Archive for category: Employment

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Remittance to Nepal Grows Safer as Transfers Go Digital

Remittance to NepalAfter eight years working in hospitality in Japan and South Korea, Surendra Bal returned home and opened a guest house in Bhojpur district, sourcing vegetables and meat from his own farm instead of buying them elsewhere. “I am able to serve organic meals to my guests,” Bal, 48, told the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in 2022, adding that the arrangement also creates work for his neighbors.

In hill villages across Nepal, a monthly transfer from a family member working in Qatar or Malaysia often decides whether a household eats well, keeps a child in school or repairs a leaking roof. Remittances to Nepal now reach well over a third of the country’s households, and new research shows the money is arriving faster, cheaper and more securely than at any point in the past 30 years, partly thanks to a new generation of digital transfer systems.

A Quarter of the Economy

Remittance to Nepal accounted for 26.3% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023, one of the highest ratios in the world, according to a June 2025 report by the Centre for the Study of Labour and Mobility (CESLAM). Nepali migrant workers sent home approximately $10.76 billion that year, a sum exceeding the combined value of Nepal’s foreign aid, tourism income and exports. Drawing on four editions of the Nepal Living Standards Survey, the report notes that the share of households receiving remittances increased from 10.8% in 1996 to 35.6% in 2023, while the average amount received per household rose by 17 times over the same period, from 18,215 Nepalese rupees (about $330) to more than 315,000 Nepalese rupees (about $2,413).

A Growing Role for Women

Women remitters represent a small yet rapidly growing share of the total. Only 4.5% of remitters were women in 2004, and they contributed only 1.3% of the total value remitted that year. By 2023, women made up 19.9% of remitters and accounted for 10.4% of remittances sent to Nepal, reflecting a broader rise in women’s labor migration over the same period. Women remitters still transfer smaller average amounts than men, mostly because more of them work in lower-paying jobs or in India, where wages for migrant labor remain relatively low.

Formal Channels Replace Informal Ones

The formalization of remittance to Nepal has accelerated sharply over the past decade. Informal channels made up just 7% of the money entering the country in 2023, a drop from 30% in 2011. These informal channels include personal couriers, cash carried home by returning workers and hundi, an unregulated network of brokers who move money between countries through trusted contacts rather than physically transferring cash, verified using a code passed between sender and recipient. Banks and licensed remittance service providers now carry 92.8% of the total value of remittance to Nepal. Recipient households cited daily consumption as the leading use of that income (72.3%), followed by loan repayment tied to the cost of migration itself.

Provincial Gaps Remain

These benefits do not reach every part of the country evenly. Households in Gandaki, Koshi and Bagmati provinces received an average of more than 400,000 Nepalese rupees (about $3,000) in 2023, while those in Sudurpaschim, Karnali and Madhesh received roughly half that amount (about $1,500). The gap traces back largely to destination, meaning migrants from lower-receiving provinces more often work in India, where average earnings and remittance amounts fall short of those from the Gulf states, Malaysia or higher-income countries such as Australia and Japan.

A New Digital Corridor

A new digital payment corridor could help to close the gap. In June 2026, the Nepal Clearing House Limited (NCHL) and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) launched a real-time digital remittance service linking Nepal’s National Payments Interface with India’s Unified Payments Interface, targeting the single largest and lowest-earning corridor in Nepal’s remittance system.

Nepal and India conduct an estimated $1.5 billion to $2 billion in annual financial transactions, with much of it still carried in cash across the open border, according to NCHL Chief Executive Officer Neelesh Man Singh Pradhan. The new system lets Nepali workers in India send money directly through mobile banking apps instead. Eight Nepali banks, including Nabil Bank, Everest Bank and more, connect to the platform, and each transaction carries a service charge of just 150 Indian rupees (about $1.55). Nepal Rastra Bank designed the service to discourage informal networks like hundi and to give migrant workers greater control and security over their earnings, according to central bank spokesperson Guru Prasad Paudel.

Closing the Rural Gap

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have pushed for similar progress nationwide. The two organizations convened a panel in 2024 that found rural financial inclusion still trails urban areas by 10 percentage points and that high transfer costs continue to push some remitters toward informal channels. Government incentives, such as preferential access to company share offerings for migrant workers, are helping narrow that gap alongside continued investment in digital transfer systems.

Looking Ahead

As more of the money flowing into Nepal moves through transparent, low-cost digital corridors, the millions of families who depend on remittance to Nepal stand to keep more of what their families abroad send home, and to receive it faster and more safely than ever before.

– Naveeshaa Rengasamy

Naveeshaa is based in Lille, France and focuses on Global Health and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Vocational Education Training Centers in Colombia

Vocational Education in Colombia Vocational education training centers in Colombia are helping people develop practical skills that can lead to employment and entrepreneurship. This training can be particularly important for people experiencing poverty, as access to skills and employment opportunities can affect a person’s ability to obtain a stable income. One of the country’s largest providers of vocational education is the National Training Service, known as SENA. The public institution provides free training programs designed to prepare Colombians for occupations in areas ranging from technology and business to agriculture and manufacturing.

Poverty and Employment in Colombia

Poverty remains a challenge in Colombia, particularly in rural communities. According to Colombia’s National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE), 28% of the country’s population lived in monetary poverty in 2025. The rate was higher in rural and dispersed areas, where 39.5% of people lived in monetary poverty. Monetary poverty measures whether a person’s income is sufficient to meet the basic needs represented by Colombia’s official poverty line.

Employment opportunities can also influence the ability of people to move out of poverty. The OECD reports that around 56% of workers in Colombia are employed informally, meaning they generally do not have access to employment protections or social security benefits. The organization identifies high informality, low access to high-quality education and other inequalities as factors contributing to poverty in Colombia. Developing skills that correspond with labor-market needs can help workers pursue more productive employment opportunities.

For people in low-income and underserved communities, vocational education can therefore provide a pathway toward employment and greater economic stability. By giving students practical skills that employers need, vocational education training centers can help address some of the barriers that make it difficult for people to access higher-quality work.

SENA Provides Free Vocational Training

SENA offers vocational training at several levels, including auxiliary, technical and technological programs. Its certified training programs are designed to prepare people for occupations needed by Colombia’s productive and social sectors. SENA also provides free virtual training, allowing Colombians to access courses without attending a physical training center.

SENA has a large network throughout the country. The institution currently provides in-person services through 33 regional offices and 118 training centers. This network allows vocational education to reach communities throughout Colombia rather than being concentrated solely in the country’s largest cities.

Connecting Training to Employment

Vocational education training centers in Colombia can be especially valuable when training is connected to the needs of employers. SENA’s Public Employment Agency helps connect job seekers with companies while also providing occupational guidance and employment services. The agency works to coordinate labor-market needs with vocational training, occupational certification and employment opportunities.

The connection between vocational training and employment is reflected in recent results from SENA’s Labor and Occupational Observatory. More than 35,600 people who completed SENA programs during the first half of 2025 obtained formal employment within six months of receiving their certification. According to SENA, 58% of the graduates evaluated entered the formal labor market during the six-month period following their certification.

These employment opportunities can be especially significant for people who previously relied on informal or low-quality work. Access to formal employment can provide greater economic stability and access to benefits that are often unavailable to informal workers. In this way, vocational education can help address employment challenges that contribute to economic insecurity and poverty.

Reaching Communities Across Colombia

SENA also works to expand vocational education beyond Colombia’s major urban centers. The OECD has identified SENA as an important provider of job training in Colombia and noted that it reaches some of the country’s more remote areas. Expanding access to training can give people in underserved communities opportunities to develop skills that can be used in the labor market.

The importance of reaching rural communities is particularly evident because poverty rates are higher outside Colombia’s urban centers. Providing training opportunities in these areas can help reduce geographic barriers to skills development and give people more opportunities to pursue employment without leaving their communities.

Other Vocational Education Training Centers

SENA is one of the most prominent providers of vocational education in Colombia, but it is part of a broader network of institutions that provide technical and technology-focused education. The Institución Universitaria Pascual Bravo in Medellín, for example, offers programs in areas including software development, electrical technology, mechanics, mechatronics and industrial production. Some programs are available through in-person, distance or virtual formats.

The Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano (ITM), another public institution in Medellín, also maintains a strong technological focus. The institution offers programs in technological and professional fields and has been recognized for its emphasis on preparing students for life and work. Government sources have also highlighted ITM and Pascual Bravo as institutions participating in programs designed to expand access to technological education.

Together, these institutions demonstrate that vocational and technology-focused education in Colombia extends beyond a single organization. Different training centers provide pathways into fields that correspond with the needs of Colombia’s labor market, giving students opportunities to develop skills that can improve their employment prospects.

Preparing Colombians for the Future

Vocational education in Colombia is also adapting to changing demands in the labor market. The International Labour Organization (ILO) has worked with SENA and Colombian partners to develop training based on occupational competencies and current labor-market needs. According to the ILO, its professional training program in Colombia has reached more than “387,000 direct beneficiaries” since 2016.

SENA’s programs include fields such as software development, accounting, tourism, marketing, logistics, electrical installation and health services. By providing free opportunities to gain practical skills, vocational education training centers can help Colombians prepare for employment while supporting the country’s broader economic development.

Looking Ahead

For Colombians living in poverty or working in informal employment, gaining skills that correspond with labor-market needs can provide an opportunity to pursue more stable sources of income. As training centers expand access to technical and technological education, they can help address employment barriers while giving people tools to improve their economic circumstances.

The diversity of programs in vocational education training centers in Colombia demonstrates how practical education can create pathways toward employment and economic opportunity. As SENA and other institutions continue expanding access to training and connecting education with labor-market needs, vocational education can remain an important tool for helping Colombians build skills, find employment and pursue greater economic stability.

– Kenneth Dyer

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

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Vocational Education Training Centers in Pakistan

Vocational Education Training in PakistanAccording to historical developments and the current situation of technical and vocational education in Pakistan, there has been a significant increase in vocational education training centers in Pakistan over the last few decades, while they previously existed only on paper. The public technical and vocational education and training sector has focused on providing informal education to the “two to three million” youth entering the job market without any prior education.

The program not only accommodates youth who have not received formal education but also serves as a bridge between classrooms and the real world. It ensures an efficient transition into the job market by equipping one with the necessary skills. The official government site states that as of now, the country has 322 vocational centers and 41 technical colleges to go along with it.

Further Development of the Ideology

The vocational institutes offer options in multiple fields like computer applications, web design and professional cooking alongside many others. Online registrations and portals have led to an increase in enrollment up to 14,000 as statistics on the official government site showed.

The TVET sector receives additional funding from the European Union, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has created a separate website for TVET to store its documents and research. Pakistan has a large capability for development due to its very young population, mostly under 30, which allows for an excellent opportunity to create a skilled labor force.

Relation and Connection of the Overseas Departments

The vocational education training centers in Pakistan also correspond with the Overseas Employment Corporation to provide maximum benefit to the country’s population. Their motive is “To be Pakistan’s most trusted gateway for safe and dignified overseas employment” alongside offering vocational opportunities, allowing for an interesting blend of skills and output, letting Pakistanis earn a living globally.

The Overseas Pakistan Foundation has also been actively working on launching vocational training programs since 1980 in several locations throughout the country. It has managed to train 60,000 students in multiple technical fields. However, the program closed until 2013, when it reopened it with a newfound purpose. It then offered training in two skills: Electricity and Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning.

Opportunities for Women

Vocational education training centers in Pakistan also serve as a route for underprivileged women to take when formal education is not available. Grow Foundation offers free courses for women while providing state-of-the-art facilities and tools. Multiple fields ranging from traditional handicraft making to computer training form the basis of the courses. This offers women a fair chance to learn skills which will allow them to earn high salaries like their male counterparts.

The Women Development Department Punjab oversaw a project to create more chances for women to learn skills through vocational centers and aimed to develop diverse skills in aspects of housekeeping so that they could earn their own keep and uplift themselves. It also placed a special emphasis on the rights and on raising the socio-economic importance of women in society.

Effect on Poverty

Vocational education has allowed many people to grow out of poverty by ending the repetitive cycle of education and then economic inactivity by providing valuable skills which lead directly to higher economic stability. These informal centers also act as a release from poverty for many due to their higher accessibility and flexible hours. Pakistan Children Relief mentions the uprising of vocational education training centers in the most remote province of Pakistan where education is mostly scarce.

As SOS Children’s Villages Pakistan states that Pakistani youth require these institutes to provide a guided platform and mentorship to steer them away from falling down the path of poverty. It also aids them in their outlook by providing highly sought after certifications in the technical sector. These programs also allow them to create important connections allowing for a helping hand out of poverty.

Future Outlook

Although Pakistan still largely faces unemployment and a lack of opportunities, these centers can be the future of the nation to provide accessibility to skills without formal education, which may be difficult to afford for many. Through future investment plans and the implementation of technology in these institutes, these institutes may achieve a new phase of development.

– Eshal Fatima

Eshal is based in Lahore, Pakistan and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Everything To Know About Remittances to Philippines

Remittances to PhilippinesRemittances are an important driver of economic growth in the Philippines. Remittances amounted to $38.34 billion in 2024, accounting for 8.7% of the GDP. Approximately 40% of all remittances to the Philippines came from the United States, followed by Singapore and Saudi Arabia.

Background Information About the Philippines

The Philippines is an island country in Southeast Asia in the Pacific Ocean. The country is the twelfth-most populated country in the world, with a population of more than 117 million.

The Philippines fell under Spanish rule from the mid-16th century to the late-19th century, until it became a U.S. territory. Between 1906 and 1934, an estimated 120,000 Filipinos migrated overseas to Hawaii to work in sugarcane and pineapple plantations. After independence in 1946, many struggled with rural instability and moved overseas to the U.S. Since then, the U.S. has remained the top destination for Filipino migrants.

Despite poverty rates falling from 23.5% in 2015 to 15.5% in 2023, poverty in the Philippines remains high. About 28% of Filipinos remain at risk for falling back into poverty, especially from climate related risks. Additionally, the unemployment rate in the Philippines remains high, which was at 4.8% in May 2026 and is higher than the previous year’s 3.9%.

Migration was initially a way to curb high unemployment and poverty rates; however, it has changed to a long-term solution for national economic development.

The Philippines launched an overseas employment program in the 1970s, which led to many Filipinos pursuing work in the Middle East, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Remittances from diaspora communities are an intrinsic part of the Philippines’ economy and household income.

Importance of Remittance to the Philippines

  1. Drives the National Economy – Remittances continue to support the Philippine economy despite global uncertainties. Remittances support consumer spending, stabilize the peso and provide a buffer against shocks.
  2. Helps Household Consumption Grow – Remittances help household consumption, which grew by 3% in the first quarter of 2026. This allows the Philippines to rely on consumer spending to grow their GDP.
  3. Covers Essential Needs – About 75% of remittances are used for food, medical expenses, school fees and housing expenses. Meanwhile, about 25% is used to save and invest in assets.
  4. Key Pillar to the Local Community – Remittances support families while also contributing to spending on local businesses and job creation.
  5. Empowers Women – About 1.25 million or 57.2% of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) were women. Remittances empower families and shifts traditional gender roles.

Looking Ahead

Remittances to the Philippines remain an important source of inflow to the Philippine economy. Remittances support domestic consumption, strengthens communities and drives national growth. Although there are criticisms of heavily relying on remittances, it continues to be an important driver of economic growth and development in the Philippines.

– Maya Hagiwara

Maya is based in Tokyo, Japan and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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A Hopeful Vision for Higher Education in Zambia

Higher Education in ZambiaDespite high rates of poverty, with 60% of the population living poor in 2024, higher education in Zambia is developing rapidly, increasing access to education for marginalized groups. Rising education levels and incomes bring transformative potential for economic growth.

Bolstering the Higher Education Sector

Student enrolment in higher education in Zambia almost doubled from just under 120,000 in 2019 to more than 230,000 in 2024. This reflects the government’s focus on higher education in national development plans, which it considers vital for socioeconomic development. The Higher Education Authority in Zambia reports that advancements in digital infrastructure, increase in colleges and provision of government scholarships have all facilitated the pursuit of tertiary education, especially for those in remote regions and from lower-income backgrounds.

Zambia has also made progress on the quality of higher education. Close to 80% of academic staff held postgraduate qualifications in 2024, a noticeable improvement from previous years. Lecturers and teachers with educational expertise contribute to effective, competent instruction in higher education institutions.

Working Backwards

The expansion of Zambia’s higher education sector is rooted in continual efforts to reform education at primary and secondary levels. The Education-For-All policy, launched in 2018, offered free education for Zambian children, making education accessible regardless of financial background.

Building on this, UNICEF has partnered with government ministries to tackle low exam scores, below the 40% pass mark, and unsafe learning environments, where corporal punishment is a common occurrence. This involves providing technical assistance to improve teaching materials and fostering healthy student-teacher relationships, ensuring students are capable of and encouraged to continue their studies.

Tackling the Gender Barrier

Securing equitable opportunities for higher education in Zambia is a pressing issue. Under half of secondary school students enroll in tertiary education, with child marriages, teenage pregnancies and lack of knowledge in reproductive health playing a part in these low numbers. This prevents girls in particular from furthering their education.

However, with the help of UNICEF, the Ministry of General Education implemented the Zambian Girls 2030 programme, organizing career clubs, career camps and internships, educating girls on how pursuing higher education opens up a wide range of career options. The number of girls joining career clubs increased by around sixfold to close to 15,000, while enrolment numbers in the internship programme increased from 0 to more than 400. 

Lowered pregnancy rates and the near gender parity in students enrolled in higher education in Zambia in 2024, with 49% being female, validate these efforts.

Digital Support for Underrepresented Groups

Although online learning has widened the geographical scope of higher education institutions in Zambia, lack of access to the Internet and electronic devices remains a challenge to students in rural areas and impoverished households. In collaboration with UNESCO, the Ministry of Education’s EduTech for Zambia Project invests in digital technologies. The project also strives to consolidate ICT (Information and Communications Technology) standards that advise educators on digitizing the education system inclusively and sustainably.

Zambia’s commitment to a comprehensive digital education system aligns with the potential for Open Distance Education to make learning flexible and engaging. By establishing a solid foundation in digital literacy in students from a young age, Zambia’s EduTech project enables them to maximize the benefits of higher education in the future.

Improving Qualifications of Academic Staff 

With only a fifth of academic staff with doctoral degrees, Zambia’s higher education sector struggles to provide research supervisions and postgraduate courses. Furthermore, with the number of academic staff increasing at a slower rate than the number of students, the student-to-staff ratio is becoming unsustainable, resulting in massive workloads for teachers. This could cause a drop in the quality of education over time.

Recognizing this issue, Zambia aims to promote doctoral and master courses through scholarships and research funding. With new paths towards postgraduate degrees, the number of students meeting the standards for academic staff after graduation could rise as well. As more students enter higher education, Zambia is dedicated to offering excellent instruction in higher education institutions.

The Future for Zambia’s Economy 

As Zambia works towards overcoming gender, financial and technological barriers to higher education, a more educated workforce is emerging. Tertiary education not only corresponds to a greater probability of choosing entrepreneurship, but also cultivates the business knowledge necessary for commercial success. Furthermore, government initiatives, supported by international organizations, have made huge strides in bettering higher education in Zambia. With the youth unemployment rate close to 10% as of 2024, this is crucial for shaping a more prosperous and financially secure future for young Zambians, paving the way for organic economic development.

– Katy Wong

Katy is based in Hong Kong and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Remittances to Uganda

Remittances to UgandaUganda has an estimated 578,000 emigrants living abroad, according to 2024 International Migration Portal data. Many of the more than half a million Ugandans who made the decision to leave home decide each year to send a portion of their earnings back to the loved ones they left. Through sending remittances to Uganda, the country’s diaspora remains pivotal to economic growth and poverty reduction in Uganda.

What are Remittances?

Remittances are a cross-border transfer of money, most often from a foreign worker to family and friends in their home country. Migration and the increased accessibility of transfer channels in the digital age have driven remittance transfers to a position of global economic importance, accounting for approximately $857 billion in 2024, according to the World Bank. Remittances help households cover essential costs as well as invest in human capital through education and healthcare, which in turn bolsters economic growth. Additionally, the inflow of remittances through personal transactions allows for the benefits to be felt immediately, rather than delayed through the bureaucratic red tape that official foreign aid is subject to.

Poverty and Emigration from Uganda

In Uganda, 59.78% of the population were living on less than $3 a day in 2019, according to data from the World Bank. While the World Bank’s 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief claims that the national poverty rate has declined since 2019, poverty remains a central issue for Ugandans. Rural poverty is particularly prevalent in Uganda, with the International Labor Organization (ILO) recording 36% of working age Ugandans as subsistence farmers in 2023/24, and even more working climate vulnerable jobs in 2025. Rural Ugandans are vulnerable to shocks and face a lack of economic mobility through which they could reach greater stability. Better employment opportunities and compensation abroad, largely in the care economy, is the driving factor in emigration from Uganda, which adds to a growing diaspora population.

The Role of Remittances to Uganda

Remittances to Uganda are a longstanding feature of the country’s economy, peaking as a percentage of the national GDP at 7.2 in 2002, before returning to the relatively consistent range of 2-4% for the past decade according to World Bank data. In 2008, the World Bank Blog credited remittances with reducing the percentage of Uganda’s population below the national poverty line by 11 percentage points.

A 2026 Research paper published in the Journal of Development, Education & Technology found that remittances have a “positive and significant” impact on economic growth in Uganda, stating that a “1% increase in remittances to Uganda raises real GDP per capita by approximately 0.03% in the short run and 0.36% in the long run. Economic growth as a means of reducing poverty remains a priority in Uganda’s domestic policy.

Looking to the Future

In April, the Bank of Uganda and the U.N.’s International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) collaborated on an International Remittance Dashboard, which comprehensively tracks data on the flow of remittances into and out of Uganda. The dashboard increases the accessibility of remittance data, with the stated aim of supporting “regulators, policymakers, and private-sector actors.” With concentrated information on where and how remittances flow into Uganda, relevant actors can take a targeted approach to IFAD’s goals of promoting financial inclusion and strengthening rural economies, both of which combat poverty.

Uganda’s Remittance Dashboard has captured the role of technology in reshaping economic avenues, as more than ¾ of remittances to Uganda now take the form of digital transfers, as opposed to cash. The growing accessibility of market information and secure digital channels, paired with the potential for better-informed policymaking, have the power to strengthen the channels of remittances to Uganda, so that more people are reached with essential financial support.

– Maya Thoni

Maya is based in Seattle, WA, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Being Poor in Italy: Workers, Migrants and Youth

Being Poor in ItalyThe risk of being poor in Italy is becoming an ever-more likely phenomenon, and particularly worrying is the increase of young NEETs (Not in Employment, Education or Training) and of people in working poverty. ISTAT data from 2005 and 2020 showed that absolute poverty had nearly doubled from 3,600,000 to 7,700,000 in 15 years.

Those Most Affected

In 2024, 2,200,000 families lived in absolute poverty. About 15.6% of families in poverty had someone working in the family, showing that working is not enough to escape poverty. Families renting are the ones most vulnerable, with housing for the poorest 20% being five times more of a burden compared to the richest 20% of the population. Foreign nationals are also at risk, with incidence climbing to almost 40% in households with at least one foreigner.

Minors in absolute poverty peaked at 13.8% (approximately 1,300,000 people) in 2024, the highest value in 10 years. Families also feel the weight of child poverty, with one in five households with three or more children being in absolute poverty.

The Role of Geography

Geography also plays an important factor when it comes to being poor in Italy, with the percentage of households in absolute poverty being highest in the South and the Islands (at 10.5%). Indeed, it is reported that a person living in Puglia and Sicilia is twice as likely to be in poverty compared to someone in Piedmont. People in small municipalities (<50,000) are more likely to be poor (8.9%) compared to those living in larger municipalities (8%). The one exception to this rule is Liguria, with it being the only region to have lower poverty thresholds in cities (meaning it is cheaper to live in cities) with the two main factors being rent and energy (home heating, electricity etc.).

In-Work Poor

A large problem for Italy has always been people in work and their wages, with GDP wage share pre-2008 being higher only than Greece and Cyprus (within the EU). Pre-crisis employment levels have not been restored in the South, only in the North; with the youth and foreign households bearing the brunt of the crisis. The in-poverty rate was 10% pre-pandemic, above the EU27 average. Temporary workers are, of course, at a higher risk of poverty, with insufficient hours, minimal protections and short-term contracts all being setbacks. Many people often have to access part-time work due to worker constraints or due to the need to balance family and personal responsibilities. Foreign workers have a positive correlation with in-work poverty, being overall more structurally vulnerable in Italy.

The increase in young Italian NEETs comes largely as a result of both the general crisis in the labor market as well as a lack of knowledge/skills, exacerbated especially by the lack of willingness to re-enter training after education. Those with a university degree are less likely to fall into poverty, with low levels of education linking to lower wages, employment instability and more.

Tackling Poverty in a Developed Country

Despite the ongoing poverty in Italy, there are both domestic and foreigners working to fight poverty. Action Contre le Faim, for example, is working on a Naples- and Milan-centered strategy called Mai Piu Fame: dall’emergenza all’autonomia. The program aims to take a multi-layered approach of combatting hunger and being poor in Italy through an immediate approach (such as food support), while also focusing on a long-term approach such as re-training and education. The Italian Ministry of Labour and Social Policy currently has a 2021-2027 National Inclusion and Poverty Alleviation Programme aiming to promote social inclusion and to fight poverty amongst the most marginalized, such as the homeless, migrants etc. The programme, likewise, has a multi-faceted approach attempting to combat both social and economic issues. This program follows the 2014-2020 Programme for Social Inclusion, which had a similar multi-faceted approach, with a goal of removing 2,200,000 people in poverty by 2020.

The issue of poverty remains persistent in Italy, and, despite efforts by both domestic and foreign actors, there is still more to do.

– Sebastiano Brussato

Sebastiano is based in the United Kingdom and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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How Vocational Training Centers in Portugal Address Poverty

Vocational Training Centers in PortugalVocational training centers in Portugal help workers gain practical skills that lead to employment in industries ranging from agriculture to advanced manufacturing. Portugal continues to reduce poverty and diversify its economy beyond tourism, which accounts for roughly one-fifth of Portugal’s GDP. Heavy dependence on tourism leaves workers vulnerable to seasonal employment and extremely sensitive to global disruptions. During the first half of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a cumulative GDP drop of 17%. These training centers play an important role in preparing workers for stable careers. Although nearly 1.9 million Portuguese citizens remain at risk of poverty, vocational education has expanded opportunities in sectors such as Port wine production, olive oil processing and automotive manufacturing. 

Unemployment continues to affect many workers, particularly young adults, who face an unemployment rate of 19.7%. Vocational training centers address this challenge by allowing graduates to transition into stable employment quickly. Portugal continues to expand sectors with long-term growth potential, particularly automotive manufacturing by adopting public-private partnerships through its National Qualifications system. This allows employers to shape curricula, provide apprenticeships and create employment pathways for graduates.

Industries Benefiting From Vocational Training Centers in Portugal

  1. Port Wine: Portugal’s Port wine industry employs more than 150,000 workers, from vineyard workers to logistics specialists and export managers. Vocational training centers, such as Academia Douro and Porto, and School of Port, prepare workers for careers in viticulture, fermentation technology, food safety, quality control and international marketing. These programs support both the wine industry and wine-driven tourism. As demand for Portuguese wine continues to grow, vocational education helps businesses remain competitive and creates careers that increase stability.
  2. Olive Oil: Portugal is Europe’s sixth-largest producer of olive oil, producing about 160,000 tons yearly. Vocational training programs, such as AgroB and UTAD’s Technology of Olive Oil programs, prepare workers for careers in food processing, agricultural technology, supply chain management, quality assurance and export management. As workers gain specialized skills, businesses increase productivity and create stable jobs.

Automotive Manufacturing

Portugal is investing in the expansion of sectors with long-term growth potential, such as its automotive components industry. Portugal produces parts for four major automakers: Volkswagen, Stellantis, Mitsubishi Fuso and Toyota, as well as partners with more than 220 automotive suppliers. The automotive sector currently accounts for about 5% of the nation’s GDP and employs 8% of the workforce. Portugal manufactures wiring systems, molds, electronics and precision parts. As electric vehicle popularity grows in Europe, demand for technicians, robotics specialists and industrial maintenance professionals also grows.

Government funding and partnerships with private employers finance modern training centers that focus on advanced manufacturing, agricultural technology and industrial automation. Portugal operates a National Qualifications System, with programs that focus on robotics, IT and polytechnic training. The European Union subsidizes these programs. This gives graduates the opportunity to be set up for a career path that shows long-term growth and low volatility, combating the 19% young adult unemployment rate. 

Looking Ahead

Vocational training centers in Portugal continue to strengthen the country’s workforce by preparing students for careers in Port wine production, olive oil processing and automotive technology. These programs reduce unemployment, increase incomes and diversify Portugal’s economy beyond tourism. As more workers gain technical skills and access to secure employment opportunities, vocational education will remain an important tool for reducing poverty.

– Julia M Kozin

Julia is based in Livermore, CA, USA and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Vocational Education Training Centers in Barbados

Vocational Educational Training Centers in BarbadosBarbados is a small country with a high population density that, on average, welcomes more than twice its permanent population in visitors yearly. Tourism is Barbados’ biggest employer, and yet it has often been reported that skills gaps exist that require more investment in vocational education. Here is more information about vocational education training centers in Barbados.

Barbados’ History

After Spanish colonizers forced the native population of Barbados to flee in the 16th century, the British were the first of the European explorers to reside in Barbados permanently in 1625. During the 1600s, the Royal African Company shipped African men, women and children to work as slaves on sugar plantations. It was a rare commodity at the time, and was the predominant export crop in Barbados for centuries.

After independence, the narrow resource base that the colonial administration left meant that the economy was vulnerable to external shocks. During the 1970s, a drop in sugar output helped to cause a downturn in Barbados’ economy.

The government thus shifted to seek growth from other sectors. A 1995 White Paper on Education Reform advocated for a shift from agrarian and manufacturing work to service and tech. It coincided with an entry to CARICOM’s Caribbean Single Market and Economy, a system where Barbadians and Caribbean islanders alike could move and trade freely. Thirty years later, tourism and its related industries are now the biggest employers and swallow up 25% of the workforce: a huge transformation over 60 years.

Education Reform

Education reform has followed a similar track in Barbados. The dominance of the sugar industry was a system suited to its colonizers and raises incredible similarities to the education system at independence that suited white British settlers. The availability and quality of education varied hugely across the island based on public or private status. There was limited access to secondary education, especially for the emancipated population, whereas white settlers would often send children back to the U.K.

Only after independence in 1966 did the government abolish school fees, pilot school meals and expand education so that access to secondary education was increased. It allowed for the University of West Indies to open its first campus on Barbados in 1963 and a plethora of Community Colleges and secondary schools followed suit.

Like the transition from agriculture to tourism, Barbados shifted its approach. Today, the successes of this post-independence academic education drive are evident. The literacy rate ranks highly at 99.6%.

Arguably, an overlooked factor has been the availability of skills training. A crucial misstep in the Ministry of Education occurred in the 1970s. It made student loans available for academic-oriented programs, but crucially left vocational and educational training centers out. Though it has now changed, the separation of vocational and academic education still continues.

Vocational Education Training Centers in Barbados Today

Today, vocational training qualifications are administered by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Council (TVET). It offers more than 250 training programs at more than 60 centers in person with courses also available online. A number of these are catered toward tourism: individuals could receive training in barbering, bar service and community tourism. In a bid to make vocational training programs more popular, pre-vocational training programs were first piloted in six schools in the year 2000.

This has proved difficult. As the International Labour Organisation (ILO) made clear in 2014, “there is insufficient integration of the mainstream education and technical training.” The result is clear. “This arrangement impacts both on the ability to provide effective cross-sectoral education and training and on students, prolonging their period of movement through the system.” The organization directly linked youth training levels to employment levels.

Funding Cuts

Now, the government has cut funding to education. From 2000 to 2025, the proportion of total government spending on essential education services decreased from 22.2% to 14.2%. This may have a bigger impact on skills training than academia, which has historically received more funding than vocational educational training.

The result of funding cuts in the education sector may be seen in unemployment statistics for the country. Although the job creation rate is strongest in sectors like tourism, construction, manufacturing and retail, the highest unemployment rates are in the same industries, sitting at a 3% unemployment rate compared to 1% to 1.5% for other industries.

Underemployment is also highest for these sectors. This might indicate a skills mismatch in the tourism and tourism-related industries as employees do not have the skills to attain jobs in tourism. The reported failures by the Ministry of Education in providing vocational educational training might explain this as employers require skills that job-seekers do not have. 

An opposition senator iterated this point in a recent joint select committee about a new citizenship and immigration bill. Senator Walters identified that employers are instead seeking foreign workers for basic roles related to tourism like “warehouse assistant, sales associate, and a shop supervisor.” He stated that training institutions were failing Barbadians, “if we cannot fill those jobs, something is wrong with our education system.” His criticism fired shots at the Ministry of Education.

Vocational Training Around the World

Across the world, governments have developed vocational education programs to improve the employment rate and increase economic growth. Last year, the British government announced a new vocational qualification called V-levels to simplify vocational qualifications. In the U.S., recent survey data showed a rise in nondegree paths, especially those that offer vocational training. However, where other governments around the world have increased funding for vocational educational training, the Barbadian government has contravened this trend by decreasing essential education funding. 

Looking Ahead

Barbados is uniquely placed to capitalize upon the global trend of improving vocational qualifications. In a country which is densely populated with 86.3% of the population in urban hubs, it seems that agricultural dominance will no longer be the primary way to improve economic growth. Prioritizing academic improvement post-independence has been a successful part of the shift to prioritizing the service sector. However, funding cuts for essential education services pose a question about the impact this will have on vocational educational training centers and the employment of young Barbadians. The tourism sector is the biggest employer on the island, and vocational qualifications are purpose-built for this field. Prioritizing funding for vocational training may be the solution.

– Luke Buckland

Luke is based in London, UK and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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How Unpaid Care Work in Jamaica Shapes Economic Opportunity

unpaid care work in JamaicaWhen conversations turn to economic growth, discussions often center on job creation, trade or investment. However, one of the most significant contributors to a nation’s economy rarely appears in economic statistics: unpaid caregiving. Every day, millions of workers spend hours caring for children, older adults and family members without compensation. One of the most overlooked limitations of economic growth, like in many countries, is the unpaid care work in Jamaica. In particular, women shoulder the majority of this work due to unfair and dated gender norms, limiting their ability to participate fully in the labor force and affecting the country’s broader economic development.

Understanding Unpaid Caregiving

Unpaid caregiving includes raising children, preparing meals, cleaning the home and caring for elderly or sick relatives. While these responsibilities are essential to families and communities, they can be taxing for the caregivers themselves. Interviews conducted with unpaid family caregivers have highlighted the financial and emotional burden of balancing caregiving with work. Some caregivers reported reducing their work hours or leaving employment altogether to care for relatives, while others described the stress of managing caregiving responsibilities with little outside support. Their experiences illustrate how unpaid care can shape economic opportunity in everyday life.

The burden of unpaid care work falls especially heavily on low-income households. According to the World Bank’s 2025 Jamaica Poverty Assessment, persistent gender norms continue to limit women’s economic participation, making it harder for many families to escape poverty.

Impact on Women

For many Jamaican women, the challenges are not simply theoretical. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 80% of unpaid caregivers were women. The responsibilities of unpaid caregiving often come at the expense of women’s educational and professional opportunities. Time spent providing care is time that cannot be spent earning an income, pursuing additional training or advancing in a career.

The gender imbalance is strikingly consistent in Jamaica. According to the World Bank’s Jamaica Gender Assessment, Jamaican women spend 18.1% of each day on unpaid household and care work, compared with 8.2% for men. This disparity limits women’s time for paid employment, career advancement and income generation. These unequal caregiving responsibilities contribute to lower labor force participation among women, fewer opportunities for full-time employment and persistent gender gaps in earnings.

Broader Economic Consequences

The consequences of unpaid care work in Jamaica extend far beyond individual households. When women face barriers to employment because of caregiving responsibilities, families lose income, businesses lose skilled workers and the country loses productive economic potential. The International Labour Organization has emphasized that reducing unequal unpaid care responsibilities can increase women’s participation in the workforce and promote more inclusive economic growth.

These findings are echoed across the Caribbean. Researchers have found that women throughout the region continue to perform the vast majority of unpaid domestic work, despite increasing participation in education and the workforce. As a result, many women experience what experts describe as a “double burden,” balancing paid employment with extensive unpaid responsibilities at home, usually unaided by their male counterparts or other members of the household.

Shifting Perspectives

While statistics demonstrate the broader economic effects of unpaid caregiving, lived experiences are constantly shifting, hopefully toward improvement. In an interview with the International Women’s Forum, First Global Bank President Maureen Hayden-Cater reflected on gender equality, saying progress “happens when women and men have access to the same opportunities to be successful.” She added that while gender bias has not disappeared entirely, she believes the next generation, including her own daughters, will face a lower barrier than she did.

Policy and Development

Recognizing the value of unpaid care work in Jamaica is becoming an increasingly important part of development policy. International organizations, including the World Bank, the International Labour Organization and UN Women, argue that investments in affordable childcare, paid family leave and flexible work arrangements can help reduce barriers to women’s employment. Expanding access to quality childcare, for example, benefits working parents. It also strengthens labor markets and supports long-term economic growth because aiding parents with childcare allows them to participate more fully in the workforce.

Jamaica has already taken steps toward promoting gender equality through national gender policies and programs designed to improve women’s economic participation. However, experts note that continued investment in caregiving infrastructure and social support services could help more women enter or remain in the workforce while reducing poverty among families.

The World Bank, in partnership with the Government of Jamaica and the Government of Canada, launched the Jamaica Gender Assessment to identify barriers to women’s economic participation. The report highlights unequal unpaid care responsibilities and recommends actionable steps like expanding childcare services and workplace policies that enable more women to participate in the labor force.

Experts also emphasize that unpaid caregiving should not be viewed solely as a women’s issue. Care work sustains households, enables children to learn and allows older adults and people with disabilities to receive essential support. Recognizing its economic value can help policymakers design more effective labor, education and social protection policies that benefit entire communities.

Future Opportunities

As the country continues pursuing sustainable and inclusive economic growth, addressing unpaid care work in Jamaica will remain an important part of expanding opportunity. By recognizing care work, investing in services that support caregivers and creating policies that make it easier for women to balance family and employment responsibilities, Jamaica can unlock economic potential that has long gone unrecognized. Supporting caregivers is not only a matter of equality, though that is more than enough of a reason, but also an investment in sustainable development and economic growth.

Momentum is already building. As Jamaica continues expanding gender equality initiatives and international organizations increase support for childcare, labor protections and social services, policymakers have growing opportunities to reduce unpaid care burdens while strengthening economic resilience. Continued investment in caregivers could help thousands more women participate fully in the workforce while reducing poverty for families across the country.

– Gia Sen

Gia is based in Mansfield, MA, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash