Archive for category: Employment

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Higher Education in Barbados

Higher Education in BarbadosBarbados has a high literacy rate of 99% among its youth and adult population. This can be due to several factors but the main impact is from the government investing in the education system. In fact, in 2023, 12.5% of the government expenditure went to educational institutions across the island. From primary to secondary education, students receive resources to complete their learning regardless of financial challenges. These investments set students up for pursuing trade schools or higher education, which allows a range of opportunities for future careers. For some students, this can be the difference between independence and living in poverty. Higher education in Barbados offers promises for personal development, critical thinking skills and job stability.

Poverty and Education in Barbados

Barbados has a population of more than 282,000 within its borders. About 9% of its population lives in poverty on less than $6.85 a day. This percentage has only slowly decreased from 11.1% in 2016. The country also depends on tourism, foreign services and international businesses.

The World Bank has expressed concern for education in the Caribbean. It argues that teaching methods within the Caribbean remain traditional and have not caught up to the 21st-century demands. In addition, these countries, like Barbados, do not have the spending potential to implement devices and technological screens in classrooms as opposed to whiteboards and markers. Schools also have poor internet access and students do not have access to the necessary devices to gain a gateway into the internet age.

Barbados is also ill-equipped to work around climate events and diseases that affect the classrooms. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, students struggled with online schooling, with some even having no access to devices or the internet altogether. With the lack of wider access to technology and digital infrastructure, there is a worry for a lack in media literacy and critical thinking within the youth population. There is an effort to mitigate these circumstances, however.

Better Life Barbados

Better Life Barbados is an initiative created in 2023 to tackle the nation’s biggest issues. Its vision is that by 2030, poverty will decrease by 50%, home ownership will have increased among Barbadians and wider access to financial services on the island. Its six main missions include achieving a clean and sustainable state, equitable access to clean water and nutritious food and Digital inclusion in a resilient society.

It aims for a digital infrastructure that provides service access for all its citizens. This mission will aid students from primary to tertiary education to gain access to the internet and devices at home and also within their schools. Creating access and inclusion within the digital space for students and teachers will improve the literacy and numeracy rates across institutions. In addition, teachers can transition from traditional teaching methods to a mixed method of teaching as well.

Ministry of Education 

The higher education system in Barbados is well known for its emphasis on inclusivity, primarily led by the Ministry of Education. The Ministry of Education is the primary overseer of education from the infant level to the tertiary level. Established in 1974, the ministry is responsible for the development and implementation of programs in relation to education, technology and vocational training. The education system offers a variety of options for students to complete school. There are public schools available, which do not require any school fees. For secondary education, which hosts forms one through five, there are fees for books and resources utilized during the students’ education.

The Ministry administers the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exam for Form 5 students interested in higher education. It is a standardized school-leaving exam, provided by the Caribbean Examinations Council. Tertiary education institutions utilize the exam in accepting applicants pursuing post-secondary studies. In order to gain entry to the higher education of Barbados, applicants must have the CSEC or a General Certificate of Education. There is a total of four tertiary institutions that fall within the Ministry of Education in the country.

Tertiary Education

The Ministry of Education offers scholarships and grants to students, based on financial need, to access higher education in Barbados. It is in addition to fee waivers to accommodate students who cannot afford book and resource fees. These waivers are provided for studies at Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic (SJPP) and the Barbados Community College.

SJPP offers the flexibility of choosing programs during the day and night. The school hosts a range of trades, such as building and engineering, agriculture and electrical trades. Similarly, Barbados Community College hosts courses in academic and vocational areas. It covers the arts, sciences and education. In addition, BCC offers associate degrees, post-graduate and post-associate degrees.

The University of the West Indies (UWI) comprises three campuses in the Caribbean. The three campuses are the Mona campus in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Cave Hill in Barbados. The university provides diplomas and certificates at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. It offers majors such as medicine, computer science, science and technology, humanities and more.

Erdiston Teachers’ College is an institution that provides training to participate in the education system. It gives this training to graduate and non-graduate teachers. Students can attend it after completing secondary education.

Financial Aid

The Ministry of Education governs these four institutions and provides financial aid for students. However, financial expenses often shift from government to government. Before 2014, the government of Barbados took on the bills of tertiary education students of UWI on the island. Post 2014, the government decided to finance only 80% of students’ college education, which caused 20% of fees and costs to be remained. The following academic years at the University of the West Indies saw a significant decline of undergraduate students from 6,159 in 2014 to more than 3,000 in 2017 to 2018. This shows that students struggled to take on these expenses in order to remain in college. In May 2018, after elections ceased, the government fully resumed tertiary education fees but the damage had already been done. Enrollment years since have been unable to meet previous years pre-2014.

The island hosts a multitude of degrees offered at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Undergraduate students can aim for associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, diplomas and certificates. Postgraduate degrees offered are a Master’s degree, a Research Master’s and a Doctoral degree. There is a constant need for innovative skills and experiences within the digital landscape. University students are able to be considered for these new jobs that provides a consistent source of income and an increased salary. Through financial funding of public universities and scholarship aid, Barbados is asserting a workforce that contributes to the country’s improvement.

Looking Ahead

Barbados champions its competitive education from childhood to tertiary education. Even though the unemployment rate as of 2023 hung around 7.9%, the Ministry of Education advocates for inclusivity, especially for students with special needs and disabilities. It strengthens the job market and prepares them for their future careers and jobs, thereby maintaining their independence. Additionally, various institutions can be considered for the final step beyond secondary education. There are constantly evolving methods being sought out to cater to students of all needs and the growing labor market as well. Missions like Better Life Barbados ensure a continued commitment to Barbadians and develop these methods to make a high-quality of life and accessible education possible for all.

– Nickaylia Anderson

Nickaylia is based in Syracuse, NY, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Youth Opportunities: Digital Literacy Programs in Southeast Asia

Digital Literacy Programs in Southeast AsiaSoutheast Asia is at the heart of one of the world’s fastest-growing digital economies. However, millions of people miss out on these opportunities because they lack digital skills, even as the region’s marketplaces grow and sectors are transformed by technology. This digital divide often leads to economic hardship, limiting the chances of upward mobility. Programs for digital literacy have become an essential response, giving young people the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the modern workforce. By linking youth to employment, entrepreneurship and innovation, these initiatives aim to reduce unemployment and address poverty at its roots.

Growing Digital Economy and Skills Gap

Southeast Asia’s digital economy could reach $360 billion by 2025 and surge toward $1 trillion by 2030. However, most of the region’s workforce still lacks the digital skills needed to participate fully in this transformation. For instance, in Indonesia and Singapore, only 52% of non-tech employees receive digital skills training annually, as compared to 81% of tech employees. As a result, roughly half of non-technical employees do not have access to annual digital training. This gap threatens to widen inequality, as those without digital literacy remain locked out of opportunities created by online platforms, remote work and technology-driven industries. Thus, young adults run the risk of becoming stuck in low-wage, unofficial jobs that perpetuate poverty cycles. 

Impact of Digital Literacy Programs in Southeast Asia

Digital literacy programs in Southeast Asia are proving to be effective engines of opportunity as they equip young people with marketable skills. Initiatives such as “Digital Jobs Philippines” and Singapore’s “SkillsFuture” help thousands of young people get hands-on experience in coding, e-commerce and digital communication. Similarly, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched its “Skill Our Future” program in 2023. It offers free online training in AI, digital literacy and workplace skills to underserved youth in the Philippines and across Asia, specifically to improve employability. In the same year, UNDP and Microsoft announced a joint initiative to equip 2 million underserved youth in Asia with digital and AI skills, further boosting their chances in the labor market. 

Digital Literacy and Inclusivity

The impact of digital literacy programs in Southeast Asia extends beyond individuals. Marginalized youth, especially rural populations and women, often face the greatest challenges when it comes to digital participation. U.N. Women highlights that in several Asia-Pacific low and middle-income countries, women are 20% less likely to own smartphones or access the internet compared to men, emphasizing the critical need for training that is inclusive by design.

Moreover, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), by 2030, 80% of jobs in Southeast Asia will require basic digital literacy and information and communications technology (ICT) skills. These digital literacy programs aim to close the inequality gaps by reshaping entire communities when designed to be inclusive. When marginalized youth gain digital skills, they secure better employment opportunities and also uplift their families and communities. Bridging these divides strengthens social cohesion and ensures that economic growth does not exclude anyone. These measures directly advance the fight against poverty as minoritized groups obtain opportunities to acquire skills that are greatly in demand, hence helping them access a plethora of opportunities. 

Long-Term Gains for Economies and Communities

Digital literacy does more than prepare individuals for immediate job opportunities. It also strengthens national economies. The Asian Development Bank expects improved digital skills to add $1 trillion to Asia’s GDP by 2030. A workforce with strong digital skills draws in investment, encourages innovation and increases resilience to shocks to the economy. This ensures that Southeast Asian economies remain competitive in the global marketplace. This long-term growth translates into poverty reduction on a national scale, as higher employment rates generate tax revenue that governments can reinvest in social programs, infrastructure and education. 

Looking Ahead

Digital literacy provides a pathway to opportunity by equipping Southeast Asia’s youth with highly demanded skills. In addition to empowering young entrepreneurs and ensuring that disadvantaged groups are not left behind, programs that offer these skills open avenues to employment. As governments, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and the private sector expand their investment in digital education, they are laying the groundwork for inclusive growth and long-term poverty reduction.

– Anagha Rajithkumar

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

Photo: Flickr

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Vocational Education Training Centers in the Dominican Republic

Vocational Education Training Centers in the Dominican Republic“On the one hand it’s crazy because when you take a course at INFOTEP, if it’s not in Santo Domingo, you can’t get a job, just a diploma… but if you do it online you get a job,” said Berkis Mateo, a former INFOTEP student from San Cristóbal, in a phone interview with The Borgen Project in September 2025, reflecting the uneven opportunities that define vocational education training centers in the Dominican Republic.

The basic premise of vocational training is simple: by equipping people with skills that the labor market rewards, it reduces unemployment while higher skill levels raise wages. But in the Dominican Republic, the effectiveness of these programs is mixed.

Dominican women face persistent inequality. According to the World Bank, they earn just 60% to 80% of men’s wages and make up nearly half of all informal workers, where jobs are unstable and underpaid. The U.N. World Food Program reports that nearly 23% of Dominicans live in poverty, with 3.5% in extreme poverty, while youth unemployment hovers above 13%.

In 2009, youth unemployment reached 28.1% among young women compared to 16.6% overall. To respond, vocational education programs like Juventud y Empleo (PJyE) trained more than 72,500 at-risk youth between 2002 and 2013, 57% of them women. However, the results highlight the urgent need for reform.

The Role of INFOTEP

Founded in 1980, the Instituto Nacional de Formación Técnico Profesional (INFOTEP) has become the country’s leading authority on vocational training. It operates independently, with input from government, employers, and labor unions. By law, every formal company contributes 1% of its payroll to INFOTEP, creating a reliable financial base unmatched by most public institutions.

INFOTEP offers more than 150 career paths, ranging from automotive mechanics and IT to hospitality, health care, construction and refrigeration. General Director Rafael Santos Badía announced in August 2024 that more than 3.8 million Dominicans have graduated from its programs since its creation, including 1.77 million young people between 2020 and 2024 alone.

Limits of Digital Access

Leunam Trinidad, the Academic Director at the Dominican Institute of Art and Design (COS) of INFOTEP and a licensed operator of a virtual INFOTEP training center, explained to The Borgen Project in an interview on September 2025 how technology is helping expand access.

“From what we offer, digital marketing works best because of the content format,” he explains. “The office software package is the hardest…because many students don’t have computers and must use their phones, which makes it very difficult.”

Virtual vocational education training centers allow people to study from anywhere in the country. Yet, the digital divide undermines the promise of digital learning. The Internet Society gave the country an overall Internet resilience score of 40% in 2024, indicating a medium capacity to withstand unexpected faults.

Many poor households lack reliable Wi-Fi, and electricity insecurity remains widespread, particularly outside major cities. This means that while online courses technically expand access, the poorest Dominicans are often excluded again. In other words, whether in person or online, poverty itself limits the benefits of even free vocational training.

How INFOTEP Programs Help

Leunam noted that his operation trains around 5,000 people each year. Like all INFOTEP programs, courses require minimum class sizes, typically 35 participants. Free programs are often oversubscribed, and thousands of applicants are turned away annually.

Since courses are free courses, they are often oversubscribed, and thousands of applicants are turned away each year. The very communities most in need are often the least able to benefit.

Vocational training contributes beyond employment. Dominican Today reports that in Puerto Plata, INFOTEP recently graduated 44 new park rangers, strengthening conservation in a country facing deforestation, erosion, and tourism pressures. It also certified 173 brigadistas, volunteers who bolster disaster response in a nation vulnerable to hurricanes, floods and preventable emergencies.

Vocational education training centers in the Dominican Republic can also play a crucial role in narrowing inequality, including the gender gap. Programs like PJyE show that women gained higher expectations of life success, greater self-esteem and improved wage demands long after training.

Stories From the Ground

But the path is uneven. Mateo’s story underscores the gap between training and opportunity. “I did a two-month internship and did not get a job because the pay was so low it only covered my bus fare from San Cristóbal to Santo Domingo,” she told The Borgen Project in a phone interview. In effect, commuting costs erased the benefits of her training and kept her trapped in underemployment, a challenge that thousands face outside the capital.

The Road Ahead

Despite its accolades, INFOTEP reflects the contradictions of Dominican society. Most advanced programs are concentrated in the most urbanized provinces, Santo Domingo and Santiago. This leaves rural provinces—where poverty is the deadliest—without access.

Institutions like the Loyola Polytechnic Institute (IPL) in San Cristóbal demonstrate another path forward. Though smaller in scale, IPL offers high-quality programs in electronics, mechatronics, and industrial design, while embedding values-based training. It highlights how partnerships beyond INFOTEP can diversify opportunities and address gaps in access. The challenge lies in scaling this success, so that opportunity extends beyond the cities to the poorest provinces.

– Shannon Garrido

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

Photo: Flickr

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4 Key Innovations in Poverty Eradication in Paraguay

Poverty in ParaguayParaguay has made remarkable progress in cutting poverty over the past two decades. According to the World Bank Group, the country’s poverty rate fell from 51.4% in 2003 to 24.7% in 2022. Social entrepreneur Martin Burt has been among the leading figures in creating innovations to reduce poverty in Paraguay. This success comes despite continuous challenges. Paraguay, a landlocked developing country in South America, with a population of around 6 million, still struggles with inequality and human capital gaps. Many Paraguayans face poor access to quality education, health care and formal employment.

Since the fall of the dictatorship in 1989, a strong implementation of macro-economic policies, market reform and social programs have driven significant growth and lifted millions out of poverty. Nonetheless, inequality still remains stagnant amongst Paraguayans. The World Bank Group has issued four key recommendations to improve poverty: invest in human capital, create quality jobs, strengthen the fiscal system and increase climate resilience. Here are four key innovations in poverty eradication in Paraguay.

1. Investment in Human Capital

Education reform is at the center of Paraguay’s long-term anti-poverty strategy. The OECD’s Paraguay Country Program, officially launched in March 2025, lists improving teacher training as a top priority. Experts see better-trained teachers as essential to raising learning standards and preparing students for the job market. 

One example is Tikichuela: Mathematics in My School, an online program designed to support teachers in helping primary students develop math skills. A Berkeley study found that Tikichuela has successfully narrowed the learning gap between low- and high-performing students in Paraguay. According to the study, 65% of students do not have the minimum proficient standards in mathematics, science and reading, making such teacher-supported programs vital. The initiative, which currently benefits 4,000 students in Paraguay, highlights how equipping teachers with the right tools and training enables them to deliver more effective learning. Building on this success, in 2017 the Paraguayan government announced plans to expand funding for Tikichuela at a national scale.

2. ‘Poverty Spotlight’ – Fundación Paraguaya

Social innovator Martin Burt developed Poverty Spotlight, a self-assessment tool that helps families, organizations and NGOs to assess their poverty levels on a holistic level. This innovation uses a metric of 50 indicators across six dimensions including: Income & Employment, Health & Environment, Housing & Infrastructure, Education & Culture, Organization & Participation and Interiority & Motivational. This creates a personalized ‘life map’ for individuals to understand their state of poverty and how best to overcome it.

The system uses a traffic-light color code: Red (extreme poverty), Yellow (poverty) and Green (not poverty). Staff works directly with the people, designing tailored plans to overcome their challenges. Families and individuals track their progress over time, moving from red to green with the support from local mentors and community. Since 2013, 100 public and private businesses in Paraguay have adopted the tool to improve employee well-being, reaching more than 15,000 workers and their families.

In 2021, the United Nations awarded Poverty Spotlight the ODS Recognition (Sustainable Development Goals) for its work dedicated towards ending poverty.

3. Creating Job Opportunities

Fundación Paraguaya runs several programs to help individuals gain key skills and find secure work. Here are some of its innovative programs that are aiding poverty eradication in Paraguay: 

  1. Football without Poverty: Football without Poverty is a program that encourages the combination of sport and activities connected to entrepreneurship to disconnect from the multidimensional poverty within families and communities.
  2. Junior Achievement Paraguay: This program develops the entrepreneurial skills of young people. This has benefited 27,000+ young people in 2024.
  3. Academy of Women Entrepreneurial (AWE): The Department of State of the United States Embassy in Paraguay initiated this enterprise. Its goal is to provide women with the necessary software platforms for them to carry out their business successfully.
  4. Young Ambassadors: Young Ambassadors provides full scholarships to 13 young leaders aged between 15 and 17 years old for a cultural exchange in the United States while representing Paraguay. They take part in training and activities enhancing their leadership skills. 
  5. Let’s Be Open: The foundation promotes this program as part of rebooting the economy in collaboration with Coca-Cola Paraguay. The program provides training to those without jobs or education, with the aim of increasing skills and employability.

Unemployment hit a record high of 8.55% in June 2021, but has since fallen to 5.7%. These innovations support Paraguay’s broader goal of eradicating poverty by fostering entrepreneurship and expanding economic participation.

4. Investing in Climate Resilience

Paraguay is one of the world’s leaders in clean energy production, generating 99.9% of its electricity from zero-carbon hydropower infrastructure. Thanks to its efficient dams, the country is able to produce more than it consumes. It exports the surplus to its neighboring countries Argentina and Brazil. These exports account for 7.1% of Paraguay’s net GDP, serving as a major source of public funding revenue that can be put towards social programs aimed at further reducing poverty.

However, a Berkeley study warns that the country’s climate shocks affect the success of its electricity export. A previous drought reduced export revenues by 12%, reducing the funds available for infrastructure, education and job creation, all of which are critical in reducing poverty in Paraguay.

Looking Ahead

Paraguay’s combination of education reform, innovative poverty measurement, job creation programs and climate conscious economic infrastructure shows how targeted strategies can reduce poverty in sustainable ways. The four key innovations in poverty eradication in Paraguay are key players in bringing the country forward.

– Ashley Pfeifer

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

Photo: Unsplash

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Preserving Yemen’s Cultural Pride

Yemen's Cultural PrideSince 2015, the civil war in Yemen has remained one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world. Widespread poverty, displacement, famine and diseases have dismantled the country. More than 80% of Yemenis struggle to access food, safe drinking water and adequate health services. The ongoing conflict and oppressive system continue to limit and deny Yemenis their fundamental human rights and freedoms.

However, Yemen’s cultural heritage fosters a profound sense of belonging, identity and resilience amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis and conflict. Several initiatives are preserving and restoring historical archives, while instilling Yemen’s cultural pride and opportunities in the young generation. The Yemeni House of Music, Takween Cultural Club and the UNESCO Cash for Cash project are initiatives promoting artistic and creative industries, increasing employment and creating social cohesion among the Yemeni population.

Yameni House of Music and Art

Yemeni House of Music and Art (YHMA) is dedicated to preserving Yemen’s rich musical and artistic heritage. By digitizing 10,000 recordings, the lyric and audio heritage has been safeguarded. This has encouraged new research, helping to revive Yemen’s cultural heritage efforts. Additionally, there is a push to instill cultural pride in the younger generation by getting them involved in crafting and playing the Yemeni lute, Al Quanbus.

This endangered traditional musical instrument has been revived and honoured by Yemeni youth. YHMA promotes artistic expression through performances and exhibitions celebrating the richness of Yemeni culture. Likewise, The Heritage Symphony echoes a similar message and recently hosted composer Mohammad Alghoon, who plays a significant role in preserving Yemen’s musical legacy.

Alghoon’s ability to blend authenticity with modernity creates a distinct image of contemporary Yemeni cultural pride. Both celebrate Yemeni musical heritage, creating spaces of love, connection and identity, while promoting cultural pride.

Takween Cultural Club

The Takween Cultural Club ensures safe and expanded access to cultural artefacts and experiences. In particular, the restoration of the Alsutania Library has transformed the oldest library in Hadramout, becoming one of the first modern libraries in the Arabian Peninsula. The Writing Foundation supported the restoration project by reviving 3,000 manuscripts through basic repair strategies. During this process, damaged texts were digitized by newly trained library staff and volunteers.

More than 800 people participated, especially young men and women who gained practical IT and library management training. Both bookbinding and digital archiving formed the basis for ensuring the library’s longevity. After six months of conservation work, the library saw a 600% increase in visitors. Researchers, writers and university students can work safely and contribute to the archives. The library became a symbol of Yemeni cultural pride and community. It also became a hub for education and discussion through seminars and events, enriching public engagement.

UNESCO Cash for Cash Project

UNESCO Cash for Work supports Yemen’s disadvantaged youth by promoting social welfare opportunities. Launched in 2018, Cash for Work creates jobs related to cultural preservation for Yemen’s urban youth. The project seeks to develop sustainable short- and long-term employment opportunities since young people comprise 70% of the Yemeni population. These are focused on regeneration activities and the restoration of historic buildings.

This provides economic benefits and fosters a sense of cultural pride, social cohesion and peace-building through these restorative efforts. Additionally, Cash for Work addresses urban youth well-being and livelihood as it gives young people a purpose and skill set, preventing them from being influenced by radicalization movements.

Going Forward

Yemen’s cultural pride is at the nation’s heart, destabilized by the ongoing conflict. For many Yameni, these three initiatives have provided a sense of belonging, identity and community spirit. They have also successfully instilled a strong sense of cultural pride and purpose in the young generation of Yemenis to continue preserving, celebrating and restoring their rich and profound heritage into the future.

– Jule Riemenschneider

Jule is based in Oxford, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Mexico’s Plant-Food Industry Is Fighting Poverty

Mexico’s Plant-Food IndustryMexico is a global leader in plant-based living, boasting the world’s second-largest population adhering to a plant-based diet. Nearly 20% of Mexico’s population identifies as either vegan or vegetarian. The rise of Mexico’s plant-based food sector is driven by young people younger than 35, who comprise the most significant percentage of the nation’s vegans and vegetarians.

Plant-based diets can improve the health of Mexicans while also creating job opportunities and ending hunger among those most in need. In recognition, in April 2024, Mexico enacted the General Law on Appropriate and Sustainable Food (LGASS). This aimed to promote the consumption of healthy foods, though not necessarily vegan foods and ensure sustainable food production.

The law called upon the Secretariat of Health to establish regional food baskets, prioritizing locally or regionally produced foods derived from sustainable production. This naturally emphasizes fruits, vegetables and traditional plant-based staples.

Improving People’s Health

Diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol and obesity all contribute to an early death. People can mitigate these ailments with a healthy diet of vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Plant-based diets of these foods allow people to get a rich assortment of vitamins and minerals.

One common misconception is that animal protein is the only source of protein. Plant-based diets provide plenty of protein, including foods like peanut butter, tempeh and beans. Mexicans eat beans multiple times daily, using them as a versatile ingredient in many dishes. This high consumption of beans, among other plant-based meat alternatives, ensures that vegans and vegetarians in Mexico always have a source of high-protein foods.

Another common misconception is that plant-based diets cause vitamin deficiencies. Except for vitamin B12, a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables and whole grains provides every vitamin a person needs. A vitamin B12 supplement is strongly recommended for people interested in switching to a plant-based diet. However, it’s worth noting that one in six meat-eaters will also experience vitamin B12 deficiency anyway, so a supplement is recommended either way.

New Economic Opportunities for Mexican Workers

New plant-based food companies are rapidly expanding across Mexico. They actively create crucial job opportunities for workers and skillfully leverage Mexico’s vast network of produce farmers to develop innovative products. Mexico already boasts a significant export market for fruits and vegetables and global companies are increasingly recognizing and investing in this burgeoning sector, further solidifying its economic potential within the nation’s borders.

Mexico’s plant-food industry is impacting poverty by generating new, high-paying manufacturing jobs that offer upward mobility for individuals who might otherwise have few options for stable employment. Food manufacturing is a critical driver of jobs throughout Mexico and the accelerating growth of the plant-based food sector holds immense potential to expand employment opportunities significantly for people living in impoverished areas.

Increased Food Availability and Ending Hunger

A common misconception suggests that plant-based diets are more expensive, but the evidence strongly indicates otherwise; plant-based eating can significantly save people money compared to meat-rich diets. This is particularly true for low-income communities, which often consume more plant-based foods due to their lower cost. Increasing access to diverse plant-based options in these communities would empower families to achieve well-balanced diets without financial strain.

As incomes rise, people tend to eat more meat, a trend seen in high-income countries like the U.S. and China, where meat is consumed at nearly every meal. The plant-based food industry is working to counter this by promoting the benefits of plant-based diets in low-income communities.

Respecting Cultural Differences and Individual Beliefs

Mexico’s growing plant-food industry offers undeniable benefits, holding the potential to alleviate poverty and uplift disadvantaged communities toward greater prosperity. This burgeoning industry promotes healthier lifestyles and fosters sustainable economic development. It creates new jobs and investment opportunities across the nation’s agricultural and manufacturing sectors. Beyond economic advantages, the health benefits of a plant-based diet impact individuals regardless of their income.

– Jeff Mathwig

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

Photo: Pexels

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Eradicating Poverty Through Higher Education in Indonesia

Higher Education in IndonesiaKnown for its vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes across more than 17,000 islands, Indonesia is a nation on the rise, having recently been elevated into the category of upper-middle-income country by the World Bank. Poverty, however, while declining each year, still impacts millions of Indonesians today, with 8.57% (24 million) of the population in poverty and 24.42% (68 million) reported as vulnerable to poverty. Reform in higher education in Indonesia hopes to make an impact to reduce poverty, bolster economic and social mobility and promote economic growth.

Challenges in Indonesian Higher Education

Higher education in Indonesia is a large and complex system made up of thousands of institutions, including public and private universities, community colleges, polytechnics and more, offering a wide range of programs. However, as a means for impactful economic change, its higher education system faces considerable challenges. Regional access inequities limit many in Indonesia’s large population to few options for a post-secondary education, as most institutes concentrate in the country’s most populous area, such as Java. For example, Jakarta’s 12% enrollment ratio eclipses 11% in smaller populations like Bangka Belitung. A growing private sector also means that more often than not, poorer students with these limited options end up paying more for a lower-quality education.

With an expansion in access comes the challenge to maintain quality and ensure students are graduating with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully join the job market. Yet, while enrollment is currently expanding, graduate unemployment and underemployment rates are high. This need for a stronger link between program subjects and quality and current workforce needs has barred higher education in Indonesia from a better international reputation and rank, and created a challenge in creating meaningful economic change.

Reforms Underway

Recent studies have highlighted education to be a crucial key in reducing poverty and inequality in Indonesia, as well as the value of knowledge as an economic resource. An investment in improving education equips individuals with better knowledge and skills, making them more productive, effective and relevant members of the workforce and Indonesia is making the investment.

In 2025, Indonesia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology identified three key areas for higher education development: “strengthening institutional autonomy, promoting impactful research and innovation and emphasizing science and technology for sustainable socio-economic transformation.” These focuses aim to prioritize quality, consistency and stability in Indonesian higher education and pave the way for innovation and, in turn, economic advantage and employability for students. A more autonomous higher education system can better respond to local and national needs. Likewise, encouraging innovation and targeted research helps address Indonesia’s most urgent challenges, from poverty and inequality to sustainability. An increased focus on science and technology will also ensure that academic programs align with labor market demands, thereby improving graduates’ employability and contributing to broader economic growth.

Improving Accessibility To Higher Education in Indonesia

Apart from just improving higher education is ensuring it is accessible to those it can impact the most, putting equity, opportunity and accessibility for poorer students in Indonesia as another focus in reform. A new Equity and Access policy is calling on all higher education institutions to ensure at least 20% of their newly admitted students are of a low socioeconomic status. Programs such as the Smart Indonesia Card (KIP), a government program that provides financial assistance to cover tuition fees and living expenses for low-income students, will also be continuing as a great tool for students on their educational journey and in the pursuit of poverty alleviation. These efforts are designed to ensure that education becomes a meaningful lever for poverty alleviation, providing not only knowledge but the chance to thrive.

– Jannah Khalil

Jannah is based in Sacramento, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Bold Plan To End Youth Unemployment in Eswatini

Youth Unemployment in EswatiniYouth unemployment in Eswatini is a chronic problem. A staggering 58.2% of young people in Eswatini remain unemployed, one of the worst rates in the world. Furthermore, the World Bank estimates that 25,000 young people enter the labor market each year, with only 1,000 jobs created annually. Young people in Eswatini make up 30% of the population and account for 48.4% of the labor force, a strikingly high share that underscores growing concerns about youth unemployment.

This crisis stems largely from Eswatini’s skills gap, one of the world’s widest. Consequently, young people’s skills due to training or education are far below what employers require. In 2017, Eswatini ranked 136/139 in the International Labor Organization Skills Mismatch Index. Furthermore, more than 50% of Eswatini’s workforce holds jobs in the informal sector, leaving many young people without wage protections.

High youth unemployment can fuel poverty and inequality, with 53% of the population already living below the poverty line. Furthermore, as young people are discouraged by repeated failures in the job market, many may leave the labor market altogether. This lost potential threatens to hold back progress and risks entrenching young people in cycles of dependency and social instability.

The Eswatini Youth Employment Opportunities Project

Recognizing the severe economic and social risks posed by youth unemployment, the World Bank has stepped in with a bold response. It launched the Eswatini Youth Employment Opportunities Project to help the country harness the full potential of its young population. The first component of the World Bank’s project aims to expand income-earning opportunities for young people.

The scheme will specifically target 30,000 young people, at least 50% female and provide targeted support in the agricultural sector, aiming to promote self-employment opportunities. Given the size of Eswatini’s farming population, this can revolutionize the farm job market and lower youth unemployment in Eswatini.

Smarter Youth Welfare Spending

The project’s second component shifts the focus from skills and income generation to ensuring that support reaches the most vulnerable youth. Indeed, this will involve the development of a digital Eswatini Social Registry to provide relevant data that will allow the Eswatini government to target welfare resources more effectively.

This part of the plan is essentially an effort to ensure that the Eswatini government’s welfare spending on young people is used as efficiently as possible. If this program can ensure that the resources of Eswatini’s government are being spent efficiently, it could unlock millions of dollars that can be spent on the welfare of Eswatini’s youth.

Final Remarks

The Eswatini Youth Employment Opportunities Project represents more than an economic program; it signals a potential turning point for the nation’s future. The plan effectively combines direct income-generating initiatives with more efficient social protection systems. In doing so, it aims to address the immediate need for jobs and the structural barriers that keep young people from accessing the labor market.

– Adam Walsh

Adam is based in Burnley, Lancashire, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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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