Archive for category: Education

Information and stories on education.

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Vocational Education and Training in Samoa

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

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

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

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

How the System Was Built

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

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

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

What Progress Looks Like

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

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

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

The Path Forward

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

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

– Nicole Miller

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

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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The Emerging Role and Evolution of AI in the Caribbean

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

Professor Rohan Jowallah’s Insight

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

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

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

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

Addressing Problems With AI

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

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

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

Looking Ahead

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

– Amari Jennings

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

Photo: Unsplash

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Educational Reform in Egypt: Successes and Setbacks

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

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

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

Reform Goals

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

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

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

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

Persistent Challenges

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

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

Project Successes

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

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

Summary

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

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

– Emma Kelsey

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

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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5 Charities Operating in China

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

Poverty Persists

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

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

China Charity Federation 

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

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

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

Red Cross Society of China

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

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

China Foundation for Rural Development

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

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

The Amity Foundation

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

One Foundation 

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

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

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

The Path to Common Prosperity

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

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

– Jeanne Pellet

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

Photo: Unsplash

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How Internet Access in the Solomon Islands Reduces Poverty

Internet Access in the Solomon IslandsLack of internet access in the Solomon Islands significantly impacts daily life in many rural communities, limiting access to education, income opportunities and essential services. Students in remote areas often lack access to online learning platforms, forcing schools to rely on printed materials, radio lessons and audio resources as alternatives. Schools use these alternative learning methods to avoid excluding students who lack access to digital devices or reliable internet connections.

Limited electricity further worsens the situation, as many rural schools are not connected to a stable power grid and depend on generators or solar systems to operate basic technology. Teachers working in these communities often face severe resource shortages. They must adapt their lessons creatively without access to modern teaching tools.

Why Internet Access Remains Uneven

The Solomon Islands comprise hundreds of islands scattered across a vast oceanic area, making infrastructure development challenging and costly. Although fiber-optic cables now connect some provincial centers, many outer islands still rely on slower satellite-based connections. This uneven development has created a digital divide in which urban communities experience stronger connectivity while rural areas remain largely offline.

As a result, internet access in the Solomon Islands varies sharply depending on geography.

How Digital Exclusion Deepens Poverty

More than 25% of the Solomon Islands’ population lives below the poverty line, with more than 80% of those affected residing in rural areas. Limited internet access prevents many families from using digital financial services such as e-wallets and electronic transfers. In regions where bank branches are scarce or nonexistent, poor connectivity makes it difficult for households to save money, receive remittances or build financial security.

Small businesses, women and young entrepreneurs also struggle to reach broader markets or adopt digital payment systems, which limits their income growth and innovation. Students face similar challenges, as weak digital infrastructure hinders their ability to acquire the skills necessary for future employment.

The Solomon Islands government has identified digital transformation as a key pathway toward inclusive economic development. Its ICT in Education Master Plan aims to connect schools to the internet and equip them with computer labs to support digital learning. Earlier initiatives, such as the Distance Learning Centers Project, expanded satellite-based internet access to rural schools and community centers.

Together, these efforts help reduce isolation by improving affordable access to information and communication technologies.

Evidence of Progress and Future Impact

Improved connectivity has supported platforms such as the iResource online portal, which distributes educational materials digitally across the country’s islands. The national curriculum directly links digital skills to self-reliance and paid employment, showing how technology supports improved living standards. Expanded internet access in the Solomon Islands also improves the growth of an inclusive digital economy that benefits women, youth and small businesses.

By continuing to invest in digital infrastructure, the Solomon Islands can reduce geographic isolation and create new opportunities to help families lift themselves out of poverty.

Conclusion

Better internet access in the Solomon Islands can make a real difference for people living in remote areas. When communities can access the internet, students have more opportunities to learn, families can utilize basic financial services and small businesses have a better chance to grow. These changes may seem small, but together they can help reduce poverty over time.

By continuing to expand internet access, the Solomon Islands can give more people the tools they need to improve their lives and build a more connected future.

– Aila Alsakka

Aila is based in Nottingham, UK and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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5 Facts About Education in Iran

Education in IranIn today’s world, it is easy to take the ability to read for granted. From commuting to work to taking online college classes, technology has become an important part of our lives. As these tools continue to evolve, reading comprehension may seem less important to some individuals, particularly with the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in educational settings.

Yet, even in a fast-paced, tech-driven world, literacy remains an important skill. Many countries continue to struggle to provide children with safe and effective education. In recent years, Iran has taken steps to strengthen its education system, introducing several reforms aimed at improving learning outcomes.

With that being said, here are a few facts about education in Iran:

Literacy Rates

As of 2023, the literacy rate in Iran is relatively the same for both men and women. According to a study by the World Bank Group, women, specifically those aged 15 to 24, have a literacy rate of 99%. Currently, this represents the country’s peak literacy rate for this group, with the lowest rate recorded at 42% in 1976.

Similarly, the literacy rate among men in Iran mirrors that of women. As of 2023, men, specifically those aged 15 to 24, had a literacy rate of 99%. The lowest literacy rate among men in Iran was 71% in 1976.

With that data in mind, historically, Iranian women have had a lower literacy rate than men, with a 29% gap between the two groups. In another study by UNESCO, in 2019, it was reported that around 2% of Iranians, particularly those under the age of 24, were considered to be “absolute illiterates.” Of course, with the newly presented data, this statistic may not be as accurate following the release of the World Bank Group’s 2023 literacy data.

Low Education Funding

Education in Iran is very underfunded. The National Council of Resistance in Iran reports that the annual salary or the amount of money earned by Iranian teachers in a year, is less than $2,000, even below the international wage average in the country. This may be the contributing factor to the current national teacher shortage.

After completing mandatory primary education (ages 6–11), students spend three years in a guidance cycle designed to assess their academic strengths and determine which vocational track they will follow in high school. These tracks may be academic, vocational or science-based.

Unsafe Learning Environments

Budget cuts affect far more than teachers’ salaries. Beyond staff shortages caused by low pay, many schools struggle to provide safe learning environments. Issues range from unsafe transportation, sometimes resulting in the deaths of school-aged children, to poor infrastructure, including faulty heating systems and collapsed walls.

In rural areas, classes are often held in mud huts, temporary shelters or tents, creating additional health and safety risks for students.

What’s To Come?

The U.N.’s Convention on the Rights of the Child calls on Iranian authorities to guarantee every child’s right to education on an equal basis. It urges the government to make primary education fully free and to expand access to secondary education, providing more opportunities without cost to children or their families.

– Megan Akers

Megan is based in Fredericktown, OH, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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All About Higher Education in Chile

Higher Education in ChileAttaining higher education in Chile is associated with a myriad of positive outcomes, including employment opportunities, higher compensation and even improved health. Individuals with higher education have a lower risk of unemployment and generally earn higher wages. The unemployment rate for those with higher education is 5.5% compared to 8.1% for those with upper secondary education.

Workers with higher education earn 112% more than the average income in Chile. Education level is a widely recognized social determinant of health and the completion of higher education is associated with more positive health outcomes.

Inequality in Higher Educational Attainment

In Chile, disparities in tertiary education attainment are closely linked to social factors, including parental education, socioeconomic status and gender. Children of parents who have completed tertiary education are more likely to pursue higher education than those whose parents have not. In 2023, 68% of adults aged 25-34 with at least one parent who had completed tertiary education also attained tertiary education, compared to 25% for adults whose parents did not complete tertiary education.

However, the rate of young adults pursuing tertiary education whose parents did not complete tertiary education increased by 7% between 2012 and 2023. Higher family socioeconomic status is also associated with an increased likelihood of completing higher education. In 2006, 12.7% of adults aged 25-34 from the lowest income decile enrolled in tertiary education, compared to 53.3% of the top income decile.

Furthermore, women enrolled in tertiary education are less likely to pursue a degree in STEM and other high-earning fields of study. In 2023, only 19.8% of students pursuing degrees in a STEM field were female.

A Largely Privatized System

Chile’s higher education system consists of three main types: universities, professional institutes (Instituto Profesional – IP) and technical training centers (Centro de Formación Técnica – CFT). While overall enrollment in tertiary education has continued to rise, the majority of growth since 2010 has occurred in private institutions. As a result, Chile has one of the most privatized higher education systems in the world.

In 2023, fewer than 20% of students enrolled in a tertiary education institution attended a public institution. Hence, Chilean families pay more than 75% of costs for higher education, compared to 40% for U.S. families and 5% in Scandinavian countries.

Gratuidad

A notable wave of protests demanding more affordable, high-quality higher education in Chile occurred in 2011. In 2016, the Chilean congress passed a tuition-free policy known as gratuidad to provide free university education for families in the bottom 60% of the income range. A lack of studies on the impact and effectiveness of gratuidad makes its success in creating a more equitable tertiary education system unclear.

The reform’s implementation has initiated slow progress toward expanding access to financial aid for low-income students, as approximately 90% of students who qualify have already received financial aid before the reform. However, the idea of free education likely incentivizes people from low-income families to pursue higher education, as 15% of students in the gratuidad program claim they would not have pursued higher education otherwise.

Conclusion

Attaining a higher education in Chile reduces the likelihood of living in poverty. Creating a more equitable and inclusive education system is key to reducing the 6.5% of Chile’s population living below the national poverty line. Expanding access to tertiary education for individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and those whose parents lack tertiary education, as well as increasing the representation of women in STEM fields, are key focal points for reducing poverty.

– Sarah Merrill

Sarah is based in Matthews, NC, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Malala Yousafzai: Fight for Education and Poverty Reduction

malala YousafzaiIn her new memoir, Finding My Way, Nobel Peace Prize-acclaimed Malala Yousafzai steps out from the shadow of her public persona and reintroduces herself, not just as a global activist, but as a young woman learning to live freely, heal and grow. Her story, though deeply personal, resonates across borders, offering a reflection on how freedom, education and mental health intertwine with global poverty.

More than a decade after surviving an assassination attempt for defending girls’ education, Yousafzai continues to use her voice to challenge inequality. Finding My Way charts her journey from a student in Pakistan’s Swat Valley to a global advocate for education and women’s rights. The memoir’s release has reignited conversations about how education and poverty reduction remain one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle of poverty worldwide.

Education as the Foundation for Poverty Reduction

For Yousafzai, the connection between education and poverty reduction is not theoretical but lived. Growing up under Taliban rule, she witnessed how denying girls an education limited entire communities’ potential. Yousafzai’s overall message is that “One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world.” When one child is denied the chance to learn, the whole world suffers.

According to UNESCO, more than 244 million children and youth remain out of school globally, with girls disproportionately affected. Each additional year of schooling can raise a woman’s income by up to 20%, reduce child marriage rates, and improve family health outcomes. Yet, education funding for low-income nations remains chronically under-resourced, accounting for less than 3% of global humanitarian aid.

Studies consistently show a link between access to education and economic mobility. Literate populations drive stronger GDP growth, healthier families, and lower rates of violence. Still, more than half of the children in low-income countries cannot read or understand a simple story by age 10, or the end of primary school. This learning poverty traps generations in economic instability. By highlighting her story once more, Yousafzai reminds the world that personal resilience and policy reform must work in tandem to create lasting change.

Barriers and Breakthroughs

Yousafzai’s college years at Oxford, as detailed in Finding My Way and interviews with NPR and USA Today, offered a different kind of education. She “nearly failed” her exams, struggled to balance global advocacy with coursework, and faced panic attacks that forced her to confront the trauma she had long suppressed. She explained to Fresh Air how marijuana triggered flashbacks to the day she was shot. That episode led her to therapy and a realization that the mental health part was the missing piece.

This moment of vulnerability underscores a broader truth: trauma, whether from war, displacement, or generational poverty, is often the invisible barrier keeping people, especially women and children, from escaping deprivation. As her foundation continues to support girls’ education in conflict zones, Yousafzai’s openness about healing offers a new kind of leadership: one that views recovery as essential to sustainable progress and lasting education and poverty reduction.

Progress in global education, however, has slowed since the pandemic. COVID-19 pushed millions of children, especially girls, out of school, many of whom never returned. Natural disasters, conflict, and gender-based violence have further deepened inequalities. Yet, countries like Kenya and Bangladesh are showing that targeted investment can reverse this trend. Programs offering conditional cash transfers, free school meals, and digital learning access have successfully kept children in classrooms. Organizations like the Malala Fund, Education Cannot Wait, and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) continue to advocate for stronger international commitments to make education a universal right rather than a privilege.

Beyond Charity: Education as Empowerment

Yousafzai’s approach reframes education not as an act of charity but as a human right and an economic imperative. Educating girls creates ripple effects that lift entire communities, reducing poverty, improving maternal health, and promoting democratic participation. “Investing in education,” Yousafzai has written, “is investing in peace.” This perspective reinforces that education and poverty reduction go hand in hand as human rights essential to progress.

Her new memoir also challenges the narrative of perfection often imposed on global icons. “I want to introduce the real me, the funny me, the messy me, the sad and the annoying me,” Yousafzai told USA Today. That authenticity matters: it reminds the world that empowerment and healing are personal before they are political. Her evolving views on marriage, shaped by her cultural background and feminist reading list, also reflect this balance between independence and belonging. “Marriage is a beautiful relationship,” she said, “it is friendship, and it’s this strong bond between two people who love each other and who bring more beauty to each other’s lives.” For a woman who once feared marriage meant compromise, her reflection becomes a metaphor for reclaiming agency. Something millions of women in poverty still fight for daily.

A Call to Action

Yousafzai and her journey from survivor to scholar, from activist to author, is a testament to the enduring power of education. Her story invites a global reckoning: ending poverty demands not only policy reform and aid but also the freedom for people, especially women, to heal, to learn, and to live fully.

Empowering students today shapes the prosperity of tomorrow. As Yousafzai continues her mission, her voice underscores a timeless truth: education and poverty reduction are inseparable, and education is not only the way out of poverty, it is the way forward.

– Ella Bogdan

Ella is based in Denver, CO, USA and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Libraries Without Borders Fights Poverty Surge in Ukraine

Libraries Without Borders Poverty in Ukraine has risen sharply since the start of Russia’s war, according to the World Bank Group, which estimates the country’s preliminary poverty rate reached 36.9% in 2025 — a significant increase from prewar levels.

Children have been among the most affected. UNICEF reported in July 2025 that 70% of Ukrainian children — about 3.5 million — lack access to basic goods and services, forcing many out of school.

The loss of educational access has broader consequences for Ukrainian society. Mariya Levonova and Balázs Jarábik of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace found that the contraction of Ukraine’s educational networks has undermined access to basic services and weakened social infrastructure, eroding public trust in self-governance.

Education is not the only sector reflecting deepening poverty in Ukraine. An estimated 4.6 million people have experienced severe disruptions to water access, including physical damage to infrastructure and contamination.

“Fighting and shelling have polluted water sources with explosives, heavy metals and other hazardous substances, making them unsafe for consumption,” according to Anna Cherevko of the United Nations University.

The Big Picture

The erosion of basic services in Ukraine has left many families without nutritious food, adequate clothing, heating or educational materials, according to UNICEF.

Anna Cherevko of the United Nations University described Russia’s invasion as Europe’s largest military conflict since World War II. The war has caused Ukraine’s gross domestic product to shrink by more than 30% and left roughly 40% of the working population unemployed.

Amid the crisis, Libraries Without Borders or Bibliothèques Sans Frontières has worked since 2007 to provide protection, information and psychological support, particularly along Ukraine’s borders.

The organization supports people affected by war trauma, including an estimated 14 million Ukrainians in need of psychological assistance and roughly 9 million now living in poverty.

What Libraries Without Borders Does

The organization strives to “protect, support and guide Ukrainian inhabitants, displaced persons and refugees” throughout the ongoing battles.

Economic losses tied to the war exceed $499 billion, driven by unemployment and disrupted economic activity, according to the Ukraine Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan 2025

With losses of this magnitude, services such as those of Libraries Without Borders are necessary more than ever before.

The organization eases poverty in Ukraine through several initiatives:

  • Mobile “Ideas Boxes”: The organization installs portable multimedia libraries in health centres, shelters and schools, offering access to education, culture and information. These have been deployed in cities including Lviv, Drohobych, Vinnytsia, Bucha and Dnipro. Run by local staff, the Ideas Boxes help address widespread job losses in agriculture, manufacturing and tourism, while easing rising poverty levels.
  • Safe spaces and community support: Libraries Without Borders offers language-learning tools through its KARIBU platform and creates spaces for rest, social interaction and cultural familiarity for displaced people.
  • Targeted programs: The organization has partnered with the United Nations Population Fund to support survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.

The boxes include creative and literary materials, tablets and televisions, forming a “digital library that provides access to thousands of educational and cultural resources without requiring internet connectivity.”

Looking Ahead

UNICEF warns that millions of Ukrainian children are being deprived of a minimum standard of living, jeopardizing their long-term development, health and education.

The United Nations University estimates the war erased 15 years of development gains, pushing an additional 7.1 million people into poverty and raising the national poverty rate to 24.1% in 2022.

Despite the challenges, Libraries Without Borders reported its centres have assisted more than 50,000 people. The organization estimates a single Ideas Box can serve more than 100 people per day — potentially reaching about 100,000 people over three months.

Humanitarian planners say aid efforts in Ukraine will increasingly prioritize cash and voucher assistance aligned with community preferences, using multisectoral approaches to meet basic needs.

Final Remarks

The war in Ukraine has deepened poverty, weakened access to essential services and placed millions of children and families at risk, reversing years of social and economic progress. Rising unemployment, disrupted education and widespread psychological trauma have intensified humanitarian needs across the country.

As international organizations warn of long-term consequences, Libraries Without Borders has emerged as a critical source of support by providing access to education, information and safe community spaces.

While the scale of the crisis remains vast, targeted initiatives such as these mobile libraries and community programs demonstrate how focused humanitarian action can help restore stability, resilience and opportunity for those most affected by the conflict.

– Gemma Nailer

Gemma is based in Manchester, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Poverty in Hawaiʻi: Rewriting Futures Through Education

Poverty in HawaiʻiWhen you picture Hawaii, perhaps you envision a tourist paradise, a tropical treasure of eternal sun. But behind that sunny picture, thousands of families who call Hawaiʻi home are struggling to meet their basic needs. According to the UnitedForALICE Hawaiʻi report, a sizable percentage of households are categorized as Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE).

This means they earn above the federal poverty line but are unable to pay for necessities like housing, food and education due to Hawaiʻi’s extraordinarily high cost of living. This financial strain disproportionately affects children; therefore, access to educational support is essential to breaking the poverty cycle. In 2023, a projected 45% of Hawaiʻi’s households fell below the ALICE threshold due to poverty.

Families below this threshold are compelled to face daunting decisions, such as choosing whether to purchase food or fill a prescription or whether to pay for electricity or auto repairs. According to the Hawaiʻi KIDS COUNT Data Book, disparities in educational outcomes can be attributed to household income, with children from lower-income households more likely to experience academic underachievement. The Data Book also reports that more than one in three Hawaiʻi children lived in households burdened by high housing costs in 2023.

However, across Hawaiʻi, several organizations are addressing poverty by funding education as a long-term solution rather than a temporary one.

Aloha United Way

By providing financing and assistance for educational programs for families categorized as ALICE, Aloha United Way, a charity, plays a crucial coordinating role. The charity allocates funds for early childhood education, literacy initiatives and after-school assistance through its ALICE Initiative, which helps stabilize learning conditions for children who are just above the poverty line. Aloha United Way recognizes that academic performance is closely linked to home stability and works with schools, charities and government agencies.

This is to ensure that educational support is combined with access to food aid, daycare and family services.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Hawai’i

Boys & Girls Clubs of Hawaiʻi is another noteworthy organization that offers thousands of children across the islands safe, organized after-school programs. The Clubs provide food, mentorship, tutoring, homework assistance, STEM activities and college preparation to many adolescents from low-income families. These programs reduce the burden of childcare while improving educational outcomes for low-income working families in Hawaiʻi’s high-cost economy.

Additionally, the organization emphasizes vocational skills and team building, helping youth develop self-confidence and skills for future employment.

Hoʻokua ʻĀina

Culturally grounded initiatives are also part of education-based poverty alleviation in Hawaiʻi. Hoʻokua ʻĀina integrates land-based education rooted in Native Hawaiian values with academic instruction. Its activities reinforce reading, numeracy and life skills while engaging at-risk adolescents in farming, environmental stewardship and cultural practices.

By re-establishing students’ connection to land, community and identity, the organization addresses scholastic disengagement and the social effects of poverty. This impact is particularly significant for Indigenous Hawaiian children, who are disproportionately affected by economic inequality.

Final Remarks

Collectively, these dedicated organizations show that addressing poverty in Hawaiʻi requires more than classroom education alone. Charities across the islands are building durable pathways out of poverty by combining education with mentorship, cultural connections and family support, offering a model for similar regions worldwide.

– Prubleen Bhogal

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

Photo: Unsplash