Archive for category: Education

Information and stories on education.

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3 Nonprofits Improving Education in Singapore

3 Nonprofits Improving Education in SingaporeSingapore, one of the wealthiest countries in the world, is often recognized for its top-tier education systems. High test scores, prestigious schools and rigorous math programs are all thoughts that come to mind when thinking about the Singapore education system. However, not everyone is privileged enough to receive this top-notch education in Singapore. About 12% of Singaporean families are low-income families, barely earning enough money to support their families. With this comes the inability to provide high-quality education for children. To help combat this issue, these three organizations are all working to make sure people in poverty are also receiving a good education. 

Project Dignity

Established in 2010, Project Dignity has a mission of giving back “dignity” to lower-class individuals through education and specialized training. The organization provides skills training and employment opportunities for people who are living in poverty. It also welcomes people with learning or physical disabilities. Project Dignity’s Kitchen teaches people the skills needed to work in the food and beverage industry. In addition, other projects focus on educating people and giving unemployed people skills that can potentially help them get employed. Through this service initiative, the organization helps people get employable skills and also gives them confidence in their work and education, helping them escape poverty. 

ReadAble

This organization was founded in 2014 and is focused on literacy and education for children living in poverty. It offers reading and language programs for these children. The organization has volunteer tutors who work with children and develop their reading and writing skills. It aims to encourage children to love learning and have a desire to learn more. This organization helps children with less resources and privilege build the confidence and skills needed to do well academically, giving them a better chance at a brighter future. Essentially, this organization works to provide quality education and assistance with education in Singapore for lower-class children.

South Central Community Family Service Centre

Established in 2013, the South Central Community Family Service Centre helps lower-class families that are struggling to make ends meet. It focuses on assisting adults and children in an educational aspect. It provides many services, including financial aid for school fees, tuition programs and educational workshops for children and even their parents. Its approach ensures that families receive not only the financial support they need but also the mentorship and resources to help their children do well in school. This organization does significant work to help lower-income children receive equal education as all other Singaporean children. Ultimately, this organization strives to make quality education in Singapore accessible to all. 

Looking Forward

While Singapore is often regarded as a country with the best education, not everyone is living this reality. However, Project Dignity, ReadAble and the South Central Community Family Service Centre are all nonprofit organizations working to make every child employable and have a proper education for a job in the future. These organizations all recognize that education is a key variable in helping children escape the poverty cycle. Disparity in education in Singapore is still a critical issue that has very little awareness. 

– Poppy Duggal

Poppy is based in Munich, Germany and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Revolutionizing Learning: AI in Kenyan education

AI in Kenyan educationKenya has emerged as a hotspot for educational technology innovation in Africa. Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the country’s learning landscape. AI in Kenyan education reshapes how students learn and how educators teach, using software ranging from individualized tutoring to data management and analysis algorithms.

The Competency-Based Curriculum

Recognizing the importance of preparing students for the digital age, the Kenyan government introduced the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in 2017. This new approach shifts away from traditional high-stakes exams and rote memorization. Instead, it focuses on enhancing learning comprehension and practical skills. The CBC emphasizes digital literacy and coding, incorporating tools like Scratch for programming and data handling. By integrating AI and digital literacy into the national curriculum, Kenya takes significant steps to equip its students with the skills they will need in an increasingly digital world.

Kytabu

Kytabu has developed several AI-powered tools designed specifically for the African educational context. Its most acclaimed product, SOMANASI, is an AI-driven personal tutoring tool that provides personalized curriculum materials, course programs and assessment questions. The application lets students rent affordable textbooks, audiobooks, assessments and courses, all accessible in the AI-supported mobile app. By enabling students to learn at their own pace, SOMANASI makes education more accessible and engaging.

Additionally, HODARI, assists teachers with grading, lesson planning and administrative tasks. The software connects individual student data from assessments to the Kytabu information management system. AI in the product helps teachers understand kids’ individual needs by analyzing performance data and identifying strengths and weaknesses. By automating these time-consuming processes, HODARI allows teachers to focus more on what they do best: teaching and supporting their students.

M-Shule

M-Shule is an edtech platform that uses AI and SMS technology to deliver personalized learning content to Kenyan primary school students, aiming to improve education outcomes in areas with limited internet access. Students interact with an AI bot that prompts them with lessons and questions they answer by text. The system analyzes the data in real-time, allowing program teams and supporting organizations to track student performance and provide targeted support where needed. M-Shule has reached more than 45,000 users, including 13,000 households from 30 Kenyan counties.

Mosabi: Financial Education for the Masses

Recognizing that education extends beyond traditional subjects, Mosabi leverages AI to provide tailored financial and business education to underserved communities in emerging markets. Lessons cover areas like financial literacy, entrepreneurship and business management. Its mobile platform uses AI-driven analytics to track user progress. Furthermore, personalized learning experiences, help small business owners and entrepreneurs improve their financial health.

Endless OS Foundation

The Endless OS Foundation provides a Linux-based operating system with preloaded educational content, productivity tools and entertainment designed for communities without internet access. Its AI capabilities curate content based on student interests, fostering curiosity-driven learning and greater engagement. Since its creation, the initiative has established 600 computer labs. This growth has significantly expanded access to digital education and resources for students across Kenya and other countries where it operates.

Challenges and Future Prospects

While the integration of AI in Kenyan education shows great promise, challenges remain. A recent study across 38 out of 47 Kenyan counties found that while teachers generally have a positive attitude toward AI, many lack confidence in implementing these platforms in their classrooms. To address this, experts recommend revising teacher training curricula to include AI components. Furthermore, they suggest designing professional development programs to build teachers’ confidence in AI.

As Kenya continues to embrace AI in education, the potential for transformative change is immense. From personalized learning experiences to more efficient school management, AI helps create a more inclusive, engaging and effective education system for all levels.

Michael Murungi, Government Affairs and Public Policy Lead for Eastern Africa at Google states, “One of the biggest opportunities AI has in education is the ability to personalize learning and for the teacher to curate the learning experience for the child based on the child’s needs.”

– Lauren Thompson

Lauren is based in San Francisco, CA, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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3 Organizations Providing Education for Children in Malaysia

Education for Children in MalaysiaMalaysia, located just south of Thailand in Southeast Asia, is home to more than 35 million people. Major cities include Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya and Johor Bahru. Recently, Malaysia’s education system was ranked second in the region based on test scores. However, it also placed last in Southeast Asia. While some families can afford quality education for their children, others living below the poverty line struggle to prioritize education. It is difficult for families with lower incomes to spend money on education when they have so many other needs that they need to tend to. Organizations like Dignity for Children Foundation, Teach For Malaysia and Budimas Education Charity Fund are dedicated to providing educational opportunities for children from impoverished families in Malaysia.

Dignity for Children Foundation

Founded in 1998, the Dignity for Children Foundation aims to provide quality education to impoverished children. Its mission includes support programs, education initiatives, a farm academy and various enterprises designed to offer a well-rounded education that prepares children for employment.

Through donations, child sponsorships and the efforts of many volunteers, the foundation has significantly impacted the lives of impoverished children. Starting with 20 students in 1998, the foundation now supports 2,300 students aged 2 to 19 as of 2024. In addition to offering free quality education, the foundation also provides meals.

Teach For Malaysia

Established in 2010, Teach For Malaysia aims to reduce educational inequality across the country. The organization recruits and trains individuals to work in under-resourced schools, ensuring that all children have access to quality education regardless of their family’s financial situation. Partnering with the Ministry of Education, Teach For Malaysia addresses impoverished students’ challenges and advocates for systemic change.

Students taught by Teach For Malaysia’s fellows experienced 36% more academic growth than their peers. By training and placing new teachers in schools with high needs, the organization significantly impacts education in Malaysia.

Budimas Education Charity Fund

Founded in 2001, the Budimas Education Charity Fund is dedicated to making education more accessible for all. In Malaysia, where many children would have to travel more than 40 kilometers to reach school, the organization works to bring education closer to those in poverty.

The Budimas Education Charity Fund has established 12 libraries in underprivileged areas, providing thousands of books and spaces for children to complete schoolwork and engage in educational activities. By offering free books and educational resources in regions with limited school access, the organization is committed to enhancing education for less privileged children in Malaysia.

Final Note

While accessing quality education in Malaysia can be extremely challenging for underprivileged children, organizations like the Dignity for Children Foundation, Teach For Malaysia and Budimas Education Charity Fund are making significant strides to address educational inequality. These three organizations have positively impacted many lives by improving access to education and resources. Although the statistics and rankings regarding education in Malaysia may raise concerns, efforts by these organizations offer hope for a brighter future.

– Poppy Duggal

Poppy is based in Chevy Chase, MD, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Go Project Hope: Advancing Health and Education in Palestine

Go Project HopeSince October 7, 2023, the crisis in Palestine has escalated exponentially, bringing serious concerns to the livelihood of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. With up to 175,000 buildings being severely damaged or destroyed in the Gaza Strip, accessible health care and education for Palestinians has become nonexistent.

Effective and innovative strategies for improving the region’s health care and educational systems are paramount in the face of the conflict. Go Project Hope, a nongovernmental organization (NGO), understands that and works toward advancing health and education in Palestine through innovation and creativity.

Health and Education in Palestine

The decades-long occupation and blockade in Palestinian territories has left the health system in Gaza and the West Bank severely under-resourced. The growing conflict and violence between Israel and Palestine has worsened an already bleak situation. Additionally, the Israeli bombardment on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, has damaged, destroyed or raided 32 out of a total of 36 hospitals, leaving the Palestinian health care system in collapse.

While Palestine has prioritized education and literacy for many years, the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the West Bank has severely impeded the value system. The displacement of nearly two million in the Gaza Strip has made access to education in the region impossible. According to 2024 reports from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), more than 625,000 students and 22,564 teachers cannot access or contribute to the education system in Palestine.

On top of that, with the destruction of more than half of the buildings in Gaza, many educational buildings no longer exist or have been converted into refugee shelters. In consequence, the ongoing occupation and Israeli settlements in the West Bank have placed severe pressure and restrictions on already displaced Palestinians in accessing proper health care and education.

Go Project Hope’s Mission

Go Project Hope aims to improve and advance health and education in refugee camps worldwide. Through innovation and creativity, the organization has created mindful and unique initiatives for refugee camps in developing countries, focusing on improving health and education conditions. For the 1.7 million displaced Palestinians, Go Project Hope has created and funded initiatives considering the complexities of life in refugee camps, thus expanding their overall impact.

Innovations in health and education define progress in the face of crisis. With this prerogative, Go Project Hope has created and funded several programs prioritizing health and education in Palestine and for refugees worldwide. 

Camp Care Comic

The Camp Care Comic series was created as an educational resource that addressed many mental and physical health concerns facing Palestinian refugees. The protagonist, Superhero Azhar, solves the problems facing Palestinians and refugees globally through fun and engaging pictures and story-telling. The comic series educates Palestinians on health concerns across the refugee camps, such as lice, scabies and stress, in an engaging and informative manner. The duality of the comic series is demonstrated as it is not only a creation to better education and literacy in refugee camps but to better the mental and physical health of refugees.

Jalazone Refugee Camp Music and Movement Program

Go Project Hope designed and created a movement and mindfulness program at the Jalazone refugee camp in the West Bank, specifically prioritizing the mental and physical health of special needs children and their siblings who would often take care of them.

According to a 2018 study on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in refugees, children and adolescents, psychiatrist J.M. Fergert explains that refugees fleeing from areas of severe danger and violence are significantly more likely to experience PTSD and similar mental disorders. Go Project Hope’s movement and mindfulness initiatives in the West Bank teach students healthy techniques to relax and bring them peace in the face of violence and conflict.

Final Note

With its innovative initiatives like the Camp Care Comic series organizations such as Go Project Hope offer hope in the face of crises that frequently characterize the developing world. The programs developed and funded by the NGO have provided essential support to refugee camps across Palestine, Iraq and Greece. These efforts continue to enhance the lives of thousands of refugees and instill hope worldwide.

– Juliana Granville

Juliana is based in Brooklyn, NY, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Tackling Poverty, Transforming Lives: Child Poverty in Romania

Child Poverty in RomaniaRomania is a high-income economy with a high human development ranking. However, almost half of the 4 million children living in the country are at risk of child poverty in Romania. To combat this issue, FARA, a nongovernmental organization (NGO) founded in the U.K., offers a variety of practical solutions to give a range of vulnerable groups the best start in life.

Child Poverty in Romania

According to UNICEF, during 2019-2021, 29% of Romanian children were living in relative income poverty, the highest of all member states of the EU. It also noted that Romania had the most cases of persistent child poverty, which amounted to 25% of all children. UNICEF explains that prolonged periods of poverty throughout childhood can exacerbate the disadvantages already created by poverty and provide particularly negative outcomes for children in the future.

One of the reasons for this particularly high rate of child poverty may be the limited impact of social protection benefits on the issue, according to UNICEF. Eurochild calls for investments in social infrastructure to address the needs of vulnerable children in Romania, especially those belonging to minority groups such as Roma.

FARA

FARA, which means “without” in Romanian, is an NGO focusing on breaking the cycle of poverty experienced by children in Romania. Jane Nicholson founded the organization in 1991 and was appalled to find out about the extreme cruelty inflicted within state-run orphanages during the dictatorship of Nicolae Ceaușescu, FARA states on its website.

Since its founding, all of the services FARA provides continue to match her initial ethos that abandoned children should have access to quality education and live in places that resemble families, not institutions.

FARA believes that to break the cycle of poverty, children must complete their education. According to UNICEF via FARA, an extra year of school attendance could increase a child’s future income by 8% to 9% and reduce their risk of unemployment by 8%. FARA has identified key groups that currently face barriers to their education. These include children from poor families and communities such as Romani, vulnerable children and children with disabilities.

Tackling Poverty Through Education

Tackling Poverty Through Education is FARA’s flagship program which assists 300 children and their families in nursery and primary schools in rural communities across Northern Romania. To help children start and stay in school, FARA offers a free program that employs teachers, catering staff and social workers in schools across rural communities, according to its website.

As part of this program, FARA provides children from poor families with free school meals which both fuels them for a day of learning and encourages their parents to send them off to school. In addition to appropriate nutrition, the program also provides pastoral care and support to children and their families to strengthen family ties and prevent school dropouts. The organization hopes to expand beyond the 300 children it assists in the next decade.

FARA Family Homes

According to FARA, “Romania has one of the largest alternative care systems in the EU.” Figures from the Romanian Government and UNICEF show that over 56,000 children receive some form of support, with 18,000 living in foster care, 13,900 in kinship care and 18,500 in state-run institutions. According to UNICEF via FARA, for a child under the age of three, spending three months in an institution can delay their physical development by one month and may also pose a risk to their cognitive and language development.

As one of few NGOs providing an alternative to state care in Romania, FARA’s children’s homes are modeled on the principle of giving a “family for those without.” FARA’s current home, St Nicholas, which can accommodate 12 children and three students, provides a caring and loving environment for children over the age of three. The children get accommodation until their mid-20s to ensure that they receive support in their pursuit of further education and have the best chance of finding a future career. Over the years, more than 70 children have received support through FARA Family Homes, according to its website.

Therapy for Children with Disabilities

There are approximately 72,000 children registered as disabled in Romania, many of whom are unable to access mainstream education. Children with disabilities face negative attitudes, daily discrimination and costly health care, causing them to be one of the most marginalized groups in Romanian society. The combination of these barriers to success significantly endangers the development and life of disabled children and their families.

FARA offers a lifeline of support for isolated children and their families through their three therapy centers in Bucharest and Suceava District in the northeast of Romania. According to FARA, every week the centers support 228 children by providing them with physio, speech and sensory therapies for various disabilities. It also provides social support for their families, ensuring they can meet their children’s needs. In the last decade, 630 disabled children have accessed therapy in FARA centers, with 67% of those children going on to enroll in kindergartens and mainstream schools.

In addition to these three main groups, FARA also helps “youth at risk and adults with learning disabilities.”

A Brighter Future

Although child poverty remains a prevalent issue in communities across Romania, NGOs such as FARA are working hard to ensure that every child has the best chance at life. Hopefully, going forward, the government can improve the social infrastructure to create more effective welfare solutions to ensure every child receives the education and support they need, which could further help alleviate child poverty in Romania.

– Carla Messinger

Carla is based in Oxford, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Innovative Education Programs in Haiti

5 Innovative Education Programs in Haiti Education in Haiti has faced significant challenges in recent years, from socio-economic issues to natural disasters, leaving the education system struggling to keep pace. Statistics reveal that more than 78% of students drop out after primary school and more than 40% of the population is illiterate. Most schools in Haiti are private and charge tuition, making education inaccessible for many. Only 29% of students advance to secondary school and the average age for girls dropping out is 7 years old. However, there is a positive shift occurring. Several charities have introduced education programs in Haiti that are transforming the educational landscape. Here are some innovative education programs in Haiti that have made a considerable impact.

Locally Haiti

Locally Haiti is a charity centered on community-driven, locally-led volunteer work in the Nippes region of Haiti. It manages several impactful projects, including hospitals, agriculture and women’s empowerment. A flagship educational program of the charity is St. Paul’s School, founded in 1989, which has educated more than 5,000 students from pre-K through high school. The curriculum includes basic academic subjects and emphasizes agricultural education in areas such as botany and horticulture.

Entrepreneurship also plays a critical role in the curriculum. Professor Vladimy, a St. Paul’s alum, teaches courses in business and economics, equipping students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for various career paths. St. Paul’s enrolls more than 54% female students, reflecting the school’s commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment for all attendees. Locally Haiti has awarded scholarships for higher education to more than 25 students and built a school facility that doubles as a relief center and community hub, further fostering a strong connection between students and their local community.

Blue Butterfly

Blue Butterfly is an innovative charity that creates engaging and informative media programs for schools in developing countries. It blends local culture and traditions with professional consulting to produce videos tailored to the needs and interests of children. The organization produces content locally, enabling children to use their mother tongue and connect with cultural figures familiar to them. Not only is the content rigorously researched, but it is also widely distributed to reach as many children as possible.

A notable educational program from Blue Butterfly in Haiti is the video series “Lakou Kajou,” which follows a brother and sister experiencing adventures around their family’s courtyard. This program includes episodes on math, science, literacy and problem-solving. The episodes, which feature animation, Haitian fables, live-action documentaries and artwork by local Haitian artists, are designed to be accessible. Blue Butterfly also partners with Université Quisqueya in Port-au-Prince, which helps extend the charity’s reach to schools in areas with limited internet and electricity.

Summits Education

Summits Education is a charity that supports schools in remote parts of Haiti. Established in 2015, the organization is dedicated to transforming education through teacher development and community engagement. In Haiti’s Central Department, where literacy rates are particularly low, the charity operates 40 schools in an area predominantly inhabited by farmers earning around $2 a day. For many residents, education represents a pathway out of poverty, enhancing community life, health and gender equality.

Summits Education emphasizes the crucial role of teachers in education. Instead of primarily investing in buildings and supplies and allocating leftover funds for teachers, the charity prioritizes its spending on educators. It adopts a ‘whole child approach,’ ensuring every child feels supported in their environment. This approach includes intensive training for the teachers and principals of their schools. Summits Education collaborates with the Haitian Ministry of Education and together they have trained 350 administrators and educated 10,000 students, to improve education programs in Haiti.

Model School Network

In 2016, the Model School Network was established to create a sustainable solution to the problem of underperforming schools in Haiti. Furthermore, three years earlier, education representatives in Haiti had convened three networks—EFACAP-Mirebalais, BDE-Hinche and Summits Education—to develop a strategy for improving the country’s educational system. These networks formed the Model School Network.

A key initiative of this network is the Longitudinal Benchmarking and Evaluation Systems (LBES), which aims to establish a data management system to monitor and enhance learning outcomes. The project has built a skilled team of managers and field agents who collect, process and analyze data on learning outcomes. It focuses on outcome-based measures to guide educational decisions and boost student performance. By gathering this data, the Model School Network can set precise future goals. Ongoing data analysis enables accurate progress evaluation, leading to data-driven decision-making and robust long-term solutions. The mission of MSE is straightforward: to recognize the potential of children and support it fully. “As long as we all come together and commit to helping one another look in all the right directions, we will find all the answers.”

The Haiti Project

The Haiti Project is a nonprofit organization that collaborates with students from Vassar College to support six primary initiatives: Art, Education, Water Access and Purification, Reforestation and Women’s Cooperative. Based in Chermaitre, Haiti, its education program enables 250 children to access primary education and provides scholarships for 10-20 students to pursue further education. These scholarships cover food, books, housing and enrollment fees, crucial support since the nearest secondary school is a four-hour journey from the village.

This initiative began as an effort to enhance the lunch program at École St. Paul. Additionally, The Haiti Project is launching an Adult Education program proposed by the Women’s Committee. The aim is to improve adult literacy and math skills to help start small businesses or pursue further education. Beyond these, the charity is developing a range of other programs including anti-trafficking classes, a breakfast program, a summer program, a medical fund, health and sexual education and a textbook-lending library.

Looking Forward

Education in Haiti has faced significant challenges. Despite the ongoing difficulties, several organizations have implemented innovative education programs in Haiti that are making a substantial impact on the country’s educational landscape. These ongoing initiatives, ranging from locally-led schools to digital learning resources, are providing critical support to students and teachers, helping to improve educational outcomes and offering hope for a brighter future in Haiti.

– Sofia Hattiangadi

Sofia is based in New York City, NY, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Libyan Higher Education as an Example of Academic Resilience

Libyan Higher EducationFollowing the 2011 Arab Spring, Libya experienced the dissolution of the long-time dictatorial regime of Muammar Gaddafi, culminating in showings of mass violence. Prior to the Arab Spring uprisings, Libya primarily held an isolationist view of education, limiting academic collaboration to within the nation’s 30 universities and actively working against English language academic research.

Throughout the 2011-2012 period, several Libyan academics abroad praised the removal of the Gaddafi regime as a way to increase academic research and standing for Libyan universities around the world. There was genuine hope for the future, particularly with the announcement of the Tripoli University Program for Rebuilding Libya in 2012. Following the university’s reopening, the program set out four main goals:

  1. Develop a nationwide civic education strategy through Libya’s primary universities.
  2. Establish a university communication and outreach production unit.
  3. Create a platform to support the role of women during the transition.
  4. Provide online civic education and professional development courses for women, disadvantaged groups, civil servants, the voluntary sector and development staff.

Within the first year, events overwhelmed the proposal. The proposed reforms may have been considered “tone-deaf” and portrayed a general political aim instead of an attempt to stabilize the Libyan higher education system in the wake of recent conflict.

Current State of Libyan Higher Education

Following years of civil war within the country, Libya remains in a political stalemate with the United Nations (U.N.) calling for a peaceful, Libyan-led shift to democratic power. While the government sits at a standstill, the same can not be said of higher education. Libya’s nation-state boasts more than 20 universities, with access intended to reach the urban-rural divide.

Mainly built during the Gaddafi regime, the resources accessible to the institutions were dependent on their location regarding urban centers with the modern elite of the political party. It has to be noted that due to the political upheaval surrounding the past decade, more than 200,000 Libyan students have had their education interrupted or delayed and some even ceased altogether.

After the 2011 civil war, university resources became more scarce and the funds necessary to pay staff and faculty became contentious. In 2023, the faculty at the University of Tripoli staged a two-month sit-in, protesting the lack of pay and benefits received. The protests were exacerbated after the University needed to close temporarily due to political violence spilling onto campus grounds. Several universities stood in solidarity with the University of Tripoli, including the University of Benghazi. The strike would experience extremes, including when armed forces kidnaped a leader of the General Syndicate of University Teaching in an attempt to stop the strike.

During the Tripoli-based violence, the University of Benghazi was set to receive a visit from the World Federation for Medical Education regarding the university’s QS ranking for 2023. Beyond the delay of international recognition, the University of Benghazi suffered property damage to the campus within the past decade of civil war. And while action has been taken to mitigate portions of the damages, the campus, like many others, remains in disrepair.

Continued Barriers to Higher Education

As Libyan universities attempt to make education accessible despite political instability, several barriers restrict students’ access to higher education. Due to the political upheaval, there is a risk of violence bleeding onto university campuses, which has occurred as local militias become “university guards.” These militia members are under nonexistent supervision and reportedly have caused more harm than good. There have been several instances from multiple universities that show a pervasiveness of harassment by militia members on university campuses. Harassment and violence escalated in several cases to the point in which female students have been unable to attend lessons and, as such, delayed or hindered their education.

While political violence and uncertainty surrounding portions of the country explain issues involving militias and campus-based harassment, conflict-related hindrances are not the only barriers to higher education (and education in general); language remains a pervasive barrier. Within Libya, there is a minority population of Amazigh (“Berbers”) who speak the Tamazight language. Speakers of the Tamazight language cross several national lines, including Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and specifically the Siwa Oasis within Egypt. The Gaddafi regime, which titled itself the Libyan Arab People’s Jamahiriya, created clear ethnic and linguistic lines that have yet to be meaningfully rectified.

Hope for the Future

Throughout the continued violence and contested ideas of a national government, Libyan academia has persevered. Several studies within the last decade are attributed to Libyan academics, specifically within the realm of climate science and resilience studies. While resources and funding are scarce, professors have continued to research significant local and global issues while simultaneously teaching in universities that can not be guaranteed to protect them from violence. Libyan academics have continued to pursue knowledge throughout more than a decade of adversity, showing strength and tenacity in the face of conflicts.

– Jamie Sackett

Jamie is based in Hutto, TX, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Child Marriage: An Obstacle to Education for Girls in South Sudan

Education for Girls in South SudanIn South Sudan, about three-fourths of girls don’t attend primary school. As the world’s newest country, South Sudan has struggled with economic and political downfalls, resulting in war, violence and the destruction of schools. Alongside high child marriage and teen pregnancy in South Sudan, it’s difficult for girls to attend school or even to have the option of an education at all.

Economic, social and political changes have to be made to provide a better education for girls in South Sudan. From state-issued fundraising to environmental amendments, more girls will be able to attend school. With more girls in school, cases such as child marriages will begin to decrease, resulting in a brighter future for girls nationwide.

Social Issues

One of the many social, controversial issues plaguing South Sudan is the high rate of child marriages. Approximately 52% of South Sudanese girls are married before age 18. According to Girls not Brides, “Child marriage is driven by gender inequality and the belief that girls are somehow inferior to boys.” Additionally, “Increased school dropout rates push young girls toward marriage and early pregnancies.” Without key motivating factors to keep girls in school, many choose to drop out or not attend at all.

Economic Issues

In 2023, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported that 70% of the South Sudanese population lives in poverty. According to Girls not Brides, “Child marriage is used as a coping mechanism in response to economic and food insecurity. Families from the poorest households in South Sudan marry off daughters in order to receive dowry.” This is a common practice in South Sudan and raises little to no concerns among citizens.

A 16-year-old South Sudanese girl by the name of Atong was forced to marry a 50-year-old man in July 2011. A 16-year-old South Sudanese girl by the name of Atong was forced to marry a 50-year-old man in July 2011. “I did not know him before. I did not love him,” she said. “I told my family, ‘I don’t want this man.’ My people said, ‘This old man can feed us, you will marry him.”

Political Issues

According to Human Rights Watch (HRW) on child marriage, “There are also gaps in the Transitional Constitution, Penal Code and Child Act related to this harmful practice—including no minimum age of marriage —and no systematic or comprehensive programs to address the root causes of child marriage at the community level.” The Transitional Constitution, for example, “…does not set a minimum age of marriage. Instead, it states that every person had the right to marry a person of the opposite sex and that no marriage shall be entered into without free and full consent.”

This makes it nearly impossible for girls to attend school due to their responsibilities as a wife. According to Broken Chalk, “Shockingly, a girl in South Sudan is more likely to die in childbirth than to complete primary education.” South Sudan lacks a legal framework surrounding many things, including educational requirements. Therefore, the rules and laws are fuzzy and underdeveloped. Additionally, “A lack of quality teaching staff and inadequate school buildings are challenges that add to extreme poverty, as families desperately work for the next meal.”

Solutions

While South Sudan is far from exemplary in educating girls and young women, there are possible steps that could be taken to move toward improvements. Child marriage hinders a girl from receiving an education,and to combat this, organizations like the African Union and UNICEF have been collaborating with the government and other partners to raise awareness about the dangers. They are advocating for laws to protect young girls and working to change cultural and social norms that negatively impact them.

For example, UNICEF’s flagship Communities Care Program, designed to “promote gender-equitable and positive social transformation norms,” established 29 community discussion groups and engaged more than 800,000 people in awareness-raising activities. In 2020, the program expanded to tackle sexual violence, teenage pregnancies and child marriage in South Sudan, with 74% of participants reporting positive changes in their beliefs and attitudes.

Although child marriage is still prevalent in South Sudan, with continued efforts from the government and nonprofit organizations like UNICEF, the nation is making great strides toward reducing the incidence and improving the well-being and rights of its young girls.

– London Collins Puc

London is based in West Palm Beach, FL, USA and focuses on Global Health, Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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3 Nonprofits Improving Education for Children in Belize

Education for Children in BelizeDue to Belize’s economic and political pressures, much of the population experiences significant social and economic inequality, leading to severe disparities in access to services, particularly for children. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reports that about 49% of all Belizean children live in multidimensional poverty, lacking basic needs, including adequate nutrition and housing, clean drinking water, sanitation and education. The education system in Belize is particularly concerning as only 55% of children currently have access to early childhood education and again, only half of them continue to secondary school.

The World Bank defines learning poverty as being unable to read and understand short, age-appropriate text by age 10. In 2021, about 76% of all Belizean children at their late primary age were not proficient in reading. Reading is a gateway for learning as one progresses through school, so this lack of education and literacy severely restricts individual progress and undermines Belize’s broader efforts toward sustainable growth and poverty reduction. However, here are three nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) working to improve education for children in Belize:

Ocean Academy

Caye Caulker Ocean Academy was founded in 2008. It provides a highly subsidized education to all its students, offering individualized attention, free tutoring and work studies. Through partnerships with local tourism industries, Ocean Academy offers students free apprenticeships in scuba diving, kayaking, fly fishing and windsurfing. These opportunities allow the students to become involved within their community, often leading to full-time employment offers after graduation. Before its opening, only 35% of students in Caye Caulker progressed past primary school. More than 90% have enrolled in high school, many becoming the first in their family to attend.

Holy Cross Education Foundation

The Holy Cross Education Foundation’s mission is to provide administrative and financial support to disadvantaged schools around Belize, giving the children the best possible quality education. It covers the construction and maintenance of the schools, staff salaries, classroom supplies, computer labs, office equipment and more. Moreover, it created a lunch program staffed with local women, allowing children access to a hot lunch without leaving campus. The program has consistently provided nutritional meals to more than 400 students daily.

Pathlight Belize

PathLight International was founded in 2007. It aims to empower impoverished children in Belize to receive a quality education, break away from poverty and reach their fullest potential. Through its Teaching Training program, PathLight equips Belizean teachers with formal training in various subjects alongside providing tuition, supplies and transportation for all students. Each student also receives a personalized mentor to assist with job readiness training, social skills training and leadership development. By the end of 2024, PathLight aims to become the leading NGO in Belize to achieve its ambition of having more than 60% of students graduate at the secondary school level.

Meaningful Impact

In light of pressing challenges, several nonprofit organizations have been working diligently in Belize to address the educational deficiencies and improve children’s general well-being, creating a tangible impact in improving academic outcomes and empowering the next generation. With ongoing support, there is hope that their efforts will elevate educational standards in Belize and allow Belizean children to break the cycle of generational poverty by obtaining the necessary skills and knowledge.

– Kewe Chen

Kewe is based in Memphis, TN, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Picryl

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The Palestinian Education Crisis: Scholasticide

Palestinian Education CrisisPalestine, composed of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, is a region enduring prolonged conflict and political instability. The West Bank (bordered by Israel and Jordan) and the Gaza Strip (bordered by Israel and Egypt) are home to a combined population of more than 5 million Palestinians. The geopolitical conflict with Israel has led to severe socioeconomic challenges, including high mortality rates, restricted access to resources and continuous warfare.

The Education Crisis

The ongoing conflict has inflicted devastating damage on Palestinian education. Schools and universities throughout the region have been targeted, demolished or forced to shut down due to military actions. In Gaza, the situation is particularly dire. Reports describe how relentless warfare has shattered the education system, leaving students and educators struggling to maintain any semblance of normalcy.

A joint report by the World Bank and the United Nations (U.N.) revealed extensive damage to Gaza’s infrastructure, with educational facilities being among the most affected. Furthermore, U.N. experts have termed the deliberate targeting and destruction of schools as “scholasticide,” expressing deep concern over the long-term impacts on Palestinian children.

The lack of stable education has profound implications. With disrupted learning, Palestinian youth face a future with limited opportunities, leading to increased poverty and diminished economic prospects. Education is a fundamental pillar for development, and its disruption threatens the socioeconomic fabric of their society. Addressing these educational disruptions is crucial for ensuring the region’s more stable and prosperous future.

Aiding Educational Efforts

Several nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are working to mitigate the Palestinian education crisis. They aim to provide immediate relief and create sustainable solutions for long-term recovery. The New Palestinian Educational Foundation (NPEF), the American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera), and the Educational Relief Fund are dedicated to providing academic opportunities and resources to students, aiming to rebuild and support teaching in the region. Their efforts focus on offering scholarships, educational materials and other essential resources.

Despite the bleak situation, these organizations have made considerable strides in addressing “scholasticide.” For instance, Anera’s Right Start! program supports preschools in the West Bank and Gaza to aid early childhood development. Right Start! is making investments in critical areas such as teacher training, better learning materials, and preschool infrastructure enhancements. These efforts enable pupils to continue their education and achieve their academic goals, even in adversity. Similarly, the NPEF has given more than 10 teachers mini-grants, supporting classroom innovations.

Looking Forward

The Palestinian education crisis is a stark reminder of the profound impact that conflict has on society’s youth. Ongoing violence and instability have severely disrupted the schooling system, threatening the future of Palestine and the economic development of the region. However, domestic and international efforts offer a glimmer of hope as people work tirelessly to restore education and support the dreams of Palestinian students.

– Asiya Siddiqui

Asiya is based in Fremont, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr