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ILO’s Decent Work Agenda Shaping Minimum Wage Policies

ILO’s Decent Work AgendaThe International Labor Organization (ILO) plays an important role in tackling global poverty. Through conventions, partnerships and country-specific programs, the ILO has helped shape labor laws and wage systems that improve the lives of millions of workers. A key framework of its efforts is the ILO Convention No. 131, also known as the Minimum Wage Fixing Convention, adopted in 1970 to encourage states to establish minimum wage systems.

Additionally, the ILO’s Decent Work Agenda, launched in 1999, aims to promote rights at work, fair remuneration and equal opportunity regardless of gender. Under this agenda, the ILO has supported initiatives in countries such as Namibia, Indonesia and Vietnam for progress in wage reform and labor protection.

Namibia

Although Article 95 of the Namibian constitution sets out the principle of fair remuneration, this is ineffective in practice. Many workers, particularly women, still struggle to access fair pay and efforts to increase wages have often just led to increased job losses. In response, the Namibian government, supported by the ILO, initiated the drafting of new labor legislation to set up a new minimum wage system.

A National Wages Commission was first established to hold public hearings nationwide to incorporate feedback from workers and employers. Following this, the ILO gave Namibia a recommendation based on its proposal to gradually increase the minimum wage to give industries time to adjust.

From January 2025, Namibia implemented the new policy, which sets the national minimum wage as N$12 ($0.68) per hour. Incorporating the ILO’s recommendations, this rate will gradually increase to N$15 ($0.85) per hour in 2026. Furthremore, N$18 ($1.02) per hour in 2027. The new policy also addresses the gender pay gap. Women in Namibia make up 40% of the workforce but represent more than half of those earning below the minimum wage. This includes raising wages in female-dominated sectors and the ILO’s continued support in monitoring compliance.

Indonesia

Indonesia has faced ongoing challenges in enforcing the minimum wage, leading to other issues such as job insecurity and poverty. Hence, the nation launched the Better Work Indonesia initiative with the support of the ILO and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to improve compliance with regulations regarding wages and working conditions.

At the national level, the mission provides training to wage council members. It conducts assessments to understand the impact of wage structures. It has also helped develop more effective minimum wage monitoring systems for better compliance. At the workplace level, the initiative offers compliance advisory services, on-site training and independent assessments to ensure wage regulations are followed.

These efforts protect workers and put Indonesian industries in a more competitive position in the global market, where ethical labor practices are increasingly valued.

Vietnam

Vietnam has also made notable progress under the ILO’s Decent Work Agenda. During the first phase of the Decent Work Country Program, Vietnam reformed its labor code with the ILO’s support. It has increased the national minimum wage since then. However, this progress has slowed recently, as almost 12% of workers earn below the minimum wage.

In response, the Decent Work Country Program Vietnam 2022-26 was launched in cooperation between Vietnamese workers, employers, the government and the ILO. The program is now in its fourth phase. It focuses on social policies for strengthened rule of law, enhanced governance and responsive institutions. In particular, it aims to achieve a gender-responsive economic transformation for all workers to benefit from inclusive, high-quality social services.

Minimum wage in Vietnam is also regularly reviewed with the support of the ILO. For instance, the Setting Adequate Wages (SAW) project helps determine appropriate wage levels. It achieves this by conducting independent wage assessments, publishing wage reports and identifying relevant factors such as socioeconomic factors, inflation and family situations. Based on this information, wages are negotiated to establish a fair rate reflecting the real living cost.

Final Remarks

Namibia, Indonesia and Vietnam show how the ILO’s Decent Work Agenda can shape fair minimum wage policies. These policies help fight poverty and raise workers’ living standards. Today’s consumers increasingly demand ethical and sustainable industries. As a result, fair labor practices and minimum wage compliance are more important than ever. They boost global competitiveness and fuel long-term economic growth.

– Lucy Cho

Lucy is based in Edinburgh, Scotland and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Positive Progress for Renewable Energy in Mauritius

Renewable Energy in MauritiusRenewable energy in Mauritius faces major advancements in the coming years. The island is located off the East coast of the African continent, and is home to 1.2 million people. Of those people, more than 80% agree on the negative effects that energy gained from burning fossil fuels has on their quality of life. Transitioning to renewable energy will combat these negative effects.

Fossil Fuels Worsen Quality of Life for Mauritians 

More than 80% of the country’s energy comes from imported fossil fuels. Greenhouse gases become trapped in the atmosphere through burning fossil fuel, and affect weather patterns. Mauritius feels this through flooding, tropical storms, coastline erosion, changing tides and rising temperatures. Natural disasters and drastic changes to weather patterns affect low-income communities more drastically than others. These individuals typically do not have the resources to prepare for or recover from these disasters as they occur. The average monthly salary is $1,013, with the lowest-earning Mauritians living off of about $250. Many work in tourism-related professions and outsourcing roles such as IT support and the manufacturing industry. The downside is the unpredictable demand for these jobs and the resulting unreliable income.

Energy Poverty

Steep costs for basic necessities like heat and electricity for cooking exacerbate the struggles of those already experiencing energy poverty. Energy poverty describes a situation in which someone does not have access to reliable, safe and affordable energy to meet their daily needs. A $250 monthly budget does not leave much room for expensive electric bills. The cost of importing fossil fuels to Mauritius drives up the price of power for consumers. The price of electricity for residential areas is MUR 6.140 per kWh, or 0.135. That is about 6% more than the average price of electricity in Africa.

Government Plans Pave the Way for Renewable Energy Use

As of 2019, the Ministry of Public Utilities enacted the Renewable Energy Roadmap 2030. It contains plans and proposals for various renewable energy programs, as well as objectives for total renewable energy use for the entire country. The Renewable Energy Roadmap strives for renewable energy in Mauritius to be 35% of the country’s total power source by 2025. They are on track to meet this goal at the end of the year.

The Roadmap also includes goals of severing reliance on burning coal by 2027, as well as 60% of Mauritius’ energy coming from renewable sources by 2030. Strategies such as investing in solar energy and biomass projects are outlined, as well as careful coordination to ensure this energy will be accessible on all levels: households, commercial and industrial use.

Mauritius is well underway with its renewable energy goals. In 2021, a 14-Megawatt Grid-Scale Battery Energy Storage System funded by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) finished construction. The $5 million storage system is equipped to stabilize the electrical grid frequency, furthering the capabilities of renewable energy in Mauritius.

Solar Energy Helps Mauritius Reach Energy Goal and Provides Jobs

The hot climate and reliable sunlight make solar energy an ideal candidate for renewable energy in Mauritius. About 10,000 rooftop solar systems have been approved by the Central Electricity Board and the Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities. The installation prevented 15,000 tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. Not only do the solar systems provide tangible progress towards the Renewable Energy Roadmap goal, but offer reduced electricity bills for the Mauritians who have participated in the project. This allows them to spend more of their hard-earned money on food and other necessities. The renewable energy efforts will create 7,000 jobs, stimulating the economy and providing employment opportunities for Mauritians.

Renewable Energy Is the Future

Mauritius’ steady advancements towards renewable energy demonstrate the government’s dedication to contributing to a greener planet and access to affordable power. The country is on track to meet its renewable energy goals for the coming years. Each additional project will continue to improve the lives of Mauritians.

– Sydney Uhl

Sydney is based in Vancouver, WA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Gender Wage Gap in Mauritius: Technology and Market Growth

Gender Wage Gap in MauritiusMauritius, commonly known as the paradise island of the Indian Ocean, stands at the crossroads of progress and opportunity. Despite its rapidly evolving economy, one gap remains stubbornly wide: the gender wage gap. In 2024, women earned 20% less than men on average, as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reported. Meanwhile, in 2020, Statistics Mauritius estimated that 11% of women were living below the poverty line as compared to 9.6% of men, thus highlighting the fact that women are at a higher risk of poverty.

In the private sector, the gap is even wider as women earn around 30% less per hour as compared to men. This disparity pushes well-educated women into a poverty cycle or economic insecurity. It primarily affects women who work in growth industries who receive a fraction of what similarly qualified men earn.

The gender wage gap in Mauritius is not merely a statistical issue. It is a reflection of deep-rooted systemic inequalities. However, by embracing inclusive business models and digital solutions, the country has the tools to make equal pay more than just a goal.

Sectoral Divide and Underrepresentation

According to the World Bank Blogs, the rate of labor force participation of women is 57%, while men account for 88%. Although women comprise the majority of students in tertiary educational institutions, their participation in the labor force is significantly lower than men. This gap in participation increases women’s poverty risk as unpaid domestic duties significantly reduce earning opportunities. This also indicates that the educational achievements of young women do not guarantee employment opportunities or equal pay. Thus, women are overqualified yet underpaid. 

Even though tech-driven industries are growing at a rapid rate, women hold only 10-15% of ICT roles. This is because women are concentrated in lower-paying fields such as health, education, hospitality and administrative roles. Hence, there is a low representation of women in ICT and manufacturing. This is mainly because women tend to lean towards jobs in lower-paying fields. Employers often underpay women in ICT roles compared to their male counterparts, even when they work in the same fields.

Societal Norms Attributed To Working Women

Social norms and cultural values are factors that also contribute to widening the gender pay gap. However, they tend to go unnoticed. Society often assigns traditional roles to Mauritian women as the providers of children and takes care of the elderly. Many still view women as the primary caretakers of the family who are also responsible for a plethora of domestic activities. Working women have to manage these household duties on top of working a full-time job. 

According to the AfroBarometer 2017, more than seven in 10 Mauritians report that they prefer that the role of women in the family consists of being responsible for the home and child care. Moreover, working women devote three times more of their day than working men to domestic chores and child care. This is because men are considered breadwinners and their main role is to bring a consistent flow of income into the household. Therefore, working women have reduced earnings time as they contribute a large share of their time to household duties. This, in turn, leads to a higher risk of poverty for women.

Solutions and Innovations

The gender wage gap in Mauritius reflects systemic inequality. However, various promising solutions suggest a future of equal pay. For instance, initiatives such as PwC’s EQUAL-SALARY certification encourage companies to review their salary structures and publicly pledge to uphold equal pay for equal work. 

Mauritius updated its Workers’ Rights Act in 2019 to include flexible hours and compressed workweeks, along with mandatory paid paternity leave. The government designed these policy shifts to ease gender imbalances and support women in staying active in their careers. Thus, efforts to reduce the gender wage gap in Mauritius are gaining momentum through policy reforms.

Furthermore, organizations and institutions are launching new workshops, roundtables and scholarship programs to encourage women to be more involved in the ICT sector as mentorship plays a key role in building skills and confidence.

Looking Ahead

With such initiatives in place and actions across policy, business and education, Mauritius is getting closer to bridging the gender wage gap. By investing in digital literacy, promoting equal pay policies and encouraging women’s involvement in high-growth industries, Mauritius has the opportunity for a future of equal pay. Tackling the gender wage gap in Mauritius could unlock significant economic and social benefits. It is not just an equity issue, it is a poverty‑reduction strategy.

– Anagha Rajithkumar

Anagha is based in Charlottetown, Canada and focuses on Business and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Using Oil to Fight Poverty in Guyana

Oil in GuyanaGuyana gained independence less than 60 years ago, in 1966. Since then, it has faced a lot of economic challenges that have left it classified as a developing nation. For decades, limited resources held back the country’s growth and prosperity. However, in 2015, a major turning point came when ExxonMobil discovered offshore oil reserves, forever altering the economic future of Guyana.

By October 2022, two additional oil discoveries had been made, confirming that Guyana was sitting on one of the largest oil finds in the region. Today, Guyana is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and this trend is expected to continue. According to the International Monetary Fund’s April 2024 World Economic Outlook, Guyana is predicted to be “one of just a few countries in the world to post double-digit economic growth in 2025.”

What Does All of This Oil Mean for Guyana

As of 2024, Guyana was producing more than 600,000 barrels of oil per day, a major output for a country of about 830,000 people. The scale of this production is not only boosting gross domestic product (GDP), it’s also fueling job creation and generating billions in government revenue. As one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, Guyana is using these funds to take care of long-overdue development efforts across the country.

From Oil to Employment

Since becoming one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, Guyana has seen an increase in available infrastructure funding. Such growth has allowed the government to launch development initiatives aimed at improving the country’s economy and reducing poverty in Guyana. According to 7NEWS, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo announced in 2023 that several major projects are underway. These include the construction of 12 hospitals, seven hotels, numerous schools and various public facilities.

Many of these buildings are expected to open soon or within the next few years. These investments have so many benefits, helping to improve access to health care, education and tourism. Also, they are expected to generate thousands of new jobs and raise the overall quality of life for the Guyanese population. The expansion of infrastructure shows a huge step in ensuring that the country’s wealth benefits a broad spectrum of its citizens.

More Than Just Oil

By creating more career opportunities, poverty in Guyana is gradually begin eroded, allowing individuals access to opportunities and experiences they may have never been exposed to. In this sense, oil is more than just a natural resource; it’s a tool for transformation. It represents the possibility of long-term development, greater access to essential resources and the chance to uplift entire communities.

– Knia Parks

Knia is based in Pepper Pike, OH, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Argentina’s Return to Work Program

Argentina's Return to WorkVery recently in Argentina’s political sphere, libertarian candidate Javier Milei won the country’s premiership, inheriting a struggling economy and a staggering number of impoverished people. Milei campaigned on a promise to lift Argentina out of its economic crisis and help its people get back on their feet. So far, he has made good on that promise. In the first half of 2024, the poverty rate had surged to 52.9%, but by the latter half of the year, after Milei took office, it dropped sharply to 36.8%.

The Return to Work Program

Milei has become known for figuratively and literally taking a chainsaw to the Argentine government, cutting away bloated or ineffective programs. One such program, Enhance Work, was dismantled and replaced with a new initiative called Return to Work. The program aims to develop and sustain sociolaboral skills for participants transferred from its predecessor. The initiative combines vocational training, certified skill-building and workplace internships with career orientation and job placement support.

Participants receive a fixed monthly non‑remunerative stipend of about $61 for up to 24 months, disbursed directly each month. The program works alongside educational initiatives, promoting completion of basic schooling and literacy where needed. Through partnerships with employment offices, civil society, universities and municipalities, Return to Work offers individualized job search assistance, labour intermediation services and support for both formal employment and independent or cooperative entrepreneurship.

Built on simple tools and community engagement, the scheme fosters employability while cushioning vulnerable households. With clear funding and a defined 24‑month duration, Return to Work delivers structured training, economic support and practical experience in the formal labor market.

The Impact

When people return to work, a nation’s economy begins to recover and Argentina is no exception. In March 2025, the country’s inflation rate stood at 3.7%, but by June, it had dropped to 1.5%. Lower inflation creates more opportunities for impoverished people to improve their circumstances.

Argentina’s Return to Work program has been critical in this turnaround. By connecting thousands of unemployed citizens with stable jobs and offering support services like job matching, the program has helped reduce dependency on government aid.

It also encourages formal employment, which expands the tax base and strengthens public services. As more people find work, consumer spending increases, businesses grow and the cycle of poverty begins to break.

Final Remarks

The most effective way to lift people out of poverty is by providing stable employment and job security. When individuals can work and earn a reliable income, they can rise above their circumstances and live healthier, more dignified lives. If programs like these receive sustained funding, global poverty could one day become a thing of the past. Until then, Argentina’s Return to Work program and others like it, are paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future..

– John Menechino

John is based in Marietta, GA, USA and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Renewable Energy in Vanuatu

Renewable Energy in VanuatuRenewable energy in Vanuatu is becoming an important pathway towards the reduction of poverty, influx in energy access and the creation of local opportunities. The Pacific Island nation faces energy poverty with more than 70% of its population lacking reliable grid electricity, along with 80% of rural residents remaining off grid. Implementing renewable energy solutions is transforming, improving and empowering communities. 

1. Community Owned Mini Grids

Hybrid solar-hydro mini grids are bringing electricity to dozens of villages in Vanuatu. In Loltong, Pentecost Island, a system now powers hundreds of households, schools, clinics and shops. That mini grid alone is offering more than 300 people stable electricity that lowers household costs and improves quality of life. This is creating a strong example of how renewable energy in Vanuatu is linked to the broadening of energy and economic opportunity for rural communities in need.

2. Pico-Hydro for Remote Villages

Three pico-hydro stations are being installed in Pentecost Island under the Japan-funded Pacific Green Transformation Project. These will directly benefit more than 2,366 residents and create green sector job opportunities for the community. These small hydro-powered units will not only expand energy access but also create employment opportunities, helping to reduce poverty through sustainable, community based infrastructure.

3. Solar Kits for Households and Schools

The National Green Energy Fund has funded dozens of solar-powered energy kits for schools, co-ops and local governments, resulting in lighting classrooms, providing refrigeration and allowing for more communication. With half of Vanuatu’s households off grid, affordable solar kits allow for kids’ success in schooling and financial gain through replacing kerosene lamps, actively alleviating poverty.

4. Energy Access Through Rural Electrification Programs 

Projects supported by the World Bank have subsidized home solar systems for nearly 9,000 homes and 37 public buildings, granting renewable energy access to 45,000 people. These programs are significantly raising energy accessibility for lower income communities, leading to a reduction in poverty through enabling refrigeration, powering lighting and allowing cell phone usage.

5. Empowering Youth and Women

Renewable energy in Vanuatu is also contributing to social change. Youth, especially women, are receiving green skills training and leadership roles in energy planning through a regional program with UNDP. Aditionally, cooperatives led by women manage energy systems, earn income and increase community well being, boosting both gender equity and local prosperity.

6. Increased Support from Private Sectors

Donor support has allowed for a lot of progress in Vanuatu. Although the future growth will succeed with focus on private sector investment. The government backed the National Green Energy Fund ,which provides support for things like mini power grids, battery storage and energy-saving appliances. Additionally, with the government and support from World Bank, they are working with private firms to set up systems through its Rural Electrification Project (VREP I & II). These partnerships will help bring clean energy faster and support local jobs and the green economy.

Looking Ahead

Vanuatu ranks high in Pacific nations in regard to rural energy poverty and climate vulnerability. Indeed, through the increase in renewable energy in Vanuatu the country is improving in electricity access. Additionally, health standards, education, and economic opportunities also benefit. These smaller scale renewable energy initiatives are poverty alleviating and inspiring a pathway for other small developing communities. Vanuatu’s clean energy future is looking bright. By focusing on community needs, supporting youth leadership, and expanding access to new technologies, the country is setting an example for others to follow. Small island nations have the power to lead the way in sustainable development.

– Kyra Cribbs

Kyra is based in Charleston, SC, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Renewable Energy in Andorra

Renewable Energy in AndorraSettled in the Pyrenees, Andorra is embracing renewable energy, cutting its reliance on imports and decreasing energy poverty. Using solar, hydropower and biomass, the nation is balancing sustainable growth, lowering costs and improving access.

Energy Poverty in Andorra

In Andorra, energy poverty disproportionately affects low-income households, struggling with high energy costs that limit essential needs, including heating and cooking. If Andorra follows similar European patterns, high energy costs affect roughly 7-10% of households. However, due to Andorra’s investment in renewable resources, these struggles are becoming less prevalent, ensuring long-term affordability and stability.

By transitioning to renewable energy, Andorra is able to lower costs with increased local energy production. This reduces dependence on imports, making electricity more affordable. Currently, renewable energy accounts for 23% of the country’s total supply.

Types of Renewable Energy

Andorra’s mountainous landscape makes it well suited for hydropower, supplying 15% of its energy needs through small hydroplants and run-of-river projects. At the same time, its abundant sunlight supports solar farms and rooftop panels with incentives like improved storage and solar-powered EV charging growth of clean energy. These incentives and projects help improve access and ensure more households have reliable energy.

Even with limited development in Andorra’s wind power, it is still another reliable renewable resource. Wind power helps address energy poverty in many ways. By generating electricity locally, wind power helps stabilize prices, provides more reliable electricity in remote areas and reduces dependence on fossil fuels, lowering environmental impact and long-term energy costs.

Even though less advanced than solar power, hydropower, wind power and biomass is becoming increasingly recognized as a viable renewable resource. Biomass helps alleviate energy poverty in many ways. Furthermore, it improves energy access, such as wood crop residues and animal waste, for cooking and heating. It also reduces costs, because biomass can be locally sourced, which reduces dependence on expensive imported fuels. It also creates jobs in agriculture, forestry and energy production.

Employment in Renewable Energy

Andorra has a low unemployment rate of 2.4% in 2025, which is significantly below the EU average. The shift to renewable resources will expand employment opportunities. For instance, to install solar panels, wind turbines and hydropower engines, installation and maintenance work will be needed. For innovations in energy storage and grid optimization, workers will be needed for research and development. Lastly, for helping businesses transition to greener energy solutions, people will be needed for consulting.

Andorra’s Efforts Towards Renewable Energy

Andorra has also put in efforts to encourage sustainable energy adoption by implementing energy efficiency subsidies, helping households and businesses transition to cleaner power sources. These grants cover up to 30-40% of the cost for upgrades like solar panels, biomass systems and arethermal technologies, making renewable energy more accessible and affordable.

Andorra is leveraging renewable energy, ensuring equitable access to clean and affordable power. By expanding investments in solar, hydro, and wind energy, the country is reducing reliance on costly imports while making sustainable electricity more accessible to lower-income communities.

These initiatives not only promote environmental resilience but also enhance economic stability, proving that small nations can drive meaningful change in global energy equity. Andorra’s approach highlights how renewable resources can be harnessed to address affordability challenges and improve the quality of life for those in poverty.

– Karisma Polly

Karisma is based in Sunrise, FL, USA and focuses on Global Health and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikipedia Commons

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Vocational Education Training Centers in The Bahamas

Vocational Education Training Centers in the BahamasThe One Eleuthera Foundation is a nonprofit organization that funds vocational education training centers in The Bahamas, in both Eleuthera and Harbour Island. Its technical programs provide hands-on training for a number of different careers, in order to promote “sustainable social and economic empowerment and development” within its community.

Poverty and Food Insecurity in The Bahamas

The Bahamas is a fairly wealthy country, with a GDP of $13.2 billion USD. However, this outward facing wealth masks “important structural, social, and economic challenges” that require attention. Issues like poor infrastructure, marked income inequality and vulnerability to natural disasters deeply affect the population of The Bahamas and contribute to the relatively high rate of poverty.

The percentage of people living below the poverty line rose from 9.3% in 2001 to 12.8% in 2013, the last time the Household Expenditure Survey was conducted. In addition, the rate of poverty is almost double the average in households where the head does not possess any sort of formal schooling, sitting at 25%.

Many families in The Bahamas are also dealing with issues of food insecurity. The lack of infrastructure makes it difficult to monitor this issue. However, it is apparent through the fact that many people, especially children in school, have considerable difficulty accessing nutritious food. Because The Bahamas has a small landmass and does not possess an ideal geography for agriculture, they are heavily dependent on food that is imported from other countries. This makes healthy, high quality food more expensive and less accessible for the population. 

Providing Sustainable Solutions

Combatting both issues of poverty and food insecurity is the One Eleuthera Foundation, which is focused on sustainable community improvement. Its two Centers for Training and Innovation (CTI) provide education for a wide variety of careers, including courses in carpentry, culinary arts, sewing, housekeeping, electrical installation, plumbing, nail technology and many others. Its mission is to provide quality education to Bahamians, in order to allow them more and better employment opportunities to provide for themselves and their families. In June 2024, they had 63 students graduate from both of its vocational education training centers in The Bahamas, in Harbour Island and South Eleuthera.

However, what makes the CTI stand out from other vocational education training centers in The Bahamas (such as the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute) is its Training Farm. The goal of this farm is to educate farmers on sustainable and advanced growing techniques, and increase the amount of food grown locally. The facilities of the solar powered farm include a one acre greenhouse, a hydroponic pond, raised soil beds and a honey processing facility for local beekeepers to name a few. It also offers a variety of classes and workshops for local farmers year-round, either free of charge or at a very low cost.

Another element of its Training Farm is the Farmer’s Fresh Market, where residents can come and purchase fresh produce from the farm, as well as other local goods and specialty items. This is an incredible initiative that makes local, high quality fruits and vegetables more easily accessible to the population.

Looking Ahead

Poverty and food insecurity are still issues that impact the quality of life of Bahamians. However, through its CTI, the One Eleuthera Foundation is helping to build a community of people who are able to produce more food, as well as support both themselves and its economy. It is making a tangible positive impact, one student at a time.

– Delaney Gouveia

Delaney is based in Newport, RI, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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SPOONS Cambodian Restaurant: Transforming Young Lives

Cambodian RestaurantCambodia has seen rapid economic improvement in the past decade, with around 16% of Cambodians living in poverty in 2023, less than half the percentage in 2016, around 37%. However, many in rural areas and provincial regions still experience destitute conditions. One Cambodian restaurant in Siem Reap, however, is giving young individuals a chance to escape these conditions, giving them a sustainable career path and a better life.

SPOONS, operating a cafe and restaurant out of Cambodia’s popular tourist city, Siem Reap, serves traditional and fusion Cambodian dishes alongside coffee and pastries. This would be impressive enough, but SPOONS is not only a Cambodian restaurant. Doubling as a locally-run charity training young people in culinary, hospitality and barista skills, SPOONS specifically recruits from disadvantaged communities across Cambodia.

The Program

Students are chosen from a pool of more than 350, spanning 10 different provinces. Last year, the 12-month program took on 75 students, 23 of whom had not even completed high school. Most come from rural towns and villages, with the SPOONS organization completing in-person interviews and home visits, to get to know the candidates and their conditions. After selection, they go from the remote jungles to Siem Reap’s budding restaurant scene in no time, transforming their lives.

Living in dorms only a few kilometers away from the restaurant, the students pick specializations and begin their hands-on experience, working with customers from across Cambodia and the world. Not only do they learn to cook, serve customers or bake, they practice vital English language skills alongside this. Last year, the program had no drop-outs – all 75 students graduated, according to the 2024 SPOONS report.

The Vision

This process furthers the SPOONS vision: to engage with the community and allow these young people a chance to escape their disadvantaged lives and make a living. Giving back to the Cambodian people remains the key focus, however. Originally U.S.-based Everything is Going to be Okay (EGBOK) organization shut down during the pandemic due to multiple difficulties, but current president Mao Sophany saw an opportunity to take the project back to Cambodia and start from scratch.

Beginning with just 10 students, the organization trained them up and began to involve the project with local community organizations. With this grassroots focus, by 2024, SPOONS gave back to Siem Reap by offering short courses in hospitality for hotels and Community-based ecotourism projects. The SPOONS organization is quickly expanding from a simple Cambodian restaurant to an influential community charity.

All 75 students found employment within just two weeks of graduation last year. Soon, SPOONS plans on continuing the main program whilst expanding community outreach alongside this, promoting local products and sustainability through its partnerships with other local and international nonprofits, according to the 2024 report.

The Focus

For many young Cambodians, education transforms their lives. Many, however, sacrifice this education for work or struggle to find proper infrastructure in rural communities. Struggling to provide for their families, young people drop out of high school and begin earning, rather than getting an education. SPOONS recognises this. After 12 months, graduates have a year’s experience in their chosen field and an education to support this career path.

The focus in the coming years is to prioritize these high school drop-outs who left education for work. Sophany affirms that, as a local charity it keeps focusing on “empowering Cambodia’s youth and creating a more inclusive society,” according to the 2024 report.

Even after these students start their careers, the SPOONS alumni network slowly builds. The program fosters a desire to give back, helping the next generation’s poor. 150 alumni pledge $2 a month, generating an additional $3,600 annually, which the charity puts towards supporting current students, according to the 2024 report. Graduates, through these donations, directly support the next generation of SPOONS alumni in their goals, creating a connection across generations. Through just one Cambodian restaurant, hundreds of lives are affected.

The Impact

Rachana, one of last year’s graduates, went from feeling hopeless and lost in her rural province of Banteay Meanchey to working at a five-star luxury hotel on Song Saa Private Island. She hopes “that the next generation will try their best to complete their study and create a better life for themselves,” SPOONS repots.

Many in Cambodia never complete high school or, like Rachana, feel this lack of opportunity to escape poverty after graduation. SPOONS is more than just a Cambodian Restaurant; it gives these young people security from uncertainty, and hope from their poverty.

– Lee Stonehouse

Lee is based in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Higher Education in Venezuela

Higher Education in VenezuelaThe pursuit of a college degree in Venezuela has become a powerful testament to the resilience of its students. Amid a complex humanitarian crisis, these students bravely confront power outages, food shortages, unreliable transport and the breakdown of public institutions. Here is information about higher education in Venezuela and efforts to improve it.

Higher Education in Venezuela Under Pressure

Public universities operate with minimal budgets. Autonomous institutions struggle to maintain operations. Most professors earn $8 a month, making them the lowest-paid in Latin America.

These challenging conditions have led to a brain drain, delayed graduation timelines and a decline in academic quality. Yet, many universities continue to function, fueled by the unwavering commitment and resilience of students and professors.

Endurance

In interviews with The Borgen Project, students shared how endurance, not just academic effort, has helped them carry on.

Take Víctor Solórzano, for instance, who recently earned a degree in social communication from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello (UCAB). His college years were a mix of trauma, fun and enrichment. Balancing part-time jobs and scholarships, he navigated frequent blackouts and inflation. His motivation was the thought of his mother’s pride on his graduation day.

Meanwhile, Jeremy Mata, a computer science student at Universidad Nacional Experimental de Guayana (UNEG), is completing his thesis despite a shortage of faculty and materials. “Many professors left because their salaries couldn’t support them,” he said. He credited study groups with helping him stay focused. “For me, finishing this thesis proves I didn’t give up.”

Poverty, Inflation and Brain Drain

In Venezuela, university costs reflect the hardship students endure rather than traditional tuition rates. Hyperinflation has a severe impact on daily life and the education sector, with the government allocating only 2.6% of its budget to universities in 2024.

Electricity, water and internet access are far from reliable. According to the Venezuelan Universities Observatory (OBU), 95% of universities lack stable internet, and more than 80% experience frequent power and water outages. These issues interrupt classes regularly and limit access to digital learning tools.

On top of this, most professors earn under $10 per month, nowhere near enough to cover basic expenses. In 2024, a single household needed more than $530 a month to afford a basic food basket.

This situation is why more than 40% of professors have left their positions in the last three years. Those who stay often juggle multiple classes, skip meals or rely on outside jobs to make ends meet.

Professor Lilia (a pseudonym), who teaches at UNEG in the southern part of the country, said some of her students arrive at class without eating or miss lectures due to transportation issues. “Sometimes they don’t choose a career based on interest, but based on what’s available nearby or what they can afford,” she said. To keep classes going during outages, they often use WhatsApp voice notes or meet in person when possible.

According to the NGO Aula Abierta, between 40% and 70% of students have dropped out of their studies since 2023, mainly due to migration or a lack of financial means to continue.

Ramón Rivera Verde, a former university professor, witnessed this collapse up close. “My salary didn’t cover the basics. I resisted as long as I could,” he said. He now lives abroad but still follows the state of education in his country. “The resilience of the institutions that continue to serve students under impossible circumstances.”

Innovation as a Lifeline

Despite adversity, local organizations and universities have developed creative ways to support students. Fundación Andrés Bello, which is affiliated with the Universidad Católica Andrés Bello, offers scholarships, school supplies and community support to low-income students.

Meanwhile, the now-closed Alimenta la Solidaridad operated more than 300 community kitchens across Venezuela, providing daily meals to families and students. It ended activities in May 2025 due to a lack of government protection.

Cáritas de Venezuela is an organization that addresses malnutrition by distributing food and monitoring the health of children. Its work improves cognitive performance and helps students stay in school.

To respond to new challenges, UCAB launched shorter, job-oriented programs, such as associate degrees (TSU) in software design and occupational safety and insurance.

Students can also pursue technical certifications in areas such as cooking and pastry arts at CIAP-UCAB. These programs offer quick paths to employment. The UCAB Fashion Academy links design skills with income opportunities.

Looking Ahead

The higher education system in Venezuela faces significant challenges, but students and educators are addressing these issues through grassroots initiatives. Education becomes a form of resistance, providing hope for a brighter future.

– Su Ying Lee Yang

Su is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash