Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

Beauty Brings Hope, Art Makes Prosperity

While talking about poverty alleviation, chances are most people think about money, food, houses and many other physical assets. However, poverty can also be healed from the heart, and art has the transforming power to bring people out of destitution physically and mentally.

Lily Yeh is a petite 70-year-old Chinese artist. Born in China but raised in Taiwan, Yeh moved to the United States in 1963 to study painting at the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Fine Art. Instead of becoming a studio artist who creates personal artwork, she chose to use art to develop impoverished communities, build connections among people, and bring prosperity. Yeh believes art is a powerful vehicle for healing, self-empowerment and social change.

“Making art in destitute areas is like making fire in the dead, cold night in the winter, which gives us warmth, light, direction, and we kindle hopes.,” Yeh said. “I can’t solve these huge social problems, but I can open up new possibilities and spaces where, through creativity and working together, we might come to new solutions.”

From 1986 to 2004, Yeh served as the co-founder, executive director, and lead artist of The Village of Arts and Humanities (The Village,) a non-profit organization dedicated to community building, economic development, and personal transformation through art. To conduct a summer park project for The Village, Yeh went to a community in North Philadelphia that was notorious for violence, drug trade, and destitution. It was called “a place without resources.” She offered art classes to local children and adults, and inspired them to paint together. Eventually, she transformed 200 abandoned lots into art parks and gardens.

Aside from changing the community’s landscape, Yeh gave people hope and fostered a sense of community pride and individual accomplishment. “It’s a new kind of empowerment,” Yeh said. “People’s minds are opened to new possibilities and affirmation.”

Under Yeh’s 18 year tenure at The Village, the organization has developed into a multifaceted center of arts and humanities, which includes educational programs, housing renovation, theater, and economic development initiatives. Currently, it has had 25 full-time and part-time employees, hundreds of volunteers, and a $1.3 million budget.

In 2002, Yeh founded Barefoot Artists, a volunteer organization which aims to revitalize the most impoverished communities in the world through participatory and multifaceted projects that foster community empowerment, improve the physical environment, promote economic development, and preserve and support indigenous art and culture. It partners with locals, joining with them to create beauty. Yeh believes that art is an inclusive process and everyone has an artist in their heart.

“Not my light shining bigger than anyone else,” she said. “We all have that innate light within us. My role is to kindle other people’s inner light, so we shine together.”

Yeh is now working on projects in Rwanda, Kenya, Ghana, Ecuador, and China. She brings her unique methodology for using art as a tool for community empowerment and individual transformation to the world.

According to YES Magazine, Yeh worked with villagers to create a wall mural called “The Palestinian Tree of Life” in Palestine. In China, she transformed a once prison-like school into an ideal and brilliant place for study. In Rwanda, she helped people build a memorial to heal their still open wounds from the Rwandan genocide.

Yeh believes that the whole process of transformation and empowerment does not merely benefit people living in the communities. She is also inspired and fulfilled by the progress of art creation, believing that it makes her life meaningful.

– Liying Qian

Sources: Barefoot Artists, The Village of Arts and Humanities, YES Magazine
Photo: Chiam Online

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UNAIDS Reports Progress

The AIDS and HIV epidemics remain rampant around the world. The rates of infection are shown to have unprecedented growth in countries and regions that do not have the resources and education to provide to key AIDS populations. Overall, AIDS-related infections and deaths have dropped around the world. But the anxiety remains that such numbers are not sustainable.

In anticipation of World AIDS Day on December 1, USAIDS released a new report compiling Global AIDS data. In 2012, an estimated 35.3 million people around the world lived with HIV. Of those, 2.3 million people were newly infected with the disease while 1.6 million people died from AIDS.

There is overall progress from the earlier years. New HIV infections among adults and children have dropped 33% since 2001 while AIDS-related deaths have dropped by 30% since antiretroviral vaccines debuted in 2005.

The age gap of the afflicted has increased, extending to children and adults aged 50 years and older. The report also mentions that in “priority countries” 3 in 10 children receive HIV treatment according to treatment guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Under these new guidelines, an estimated 10 million total people around the world will be in need of treatment.

The numbers have significant room for improvement. Investments for HIV prevention services have plateaued since 2008, and by 2015 an estimated $24 billion will be needed annually for HIV resources.

As the world’s deadliest and unrelenting infectious killer, real solutions are being sought by organizations like USAIDS and the WHO. Attention to child patients, preventative education, the offering of preventative supplies, and the fostering of stable health care systems are the priorities in the mission of containing the disease in the most plagued of regions.

– Malika Gumpangkum

Sources: UNAIDS, WHO
Photo: IB Times

Most Corrupt Countries

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Transparency International’s annual ranking of corruption around the world reveals that every country suffers from forms of corruption. The ranking is measured from 0–100 (with lower numbers denoting more corruption) and is based on the perceptions of business people and experts in each country on the African Development Bank’s governance ratings, the World Bank and World Economic Forum assessments and a Bribe Payers Survey. 70 percent of countries earned a score of 50 or below.

Dominating the lowest scores on the list are nations in Sub-Saharan Africa, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia, with 90 percent to 95 percent of countries earning a score of less than 50. Lowest on the list were Somalia, North Korea, and Afghanistan in a three–way tie, with a score of eight.

Director of Research at Transparency International, Finn Heinrich, explains, “Corruption is very much linked to countries that fall apart…These are not countries where the government is functioning effectively, and people have to take all means necessary in order to get by, to get services, to get food, to survive.”

Syria’s decline in rank was the most dramatic this year, dropping 24 spots to 168th place—the 10th worst. The country has experienced a bloody civil war since 2011, with the United Nations estimating over 100,000 people have died.

Conflict zones Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya were also all at the bottom of the list.

European countries had the best scores. Only 23 percent had a score less than 50. The highest ranking were Denmark, New Zealand, Finland, and Sweden.

However, European countries that were struck hard during the financial crisis—primarily Spain, Iceland, and Slovenia—saw their ranks fall this year.

China and the United States’ rankings remained stable at 19 and 80, respectively. Myanmar, which rid itself of military rule in 2011, made the biggest advance, moving up fifteen places to 157th.

No country received a perfect score of 100. Transparency International reports that even Denmark struggles with campaign finance issues, lack of whistleblower protections, and challenges in citizens’ access to information. Countries such as the U.S. and the United Kingdom struggle with concerns over lobbying, political funds, financial fraud, and insider trading, which have affected their rankings negatively.

None of the poorest nations in the world (based on GDP)—Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zimbabwe, Burundi, Somalia, Liberia, Eritrea, Central African Republic, Niger, Malawi, and Madagascar—received a score over 38.

The link between corruption and extreme poverty is inextricable.

According to the World Bank, good governance is essential to lifting the 1.2 billion people of the world who live on $1.25 or less per day out of extreme poverty and to make sure that wealth benefits all people.

Sri Mulyani Indrawati, the Managing Director of the World Bank, clearly asserts, “A state that does not deliver ‘clean services’ will choke its engine of growth—a strong middle class—and creates a major obstacle for achieving shared prosperity.”

Huguette Labelle, the Chair of Transparency International, reiterates that efforts to improve the major crises facing the modern world such as climate change, failing economies, and extreme poverty will not succeed unless international bodies clamp down on corruption in all levels of society and make every country more transparent—from Denmark to Somalia.

– Kaylie Cordingley

Sources: The World Bank, CIA, LA Times, NPR, Bloomberg Businessweek, Al Jazeera, Wall Street Journal, Transparency International, CNN
Photo: CNN

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Spread Some Love

From the creator of the organizations “Feed Just One” and “Unlock Hope” comes the latest movement, “Spread Some Love.”

The intent of this new project is to “make a positive difference in the world through messages on their products as well as serving as a fundraising tool for people and groups that are doing amazing things to help others.”
Rather than fighting poverty strictly through providing food and shelter, “Spread Some Love” has made it clear poverty goes well beyond materialistic measures. “Being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for is the greatest poverty,” as is quoted from Mother Theresa on Spread Some Love’s website.

In today’s society, it is easy to become caught in the whirlwind of social stigmas and status. “Spread Some Love” takes perspective back to the basics with their interesting approach. This organization encourages others to make a difference in the personal life of those around them.

Instead of allowing someone to go on feeling as if they are alone, or growing cold to the outside world, “Spread Some Love” demonstrates how even the smallest gesture can turn around someone’s entire day.

In their efforts to create positivity among society, the organization sells shirts that spread uplifting messages to inspire those who see it. Included with every order that is purchased are Post-It Notes so the consumer can leave impacting messages for those around them.

Aside from clothing, “Spread Some Love” also sells jewelry. This jewelry is handcrafted by women in India. This helps to provide these women with a “sense of pride and purpose,” as they spread the message of love.

The jewelry is Fair Trade certified, giving small farmers, artisans, and workers around the globe an opportunity to benefit from globalization. This also gives these individuals the chance to overcome poverty and “improve their overall standard of living.”

For each order that they receive, the organization donates one mosquito bed net per purchase to Think Humanity. These nets are then distributed in Uganda, and the recipients are then educated on the proper use for the nets.

Every 30 seconds a child under the age of five dies from malaria. Considering that over 90 percent of malaria related deaths take place in sub-Saharan Africa, these nets have made tremendous strides in protecting individuals against the disease.

For October’s sales, “Spread Some Love” donated $771.06 to Think Humanity. In November, they were able to make $1,149.25 in donations to their charity partners from their sales.

Also on their website, individuals can publish their own submissions to display how they are actively spreading the love on their own. The category is called “Selfless Selfies,” intending to put the emphasis on the act being done, or the individual receiving help.

No one may ever realize the impact they could have on someone’s life, and this organization capitalizes on that in a positive way. Following the words of Mother Theresa, Spread Some Love emphatically quotes her throughout their website to show the influence of distributing kindness and joy.

“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”

– Samaria Garrett 

Sources: Spread Some Love, Think Humanity
Photo: Wallpaper Slot

Racism in South Africa

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With the abolishment of apartheid came new possibilities: for black and white South Africans to coexist bearing the same rights and allowed the same opportunities. However, 19 years later, racism in South Africa still segregates socially and economically, hindering the opportunities for many to escape the burdening shadow of the apartheid.

During the apartheid, whites were given a systematic advantage; they were the only ones allowed to vote; allowed a higher standard of living with the segregation of schools, hospitals, housing and leisure facilities; they also benefited from having the most skilled jobs reserved for them.

This dramatic disconnect between blacks and whites created a social divide that still exists today, 19 years later. This social divide contributes to inequalities, unemployment and pockets of deep poverty suffered by many black South Africans, the majority of which reside in rural areas. Because of the strong correlations between race and rural location, and rural location and high levels of poverty, this leaves black South Africans in rural areas at a disadvantage to obtain the same education and job opportunities.

Although the income differences have narrowed in recent years, a large income disparity still exists between the two groups, with black South Africans making $65,000 less, on average, than white South Africans.

Isolation may also be a contributing factor to the racial attitudes expressed by South Africans. Socially, South Africans still harbor racial differences. An annual survey by the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR) revealed that 43.5% of South Africans rarely or never speak to someone of another race.

Class and racial disparities that are present today impede development efforts for the nation as a whole. South Africa isn’t able to truly escape the effects of the apartheid with the racism that lingers in the country.

– Maris Brummel

Sources: BBC, UNRISD, The Guardian
Photo: WordPress

5 African Musicians to Rock Out To

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It is important to realize that music is much more than entertainment.  Music says something about our heritage, our culture, and the kinds of people we strive to be.  Also important to note, music exists with a wide variation throughout the world.  Sure, the British invasion was one great example America witnessed. But let’s take a look at some contemporary acts you may not be familiar with.  In the spirit of representing the diversity of cultures and heritages that meet in Africa, here are five notable African musicians that you should be adding to your iPod.

1. P-Square

If you are in the mood for some R&B, check out Nigerian duo P-Square.  Peter and Paul Okoye are identical twins, hence the name P-Square.  With six albums (including a greatest hits compilation), and a record deal with famous Senegalese-American rapper/singer Akon, P-Square has quite the resume.

2. Koffi Olomide

Hailing from the Congo, Olomide is known for combining traditionally Latin grooves with African dance music.  In particular, Olomide’s style is considered to be soukous, which has its roots in rumba.  His lyricism and vocals have been highly praised by music critics across the globe.

3. D’banj

D’banj’s blend of Afro-Beats with electronic music caught the eye of hip-hop virtuoso Kanye West.  In 2011, D’banj signed with West’s GOODMusic label.  He is also well known for his humanitarian efforts as Nigeria’s Youth Ambassador for Peace to the United Nations.

4. Jose Chameleone

Jose Chameleone is a Ugandan musician known for mixing folk music with reggae and Latin influences.  Singing in English, Swahili, and Luganda (the major language of Uganda), Chameleone shows how he can “blend in” with multiple cultures.

5. Yvonne Chaka Chaka

A South African singer of the Mbaqanga genre, Chaka Chaka is both a musician and a scholar who teaches literature at the University of South Africa.  Mbaqanga is a style sometimes considered to be like jazz, but has roots in traditional Zulu music.  Chaka Chaka has been active in the South African music scene since 1985, and has a tremendous catalog.

– Taylor Diamond

Sources: All Africa, The African Economist
Photo: LifeStyle

Nelson Mandela’s Early Life

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Rolihlahla  Nelson Mandela was born in Qunu, South Africa on July 18, 1918. He was the youngest son of Nonqaphi Nosekeni and Nkosi Mphakanyiswa Gadla Mandela. His father was the principle advisor to the Acting King of Thembu, Jongintaba Dalindyebo. When Mandela was a child, his father died and he became a ward of Jongintaba Dalindyebo and lived in the Great Palace in Mqhekezweni. He attended primary school in Qunu and his teacher, Miss Mdingane, gave him the Christian name Nelson.

During Nelson Mandela’s early life, he was raised hearing stories of war and oppression from his elders and knew from a young age that he wanted to make a contribution to freeing his people. He attended Clarkebury Boarding Institute and then went to Healdtown for secondary school. Nelson Mandela first attended the University College of Fort Hare but was expelled for participating in a student protest. He completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of South Africa.

The King had arranged a wife for him when he graduated but idea of arranged marriage made Mandela flee Qunu and head to Johannesburg.  He worked as a mine security officer and then law at the University of the Witwatersrand and later at The University of London. He was a poor student though and never finished his law degree.

His political life started in 1942 when he joined the African National Conference, (ANC) an organization that lobbied to the South African government for African rights and political change. Mandela was an influential member of ANC and he helped form the ANC Youth League.  In 1948, the South African government instituted apartheid, apartheid was a government-instituted segregation of people based on their race that oppressed non-whites.  ANC and Mandela instituted passive resistance including non-violent protests, boycotts, and non-confirmation to apartheid polices and rules.

In 1944 Mandela married a nurse, Evelyn Mase. They had two sons Madiba Thembekile ‘Thembi’ and Makgatho and daughter named Makaziwe who died at at young age. They later had another daughter who they also named Makaziwe. The couple separated in 1955 and later divorced.

In 1952, Mandela became one of the ANC’s deputy presidents. The ANC Youth League with Mandela’s help implemented The Programme of Action, a racial mass-based policy.  In 1956 Mandela went on trial for treason and five years later was acquitted.  The government began to shut down all anti-apartheid groups and ANC was declared an illegal organization and shut down in 1960.

– Lisa Toole 

Sources: Nelson Mandela’s Children’s Fund, Nelson Mandela Foundation, BBC
Photo: This Bug Life

Dar es Salaam and Poverty

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With a name that quite literally translates into “house of peace,” one might expect Dar es Salaam, the capital of Tanzania, to be fraught with peace and prosperity. However, contrary to its namesake, this locale still grapples with impoverishment, with a Gross National Income (GNI) per capita of less than $530 USD.

Despite this low per capita GNI, Dar es Salaam remains one of the world’s fastest growing cities as an influx of rural farmers from outlaying Tanzanian villages migrate in hopes of success in the city.  Not only is Dar es Salaam one of the world’s fastest growing future municipalities, it is also the largest city in Tanzania, hosting over 4 million residents. A key characteristic of the city is a proliferation of urban sprawl placed in jeopardy by severely inadequate infrastructure.

In an interview with BBC news, Rolens Elias, one of the many immigrants in Dar es Salaam, attests that “It has been hard to set up a life here. I came here by myself and had to wait until I had enough money to bring my wife and family. We all live in one room, but it’s a better life than in the village.” According to Start.org, approximately 50% of the city’s most deprived inhabitants survive on a daily income of $1 USD- an income that falls short of the cost of utilities and adequate healthcare.

It is not as if this widespread impoverishment has gone unnoticed. Many programs have attempted to tackle poverty in Dar es Salaam, however, none of these initiatives have proved fruitful, undermined by insufficient leadership, planning, regulation, and resource constraints.

However, regardless of the humble living conditions in Dar es Salaam, the city still proves more opportune and accommodating than the more rural regions of Tanzania- a country that has consistently ranked among the top ten poorest countries in the world. Indeed, approximately 80% of the country’s impoverished live in rural households with the wealthier members of the populace living within less-destitute urban milieus, such as Dar es Salaam.

By 2015, Tanzania is projected to accomplish three of the seven critical Millennium Development Goals, falling short in the areas of education, maternal health, poverty eradication, malnutrition, and environmental sustainability.Thus, despite present poverty, Dar es Salaam, and moreover, Tanzania, can progress towards a more stable economy, guided by proper leadership and global support.

– Phoebe Pradhan

Sources: Rural Poverty Project, Start.org, BBC, IFAD, World Bank
Photo: National Geographic

Steak Dinner: A Cost Comparison

The restaurant business in America has been growing rapidly in the last couple decades.  Total restaurant sales exceed $660 billion. Among all the cuisines, steak dinner is the most popular. However, steak dinner is getting more and more expensive.

There are a wide variety of steak dinners depending on the restaurant and the type of steak. A steak can cost as low as $14 in a regular restaurant such as IHOP, Denny’s or a local restaurant. A steak dinner in an upscale restaurant can cost up to hundreds of dollars. “At the Michael Jordan Steak house in New York, for example, a dinner of shrimp cocktail [$16.50], New York Strip [$38.50], hash browns [$7.50], and creamed spinach [$8.50], plus dessert, wine, tax and tip easily tops $100 per person.” Overall, a cheap steak dinner will cost $28 dollar, and a traditional steak dinner can cost up to a couple hundred dollars.

In the world, 660 million people live on less than $2 a day, and more than 385 million live on less than $1 a day. Feeding a family in a third world country only costs $8.50. With an average steak dinner, a family will have enough food for almost 3 months. Steak dinners are delicious and fulfilling, but why not save them as treat for a special occasion? With so many people in the world in need, diverting funds  to nonprofits is an easy way to help millions.

– Phong Pham

Sources: The AWL, Slate, Restaurant, Global Issues
Photo: The Sun

Soma Gives Water to Cambodian Villages

The Soma water filter, a new technological advancement with a clean design is now the motive of a clean water project. The hourglass-shaped filter also uses a sustainable filtration method and biodegradable filters, adding to the environmentally-friendly vibe. According to the Soma website, the product is “a dishwasher safe hourglass-shaped carafe with a revolutionary filter made from stuff like Malaysian coconut shell carbon and layers of fine silk, it’s got a two-month shelf-life before it needs to be replaced. And when it does, Soma’s subscription service will ship them to your door. This holiday season, they are a popular product.” It’s sleek design, and environmentally friendly aspect has ranked them as one of the most demanded products of the market.

That’s not all! Now, Soma executives have revealed that they are teaming up with charity  to “provide clean drinking water to those in need.” According to Soma executives, every filter you buy supports bringing clean water.  Moreover, Soma’s made this a limited-edition charity water filter so if you are looking for the perfect holiday gift this might be it.

You not only get an innovative, environmentally friendly filter, but also give funds to developing areas that lack clean water. For every purchase, “$12.50 will be donated to Soma’s clean water’s projects. The ultimate goal is to be able to provide clean drinking water to every family in three Cambodian villages. Prices start at $49 for a Soma and one filter, to $159 for a Soma and 12 filters.” Since it’s Kickstarter campaign began, Soma has raised over $3.7 million for villages that lack clean water.

– Stephanie Olaya

Sources: GQ, GQ, Tech Crunch
Photo: Kick Starter