Archive for category: Education

Information and stories on education.

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Lack of Technology for Education for Bolivian Students

Technology for EducationThe challenges posed by the lack of technology for education have shaped the educational landscape for Bolivian students, marking a distinctive element of the nation’s developmental course. While Bolivia struggles with the challenges posed by the digital divide, economic researchers are examining the intricate relationship between technological accessibility and academic opportunities. They aim to shed light on the profound implications on educational advancement and prospects of Bolivian students.

Root Causes of the Lack of Technology in Education

The lack of technology for education for Bolivian students can be attributed to a mix of factors, painting a complex picture of the challenges facing their education system. One significant contributor is the economic disparity prevalent in the country, where a considerable portion of the population faces financial constraints hindering their access to modern educational tools.

Limited infrastructure, especially in remote and rural areas, accelerates the problem, making it difficult to establish reliable internet connectivity and access to electronic devices.

Much of Bolivia’s citizenry remains poor, thus lacking widespread “Information and Communications Technology” (ICT) use.

According to Bolivia’s telecoms authority’s data, only about 40% of Bolivians and only 3% in rural areas have internet access. These households experienced the region’s worst connection speed. Therefore, it is uneasy to introduce ICT in secondary schools in this kind of setting, knowing the issue of the lack of technology for education is prominent.

Challenges of Lack of Technology for Education

The absence of advanced technological tools in classrooms hinders students’ access to current information and interactive learning experiences. This digital divide perpetuates inequality, as students in impoverished areas face disparities in educational opportunities compared to their counterparts in more affluent regions. Educational disadvantage translates into a workforce needing more digital skills for contemporary jobs, perpetuating low-income employment opportunities. Insufficient access to quality education perpetuates a cycle of poverty, limiting opportunities for individuals and communities.

Solving Lack of Technology for Education

Help Bolivia Foundation – Started in 2018 as a prominent foundation incorporated in Canada, it aims to alleviate poverty resulting from the lack of technology by funding educators and equipment to teach basic computer skills to 24 students over a year. With the purchase of six new computers for the dedicated computer room, the initiative provides a vital opportunity for these students to acquire fundamental computer skills, internet knowledge and proficiency in software packages such as Office. The Help Bolivia Foundation has made strides in providing a platform for these students to access technology, empowering them with the tools necessary for future success and socioeconomic advancement.

One Student, One Computer – Operating since 2014, “One Student, One Computer” strives to address the adverse impact of technological poverty on education and subsequently alleviate poverty. With an emphasis on improving access to information and technology, the program, aligned with the Patriotic Agenda 2025, aspires to enhance the quality of education in Bolivia.

Through initiatives like providing Quipus computers with tactile screens, rotating cameras and wireless connectivity, the program aims to make classes interactive, bridging the digital gap. These computers, costing $410 each and assembled locally, cater to the needs of private high schools and garner interest from countries like Argentina, Ecuador and Peru. The success of initiatives like the “Yes I Can” program has played a pivotal role, culminating in UNESCO declaring Bolivia free of illiteracy in December 2008.

Conclusion

Researchers and education organizations alike have become more conscious of the critical need to address the use of technology in the classroom. Efforts like the “One Student, One Computer” program gained traction. There is hope for bridging the technological gap and fostering a more equitable educational environment, paving the way for enhanced socioeconomic development in Bolivia.

– Mahima Bhat
Photo: Flickr

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The Osaka Foundation: Improving Haiti’s education system

The Osaka FoundationHaiti is a Caribbean country battling deficient education quality following two massive earthquakes in 2010 and 2021 and the 2020 pandemic continues to have residual effects on the country’s education system.

These events have caused a significant decrease in Haiti’s Human Capital Index (HCI). Human capital is essentially the skills and experiences citizens develop that can benefit countries and their infrastructures, an example being a country having quality education. Countries with higher human capital allow citizens to excel in productivity, which will, in turn, benefit countries economically.

In Haiti, the HCI is 0.4 out of 0.8, meaning there needs to be more effort in developing a quality education for Haitian students. According to the World Bank, “a child born today in Haiti will grow up to be only 45% as productive as they could be if he or she had enjoyed full access to quality education and health care.” This statistic represents the importance of bettering Haiti’s education system.

Facts About Haiti’s Education System

According to Schools for Haiti (a non-profit organization focusing on religious teachings), “the enrollment rate for a primary school in Haiti is 57% and fewer than 30% of the students reach 6th grade.”

The low enrollment in Haiti is because of the lack of public education. Most schools in Haiti are private and require tuition payments for children to attend, which many families cannot afford. According to Reuters, “most Haitian citizens live on less than $3 per day,” and the cost of private schooling can range from $1,400.00 in inner-city areas to $552.00 in the countryside annually in Haiti.

Currently, violent gangs grow staggeringly as the government is in shambles following the pandemic and the assassination of their President, Jovenel Moïse, in 2021. The weak government leadership has allowed Haitian gangs to dominate Haiti’s food supplies, money circulation and schools. The power these gangs have over the education system is tremendous; children are being recruited into gangs as it is the only organization providing food and protection to citizens and schools are dealing with raids, leaving the students in dangerous situations.

Violent Attacks

UNICEF reports that within the past year in Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital and most populated city: “72 schools have been targeted, compared to eight during the same four-month period the year before. This includes at least 13 schools targeted by armed groups, one school that was set on fire, one student who was killed and a school in which two staff members were kidnapped.”

In response to these violent attacks, many schools have shut down to protect the students and their staff. In the same report, UNICEF states, “In the first six days of February alone, 30 schools were shuttered as a result of escalating violence in urban areas, whereas since last year October, it has been found that 1 in 4 schools has remained closed.”

The Importance of Education in Haiti

Education is the key to social mobility for many, especially in underdeveloped countries where they understand the privilege of quality education. In an article by Joseph Burns, a writer for New Trader U, “Quality education plays an integral role in nurturing generations of minds. While the classroom provides structured learning, gaining knowledge is a lifelong endeavor that brings immense personal fulfillment.”

Education is a vehicle for a better future for their children, so many parents in Haiti are adamant about paying for their education despite the high expense. The children in Haiti have numerous obstacles to earning a quality education.

The Osaka Foundation

Over the years, there has been a great effort to create a more stable free education experience for Haitian children that can manifest a bright future for Haiti’s children. Many organizations and nonprofits plan on bringing high and equal education to Haiti’s students. Garry Jules is the coordinator and VP of Business Development of The Osaka Foundation. The Osaka Foundation is a non-profit organization in Jacmel that educates children ages 5 to 11 in sports, music, technology and primary education to empower and inspire Haiti’s youth.

Jules expresses concern with the violent events in Haiti but wishes many to know that is not the only aspect of Haiti. There is so much untapped brilliance in Haiti’s children, academically and physically. They are just not allowed to express it within the current academic structure. Jules spoke with the Borgen Project, saying, “We cannot just be the subject in the news for them; we must get involved. So, one of our missions is to reach out to students in the diaspora, in general, to make changes.”

The Osaka Foundation supports incorporating sports in their education program to show alternative ways students can learn, as sports are one of the more popular activities to entertain themselves throughout their days. Jules emphasizes the importance of Haitians working with what they currently have. Strengthening the education of sports can bring hope to the students and their futures: “Allow them to become professional athletes if they can benefit from a scholarship from other universities in the world and then that’s a way for them to promote Haiti socially too,” Jules states.

Conclusion

Haiti’s education system faces struggles, but they are endeavors the Haitian community is willing to battle to bring in quality education and future generations that can shine a light on Haiti’s unique attributes and capabilities.

– Jessica Jean-Baptiste
Photo: Flickr

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Updates on SDG 1 in Chile

Updates on SDG 1 in Chile
The U.N.’s first and most important Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) for all nations is to “End poverty in all its forms everywhere.” Chile has experienced an economic miracle since the fall of Pinochet, and here is an explanation of how this economic transformation has translated into modern development.

Poverty

The U.N.’s SDG 1 measures poverty rates across the globe, the number of people who live on less than $1.90 a day and the amount those who live on less than $3.20 a day. Chile’s transition from the Pinochet kleptocracy to a market-based economy in 1990 helped develop the Chilean economy through foreign investment and internal economic development, which increased the quality of life and living standards across Chile.

Although the World Bank estimates that in 1990 38.6% of Chile’s population lived below the poverty line, as of 2022, the U.N. estimates that 0.03% of Chileans live on less than $1.90 a day and just 0.18% live on less than $3.20 a day. These scores show that the updates on SDG 1 in Chile are that significant progress has occurred. Market orientation to has effectively eradicated poverty in Chile, but that does not tell the whole story about the updates on SDG 1 in Chile.

The second aspect of the U.N.’s SDG 1 in Chile is measuring relative poverty, the share of a population whose income is less than half of the median disposable income in that country. Chile scored particularly badly in this metric at 16.5% in 2017. The U.N.’s long-term goal is for all countries to score around 6%, and Chile is wide of this margin.

Inequality

Chile has had long-run problems with inequality stretching back to the Pinochet era and the beginnings of marketization. The focus on Chile’s growth was firmly based on poverty eradication and little investment went towards structures that allow a thriving middle class to develop. The Chilean governments of the 2000s and 2010s did not sufficiently invest in educational infrastructure and a true welfare state, resulting in what has become known as “Santiago style-inequality,” where a lower class lives above the poverty line with little prospect of any further development.

Education in Chile is almost fully privatized, resulting in a system designed only to help high achievers and leave behind those who often need good education the most to improve their economic situation. This includes high school education, a sector traditionally run by the state in developing nations to ensure a decent outcome for all students. According to The Guardian, the cost of education in Chile is astronomical, with the average university degree costing 41% of an average yearly income which further prevents social mobility, keeps those above the poverty line in that class and creates “Santiago style-inequality.”

Major Reforms

Chile’s president from 2014-2018, Michelle Bachelet, made major reforms to education, improving the quality of and access to primary and secondary education. Still, Bachelet’s main reform was to make higher education free for those with the lowest incomes. The bill protected a certain amount of the budget to pay for the higher education of some of the poorest Chileans, which at the time made higher education free for 60% of the country. The bill also set up a national body to set tuition fees for all students apart from the 10% richest Chileans. Private universities can only charge whatever fees they choose for the richest 10% of students rather than all students.

People are seeing the benefits of Bachelet’s reform in the updates on SDG 1 in Chile today. Social mobility has increased by breaking down these educational barriers and making education available to all Chileans, reducing poverty and inequality. Poorer Chileans are going to university in larger numbers than ever. However, there is still much of done on future educational reform to help reduce inequality in the long term.

Overall, the updates on SDG 1 in Chile are that Chile is on track to achieve the poverty eradication aspect but is failing in inequality reduction. Still, hope exists for the future if Chile can put the right educational reforms in place.

– John Cordner
Photo: Flickr

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Amantani: Fighting for Education in Peru

AmantaniIn the heart of the Peruvian Andes, where the majestic mountains meet the vibrant culture of indigenous communities, Amantani strives to make a significant impact. In 2019, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) estimated that 40% of those identifying as Indigenous enrolled in tertiary education and only 14% of those who only spoke an Indigenous language pursued a university education. Amantani is dedicated to defending the rights of indigenous children and young people, working tirelessly to provide access to higher education and create opportunities for a brighter future.

Background

Founded in 2008, Amantani operates in the high-altitude regions of the Peruvian Andes, where indigenous communities often face numerous challenges, including economic hardships, limited access to education and a lack of resources. The organization currently operates in Ccorca, a Quechua district close to Cusco. While Ccorca embraces a strong culture tied to indigenous roots and collaboration amongst each other, the marginalized indigenous communities still suffer from alcoholism, discrimination and violence.

Amantani’s goal is to provide children and young adults in Ccorca access to higher education and employment opportunities, encouraging social growth and indigenous pride among rural communities across Peru. The organization works in tandem with the Children of Peru Foundation, receiving funding from the foundation to build better educational opportunities for underprivileged children.

Access to Education

Amantani firmly believes that education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering indigenous youth. Rural communities across Peru lack access to steady education, with both teachers and students facing obstacles to getting to school due to the country’s lack of sufficient infrastructure. Language barriers between teachers from urban regions and students who only speak Quechua contribute to the growing disadvantages many children in Ccorca face when learning basic elementary school lessons.

Amantani collaborates with local communities to establish and support educational programs tailored to meet the specific needs of indigenous children. The organization, working with funding from the Children of Peru Foundation, has built boarding houses for more than 350 children who faced physical barriers to school. Additionally, scholarship programs have been initiated for more than 100 young people. Furthermore, 35 are participating in monitoring programs from the boarding houses.

Fighting for Higher Education

While primary education is crucial, Amantani goes a step further by actively advocating for higher education opportunities for indigenous youth, particularly young women. Many girls, some of whom endure four-hour walks to get to school, face risks of domestic violence and sexual abuse in their attempts to pursue an education. With girls often negated to the traditional role of a wife or mother, Amantani emphasized that access to tertiary education could be transformative for them, opening doors to better employment opportunities.

The organization has set up several initiatives to fund fellowships and university costs. Ethical Trade is an initiative where more than 40 female artisans and crafters create Andean hats and bracelets to sell for a profit in Peru and the U.K. Ethical Trade not only supports local community economics but also utilizes the revenue to fund university studies, promoting financial literacy among young women.

The Transition Project

Amantani implemented the Transitions Project to support the shift of young people from secondary schooling to university. When the organization was first established, only 35 children were enrolled in secondary school. By 2017, Amantani’s support helped enroll 221 students in secondary school, with 75 students preparing to graduate and pursue higher education or formal employment.

The Pathways Program portion of the Transition Project encourages capacity building, offering academic and psychosocial support through educational workshops and specialized mentoring. The program specializes in offering computer literacy, numeracy and literacy classes to prepare students for university entrance exams and equip them with essential digital communication skills.

The Scholarships Program portion of the Transition Project encourages reaching opportunities, providing scholarships at technical colleges and universities along with support from a professional team of teachers and psychologists. The program’s Youth Hub is facilitated by a student council to lead workshops for young people. In addition, the program has created an extensive network of employer partners to connect graduating students with full-time work opportunities.

Amantani’s dedication to defending the rights of indigenous children and young people in the Peruvian Andes is commendable. By fostering a commitment to education, the organization is not only breaking the chains of poverty but also uplifting the rich cultural heritage of Ccorca’s indigenous communities. Through their efforts, Amantani is planting the seeds of empowerment, cultivating a future where indigenous youth can thrive and contribute to the development of their communities and beyond.

– Megha Gupta
Photo: Flickr

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Palwal District School in India Offering Affordable Education

Affordable EducationIn the heart of the Bamnikhera village in the Palwal district of India stands Kishora Vidya Mandir, a school symbolizing hope and transformation for the local community. This educational institution has been instrumental in providing quality affordable secondary education to children in the town at an affordable cost. Consequently, it has broken barriers and empowered students, particularly women, to pursue education and escape poverty. The Borgen Project spoke with Mr. Mahesh Sharma, Chairman of Kishora Vidya Mandir, who shared valuable insights about the school.

Poverty remains a significant challenge in the northern Indian state of Haryana despite its rapid economic growth and industrialization. According to the latest available data from the Niti Ayog, the state’s poverty rate stood at 7.07% from 2019 to 2021. While this represents a decrease from previous years, the persistence of poverty highlights the need for targeted interventions. One of the contributing factors to poverty in Haryana is the unequal distribution of wealth. The state has witnessed substantial economic development, but its population has yet to share the benefits equitably. Additionally, rural areas face unique challenges as communities reliant on agriculture contend with unpredictable crop yields and limited access to modern farming techniques.

Regional Challenges and Affordable Education

Lack of affordable education perpetuates the cycle of poverty, limiting opportunities for individuals to secure well-paying jobs. Palwal, an agriculture-dependent region, has long grappled with poverty, limiting many children’s access to secondary education. Consequently, education often takes a back seat due to financial constraints, making it difficult for students to break free from the cycle of poverty.

Kishora Vidya Mandir has emerged as a beacon of hope in these challenges. The school was established in 1994 with 90 students enrolled and since then, it has been committed to providing quality education to every child in the community, irrespective of their financial background. The institution believes education is the key to breaking the chains of poverty and is determined to make it accessible to all. One of the unique aspects of Kishora Vidya Mandir is its focus on offering education at a low cost. This initiative has proven to be a game-changer, enabling families, even those facing financial difficulties, to afford quality education for their children.

The success stories emerging from Kishora Vidya Mandir are a testament to the impact of its commitment to education. The results have been excellent in the last five years, with more than 90% of students graduating from 10th grade and almost 87% graduating from 12th grade. It is worth mentioning that some students were the district toppers in rural areas and the school has grabbed the 10th state position among the thousands of state-run schools.

Practically, Sharma also shared with us that Ms. Poonam, a student who graduated from Kishora Vidya Mandir, eventually cleared the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) for engineering and went on to study engineering from the notable NIT Kurukshetra, a renowned engineering college in India. These achievements bring pride to the school and instill confidence and empowerment among the students.

Growth, Partnerships and Collaborations

Over the years, Kishora Vidya Mandir has experienced significant infrastructure and student enrollment growth. Today, around 650 students are a part of the school and receive up to senior secondary education in all three streams, i.e., science, commerce and arts. In addition to affordable school fees, school buses are provided to students from distant villages. The institution’s success can be attributed, in part, to the partnerships and collaborations it has fostered.

Local businesses, philanthropic organizations and government initiatives have supported the school’s mission. These collaborations have provided financial assistance and brought in expertise and resources to enhance the overall educational experience for the students. One such collaboration is a computer diploma course certified by India’s Ministry of Human Resource Development. It is run after school hours and on Sundays to educate the students who have completed 12th grade or anyone willing, irrespective of age.

Looking Ahead: A Brighter Future for Bamnikhera

Kishora Vidya Mandir stands as a beacon of hope in the Bamnikhera village, demonstrating that education can be a powerful tool in eradicating poverty and empowering communities. The school’s commitment to providing affordable and quality education has transformed the lives of countless children, breaking down barriers and opening doors to a brighter future. As Kishora Vidya Mandir continues to grow and inspire, it serves as a reminder that education is about acquiring knowledge and building a foundation for a more equitable and prosperous society.

– Srishti Arora
Photo: Pixabay

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The KIND Fund in Malawi

 

The KIND Fund in MalawiAccording to the World Bank, Malawi is ranked as the fourth poorest country globally. Approximately 70% of the population lives on less than $3 a day and this income level has remained unchanged since 2010, despite a steadily increasing population. Moreover, at least 50% of households in Malawi lack adults with completed education. Education plays a crucial role in helping a country combat poverty in the long term. Malawi only implemented free public schooling in 1994, significantly improving children’s attendance rates. However, as of 2021, the country still faces one of the highest dropout rates in the world, estimated at 84% and the KIND fund has been fighting for children’s education in Malawi.

The KIND Fund

In a developing country like Malawi, children attend classes on the ground, similar to a pre-school. As the children grow older, this arrangement becomes less practical for an advanced learning environment. The children have to balance paper on their knees to write. Since soap is expensive in Malawi, kids skip school if they dislike being seen in dirty clothes after a week of sitting on the ground. This is particularly true for girls who prefer to miss several school days rather than spend all day on the dirty ground during their periods and having to jump up and down to answer questions.

The KIND Fund, short for Kids in Need of Desks, was created by MSNBC reporter Lawrence O’Donnell and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in 2010 to provide desks to all ages of schoolchildren in Malawi. Since 2010, the program has raised $38 million to help kids get desks and school supplies. The provision of desks not only yields tangible benefits such as improved penmanship but also enhances the overall attitude of children towards school.

Scholarships for Girls

Desks are not the only focus of the KIND Fund. KIND also provides secondary scholarships for girls to move forward in their education. A scholarship package from them will fund a girl’s tuition, boarding, transport and school supplies fees and include everything from socks to mentorship at school. The program has provided scholarships to more than 27000 girls across Malawi.

Keeping girls in school, even until age 18, is a small win against child marriage, a serious problem in developing countries. About 47% of women are married before age 18 in Malawi. The KIND fund conducted interviews with girls, posing the question of what they would do without the scholarship. Fifteen-year-old Happiness Ndawu responded, “Here in Malawi, girls marry at early ages. So, at 15, maybe I would have been married by now.” Happiness aspires to become a journalist. Being in school has protected her from potential domestic violence, risky pregnancies and other challenges that child brides often encounter. It has also opened her eyes to the potential she possesses.

Conclusion

Education plays a crucial role in lifting a country out of poverty, serving as one of the most essential pathways for socioeconomic advancement. When people think about education, they often take things like furniture and supplies for granted, items that other countries lack. A well-made desk can last decades and serve dozens of children over generations.

– Varsha Pai
Photo: Flickr

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The Fourth Revolution – Cambodia’s Digital Innovation

Cambodia’s Fourth Revolution- The Age of Digital InnovationPrime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia at the United Nations (U.N.) General Assembly in September 2023 stated “My government is committed to taking transformative actions…The five key priorities are people, roads, water, electricity and technology – especially digital technology to address the fourth industrial revolution and digital transformation of Cambodia’s economy.” Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of Cambodia’s digital innovation and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

History and Economic Situation

With a tumultuous history of civil war, political unrest and economic instability under the regime of the Khmer Rouge, the Kingdom of Cambodia has tackled the aftermath of genocide with years of widespread poverty and injustice. Within the last two decades, however, Cambodia has developed exponentially, sustaining an annual economic increase of approximately 8% between 1998 and 2019, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

While this indicates Cambodia’s desire to leave history in the past, radical socioeconomic transformation is being implemented through the government’s Pentagonal Strategy to achieve the U.N. SDGs by 2030 and high-income status by 2050.

Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy

For the first time in two decades, Cambodia’s economy contracted at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. In response, the nation has pledged to diversify its economy through the implementation of phase one of its Pentagonal Strategy. This plan focuses on growth, employment, equity, efficiency and sustainability. A cornerstone of Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is to roll out initiatives at the local level. These initiatives aim to encourage Cambodia’s digital innovation and entrepreneurship, modernizing the rural landscape and paving the way for a more resilient and diverse economic future.

Cambodia has made remarkable strides in reducing poverty, cutting the rate of those living in multidimensional poverty from 36.7% to 16.6% in recent years. Despite these achievements, a significant gap persists between rural and urban areas, positioning Cambodia at the brink of transitioning from least developed country (LDC) status. In the country’s poorest regions, many people still depend on subsistence farming for their livelihoods, with agriculture comprising 39% of total employment in 2021. This situation underscores the ongoing challenges and the critical need for targeted development strategies to bridge the urban-rural divide and foster sustainable economic growth across all communities.

This government incentive has created significant opportunities for technological development, positioning Cambodia’s startup and tech ecosystems as some of the fastest-growing markets. When startup enterprises and technological advancements receive adequate resources, they can profoundly impact rural communities. Here are two examples of initiatives that leverage digital technology to fuel Cambodia’s fourth industrial revolution, demonstrating the potential for innovation to drive sustainable development and economic growth in even the most remote areas.

Tap Effect

According to a report given by the World Bank in 2022, only 29% of Cambodia’s population has access to safely managed drinking water. Tap Effect is a Cambodian-based tech startup and social enterprise providing clean and affordable water to underserved rural and semi-rural communities. Tap Effect’s mission is to bridge systemic barriers often associated with clean water such as expensive set-up and maintenance costs by overseeing the entire value chain from installation to remote management. Their ethos views water supply as an ongoing process rather than a one-off installation, with their pioneering model combining technology, engineering and finance.

One water system can sustain up to 10,000 households while ‘Internet of Things’ technology allows for remote monitoring. Tap Effect’s first project, completed in 2020, covered the communes of Kouk Ballangk and Sambuor and provided clean and affordable water access to 19 villages and more than 14,000 people, including 12 schools and two health care facilities.

The BlocRice Project

The BlockChain project BlocRice was pioneered in Cambodia by Oxfam in partnership with Amru Rice, the largest producer and exporter of organic rice in Cambodia. The BlocRice project’s vision aims to bring greater representation to organic rice farmers in Preah Vihear Province who experience a living income gap of 31%. BlocRice introduces an app that enhances the connection between rural farmers and international exporters, offering a platform for farmers to access information about price fluctuations and the international value chain.

Historically, many farmers have lacked the knowledge and resources to negotiate effectively with middlemen, often resulting in underpayment and continued poverty. By implementing blockchain strategies, the BlocRice project aims to ensure transparency and traceability throughout the production chain. It provides digital access to contracts and payments, helping to prevent the exploitation of farmers in rural areas and promoting fair trade practices. This initiative represents a significant step toward empowering Cambodia’s agricultural sector in the global marketplace.

A Digital Future

Cambodia’s march toward a digital future sheds light on its dynamic socioeconomic and political landscape. Concentrating on bridging the rural-urban divide, the successful implementation of the Pentagonal Strategy will bolster Cambodia’s economy through collaboration with stakeholders, private and public investors. Additionally, closing the technology gap empowers the most vulnerable—those living in poverty—by leveraging digital solutions to foster a more equitable and sustainable future. This approach not only strengthens the national economy but also ensures that technological advancements benefit all segments of society, paving the way for inclusive growth and development.

– Zoe Winterfeldt
Photo: Flickr

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8 Key Ways to Strengthen Global Supply Chains

8 Key Ways to Strengthen Global Supply Chains Reliable and consistent global supply chains are essential for the maintenance of life-saving services in some of the world’s hardest-hit developing countries. In fact, they provide the key foundations of sanitation and hygiene, water, education, nutrition and health systems in countries that need the most charitable support.

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has committed greater resources to ensure the protection of these crucial supply chains. Hence, working with governments to ensure that all the crucial stages of product selection, strategic procurement and the contracting of logistics services meet as few hindrances as possible.

In addition, UNICEF outlines that post the COVID-19 pandemic, the value of equitable and resilient supply chains is more crucial than ever to ensure access to lifesaving supplies to countries most in need of humanitarian support.

UNICEF Tackle Insecure Supply Chains

In a recent report, UNICEF outlines two key objectives to address the issue:

  1. To create a collection of resources to deal with the most critical hindrances that directly affect supply chains.
  2. To analyze key areas affecting supply chain barriers that affect access to services, products and treatments that are essential.

As a result, UNICEF has compiled data based on the knowledge of key organizations and governments to address these two objectives. These include the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Global Alliance for Vaccines (GAVI), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Global Fund, the African Centre for Disease Control, the World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) as well as the private sector.

Ways to Strengthen Global Supply Chains

Furthermore, after compiling the experiences and knowledge of its partners, UNICEF has outlined eight key ways to strengthen global supply chains. Also, these recommendations aim to enhance access to essential, high-quality and life-saving services and supplies in the future.

The following are the eight key ways to strengthen global supply chains:

  1. Foster global sharing partnerships.
  2. Empower supply chain workforces.
  3. Enhance private sector involvement, multi-partner coordination and governance.
  4. Assist local manufacturing supplies and local production, using ‘market shaping’ as a key method. This could include pooled procurement and tools like volume guarantees on products.
  5. Reform fiscal policies and increase funding for the public financing of supplies.
  6. Create a strong service delivery system ensuring quality of care for supplies to their end user.
  7. Ensure the sustainability of social, economic and environmental elements connected to the supply chain.
  8. Quicker access to reliable data and technology to support decision-making.

Global Supply Chain Improvements

Therefore, UNICEF’s investment and collaboration with the mentioned partners and governments have resulted in the implementation of supply chains through projects such as:

  • Nutridash, an online interactive platform that analyzes, stores and captures data from nutritional programs of more than 100 countries.
  • The Vaccine Independence Initiative, a $234 million fund accessible to many governments for procuring nutrition and health supplies, benefiting tens of millions of children annually.
  • The Traceability and Verification System, developed by the organization to authenticate health products including vaccines to ensure patient safety.
  • The Effective Vaccine Management Initiative and Maturity Model, the EVM initiative is a tool that monitors how vaccine supply chains help developing countries improve resource allocation and identify key areas that need development.
  • People that Deliver, this is a branch of UNICEF’s supply chain workforce that supports countries in developing the supply chain workforce through its close association with private and public partnership networks.

These initiatives and projects have helped raise $7.2 billion in supplies and services, enhancing the provision for supply storage and the transportation of vaccines, medicines and other critical supplies. In addition, they have also resulted in increased procurement of Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), a crucial item for treating severe wasting in children. Through these efforts, UNICEF met two-thirds of the global demand for RUTF production.

Progress and Promise

Despite facing significant challenges, the strides made in improving child survival rates in developing countries offer a beacon of hope. UNICEF’s call to action for strengthening global supply chains highlights a path forward to addressing critical needs, from vaccine accessibility to combating severe wasting and enhancing sanitation in schools. Furthermore, with concerted efforts and continued focus, the gap in essential services can be bridged, promising a healthier, more secure future for millions of children around the world.

– Domenico Palermo
Photo: Flickr

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Higher Education in Bhutan

Higher Education in BhutanHigher education in Bhutan is bringing a tremendous opportunity to this remote land. Bhutan is a remote, landlocked and mountainous country in Central Asia, between Tibet (China) and India, with a population of 750,000. Bhutan may be small, but it has a lot of potential. One of the few countries to avoid colonialism, remain self-governing and maintain a sense of mystery. While Bhutan may try and be isolationist, it is now heavily reliant on agriculture and tourism. However, this historic Kingdom may be small and resource-limited, but its innovation and investment are not. Bhutan was the first country in the world to have happiness be a state policy and now higher education in Bhutan is bringing limitless opportunities to its people.

Prioritizing Education

Bhutan recently established democracy, with the country becoming a constitutional monarchy in 2008, but for the past 100 years, Bhutan has prioritized education. While secular, it still effectively incorporates traditional values, its unique heritage and culture into it. Its constitution also reinforces this, with article 9 ensuring “spiritual and emotional development are equally as important as the promotion of material consumption and modern physical comforts…and that the ultimate purpose of the government is to promote the happiness of its people,” according to a 2016 article. It certainly is the happiest, with its king, his majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuk having coined the term Gross National Happiness (GNH). Bhutan strikes a balance between modernization and maintaining its identity.

While formal education may have originally started in the 1950s, before this the monasteries delivered education on a tiny scale, with only 2,500 children enrolled in primary school. There are now two universities, both providing the only college and post-college education within the country. In 2003, The Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) opened and was The first establishment. In 2008, a separate school split off into its separate institution, the Gedu College of Business Studies. This has meant that there are now more than 10000 students in various programs.

Environmental Education

Environmental education is also part of higher education in Bhutan. The Royal Thimphu College offers Environmental Management (BSc) and there is also the Russell E. Train Education for Nature (EFN) scholarship, provided by the World Wide Fund (WWF) Bhutan’s Youth and Education Program, to help support future conservationists. From 2016-2018, 18 students benefited from the scholarship.

The WWF also offers The Education for Sustained Development (ESD) project, which promotes knowledge and development of fundamental skills necessary for young people to help create a sustainable future, through environmental conservation. There is also the chance to become a Living Planet ambassador, for those who demonstrate a passion for environmental action, with the first one appointed in November 2020.

Foreign Aid and Governmental Funds

The Government of Bhutan funds both universities, which gets part of its funding from grants from the Government of India. Not only does India help fund Bhutan education, but Indian teachers also serve in remote Bhutanese villages, to bring education to even the most distant parts. In fact, in 2019 Jai Bir Rai, the education minister in India, organized a special ceremony to honor 80 teachers and celebrate diplomatic relations between Bhutan and India.

Foreign aid also contributes to this funding. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has dedicated a total of $1.2 billion to Bhutan, as of 2024. The EU also allocated €31 million from 2021 until 2024, which renews this year and dedicates €9.3 million of this funding to strengthening local government and digitalization in education.

Bhutan spends a lot of its own money too. For example, from 2015 to 2020, Bhutan’s GDP increased by 33.4% whereas the public education budget increased by 58% within the same period, demonstrating that Bhutan reinvests profit from growth.

However, 12.4% of the population lived below the national poverty line in 2022, and with the U.N. stating that globally, 420 million could escape poverty by finishing secondary education, this level of investment can make a real difference.

Prioritizing Universal Values

Higher education in Bhutan does not mean that the state exclusively benefits from this investment in education, the world does as well. For example, through Erasmus+, “more than 600 student exchanges between Bhutan and the EU have taken place over five years(2015-19).” From humble beginnings, Bhutan has demonstrated that a country can prioritize universal values, knowledge, happiness and the world.

– Jack Timmins
Photo: Flickr

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Child Marriage in South Africa

Child Marriage in South Africa Each day, approximately 41,000 girls worldwide, become brides before reaching the age of 18, entering into child marriage. Every such marriage results in a girl losing her freedom, childhood and any chance for autonomy. These girls are more than 50% more likely to face sexual or physical harm. Girls Not Brides, a female-led NGO, directs its efforts toward ending gender-based violence and child marriage in South Africa and globally.

Women Leading Change

Men often dominate public discourse, making it notable when women lead the charge for change. Such was the case in South Africa in November 2023, when female philanthropists, activists and leaders convened to strategize support for adolescent girls, with a focus on eradicating child marriage.

Prominent among the attendees were Mrs. Michelle Obama and Ms. Melinda Gates. Mrs. Obama, the former First Lady of the United States (U.S.), underscored the critical role of education for young girls in breaking the cycle of child marriage and called for sustained investment in grassroots organizations and leadership. Ms. Gates advocated for a comprehensive approach that includes policy and legal reforms. She emphasized the importance of community awareness supported by government action to empower girls with choices over their futures. Both women, celebrated authors and influential figures, alongside other local dignitaries, issued a call to action against child marriage.

Benefits of Ending Child Marriage

Ending child marriage in South Africa and globally, brings a multitude of benefits that span social, economic and health dimensions. By addressing this issue, South Africa could unlock the potential for individual growth, societal advancement and economic development. Notable sources, including the United Nations (U.N.), World Bank and various NGOs, have highlighted these benefits in their research and advocacy efforts.

According to UNICEF, by delaying marriage, girls are less likely to face early pregnancy, which is associated with higher risks of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity and more likely to stay in school and complete their education. Education equips girls with the knowledge and skills necessary to support themselves, fully participate in their communities and make informed decisions about their lives and health, setting a foundation for improved health outcomes both for themselves and their future children.

Furthermore, the World Bank indicates that eliminating child marriage could significantly boost economic growth and productivity by enhancing a country’s earnings and growth potential. In fact, educated and empowered women are more likely to enter the workforce and contribute positively to the national economy.

Economic Implications

Eradicating child marriage has positive ripple effects on the economy, including a reduction in birth rates that alters a population’s age structure, thereby enhancing what is known as the ‘demographic dividend.’ This term refers to the economic growth potential when a larger portion of the population is of working age. It boosts health, productivity and the overall economy. The effect on productivity is particularly significant.

Child marriage sidelines girls, excluding them from the workforce and depriving economies of half their potential labor force, presenting a substantial obstacle to development. The World Bank estimates that countries lose on average about 1% of their economic base due to child marriage.

The Role of Girls Not Brides

Girls Not Brides is a global network dedicated to ending child marriage, focusing on girls as central to the solution. The organization collaborates with communities, local governments and faith leaders, emphasizing that only a collective effort can eliminate the outdated stigma of girls being inferior and end the practice of child marriage as a means of connecting families and kin.

This strategy aims to end the treatment of girls as currency and sees empowering them as a way out of poverty. By mobilizing young girls and improving their access to education and sexual health care, Girls Not Brides helps lift nations out of poverty.

Empowering the Future

The global fight against child marriage, led by influential women and organizations like Girls Not Brides, is carving a path toward empowerment and equality for girls in South Africa and beyond. By fostering education and legal reforms, these efforts are unlocking the vast potential for personal and economic growth, setting a precedent for future generations.

The collective drive and dedication to ending child marriage reflect a powerful commitment to reshaping society for the better, ensuring every girl has the opportunity to control her destiny and contribute fully to her community.

– Isaac Rowlands
Photo: Unsplash