Archive for category: Education

Information and stories on education.

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Seoul Learn: Education Reducing Poverty in South Korea

Poverty in South KoreaSouth Korea values its educational system. A big reason for their financial success lies in the country’s devotion to education. Many celebrate their accomplishments as highly educated South Korean students attend international universities and excel.

However, education in South Korea is very competitive. Additionally, economic differences among students exacerbate the situation. Students from low-income households do not have access to higher education. This leads to an educational gap between them and students who are financially better off. Hence, the difference in the opportunities available in the job market. Therefore, education intertwines with poverty in South Korea. In other words, it leads to generational poverty. This is where the technological education program named “Seoul Learn” enters the equation.

What is the “Seoul Learn?”

Launched in August 2021, “Seoul Learn” is a project that aims to address and improve the issue of educational inequality. This program recognizes the distinction in educational opportunities, as lower-class students come at a disadvantage.

Due to their socio-economic situation, these students experience difficulties in acquiring access to educational resources. “Seoul Learn” highlights that this results in generational poverty. This program emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic as the educational inequalities broadened. It intends to prevent inequality between students and make education equal for all.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) aspires to complete three distinct goals:

  • “A fair city of education”: Putting their focus on providing the necessary support to households with low earnings.
  • “A sustainable city of education”: Allowing students who are members of “Seoul Learn” to customize their educational content to benefit them in their lives.
  • “An innovative city of education”: Making the educational platforms more advanced by incorporating other educational technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).

A Fair City of Education

The first step that SMG completed was ensuring that the underprivileged students obtain devices to use for their studies. For example, tablets or computers to work on. Additionally, the government and the administration of education provided reliable internet services.

Interestingly, in recent years, the mayor of Seoul Oh Sehoon announced the “Seoul Run 3.0 Promotion Plan.” The project then made some changes in order to expand the eligibility of the recipients. The eligibility criteria were upgraded from households with nearly 60% of the median income to 80%. And thus, expanding the circle of targeted people, like the youth from the local children’s centers.

Research states that the number of students who can benefit from this upgrade increases from nearly 120,000 to 170,000.

In addition, entering this program begins with a qualification test conducted online. Following the completion of this quiz, students from vulnerable groups can thus join the community of “Seoul Learn.”

Within the project, there are significant objectives, such as eliminating the burden of private school expenses. The issue is that only private schools offer private content. However, with “Seoul Learn”, students from vulnerable groups then have the opportunity to acquire access to more advanced education.

A Sustainable City of Education

In 2025, an article reported how the project turned into a student-customized educational platform. New learning services were included in the program that have strengthened it. They are designed to better accommodate the students’ needs. Such learning services include:

  • “Real-time AI tutor”: a support that is targeted for young students who are a bit slower.
  • “1-on-1 essay monitoring”: customized support that focuses on high school students who are drafting their college essay. As students work, their questions would be immediately answered and their issues tackled.

An Innovative City of Education

The reorganization called “Seoul Run 3.0 Promotion Plan” focused on strengthening career dedication as well as the incorporation of AI in this platform. With the 2026 academic year, “Seoul Learn” planned to implement an AI system through the program. It will focus on how the members respond to the platform, and thus offer “customized counseling and career exploration.” The services incorporated, like ChatGPT and Gemini, allow the use of features that assist the students’ learning. For example, creating practice tests, image/video generation, lists of English vocabulary, and AI Q&A. Moreover, “Seoul Learn” doesn’t only concentrate on helping students improve their grades, but it also encourages them to plan their lives based on their developing abilities, invoking hope in students.

To Conclude

“Seoul Learn” aims to improve the situation of education and poverty at once in South Korea. This further demonstrates how “Seoul Learn” works towards helping students from low-income households to evaluate their potential fairly, just like any other student. This gives them a better chance of acquiring valuable employment in the competitive job market. And thus, poverty in South Korea is reduced through the mission of technological education.

– Lara Ibrahim

Lara is based in Créteil, France and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How E-Pathanshala Decreases Learning Poverty in India

Learning Poverty in IndiaAlthough we live in a modern, technology-driven age, education remains central to many Indians’ lives. From Jubilee Hills to rural villages, it plays a key role in addressing learning poverty. About 56%–70% of people in low- and middle-income countries, including India, are affected by learning poverty.

In response, the government of India introduced a broad educational platform, E-Pathanshala, to reduce inequality, lower learning poverty and address educational disparities. E-Pathanshala is not only available digitally in classrooms; it also encourages greater social responsibility in improving access to education. The initiative aims to reduce gender inequality and expand opportunities for women.

Education in India

India’s education system includes both public and private institutions that serve more than 250 million students across nearly 1.5 million schools, with 9.5 million teachers. The country recognizes 22 official languages under its Constitution. According to research, due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, around 320 million students in India were affected by school closures. While both boys and girls were impacted, evidence shows that girls faced a higher risk of long-term educational disruption.

E-Pathanshala: Digital Learning for Underprivileged Kids

E-Pathanshala is an educational platform developed in November 2015 for faculty, students and parents. It was a collaborative effort between the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and the Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET) to expand access to education and reduce learning poverty. Although launched in 2015, its foundation traces back to the establishment of NCERT in 1961. 

Created by the Government of India, NCERT was designed to support both central and state governments in advancing educational reform. Through E-Pathanshala, students can access a wide range of educational tools and materials without physical limitations, enabling more flexible and continuous learning. To ensure accessibility for faculty and students, E-Pathanshala is available in multiple languages, including English, Hindi and Urdu. 

Students can use this educational platform to study and prepare for exams. It serves as a digital bridge between traditional education and modern technology. It also promotes inclusive learning, places strong emphasis on women’s education and works to reduce learning poverty without bias.

India’s growing digital infrastructure further strengthens the platform’s reach. Many people can now access internet-based services thanks to initiatives such as the BharatNet program. This network extends more than 274,246 kilometers, improving connectivity even in rural areas. 

As a result, digital platforms like E-Pathanshala can reach more users. At the same time, broader e-governance systems continue to expand online access and service delivery nationwide.

Conclusion

Even in an age of rapid change, digital advancements and technological innovation, education remains a constant in people’s daily lives. Comprehensive digital tools like E-Pathanshala can further drive reform for women and reduce learning poverty. This platform stands out by promoting greater inclusion, placing strong emphasis on women’s education and helping reduce gender inequality.

– Shruti Reddy

Shruti is based in Cedarhurst, NY, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project. 

Photo: Unsplash

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Targeted EdTech and Education in Sierra Leone

Education in Sierra LeoneAs global education funding declines, millions of vulnerable children face an increased risk of dropping out of school. UNICEF reports that disruptions to education systems continue to affect access to learning worldwide, particularly in low-income countries where resources remain limited. These challenges contribute to a growing global learning crisis.

The Wi De Ya System

In Sierra Leone, digital education interventions are helping schools respond to these challenges. The Wi De Ya system uses real-time data to track attendance and engagement, with plans to build local capacity to support long-term maintenance. This approach allows educators to identify students at risk of dropping out and intervene before disengagement becomes permanent.

While data systems identify risk, human support plays a central role in improving outcomes. The Global Partnership for Education reports that financial and social assistance can improve school retention among vulnerable learners. Once students are identified as at risk, schools and partners can respond with tailored support. 

This may include school supplies, financial assistance or connections to social services. The World Bank notes that education investments are more effective when they focus on the most vulnerable populations, improving both efficiency and outcomes.

Addressing Barriers Beyond the Classroom

In Sierra Leone, barriers to education often extend beyond school environments. Many children in Sierra Leone face economic pressures that push them into work, limiting their ability to attend school. UNICEF reports that child labor remains a significant issue, highlighting the need for support for vulnerable children and their families.

A 12-year-old girl named Adama, featured in a UNICEF report, spends her days breaking rocks in a quarry instead of attending school. She explains that her family earns only about $2 a day, which is not enough to cover basic needs or education costs. Like many children in similar situations, she hopes to return to school but remains unable to do so due to economic pressures.

Data from these systems also helps educators better understand the challenges students face. Schools can respond with supportive measures rather than disciplinary action. Research supported by UNESCO shows that early warning systems identify students at risk of dropping out and enable targeted support strategies that improve retention and learning outcomes.

A Cost-Effective Response To Declining Funding

As education funding becomes more limited, scalable and efficient solutions are increasingly important. This approach offers a cost-effective model by focusing on early identification and targeted intervention. The Education Commission highlights the importance of investing in effective and equitable education systems to improve learning outcomes.

By reducing dropout rates, these systems also contribute to long-term economic stability. The World Bank links increased school retention to improved economic outcomes and poverty reduction. This model demonstrates how data-driven systems can support vulnerable students in resource-constrained settings.

– Isil Ertas Senturk

Isil is based in Oakville, Ontario, Canada and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Scholarship Programs Expanding Access to Education in Laos

Education in LaosAccess to education in Laos remains a key factor in reducing poverty and supporting long-term economic development. While the country has made progress in improving enrollment rates, many students—particularly in rural and low-income communities—continue to face financial and geographic barriers to schooling. In response, scholarship programs and international partnerships are working to expand educational access and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.

By providing financial assistance, resources and institutional support, these initiatives help students remain in school and build skills that contribute to future economic opportunities. These efforts demonstrate how strengthening education systems can play a central role in poverty reduction.

Global Partnership for Education Programs

One major initiative supporting education in Laos is funding from the Global Partnership for Education. Through its grant programs, the organization works with the government of Laos to improve access to quality education nationwide.

These programs support school infrastructure, teacher training and targeted financial assistance for students. Scholarships funded through these initiatives help reduce the cost burden on families, allowing more children to attend and remain in school. By focusing on equitable access, these efforts aim to close educational gaps between urban and rural communities.

Asian Development Bank Scholarship Support

Another key contributor to education in Laos is the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which supports scholarship programs and education projects across the country. The bank provides funding for higher education opportunities, including regional scholarship programs that allow students to study in specialized fields.

These scholarships often target areas such as engineering, environmental studies and public policy, helping students develop skills that are in demand within the workforce. By investing in higher education, these programs support the development of a skilled labor force that can contribute to national economic growth.

Expanding Access and Reducing Dropout Rates

Scholarship programs play an important role in addressing one of the key challenges in education in Laos: student retention. Many families face financial pressures that make it difficult for children to remain in school, particularly at the secondary level.

By covering costs such as tuition, school materials and transportation, scholarships could help reduce the likelihood that students will drop out. These programs could be especially important for girls and students in rural areas, who often face additional barriers to education. Increased access to schooling helps improve literacy rates and supports long-term social and economic outcomes.

Education and Economic Opportunity

Improving education in Laos is closely linked to expanding economic opportunity. Students who complete their education are more likely to secure stable employment and contribute to local economies. In turn, higher levels of education can support workforce development and reduce poverty over time.

Scholarship programs also help promote social mobility by allowing students from low-income backgrounds to pursue higher education. As more individuals gain access to education and employment, these programs contribute to broader economic resilience.

The Big Picture

Efforts to expand education in Laos through scholarship programs highlight the importance of targeted investments in human capital. Initiatives supported by organizations such as the Global Partnership for Education and the ADB demonstrate how financial assistance and institutional support can improve access to schooling.

As these programs continue to develop, they provide a pathway for students to overcome financial barriers and pursue educational opportunities. By strengthening education systems and expanding access, Laos is working toward long-term economic growth and poverty reduction.

– Jason Hill

Jason is based in Fullerton, CA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Gamified Learning Is Expanding Access to Education in Kenya

Education in KenyaKenya continues to face significant challenges in ensuring quality education, particularly in low-income and rural communities. Despite high enrollment rates, learning outcomes remain uneven, with many students struggling to meet basic literacy and numeracy standards. Limited resources, teacher shortages and regional inequalities make quality education difficult for many children, highlighting the need for innovative, accessible learning solutions.

What Is Gamified Learning and Why It Matters

Gamified learning refers to the use of game elements, such as quizzes, rewards and progress tracking, to make learning more engaging and interactive. Instead of relying solely on traditional teaching methods, it introduces systems that allow learners to “level up,” monitor their progress and improve through practice rather than being penalized for mistakes.

This model also supports more flexible learning, enabling individuals to follow different paths and build skills at their own pace. By creating a more supportive and motivating environment, gamified learning encourages consistent participation. It helps learners stay engaged over time, especially in contexts where maintaining motivation is a challenge.

Expanding Access Through Digital and Gamified Learning in Kenya

Digital learning platforms are helping address long-standing education challenges in Kenya, particularly in areas where resources and classroom support remain limited. Research shows that gamification within e-learning platforms can improve motivation, engagement and overall learning outcomes, making it a valuable tool in education systems facing persistent learning gaps.

In Kenya, platforms such as Eneza Education use mobile-based learning to reach students who may lack access to traditional educational resources. Through SMS-based lessons, quizzes and interactive features, students can practice regularly and receive feedback, even with basic mobile phones. This approach is especially valuable in rural areas, where internet access and infrastructure are often limited.

At the same time, increasing mobile access is making these solutions more widely available. Smartphone penetration in Kenya has reached around 83.5%, enabling more students to access digital learning tools and educational content through their devices.

Beyond Eneza, the broader rise of education technology in Kenya is making learning more flexible and accessible. Digital tools allow students to learn at their own pace, revisit difficult topics and stay engaged through interactive content. By combining accessibility with engagement, gamified digital learning is helping reduce educational gaps and reach students who might otherwise be left behind.

From Learning to Economic Opportunity

Education is often the starting point for preventing long-term challenges, especially poverty. When people have access to quality learning, they are more likely to develop the skills needed to secure stable jobs, build businesses and improve their living conditions. In Kenya, this link between education and economic growth is already becoming clear.

According to the World Bank, the country has made significant progress through education reforms, reaching more than 16 million students across nearly 90,000 schools. These improvements have helped position Kenya among the top education performers in Eastern and Southern Africa. At the same time, the country’s economy is expected to grow by around 5% annually, highlighting the role of education in broader economic development.

Learning outcomes have also improved over time. For example, performance in subjects such as mathematics and languages has improved, while secondary school enrollment rose by more than 50% in the years before the pandemic. These developments matter because stronger learning outcomes are directly linked to better job opportunities and higher income potential.

Similarly, research shows that innovative approaches such as gamified learning can further strengthen this impact. Gamification is not just about engagement; it also helps build practical skills such as problem-solving, decision-making and digital literacy. In development contexts, these skills are essential for employment and entrepreneurship. 

Studies have shown that gamified learning environments can improve motivation, participation and knowledge retention, making education more effective overall.

Conclusion

As digital access continues to expand in Kenya, learning is no longer limited to traditional classrooms. Gamified learning, combined with mobile-based education, is creating more flexible and accessible ways for students to build skills and stay engaged. This is especially important in contexts where consistent access to quality education remains a challenge.

Together, these developments point to a clear pathway: education builds skills, skills create opportunities and opportunities help reduce poverty. By improving both access to education and the way people learn, Kenya is not only strengthening its education system but also creating new pathways for economic participation and long-term development.

– Elif Oktar

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

Photo: Flickr

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Rohingya Education Is Critical to Children’s Mental Health

Rohingya EducationThe Rohingya are a Muslim ethnic minority from Myanmar’s Rakhine State who have faced decades of discrimination, statelessness and restricted access to basic rights, including education. In August 2017, widespread violence forced more than 700,000 Rohingya to flee to neighboring Bangladesh, creating one of the largest refugee crises in the world. Today, more than one million Rohingya refugees live in camps in Cox’s Bazar, many of them children who have experienced displacement, trauma and prolonged uncertainty.

Education Restrictions in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, access to education for Rohingya children is shaped by government policy, influenced by the expectation that refugees will eventually return to Myanmar. To prevent long-term integration, authorities have restricted formal schooling, prohibited accredited curricula and limited language instruction. As a result, most children are confined to informal learning centers that do not lead to recognized qualifications, and access to secondary education remains extremely limited.

In addition to limited access to education, Rohingya children face strict movement restrictions and are confined to overcrowded refugee camps, with few opportunities to integrate into broader society. They cannot enroll in formal Bangladeshi schools or access the national curriculum, which further limits their future opportunities. Without access to recognized education or employment pathways, many children grow up with increasing uncertainty about their future, reinforcing cycles of vulnerability and exclusion.

Funding Cuts and Growing Risks

As of 2025 and early 2026, the situation has worsened due to major funding cuts. Thousands of learning centers have closed, leaving hundreds of thousands of children without access to education and raising concerns about a “lost generation.” Reduced access to schooling has also led to increases in child labour and early marriage. Although the Bangladesh government has begun funding Rohingya education with support from the World Bank, access remains limited—especially for adolescents—and pathways to accredited or higher education are still largely unavailable.

Restoring Hope Through Learning Programs

At a UNICEF-supported multi-purpose centre in Kutupalong, 13-year-old Nur is learning solar panel repair after years of displacement. He had always dreamed of becoming a teacher, but limited access to education left him feeling uncertain and without direction. Like many Rohingya children, he experienced a sense of hopelessness as opportunities to learn remained out of reach. Through structured learning and skills-based training, these programs are helping children like Nur regain confidence and begin to imagine a different future.

Children make up a large share of the Rohingya population, many of whom face risks such as child labor, domestic violence and early marriage. These experiences can contribute to anxiety, stress and emotional distress. When access to education declines, the consequences extend beyond learning, increasing vulnerability and weakening protection systems within the camps.

UNICEF Programs and Community Impact

UNICEF-supported learning centers provide structured environments where children can learn, interact with peers and access psychosocial support. These spaces create routine and safety, both essential for emotional stability. Multi-purpose centers further expand opportunities by combining learning with skills-based training, helping children regain a sense of purpose.

Building on these efforts, child-friendly spaces and trained facilitators play a key role in supporting children’s mental health. These programs provide safe environments for play, creativity and emotional expression, while educators trained in psychosocial support help identify distress and foster inclusive, supportive spaces.

Expanding Access and Future Opportunities

Addressing these challenges requires sustained policy and funding commitments. As the host country, Bangladesh plays a central role in expanding access to meaningful and continuous education. Increasing opportunities for secondary learning, certification pathways and teacher support could significantly improve outcomes. Continued collaboration with international organizations and donors may help stabilize services and expand opportunities for children who have already lost years of schooling.

Education programs in the camps demonstrate how learning can support protection, recovery and long-term resilience. For Rohingya children like Nur, access to safe and structured environments is helping restore hope and bring the possibility of achieving their dreams—such as becoming a teacher—within reach.

– Isil Ertas Senturk

Isil is based in Oakville, Ontario, Canada and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Transformation of Education in Zimbabwe

Education in ZimbabweZimbabwe, with a population of more than 17 million and 38.3% living below the poverty line, centers its national poverty reduction on education. President Emmerson Mnangagwa claims that strategies have already halved poverty, illustrating the country’s commitment to learning-driven change.

Early Childhood Development

The Zimbabwe Network of Early Development Actors (ZINECDA) develops children from conception to age 8. The organization shares and generates knowledge about formative years, runs training workshops and distributes information sheets to positively impact young children’s lives. Since 2012, ZINECDA has impacted the lives of more than 20,000 children. 

This highlights why education in Zimbabwe plays an integral role in eradicating poverty, as early access to learning helps children develop vital, transferable skills.

The BEAM Initiative

The Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) initiative supports education in Zimbabwe, especially for the most vulnerable children, such as orphans and young carers. In 2025, the initiative planned to cover funds and fees for 1.5 million children across the country.

This demonstrates the direct correlation between education and poverty. Government-funded support opens opportunities for the most vulnerable, making education accessible where it was once out of reach. Zimbabwe’s high literacy rate of 93% reflects this progress.

Angeline Gata

The Primary and Secondary Education Deputy Minister, Angeline Gata, has transformed education in Zimbabwe. She shifted the focus from exam-based learning to skill-based learning, which she believes creates lifelong, employment-ready skills. Gata encourages Zimbabwean youth by saying, “Skills pay, so make sure you invest in them.”

By prioritizing digital literacy and entrepreneurship, she helps young people become adaptable adults who can enter employment and live above the poverty line. Overall, she introduces innovative reforms that prioritize young people’s ideas, unlike previous changes that lacked consultation with those affected. By consulting young people and creating reforms they care about, she keeps them engaged. 

Global Partnership Education

The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) works to improve the quality of education in Zimbabwe. Its efforts ensure that the Zimbabwean government allocates 21% of its expenditure to education and that two-thirds of Zimbabwean children reach at least the lower secondary school level. GPE also works to fully train 98% of primary teachers, raising education quality.

GPE also focuses on girls’ education, challenging gender norms that keep young girls from attending school. With a $40.9 million grant from UNICEF and CAMFED dedicated to women’s education until 2026, GPE aims to give young girls in Zimbabwe the same opportunities as their male counterparts.

Looking Ahead

Zimbabwe’s focus on education promises to reduce poverty in the future. The government targets youth, aiming to break the poverty cycle, especially through the BEAM initiative’s support for the neediest children. Education, especially skills-based learning, develops transferable skills essential for gaining and keeping employment. 

By recognizing gender imbalances and investing in youth, Zimbabwe encourages young people to become innovators of change and empowers everyone to build a life outside of poverty. These reforms provide a lifeline for Zimbabwe’s most underserved children and open doors that would have otherwise remained closed.

– Caitlin Cooper

Caitlin is based in Aberdeen, Scotland and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Ambitious Plans: Poverty Reduction in Indonesia

Poverty Reduction in IndonesiaIndonesia has created a plan to reduce its poverty levels, with the goal of reaching nearly zero percent of citizens living in poverty by the end of 2026. Local leaders have set plans in motion to achieve poverty reduction in Indonesia. These plans include providing social assistance to struggling families to ensure they obtain access to funds and resources, opening tens of thousands of local schools across Indonesia to increase access to education, and adjusting budgets to provide room for new jobs, food aid and reducing carbon emissions.

Indonesia’s Economic Landscape

Composed of more than 17,000 islands, Indonesia is the most populous country in Southeast Asia and the fourth most populous in the world. Indonesia has maintained a stable economy over the years, known for its role in managing imports. However, approximately 24.8 million people, or 8.7% of the population, were considered poor as of early 2025. Indonesia aims to target extreme poverty, planning to reduce the percentage to 7% by 2026 and 4.5% by 2029. Indonesia also plans for economic growth to increase by 5.4% to 6% over the next year to support poverty reduction in Indonesia.

Tracking Poverty Through Data

To ensure that these changes hold, Indonesia has launched the National Socio-Economic Single Data System (DTSEN), a method used to identify citizens who live below the poverty line and need social support so that assistance can be provided. The database allows for the distribution of resources to those who need them. The DTSEN provides access to food aid, health insurance and services to those who are struggling. This effort, which involves cooperation from the government as well as various social groups, seeks to benefit citizens’ well-being and increase poverty reduction in Indonesia.

Expanding Access to Education

One of the most notable parts of Indonesia’s plan is the construction of more than 70,000 school units over the course of 2026. Education is a strong focus within Indonesia’s goal to reduce regional poverty through the Indonesia Bright Program (PIP), which offers funding for hundreds of thousands of young students. The program intends not only to raise educational opportunities for young students but also to ensure that the units being built meet high-quality standards, addressing issues such as poor building structures, leaky roofs and a lack of sanitation within schools.

Budgetary Reform and Land Allocation

To make these changes work, leaders met in December 2025 to propose a new strategic framework that allows citizens to access more equal opportunities and provides those who are struggling with the resources they need. Indonesia also plans to allocate state-owned land to more than 1 million poor families in another effort to reduce poverty in the country.

Looking Ahead

Indonesia’s plan to reduce poverty by the end of 2026 is ambitious but has shown early progress. By investing in social assistance, education and economic reform, poverty reduction in Indonesia can move from a goal to a measurable outcome.

– Will Mancuso

Will is based in Lake Mary, FL, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Education and Indian Tribal Communities Fight Against Poverty

Education and Indian Tribal CommunitiesIndia prides itself on its rich cultural diversity, being home to the origin and existence of a variety of cultural groups. Indian tribal communities occupy a unique place within this diversity, with lineages and cultural practices dating back centuries. However, these Indigenous communities face poverty challenges of their own.

Moreover, their remote geographical locations further distance them from access to governmental aid. Over the years, different provisions and strategies were attempted, among which the chief focal point was improving literacy rates. Officials and some of the Indigenous groups view education as a potent long-term solution to alleviate the lives of the poor in this region.

Indian Tribal Communities and Poverty

Poverty ranks among the top socio-economic problems that the Scheduled Tribes in India encounter. A 2011 national census states that 45.3% of tribal communities in rural areas live below the poverty line, while their urban counterparts record 24.1% below the poverty line. Several social studies conducted in the last few decades also identify similar problems, along with a lack of resources, clean drinking water, sanitation and access to health care.

In historic times, records suggest that tribal communities flourished in a lifestyle centered around hunting, agriculture and barter trade systems. However, due to invasions and encroachment over centuries, many lost land and migrated to hilly regions.

The groups’ current landscape lacks resources that can nurture their survival, let alone provide a stable means of livelihood. Additionally, even those Indigenous groups that attempt to assimilate with the wider nation encounter unemployment challenges due to the existing literacy gap.

Education and Indian Tribal Communities

Indian tribal groups have a two-pronged approach toward mainstream education. One aspect views education as a means of economic and social empowerment. On the other hand, concerns about preserving cultural identity lead specific groups to show hostility toward central education.

Presently, in 2026, numerous scholars, including many from tribal origins, work toward building a more optimistic perspective. They identify issues and strategies that could help education become more culturally sensitive and accommodating of the inherent differences between tribal groups.

One particular social research study delves into several challenges in tribal communities’ education. Firstly, the lack of proper school infrastructure and accessibility poses a significant impediment. Second, economic and livelihood demands often include children as an integral part of procuring food or income.

In such cases, tribal families tend to view sending children to school as a luxury they cannot afford, despite education being free. Thus, many experts highlight the need to include Indigenous group members in the decision-making process regarding education for children in these communities.

Education’s Role in the Fight Against Poverty

While earlier sections discussed the poverty existing among tribal and Indigenous groups in India, many proposed solutions point toward education. Studies over the past century emphasize the role education can play in poverty reduction.

Nobel laureate economist James Heckman stated that early education can help break the cycle of poverty across multiple generations. A 2017 report from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) says that nearly 420 million people could escape poverty if they complete secondary education.

Through education, tribal communities, specifically those residing in urban areas, stand a higher chance of employment. Subsequently, this leads to improved access to basic needs such as food, health care and economic opportunity.

Moreover, education can help empower multiple aspects of Indigenous communities. For children, it opens opportunities beyond the villages and cities of their upbringing. Adult tribal men can benefit from technology and other advancements that education provides for farming, animal rearing and other means of livelihood.

Women, through education, may benefit significantly. Apart from financial independence, Adivasi women can face gender-based risks such as domestic abuse, child marriage and human trafficking. Literacy and education can help women better protect themselves from such risks and improve their economic opportunities.

Looking Ahead

Education has the potential to transform the lives of Indian tribal communities. As discussed, policymakers and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) continue to address many factors contributing to poverty among tribal groups through education initiatives. However, experts note that strategies require culturally responsive and community-centered approaches to education. Such approaches may improve the likelihood of reducing poverty within these communities.

– Shafika Fathima

Shafika is based in Chennai, India and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Vietnam and Cambodia: Mekong Plus Poverty Reduction

Mekong PlusIn the rural heartland of the Mekong Delta, severe droughts and the volatility of seasonal harvests create deep economic hardships. These environmental pressures hit countryside communities most acutely, as they must constantly adapt to an increasingly unpredictable climate.

Because of these compounding pressures, it is vital to examine the Mekong Plus approach to poverty reduction in Vietnam and Cambodia. Their model stands apart from traditional charities by prioritizing sustainable, independent community development over temporary aid.

The Mission

In 1994, Bernard Kervyn saw the urgent needs of citizens and farmers in the rural regions of Vietnam. Kervyn called for his friends, all of whom had worked previously in the French NGO ‘Frères des Hommes’ and together they formed Mekong Plus that same year. The NGO began in the tiny commune of Tiên Thành.

Mekong Plus’ mission foremost is to “eliminate poverty.” The staff of the NGO also realized that pouring internationally raised funding into these communities would only make these struggling rural citizens reliant on those distant nations. Thus, it set out to use all funding to build sustainable grassroots-level improvements within rural communities. In order to do this, the organization broke down its core mission into three clear areas: Education, Sustainability and Microcredits.

Mekong Plus Poverty Reduction

Mekong Plus considers education a core mission goal, as according to the NGO, it is the “fundamental basis for sustainable development.” To provide as much as can be, the organization split up this goal into many different sections, such as providing safe hygiene for students or making schools more accessible to children in difficult or outlying areas. They provide schools with equipment like computers, allowing children access to greater learning tools, as well as a means to interact with the larger world. To cater to the needs of students, the organization creates inclusive curricula read to target the students’ varying needs. Mekong Plus’ curricula also offer training in sectors important to the community, such as agricultural schemes, which the organization used to increase food yields by 100% in regions used to famine.

Sustainability

Sustainability is another of Mekong Plus’ core focuses, helping to create cheaper and healthier long-term living strategies. While some of Mekong Plus’ work focuses on hygiene, the NGO has equipped more than 13,000 houses with sanitation facilities. Beyond this, the organization also helps rural communities with upcycling and plastic collection efforts, where the NGO turns old recycling into classroom equipment and furniture. This even covers houses, and last year Mekong Plus built 10 houses entirely out of recycled materials. In recognition of its work promoting sustainable and healthy living, Mekong Plus received the 2021 Energy Globe Award.

Microcredits form one of the organization’s most important initiatives in rural areas. The NGO’s Microcredit scheme provides a system where citizens can take loans as small as 50 euros, providing a lifeline to businesses and families. As of this date, the organization supports 7,500 houses through the NGO’s microcredit system, in the worst-hit regions of famine and drought. The NGO has also managed to raise 35,000 people out of extreme poverty, with an impressive non-repayment rate of 1% by those taking the loans.

The Future

The success of Mekong Plus poverty reduction is important because the NGO provides a model that is not simply a charity; it is a development partner. Its cooperation with communities provides essential, everyday benefits that have lifted thousands in regions on the cusp of ecological disaster. Its model also provides a multi-dimensional means to tackle the issue of extreme poverty, showing that, just like any other crisis, fighting poverty is possible.

– Eli Thomson

Eli is based in Preston, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

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