China, set at $6.85 a day, around 17% of the population still lives in poverty, with close to half living in rural areas.

Following the elimination of extreme poverty, China has shifted its focus toward the goal of common prosperity with charities operating in China playing a key role in supporting vulnerable communities and reducing inequality.

China Charity Federation 

Founded in 1994, the China Charity Federation is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to poverty alleviation and helping disadvantaged and vulnerable groups across Chinese society.

The Federation assists people living in poverty or facing other difficulties through a wide range of initiatives, including emergency relief, elderly and orphan assistance, as well as medical and educational aid. Over the years, it has raised more than 160 billion yuan ($ 22.4 billion) in charitable funds, benefiting tens of millions of people.

The Happy Home Village and Community Mutual Aid Project provides rural villages with a digital platform to raise and manage funds for projects supporting poverty alleviation, rural revitalization and community development. Beyond fundraising, the project also provides volunteers to support children, the elderly, the poor and other groups requiring assistance.

Red Cross Society of China

The Red Cross Society of China is part of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the world’s largest humanitarian network. It aims to protect human life and health, safeguard human dignity and promote peace and progress. The society provides emergency relief and humanitarian assistance in emergencies, such as war or natural disasters.

Following the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake, the organization raised funds, collected supplies and distributed aid, clothing and emergency items. It also supported the reconstruction of homes for vulnerable families, providing training and financial assistance to help them rebuild earthquake-resistant houses. In addition, it implemented programs to help families generate income and recover economically, while building disaster preparedness systems to strengthen communities’ capacity to respond to future emergencies.

China Foundation for Rural Development

The China Foundation for Rural Development focuses on tackling the root causes of rural poverty. One major challenge it addresses is child malnutrition in rural areas, where many students lack access to balanced meals or to meals at all. The problem is that many schools do not have the necessary equipment to prepare nutritious meals, and many communities are unaware of the importance of proper nutrition. 

Its Nutritious Meals Program aims to improve rural children’s nutrition by providing a daily serving of milk and eggs to students, equipping schools with kitchen facilities and equipment and offering nutrition training and education for parents and teachers. Since 2008, the program has delivered around 57 million nutritious meals to more than 1 million children and established approximately 2,000 “Love Kitchens.”

The Amity Foundation

The Amity Foundation is an independent Chinese organization committed to public health, social welfare and community development. One of its programs focuses on the education of young people in rural areas, aiming to provide students in underdeveloped regions with access to equal educational opportunities. This initiative seeks to provide educational equity by improving access to quality education and creating supportive learning environments. Schools benefit from upgraded infrastructure, along with sports and learning equipment, to support both academic and physical development. The program places particular emphasis on supporting orphans and girls, for example, by offering financial aid to female college students. It helps students return to school and supports university students in completing their studies. Amity’s work contributes to multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by fostering inclusive, continuous and holistic education for disadvantaged children in China.

One Foundation 

Founded in 2007, One Foundation is dedicated to public welfare for all, focusing on three main areas: disaster relief, childcare and development and public welfare support and innovation.

Its Water Purification Plan aims to improve drinking water conditions in rural school campuses by providing water, purification equipment, drinking cups and water and health education to students and staff.

Coca-Cola partnered with the initiative by creating a bottled water brand that supports providing clean drinking water to rural schoolchildren. Under the slogan:  “Drink Good, Do Good,” their sales supported One Foundation’s efforts to build water facilities and improve access to safe water in rural areas.

The Path to Common Prosperity

Charities operating in China play a vital role in supporting vulnerable communities, providing education, healthcare, nutrition, disaster relief and other essential services. Their work helps reduce inequality and lays the groundwork for the country’s broader goal of common prosperity.

China has made common prosperity, a society in which wealth and opportunity are widely shared, a central policy objective. The country aims to make significant progress by 2035 and fully realize this vision by 2050. Xi Jinping has described common prosperity as transforming China’s current income distribution, which he compares to a pyramid, with many poor people at the bottom and a few very rich, into the shape of an olive with very few people at either extreme and a more balanced distribution of wealth. Key strategies include implementing rural revitalization and urbanization initiatives, ensuring equal access to basic services such as health care and education, revitalizing underdeveloped regions and supporting low-income individuals facing special difficulties. Common prosperity aims to reduce the wealth gap between China’s rich and poor.

– Jeanne Pellet

Jeanne is based in London, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash