Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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Solving South Sudan’s Water Crisis

South Sudan's Water CrisisOne of the world’s newest countries, South Sudan, celebrated its 16th anniversary of independence in July 2025. However, South Sudan is suffering from a crippling water crisis. Floods, drought and a lack of access to reliable and sanitized water have created an ongoing economic, medical and political turmoil. An inability to manage and provide water to most of its people has exacerbated ongoing poverty and security issues.

However, significant progress is being made with South Sudan’s water crisis. With cooperation with the United Nations (U.N.) and UNICEF, the South Sudanese government is working to meet this challenge by working with private on-the-ground organizations to create real change for South Sudanese people.

South Sudan’s Water Crisis

The roots of the issue lie in the civil war that followed South Sudan’s independence, which resulted in most of its water infrastructure being destroyed. Due to this destruction, South Sudan’s water crisis started to spiral. Around 59% of South Sudanese lack access to clean water and only 11% have access to basic sanitation. The lack of a reliable water resource management system has forced most South Sudanese to rely on unsanitary practices.

South Sudan relies heavily on the Nile River basin for its water supply. Poor management, combined with climate variability, has intensified water scarcity and contributed to alternating cycles of drought and flooding. This forces people to move from their homes, worsening the country’s already tense security situation. Additionally, this worsens food insecurity, creating another potential flash point for civil conflict, as more than 70% of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood.

Government Efforts and Organizations Helping

In August 2024, the South Sudanese government announced plans to join the U.N. Water Convention. This step aims to help the country develop a cohesive strategy for stabilizing and managing its water systems. South Sudan’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Pal Mai Deng, stated that “being part of this global convention will open for us huge opportunities beyond measure.” The Convention would strengthen national water institutions and foster cooperation with neighboring countries to improve regional water management.

However, South Sudan’s water crisis isn’t just being solved by governmental organizations. Private groups like Water for South Sudan (WFSS) are helping local communities to tackle the ongoing emergency. WFSS trains local community members to create water committees to ensure these resources are sustainably managed. In 2023 alone, WFSS drilled 47 new wells and repaired 91 preexisting wells, benefiting more than 42,000 people.

In villages like Nyoric, water sources were once extremely far away. One resident, Nyibol, explained that reaching a working well could take up to three hours. Thanks to WFSS and its partners, the village has direct access to clean water.

Final Remarks

Much work remains to solve South Sudan’s water crisis. However, the country is a strong example of how a nation can begin recovering from the brink with support from private aid and the international community.

– Joseph Laughon

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

Photo: Flickr

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Solar-Powered Cinema in Zambia’s Rural Communities

Solar-Powered CinemaA solar-powered cinema in Zambia is turning nights into opportunities for learning, laughter and community building. Sunshine Cinema, Africa’s first solar-powered mobile cinema network, uses renewable energy to bring films—and vital information on health, agriculture and human rights—to villages where electricity is scarce or non-existent. In places where poverty is a daily reality, these screenings are more than entertainment; they are a powerful tool for education, empowerment, and economic opportunity.

Origins in Zambia

The concept began in 2013, when filmmakers Sydelle Willow Smith and Rowan Pybus screened their documentary Amazing Grace, which profiled Zambian conservationist Lloyd Maanyina. Despite being the central figure in the film, Maanyina’s own village could not watch it due to a lack of internet, cinemas or affordable streaming options. That moment sparked the creation of the SunBox, a solar-powered “cinema in a box” containing a projector, speakers, and a battery system.

From the start, the goal was simple but ambitious: to bring relevant films directly to communities, using technology that could operate off-grid. By 2017, Sunshine Cinema had evolved into a nonprofit organization operating in Zambia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Kenya.

The organization trains SunBox Ambassadors—young people from underserved communities—to run screenings, facilitate discussions, and earn income as media entrepreneurs. This solar-powered mobile cinema model brings clean energy, new job opportunities and access to life-changing information to regions where these resources are scarce.

Poverty Reduction Through Storytelling and Jobs

At its core, the solar-powered cinema in Zambia is a poverty-fighting initiative. Ambassadors learn about event facilitation, digital marketing and community engagement, allowing them to transform screenings into reliable income sources. In rural areas that lack infrastructure and formal jobs are rare, this work not only supports individuals but also strengthens the local economy.

Co-founder Rowan Pybus explained: “We train youth in digital marketing and impact facilitation… we run outdoor screening events, celebrating African film and run media training workshops promoting active citizenry.”

This approach makes the solar cinema project more than just a film delivery system—it is a sustainable small-business model that equips participants with transferable skills for other industries.

Each screening is carefully curated to include both engaging entertainment and practical knowledge. In Zambia, screenings of “I Am Not a Witch” were a topic of community discussions about women’s rights and the balance between tradition and progress. These dialogues give residents the chance to share perspectives, ask questions, and propose solutions to pressing local issues.

The mobile cinema could also act as a renewable energy classroom. By demonstrating how the SunBox operates entirely on solar power, audiences see first-hand the potential of clean energy to reduce fuel costs, cut pollution and improve quality of life.

Conclusion

Co-founder Sydelle Willow Smith summed up the mission: “Our model is a hybrid of storytelling, sustainability, and youth entrepreneurship… By using solar power and training young changemakers, we’ve created a platform that reduces carbon emissions, fosters grassroots dialogue, and creates meaningful work in the informal and green economies,” Lioness of Africa reports.

In rural Zambia, where access to electricity and formal education resources is often limited, the solar-powered cinema in Zambia offers more than just light on a screen—it provides livelihoods, vital knowledge, and inspiration. By combining renewable energy with cultural storytelling, this solar cinema project is reducing poverty, strengthening communities, and sparking a new generation’s curiosity about technology, filmmaking and clean energy.

– Mamie Hirsh

Mamie is based in Berkeley, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Empowering Rural Girls in India To Complete Their Education

Rural Girls in IndiaIn many rural areas in India, despite making strides in increasing school enrollment over time, many girls still face challenges hindering them from completing secondary school. Adversities such as social norms, financial hardship and safety contribute to the lack of graduation among this demographic.

Approximately 29% of children drop out before completing elementary school. As for secondary education, around 50% of adolescents do not complete secondary education. Nearly half of primary school children fail to achieve sufficient grade-level learning levels. Initiatives and efforts aim to address gender equity and poverty reduction holistically.

Challenges Facing Rural Girls’ Education

Despite progress in enrollment, education in India for many rural girls is harsh. Social expectations often prioritize early marriage and household duties over schooling. Girls are often seen as economic burdens and early marriage (before 18 years old) is seen as a way to secure a stable financial future.

The study “Students and Brides: A Qualitative Analysis of the Relationship Between Girls’ Education and Early Marriage in Ethiopia and India” is crucial for understanding the link between education and early marriage in rural India, particularly in Jharkhand, where early marriage persists despite increasing awareness of education’s benefits.

The study found that while girls often viewed education as a way to gain confidence and life skills, its perceived value was frequently tied to improving their marriage prospects or household management, rather than fostering independence and knowledge. For instance, one participant remarked that an educated girl “will be able to manage her house and family well and chances of conflicts with husband and in-laws will reduce substantially,” highlighting how strongly gender roles shape expectations.

The study also documented how poverty and social pressure continue to push girls out of receiving an education in India. Some girls were withdrawn due to financial constraints, while others were married off to avoid gossip about their character. In contrast, girls who were able to delay marriage, such as the girl who canceled her engagement with the help of Project RISHTA peer educators, often had strong personal motivation and support from parents or teachers.

These specific examples underscore why education alone is not enough; tackling early marriage requires interventions that address social norms, offer economic support and provide continued education pathways even after marriage.

Safety Concerns

In March 2025, the Luena Foundation collaborated with the Women Development Welfare Society (WDWS) to help 46 girls in Choppadandi village, Telangana, stay in school by providing bicycles for transportation. Many of these girls previously walked up to six kilometers to school each day, facing safety risks and long travel times that often led to dropout or early marriage. With a $4,000 investment, the project supplied bicycles and ran awareness campaigns to encourage families to support girls’ education.

The impact was significant because the girls now get to arrive at school on time, feel safer and have more time and energy for studies and sports. Families save money on transportation, which they can use for essentials or future education costs. The project also shifted attitudes as parents became more supportive and some began saving for their daughters’ futures rather than planning early marriages. The initiative improved safety, access to education and community mindsets around girls’ schooling through a simple yet effective solution.

A Brighter Tomorrow

Although education in India has made considerable progress in boosting enrollment, many rural girls continue to face major barriers that prevent them from completing secondary school. Social norms, financial hardship, early marriage and safety concerns limit their educational opportunities. However, there are promising efforts underway. Programs like Project RISHTA provide safe spaces and peer-led education that help delay early marriages and promote healthier adolescent decision-making.

Additionally, initiatives such as the Luena Foundation’s bicycle distribution project in Telangana offer practical solutions with immediate impact. By addressing safety and transportation challenges, this project enabled girls to attend school regularly and on time. Despite the ongoing challenges, these targeted interventions show that change is possible!

– LaRayee Lee

LaRaymee is based in Missouri City, TX, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Colombia’s Pension Reform is Fighting Poverty

Colombia’s Pension ReformDuring a person’s working years, a portion of their income is set aside and invested in a fund that grows over time. This money can only be accessed after retirement, providing a stable income when they are no longer working. Pensions are essential for helping elderly people avoid poverty after they retire.

Elderly Poverty in Colombia

The South American country of Colombia has a population of approximately 50 million people, of which more than 7 million (14%) are above the age of 60. According to a study conducted by the Institute of Aging at Colombia’s Javeriana University, 28.4% of this population (or 1.8 million) are living below the poverty line. The study also found that more than one million people in this age demographic are “victims of Colombia’s armed conflict,” which has been going on for decades

Inflation during and after the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted many countries, including Colombia. Since 2021, the inflation rate has grown exponentially, peaking at 13.34% in March 2023. While the current rate is much lower, the effects of inflation are still widely present. These effects are especially difficult for elderly people, who often rely on fixed incomes and have limited opportunities to increase their earnings.

In 2023, Colombia’s pension plan only covered 25.5% of the elderly population, according to Bloomberg Linea. This situation leads many older Colombians to extend their working lives, often taking on informal and poorly paid jobs. This is an issue that is more noticeable in rural areas

This is an issue that will continue to become more palpable over time. In 2015, only 10.8% of Colombia’s population was over 60. By 2050, that number will increase to 27.5%

Passage of the Law

While Colombia’s pension reform was a significant issue for years, it became the forefront of Colombian politics in 2022 with the electoral success of Gustavo Petro to the presidency. During the campaign, he promised many social reforms, including pension reform.

His promise came to fruition when the Colombian Congress passed the pension reform bill in June 2024, which came into effect in July 2025. Specifically, this new law aims to strengthen the state pension fund, Colpensiones, by requiring individuals who earn less than $800 per month to contribute to the public fund. It also guarantees payments for older adults who have insufficient retirement savings or none at all. The government estimates that approximately 2.6 million older Colombians will benefit from these expanded payments, providing long-overdue financial security to a vulnerable segment of the population

New Pillar System

The reform also establishes a new “pillar system” that focuses on increasing coverage and efficiency. It divides pension contributions into different pillars based on income levels, thereby encouraging higher-income earners to contribute to private savings while ensuring lower-income workers receive support from the public system. This structure aims to make the overall pension system more inclusive and reduce inequality among retirees.

Additionally, one of the primary objectives of Colombia’s Pension Reform is to combat elderly poverty by offering a guaranteed minimum monthly payment to retirees who did not meet the required weeks of contributions under the old system. This helps ensure that aging citizens who worked informally or intermittently have support in their later years.

While implementation will require significant coordination and public education, the reform is a step toward creating a more equitable retirement system in Colombia.

– William Brentani

William is based in San Francisco, CA, USA and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Education in Estonia: From ‘Tiger Leap’ to an AI Future

Education in Estonia
Estonia is an Eastern European country between Latvia and Russia, bordering the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Finland. It is a high-income country of approximately 1.2 million people.

Estonia had been under centuries of Danish, Swedish, German and Russian rule when it gained independence in 1918, only to be forced into the USSR in 1940. The country regained its current independence in 1991.

Estonian Education System

Education in Estonia is comprehensive and compulsory through grade 9, although a reform is being prepared to extend compulsory education to the age of 18, to be implemented from the school year 2025-26, which will bring the country in line with other OECD countries. Preschool begins at 18 months and basic education at age 7. Students with special needs are mainstreamed in regular classes. School is free, including lunch, textbooks, transportation and necessary support services.

After completing their primary education, students can continue to general secondary education or to secondary vocational school. Completion of secondary education allows students to pursue a preprofessional higher educational institution or vocational education, although students who have completed a vocational secondary school can only advance to vocational education.

PISA 2022 (Program for International Student Assessment) ranked Estonian students at the top in Europe and in the top eight in the world. Among European countries, Estonia was 1st-2nd in math with Switzerland, 1st in science, and 1st-2nd in reading with Ireland. 

Estonia’s Educational Leap into Technology

Tiger Leap: After returning to independence in 1991, Estonia initiated the modernization of its education system. Underlying this move was the belief that information technology should be used for the benefit of social development. Tiger Leap was launched in 1996 by three key people: Lennart Meri, President of Estonia; Jaak Aaviksoo, Minister of Education; and Toomas Hendrik Ilves, then ambassador to the U.S. and later president of Estonia. Tiger Leap stood on three pillars: (1) computers and the internet, (2) basic teacher training and (3) native-language electronic courseware for general education institutions. By 2000, all Estonian schools had computers and by 2001, all were connected to the internet. Local funds supported this leap, matched by the Tiger Leap Foundation. In the initial year of 1997, 4,000 teachers received training, followed by thousands more in subsequent years.

Later programs included Tiger Leap Plus, ProgeTiger and IT Academy. Tiger Leap Plus focused on competencies needed for information and communications technologies. The ProgeTiger and IT Academy programs launched in 2012. ProgeTiger focused on the technological literacy and digital competence of teachers and students. IT Academy was a cooperation and development program among the state, ICT sector companies and universities, to increase the number of ICT professionals.

AI Leap 2025: AI Leap 2025 is Estonia’s move to incorporate cutting-edge artificial intelligence applications into its education system. Estonia believes it is the first, or one of the first countries to introduce AI into the entire nationwide education system at one time, rather than piecemeal, in specific schools or regions, as has been done elsewhere. The long-term goal of the AI leap is more efficient, personalized, diverse and inclusive teaching. Says Slim Sikkut, a member of Estonian President Alar Karis’s Digital Council and former Government CIO of Estonia, “We also want to reduce the digital technology divide and prevent a new divide between those who are AI savvy and those who are not.”

Initially, 20,000 10th and 11th grade high school students will get access to AI apps, and 3,000 teachers will receive training on how best to use them. The goal is for students to build a skillset that will allow them to remain competitive at personal, company, and national levels. President Karis initiated AI Leap 2025, with the participation of various entrepreneurs and the Ministry of Education and is funded jointly by the government and the private sector. Teacher training is scheduled to begin in fall 2025. Teachers, students, academics, businesses and community members have formed working groups to define target competencies, curricula, tools and training programs.

A Strategy for the Future

Estonia’s technology education programs are one aspect of Estonia’s Education Development Plan 2021-2035, to enhance the “digital and entrepreneurial competencies of learners and educators.” Combined with the plan’s goals of high-quality and inclusive education for all, lifelong learning and innovation, the technology leaps should support the ultimate goal of the well-being and development of learners and educators. 

– Staff Reports

Photo: Flickr

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Auxílio Emergencial: Brazil’s Solution To Poverty

Auxílio EmergencialFor a long time, many citizens of Brazil have been born into and lived in poverty for most, if not all, of their lives. Poverty rates remain high across the country, ranging from 47% in Pernambuco and Paraíba to 51% in Acre and Maranhão.

Other recent statistics highlight ongoing challenges for the country. In 2022, 8% of people lived below the poverty line. Of those workers, two out of every five were not officially employed by the places where they worked. This leaves families vulnerable, as they do not receive employee benefits and protections such as retirement savings, paid time off or family leave that formal jobs offer. There is also a lack of food supplies in the average household. As of 2023, nearly 60% of households led by women suffer from food insecurity and similar cases are prevalent across the country. 

Bolsa Família and Social Support

With so many people suffering from poor living conditions and below the poverty line, intervention from those in positions of power appears to be necessary. Ongoing incentives are already in place to support the people of Brazil. In 2003, the Bolsa Família program took off, providing aid to families living in poverty and quickly became popular. By 2023, 19% of all registered homes in Brazil were on the Bolsa Família program. 

Emergency Aid During COVID-19

Every country felt the impact of COVID-19, and Brazil was no exception, as those living in poverty had little defense against deadly diseases. In March 2020, the government launched the Auxílio Emergencial program to address the sharp decline in jobs and the loss of income that followed. The program was available only to people in poverty who were unemployed, informal workers or self-employed while living at or under 50% of the national minimum wage. Because much of the population’s data was already stored by the government, officials were able to swiftly and effectively distribute resources to those who needed them most. The program continues to support the Brazilian people.

Looking Ahead

The Auxílio Emergencial program was highly effective. After its launch, poverty in Brazil dropped by 23.7% from pre-pandemic levels, lifting 15 million people out of poverty. The efforts to address poverty do not stop there; the Brazilian government is continuing to create new social programs and update both the Bolsa Família and Auxílio Emergencial initiatives to ensure that even more people can rise out of poverty.

– 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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Guam Fights Maternal Mortality Through Guahan Doula Project

Guahan Doula ProjectThe maternal mortality rate in Guam (a U.S. island territory in Micronesia) is high, mainly due to the lack of obstetric care available on the island. As of 2021, the maternal mortality rate in Guam was 30.4 per 1,000 births. An extreme lack of OBGYN providers is believed to be the cause of the high mortality rates for mothers. The Guahan Doula Project seeks to rectify this gap in care by providing a program in which women can become certified as doulas and assist in pregnancy care.

Lack of Access to Hospitals Restricts Medical Care

Guam has only three hospitals, one of which is located on the Guam Naval Base, which exclusively provides care to those serving and their families. The Guam Regional Medical City, located in Dededo, is a private hospital. This leaves only one public hospital, Guam Memorial Hospital in Tamuning, where most people in Guam can obtain medical care. It is also the only hospital with a labor and delivery wing.

Those residing in the southernmost parts of the island face up to an hour-long drive to the Guam Memorial Hospital. If there are any complications during labor and delivery, the distance may increase the odds of fatality for the mother or baby.

Due to the difficulties accessing health care, the Health Resources and Services Administration deems Guam a Medically Underserved Area. Specialized care, such as obstetrics, is even harder to access. More than half of maternity-related deaths are due to hemorrhage and pregnancy-induced high blood pressure. Both are less likely to be fatal with routine, preventative doctor visits.

Provider Shortages

According to OBGYN Dr. Tom Shieh, there are only 6.5 OBGYNs left to handle the delivery of the roughly 250 babies born monthly. This shortage of medical professionals, coupled with the lack of hospitals, undoubtedly increases maternal mortality in Guam.

Guam, with a population of 167,777, has only 6.5 practicing OB-GYNs—far too few to adequately meet the needs of expecting and delivering mothers.

Guahan Doula Project

Bill 318-47 seeks to address the maternal mortality in Guam through certifying doulas. The bill proposes allocating $400,000 to the Bureau of Women’s Affairs’ Guahan Doula Project. Doulas can provide pregnancy care to help fill the gap that the lack of OBGYNs and gynecologists leaves. There are 13 doulas in Guam as of February 2025, but that number would surely increase if the bill passes.

Doulas are not licensed medical professionals in the same way that doctors are. However, they provide support and knowledge of the birthing process that has been proven to reduce maternal mortality rates, shorten labor times and reduce emergency cesarean sections.

More doulas would offer more possibilities of access to care than the Guam Memorial Hospital does alone. Practices can be set up anywhere and don’t need to be based in a hospital. This allows more women the opportunity to receive some pregnancy care before, during and after birth.

Doulas Supplement Maternal Care

Increasing access to prenatal and postnatal care will decrease the rates of maternal mortality in Guam. Medical problems that may prove fatal are more likely to be caught and treated if the expectant woman can be seen by a provider regularly.

– Sydney Uhl

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

Photo: Pixabay

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USAID in Myanmar

USAID in MyanmarMyanmar, a country in military stronghold turmoil, has been struggling for liberation and democracy amid ethnic disputes and insurgencies ever since 1948. Since 1962, the Burma Socialist Programme has ruled the nation under a totalitarian dictatorship. Rising poverty and social instability led to numerous college-student-led protests up until 1988, often referred to as the People Power Uprising, in efforts to promote democracy and stop the socialist agenda Ne Win and his government were developing.

Renewed Military Control and Civil War

The protests ended with a coup d’état, resulting in the military junta ousting Ne Win and ruling the nation. The military junta later held a general election in 1990, where national icon Aung San Suu Kyi and her party dominated, partly due to their pro-democracy agenda. However, the military leadership would not recognize Kyi’s party’s win and continued to rule the government. Kyi was put under house arrest and, in 2021, when the Tatmadaw military organization came to power following another coup d’état, they imprisoned her. Kyi was a prominent leader in advocating for Myanmar’s democracy in the 2010s, where the Burmese nation seemed to bend toward justice with the democratic elections of Htin Kyaw and Win Myint.

It was only until the coup d’état in 2021 that the population lost all hope of continuous liberation, as the Tatmadaw seized Nay Pyi Taw. From there, a full-on civil war broke out between the National Unity Government (NUG)–the democratic house which was ousted–and the State Administrative Council–the ruling military junta as of 2025, who ousted the NUG. The war is still ongoing, having recorded more than 75,000 deaths.

USAID in Myanmar

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was a strong proponent in helping alleviate social, economic and political turmoil in Myanmar, amid the numerous insurgencies and coups. USAID gave Myanmar approximately $2 million in 2001, a number that grew to more than $175 million annually by 2016. Following the 2021 coup, USAID, under the Biden administration, increased spending by more than 30%. A significant portion of the donations funded food, assistance and humanitarian aid. In 2025, that aid abruptly stopped.

Widespread Damage Across Myanmar

In March of 2025, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake rattled Myanmar and neighboring Thailand and Vietnam. The earthquake affected 15 million Burmese people and estimates suggest that between 4,500 to 5,500 people have died, and more than 11,000 were injured, making it the deadliest earthquake in the country’s history. Power outages and interruptions to phone service and internet access affected more than half the population across the country. At least 120,000 homes were damaged, and numerous mosques and government buildings collapsed.

To help with relief efforts, countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, South Korea, China and Italy sent aid worth millions of dollars—China alone sent more than $150 million. The United States, which had just pulled out its USAID employees, sent only $2 million.

The Way Forward

It could take a while for Myanmar to recover from the impact of the earthquake. However, there are many organizations stationed in Myanmar aiming to shorten the gender gap, expand food security and housing affordability and divert the economy away from reliance and this offers hope for the future.

– Jackson Mailer

Jackson is based in Brooklyn, NY, USA and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Social Relief of Distress Providing Resources in South Africa

Social Relief of DistressSouth Africa is a country that has been attempting to curb poverty for decades, for it is sadly one of the poorest countries on the planet. According to 2014 data, 55.5% of the population in the country was living below South Africa’s poverty line. This approximately means that 14 million people were living in both general poverty and food poverty since then, which is roughly one quarter of South Africa’s entire population.

The country made efforts to assist those living in poverty by providing clean water, schooling and stable households, but it is not enough; in 2014, non-monetary poverty had reached 22%. Recently, as of 2023, water deprivations reached 26%, lack of sanitation reached 39%, and removal of refuse and other waste reached a staggering 46%. The lack of resources that people in South Africa have is a massive hurdle towards fixing poverty.

Social Relief of Distress Program

To curb these numbers and the lack of resources people in South Africa have, the government created various policies to help bring more people out of poverty. Chief among them is the Social Relief of Distress program, which aims to help those in poverty who cannot meet the basic needs for survival by providing resources to them.

This program is free to apply to and those who qualify for it will receive either funding or food vouchers for up to three months. And while everyone can apply to this program, they must meet certain factors to be eligible for the program, such as having lost one’s own house, the family breadwinner, or being physically unable to work. People in these positions are usually living in poverty, so this program gives those impacted by it a large leg up and helps them get back on their feet. And the program is very popular; more than 10 million people are on the Social Relief of Distress program.

The Aid of the Government

Aside from these programs, the government addresses poverty and lack of resources in South Africa through its proposals and the way it spends its budget. In its 2025/26 budget, the government allocated 28.9 billion rands to the country’s health sector. The funding would go to various health care services, such as HIV testing and properly paying those who work in medical fields. The funding will also make health care services more accessible and less costly, which are some of the biggest hurdles for those living in poverty.

The South African government recently decided to extend the Social Relief of Distress grants until March 2026, when it was originally stated to end in March 2025. The government plans to keep the program intact until it implements something more sustainable, protecting current South Africans needing the program to stay afloat while preparing better options for the long term.

These programs and many other humanitarian efforts are instrumental in helping uplift many people living in South Africa out of poverty and into stable living situations.

– 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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Latet and Aiding Holocaust Survivors in Poverty

Holocaust Survivors in PovertyAs of 2021, more than 2.5 million people in Israel are living in poverty, including 1.4 million adults. In addition, 36.1% of all Israeli households live in poverty and 22.1% of those households lack access to basic human needs, such as food, health care and proper education. This crisis affects not only the working-age population but also many Holocaust survivors who are among those experiencing poverty in Israel.

Efforts by Latet

As of April 2025, more than 220,000 Holocaust survivors worldwide are living below the poverty line and rely on outside aid or pension programs. Holocaust survivors reportedly face much worse living conditions than their fellow citizens of Israel. Lack of awareness regarding their plight leaves these individuals struggling for resources and help. 

Fortunately, one organization committed to protecting and serving Holocaust survivors and elderly Israeli citizens is Latet. Latet is a nonprofit that provides aid to more than 100,000 families and about 1,600 Holocaust survivors living in poverty. Its services include food banks and educational programs for those in need. Latet stated that one out of every three Holocaust survivors lives in poverty and that 30,000 Holocaust survivors in Israel live near the poverty line.

The Jewish United Fund

The Jewish United Fund, based in Chicago, is another organization supporting Holocaust survivors living in poverty. It provides funding and resources to Israel to assist those who need them most. This aid allows Holocaust survivors to meet their day-to-day living expenses, including medical bills. The Jewish United Fund also provides home furnishings for Holocaust survivors, helping improve their well-being and quality of life.

Looking Ahead

Organizations such as Latet and the Jewish United Fund play an important role in supporting vulnerable populations and Holocaust survivors in Israel. Continued funding, support and recognition from the media and public can potentially help these organizations expand their reach and effectiveness. Helping Holocaust survivors acknowledges their resilience and contributes to providing them with greater stability and opportunities. By supporting these initiatives, donors and advocates contribute to efforts aimed at improving the well-being of some of Israel’s most vulnerable citizens.

– John Menechino

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

Photo: Flickr