Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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Economic Opportunity in Morocco: A Look Into the Textile Sector

Economic Opportunity in Morocco: A Look Into the Textile Sector While Morocco’s youth unemployment rate remains high at around 23%, the country is using its thriving textile sector to lower unemployment rates, boost the economy and expand economic opportunity in Morocco.

Morocco’s Textile Sector

Morocco’s textile sector provides more than 200,000 jobs, accounting for 27% of industrial employment, and contributes 7% of the country’s industrial value. The country is taking the opportunity to create jobs through textile training programs that connect participants directly to an established industry, further supporting economic opportunity in Morocco.

Backed by organizations such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Alwaleed Philanthropies, these programs and initiatives provide participants with skills in not only garment production but also small business development. The Alwaleed Philanthropies initiative has reached more than 6,300 people, with approximately 5,000 people benefiting in 2024 alone.

Strengthening Competitiveness

Morocco’s textile development efforts extend beyond a single initiative. Programs supported by the International Trade Centre (ITC) focus on improving competitiveness in the textile and clothing sector by helping small and medium-sized enterprises strengthen production, increase exports and integrate into global value chains. These efforts complement training initiatives by ensuring that newly skilled workers are entering a sector with growing demand and stronger international market access.

At the national level, Morocco has invested in industry-focused initiatives such as the Industrial Acceleration Plan, which emphasizes workforce training, investment and sector growth to support long-term job creation.

Training and Cultural Preservation

By combining textile production skills with workforce training, these programs create a direct pathway for Moroccans to go from learning to earning. The programs also provide specialized training to more than 500 artisans, focusing on areas such as fashion design, model development and creative production.

This program also prioritizes creativity and recognizes the importance of cultural preservation. It helps participants modernize traditional Moroccan textiles so that the sector remains competitive while preserving tradition. Traditional Moroccan textile practices such as the kaftan, are recognized by UNESCO as part of the country’s cultural heritage, highlighting the importance of preserving these techniques while adapting them for modern use.

This combination of preservation and modernization allows participants to maintain cultural identity while also accessing opportunities in tourism, where handcrafted textiles are often sold in local markets and cultural centers, as well as in broader fashion and export markets that value traditional craftsmanship. The textile and clothing sector’s strong export base further supports these opportunities by connecting locally produced goods to international buyers and global supply chains, contributing to economic opportunity in Morocco across both local and global markets.

Looking Ahead

Rather than creating entirely new industries, this approach focuses on strengthening what already exists, making job creation more immediate and reinforcing economic opportunity in Morocco. With youth unemployment remaining a challenge, programs that connect training directly to employment opportunities can help address the economic conditions that contribute to poverty. By equipping individuals with both technical and entrepreneurial skills, Morocco’s textile initiatives expand access to income and create more stable economic pathways.

– Kale Overton

Kale is based in Ames, IA, USA and focuses on Good News, Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Thrifting Reduces Poverty in Guatemala

Poverty in GuatemalaMany people in developing countries rely on second-hand clothing imported from other countries. The second-hand clothing (SHC) sector trades more than 24 billion items annually. As of 2023, the national rate of poverty in Guatemala was 56%. With more than half of the population living in poverty, the ability to afford brand-new clothes is often not possible.

Second-Hand Clothing Industry in Guatemala

According to the Garson and Shaw report on secondhand clothing imports from the United States to Guatemala, in 2023, Guatemala imported 131.25 million kilograms of second-hand clothing, 98.6% of which originated from the United States. HS Code 6309 is an international trade classification for worn clothing used to determine costs and tariffs. People in Guatemala have a high demand for low-cost clothing, as many are unable to meet basic food and health needs. The Guatemalan economy is the largest in Central America and relies heavily on the SHC market to support economic activity.

The largest second-hand retailer in Central America, Megapaca, is based in Guatemala. Megapaca is comparable to the North American company Goodwill, with similarly large stores and a fast turnover rate of clothing.

The SHC market is particularly appealing to women in Guatemala, as a high proportion of people do not complete more than primary or secondary education, with more women than men stopping after primary school. The SHC market is one of the few accessible jobs that generate income for people with limited education. A study conducted by Garson and Shaw found that almost all surveyed participants reported that the SHC market has a positive impact on their families.

Supporting Women Through Fair Trade

The SHC market is a key component of reducing poverty in Guatemala. With a large number of women involved in the sector, it promotes financial independence for women who do not have many other job opportunities.

Trades of Hope is a fair trade company founded by Gretchen and Elisabeth Huijskens in 2010. The organization gives women living in poverty the opportunity to support their families by making clothes, jewelry and bags. Trades of Hope pays these artisans a fair and livable wage and markets their items on its website.

One Guatemalan artisan, Clara, said that she built a workshop in her home so she could work while staying with her children, and that other parents in her village who previously had to travel far for work now work alongside her.

Looking Ahead

With more than half the population of Guatemala living in poverty, second-hand clothing is a necessary industry for people to access affordable clothing and participate in the economy. Companies like Trades of Hope work with women artisans to create stability for them and their families by selling handmade goods at fair wages. The second-hand clothing industry plays an important role in many developing countries in efforts to reduce poverty.

– Kaitlyn Crane

Kaitlyn is based in Rohnert Park, CA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Liberation of Port-au-Prince: Humanitarian Aid in Haiti

Humanitarian Aid in HaitiFor the first time in years, Port‑au‑Prince is experiencing a fragile, but meaningful, shift. Neighborhoods long held under the control of armed gangs have been partially liberated, allowing residents to move with a freedom that had become almost unimaginable. After years of escalating violence, mass displacement and the near‑collapse of essential services, the liberation of Port-au-Prince represents more than a tactical gain. It offers a rare opening for humanitarian aid agencies that have struggled to reach communities in Haiti, trapped behind shifting frontlines.

Background

The scale of Haiti’s crisis is difficult to overstate. According to the U.N. Human Rights Office (OHCHR), gangs controlled up to 90% of Port‑au‑Prince as recently as 2025. They restricted movement, blocked trade routes and subjected civilians to extortion, kidnapping and sexual violence.

The U.N.’s March 2026 report on gang expansion documents 5,519 people killed and 2,608 injured between March 2025 and January 2026, with women and girls disproportionately targeted. The collapse of policing and justice institutions left entire neighborhoods effectively under siege, governed by armed groups whose authority rested on fear.

The Liberation of Port-au-Prince

However, recent security operations have begun to change this landscape. The Haitian National Police, supported by international partners including the U.N. Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) and contributors to the U.N.-mandated Multinational Security Support Mission, have regained limited control of several key routes and districts. U.N. experts describe this moment as a “glimmer of hope,” noting that police are now more visible and mobile in areas that had been inaccessible for months. 

This assessment is echoed in the U.N.’s broader human rights reporting, which frames the current moment as a rare but important opening for stabilization. For residents, the change is immediate and tangible. They can now cross neighborhood boundaries without paying extortion fees, as well as reach markets and health centers that were previously blocked off by gang violence.

Humanitarian Aid in Haiti

This shift has profound implications for humanitarian access, with Haiti’s situation being among the most severe in the world. According to the U.N. Humanitarian Action for Children, more than 6.4 million people are expected to require assistance in 2026, including 1.4 million internally displaced people. Furthermore, only 10%–11% of health facilities within Port-au-Prince with inpatient capacity are operating normally. 

Humanitarian aid agencies were unable to reach gang-controlled zones in Haiti, forcing them to rely solely on remote support or limited airlifts. The partial liberation of Port‑au‑Prince has opened a narrow yet vital corridor for humanitarian work. Mobile health clinics have begun reaching displaced people sheltering in schools and makeshift camps. 

The Need for Sustained International Support

The liberation of territory has also revealed the depth of trauma endured by children. A joint OHCHR–BINUH report found that at least 26 gangs in the capital are involved in child trafficking using boys for extortion and armed operations, while subjecting girls to sexual slavery. More than 500,000 children live in gang‑controlled areas and many have been misidentified as perpetrators, executed by police or vigilante groups. 

Even with improved access, Haiti’s humanitarian system is under severe strain. U.N. humanitarian assessments warn that gender‑based violence services face significant funding gaps and many displacement sites lack basic management structures. Food assistance pipelines risk interruption and children with acute malnutrition may remain untreated if funding shortfalls continue. 

Without sustained international support, the gains from recent security improvements could quickly erode. The broader political context also remains uncertain, as Haiti has not held national elections since 2016. Additionally, the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021 left the country without an elected head of state. 

Governance institutions remain weak and accountability for human rights violations, whether committed by gangs or the police, remains rare. OHCHR’s report describes the situation as a “severe deterioration” in human rights conditions, driven by gang expansion, institutional collapse and systemic impunity.

As humanitarian aid access improves in Haiti, agencies stress the need for reintegration programs, safe spaces, school‑based protection systems and cash‑transfer schemes that reduce the economic pressures driving recruitment.

Concluding Thoughts

The liberation of parts of Port‑au‑Prince is best understood not as a turning point, but as an opening. It offers a chance to scale up emergency assistance, rebuild essential services and strengthen protection for women and children. However, it also underscores the need for predictable funding and long‑term support for Haitian institutions working to restore the rule of law. 

For Haitians, the hope is that this moment marks the beginning of a broader recovery, one in which safety and opportunity replace fear and displacement.

– Max Kenway

Max is based in London, UK and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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AI Cashew Mapping: Shaping the Future of Poverty in Benin

Poverty in BeninIn the rolling hills of Benin, the small African nation known as the birthplace of Voodoo, a single crop taken for granted has changed the dynamic in the country’s burgeoning middle class: the cashew. Supporting more than 200,000 smallholder families, cashew nuts are more than a snack. They are the nation’s second-largest agricultural export, generating an estimated $437 million in annual revenue.

Yet for decades, hundreds of thousands of farmers remained trapped in a cycle of subsistence living. They were invisible to the global financial systems that could help them scale their operations. The CajùLab initiative, a groundbreaking collaboration between TechnoServe and Alteia, is altering the narrative by using artificial intelligence (AI) to put these farmers on the map. 

The Cost of Being Unbanked

For many, poverty in Benin is a structural issue of being “unbanked.” Without formal land titles or recognized maps of their property, small-hold farmers lack the collateral necessary to secure loans from their government. To a local bank, a farmer without formal land documents is treated like a borrower with no assets.

A lack of data creates a credit desert. Families cannot afford the fertilizers, irrigation or high-quality saplings required to increase their yields. Consider the story of Bibs Saka Kota, a cashew farmer in Benin:

Before engaging with the modern tools provided by the BeninCajù program, Biba struggled with low productivity. Years before, her two hectares of land yielded only five bags of nuts. After adopting the smart climate model, her harvest has tripled to 15 bags. “Cashew allows me to live,” she explained.

Cashew Mapping in Benin

CajùLab works to bridge this gap through machine learning and satellite technology. Using high-quality satellite imagery from partners like Planet Labs, researchers at the University of Minnesota, in collaboration with TechnoServe, developed algorithms to identify cashew plantations across Benin. These models analyze temporal satellite data to detect vegetation patterns and map where cashew trees are grown, even on small, irregular farms. 

The system can distinguish cashew orchards from other land types, such as forests or bare land, with more than 85% accuracy. This is a feat previously thought impossible due to the irregular, intercropped nature of African smallholder farms.

The Impact of the CajùLab Initiative

This breakthrough leaves a technological footprint of a farmer’s tangible assets. When a farmer approaches a financial institution equipped with a verified geospatial map of their land, they present objective proof of their productive capacity. These images demonstrate to local banks that these families are low-risk, high-reward investments. 

This transparency unlocks the microcapital needed to break the cycle of poverty in Benin and reliance on subsistence farming. It allows parents to invest in the future of their land rather than survive the current harvest. The impact of CajùLab extends from the soil to the atmosphere. 

A tree’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide has financial value. The initiative enables farmers to map the precise amount of carbon their cashew trees absorb. Through AI, the project facilitates the integration of smallholders into the fight against climate instability. 

For a rural family, these carbon credits represent direct cash payments. They can use these payments to support their children and future generations.

– Haydn Goodboy

Haydn is based in Massachusetts, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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3 Legislative Moves & Global Poverty in 2026

Global Poverty in 2026Poverty has emerged as one of the most challenging human rights issues and though it is improving in many regions, areas such as sub-Saharan Africa have seen declines. While it is traditionally believed that poverty naturally eases as a nation’s economy and GDP increase, this is not always the case. While an expanding economy does alleviate poverty, many other factors persist, such as education and discrimination. 

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), countries can adopt numerous legislative measures to address poverty, including land tenure rights, social protection systems and rural employment. Therefore, it is not only necessary for a government to expand markets and support investment, but also to pass legislation specifically aimed at improving the conditions that allow poverty to arise. Here is what some countries around the world are doing to legislate poverty eradication:

$16 Billion Rural Aid in Vietnam

Vietnam is creating legislation to lower global poverty in 2026. On December 11, 2025, the National Assembly passed a resolution to provide unprecedented funds for rural development until 2030. The move follows years of efforts since 2021, which by 2025 have already reduced the number of needy and near-poor households by 52.49%. In addition, the government built new housing in areas with ethnic minority populations and brought communes up to environmental safety standards.

The new resolution intends to follow in the successful footsteps of what came before. Notably, the program aims to reduce gender inequality, which is essential to improving the lives of impoverished individuals. According to the National Library of Medicine, there is a link between poverty and equity and therefore, addressing gender discrimination and inequality goes a long way.

Basic Income Grants in South Africa

In South Africa, the two richest individuals hold as much wealth as 50% of the population and the country has the highest Gini coefficient, a measure of social inequality, among all countries. This makes poverty a central issue that the government must confront. One political topic that has gained momentum recently is the implementation of basic income grants (BIGs).

Countries such as Namibia and India have introduced similar programs and shown increases in economic activity, nutrition levels, school attendance and even independence for certain groups, such as women. During COVID-19, South Africa carried out a BIG program and the results were effective. South Africa’s Department of Social Development (DSD) even reported a decrease in poverty at the Food Poverty Line, the lowest income possible to satisfy one’s nutritional needs. 

The DSD has ordered a report on the possibility of such a program in South Africa and concluded that its COVID-19 policy should be continued and perhaps even the workup to a full-scale BIG program. While critics worry that the program will crowd out other spending or create an unsustainable fiscal burden, a future program could transform the fight against poverty.

Bangladesh’s Family Card

Recently, Bangladesh launched a new program to transform welfare services. Launched on March 10, 2026, the program shifts the focus from individual to household, given that poverty is experienced “collectively.” Accordingly, each household will have one card issued in the name of the female head. 

The government has set ambitious goals, hoping to provide every citizen with a card by 2030. However, not everyone qualifies. Some example criteria include belonging to a marginalized group or being in a vulnerable household. This ensures that not just anybody receives these government benefits, only those who truly need them. 

Overall Picture

Governments around the world are discovering that they can’t just let market forces determine the outcome of poverty in their countries; they must enact specific legislation to address it. As Joseph Stiglitz noted: “Much of the inequality that exists today is a result of government policy.” This is exactly what Vietnam, South Africa and Bangladesh are doing, pushing for policies that help those who need it most, a sign that the world is beginning to confront global poverty in 2026.

– Ben Anderson

Ben is based in Madrid, Spain and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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How E-Pathanshala Decreases Learning Poverty in India

Learning Poverty in IndiaAlthough we live in a modern, technology-driven age, education remains central to many Indians’ lives. From Jubilee Hills to rural villages, it plays a key role in addressing learning poverty. About 56%–70% of people in low- and middle-income countries, including India, are affected by learning poverty.

In response, the government of India introduced a broad educational platform, E-Pathanshala, to reduce inequality, lower learning poverty and address educational disparities. E-Pathanshala is not only available digitally in classrooms; it also encourages greater social responsibility in improving access to education. The initiative aims to reduce gender inequality and expand opportunities for women.

Education in India

India’s education system includes both public and private institutions that serve more than 250 million students across nearly 1.5 million schools, with 9.5 million teachers. The country recognizes 22 official languages under its Constitution. According to research, due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, around 320 million students in India were affected by school closures. While both boys and girls were impacted, evidence shows that girls faced a higher risk of long-term educational disruption.

E-Pathanshala: Digital Learning for Underprivileged Kids

E-Pathanshala is an educational platform developed in November 2015 for faculty, students and parents. It was a collaborative effort between the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and the Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET) to expand access to education and reduce learning poverty. Although launched in 2015, its foundation traces back to the establishment of NCERT in 1961. 

Created by the Government of India, NCERT was designed to support both central and state governments in advancing educational reform. Through E-Pathanshala, students can access a wide range of educational tools and materials without physical limitations, enabling more flexible and continuous learning. To ensure accessibility for faculty and students, E-Pathanshala is available in multiple languages, including English, Hindi and Urdu. 

Students can use this educational platform to study and prepare for exams. It serves as a digital bridge between traditional education and modern technology. It also promotes inclusive learning, places strong emphasis on women’s education and works to reduce learning poverty without bias.

India’s growing digital infrastructure further strengthens the platform’s reach. Many people can now access internet-based services thanks to initiatives such as the BharatNet program. This network extends more than 274,246 kilometers, improving connectivity even in rural areas. 

As a result, digital platforms like E-Pathanshala can reach more users. At the same time, broader e-governance systems continue to expand online access and service delivery nationwide.

Conclusion

Even in an age of rapid change, digital advancements and technological innovation, education remains a constant in people’s daily lives. Comprehensive digital tools like E-Pathanshala can further drive reform for women and reduce learning poverty. This platform stands out by promoting greater inclusion, placing strong emphasis on women’s education and helping reduce gender inequality.

– Shruti Reddy

Shruti is based in Cedarhurst, NY, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project. 

Photo: Unsplash

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The Impact of Heifer International in Ethiopia

Heifer International in EthiopiaIn April 2026, Heifer International reported breakthroughs in youth-led soil health in Ethiopia. This is part of its 2026 initiative to integrate climate-smart technology with smallholder financing. Heifer International has transitioned from simply providing farms with more cows and livestock to high-tech, market-based systems in Ethiopia. 

This shift aims to address global poverty by targeting sustainable living incomes for impoverished people in rural areas. By 2030, its goal is to lift one million smallholder farmers in Ethiopia, 70% of whom are young people, into financial stability.

About Heifer International

In 1944, founder Dan West looked toward a new way to solve the global poverty crisis. After volunteering to feed those in need during the Spanish Civil War, West saw that this method of hunger prevention was not the only way. Given the short shelf life of food, it was clearly not a sustainable solution.

This is where the groundwork for Heifer International began. West identified a better way to address global poverty: providing rural residents with livestock to stabilize their access to food. This idea has shaped the organization’s current projects.

To this day, the organization works with local farms in the countries it serves to further develop their livestock and crops. This helps grow their economies through food. Supporting farming industries in rural communities provides a reliable food source.

It also connects these communities to the broader market. As these farms grow, so do the people working on them, setting the stage for a world of success for future generations. The impact of Heifer International is vast, spanning 19 countries throughout four different continents. 

It’s Work in Ethiopia

The organization is working directly with communities in Ethiopia to develop and strengthen a soil health program. This program, pioneered by Samson Alemu, works directly with young adults to provide them with a stable future. Its main objectives are to improve soil health and productivity, reduce acidity and increase nutrient absorption.

Alemu, a 26-year-old biotechnologist, is the co-founder and CEO of an Ethiopian start-up that developed eco-friendly biofertilizer and other solutions using microscopic bacteria to meet these goals. However, Alemu and his team did not yet have the resources to scale these solutions. This limited their impact on the country. 

To address this, in 2023, Alemu entered the Agriculture, Youth and Technology Africa Challenge Ethiopia (AYuTe). AYuTe is a competition hosted by Heifer International to support young inventors in the agricultural industry. After many rounds, Alemu won the $10,000 funding prize for his project.

By promoting regenerative practices such as composting and reduced tillage, the program boosts crop yields, strengthens food security and enhances livelihoods for smallholder farmers. The impact of Heifer International and its competition lies in the numbers. Because of the organization’s funding, Alemu and his team have been able to work with more than 56,000 smallholder farmers and partner with 96 local retailers. 

These retailers sell the biofertilizer directly to farmers. On top of this, their annual sales have increased from just three tons in 2022 to 94.5 tons in 2025.

Future Outlook

By 2026, Heifer International aims to strengthen rural resilience and alleviate poverty by helping farming households achieve a sustainable living income. In Ethiopia, this involves fostering Heifer Ethiopia’s agriculture-led development. This specifically includes improving the value chains for dairy, poultry and honey.

The impact of Heifer International on social development, specifically gender equity, is significant. It has announced that during 2026, it will elevate the voices of female producers and promote gender-equitable agricultural practices. As an organization, it hopes to continue growing and supporting its current projects. It also aims to expand beyond them.

Final Remarks

Heifer International’s work overall and specifically in Ethiopia, represents a sustainable path out of poverty. It does this by equipping farmers with modern tools, providing training and offering opportunities to pass on the gift. By fostering local leadership, like that of Alemu and creating sustainable food systems, Heifer is enabling Ethiopian communities to achieve self-reliance and secure livelihoods.

– Megan McGrath

Megan is based in Verona, NJ, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Charities Operating in Iran: Supporting Vulnerable Communities

Charities in IranDue to the ongoing conflict, sanctions and high inflation, Iran is currently experiencing severe humanitarian and economic hardship. These circumstances have put increased pressure on social welfare, housing and health care systems, making it difficult for many communities to meet their basic needs. Vulnerable populations are increasingly at risk, as instability persists, especially those with limited access to resources and support systems.

Alongside economic challenges, humanitarian needs have intensified as conflict-related disruption affects infrastructure, supply chains and access to vital services. Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are vital in this situation as they help close gaps, provide emergency aid and support long-term recovery. Through focused humanitarian efforts and community-based support, these five charities operating in Iran are helping to address these issues. 

The Iranian Red Crescent Society

The largest humanitarian organization in the country, the Iranian Red Crescent Society, is essential to emergency response and relief operations. It operates a nationwide network of more than two million volunteers, enabling rapid response to crises such as earthquakes, floods and public health emergencies. In the current situation, the organization has expanded its efforts to support millions of people affected by conflict-related disruptions by providing essential supplies, shelter and urgent medical care.

It also runs more than 500 rehabilitation and health centers, providing ongoing care to vulnerable populations. Its nationwide presence allows it to reach vulnerable populations quickly, particularly in areas where infrastructure has been impacted. 

UNICEF Iran

UNICEF Iran prioritizes protecting children and providing basic services, especially in low-income and vulnerable communities. The organization has helped maintain Iran’s more than 95% childhood immunization rate, supporting millions of children through nationwide vaccination programs. It also helps improve access to education, particularly for marginalized and refugee children, reaching tens of thousands of students annually.

UNICEF’s nutrition and health initiatives provide critical support to families facing economic strain, helping prevent malnutrition and disease. These programs are essential in safeguarding child development during periods of instability. 

UNHCR Iran

Supporting displaced populations in Iran, particularly 3.5 million Afghan refugees and others impacted by regional instability, is a critical responsibility of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The organization provides access to health care, education and financial assistance to hundreds of thousands of refugees each year. Through its Amayesh registration system, many refugees are integrated into national services such as public schooling and primary health care.

UNHCR also distributes cash assistance and essential supplies to help families meet basic needs. Its work is vital in promoting stability and self-reliance among displaced populations amid ongoing regional instability.

The International Committee of the Red Cross

In Iran, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) provides humanitarian protection and assistance to vulnerable populations, especially those affected by conflict and displacement. The ICRC has provided 5,000 non-food items to several Iranians over the years. It works with medical facilities to improve access to essential treatment and supplies, particularly for vulnerable groups.

The organization also focuses on humanitarian protection, including supporting detainees and reconnecting families separated by conflict. Its neutrality allows it to operate effectively in complex and sensitive environments. 

The Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation

One of the most prominent domestic charities in Iran, the Imam Khomeini Relief Committee, focuses on social welfare and poverty alleviation. The foundation offers low-essential services, housing support and financial assistance to more than 4.5 million people as economic conditions deteriorate. The foundation prioritizes vulnerable groups, including women-headed households, orphans and older people.

It also offers employment and self-sufficiency programs to help individuals generate sustainable income. It plays a crucial role in helping communities that are experiencing increased hardship due to social and economic instability. 

Human Impact and the Role of Charities

Data and individual experiences both reflect the humanitarian impact of Iran’s ongoing instability. The Borgen Project spoke with an Iranian woman who now resides in Leith, Edinburgh, but requested to remain anonymous for privacy reasons. She explained how everyday life, especially for women, had already been shaped by economic hardship and limited opportunities since leaving Iran two years ago. 

She explained that these difficulties have been worsened by the current circumstances, with many families now facing greater uncertainty about their access to food, health care and financial security. These conditions are consistent with broader trends, as economic strain and conflict continue to impede vital services and place additional pressure on vulnerable groups. 

“Before, people were struggling, but now it feels like everything is collapsing at once,” she told The Borgen Project in an interview. “There is fear all the time. People are worried about safety, about losing their homes, about how they will survive. Everything is uncertain.” 

Her perspective emphasizes the growing importance of humanitarian organizations in meeting urgent needs. Charities frequently offer vital support when public services are overburdened, especially for those without a steady income or access to aid. 

This reflects the efforts of organizations that continue to provide emergency assistance, medical care and protection services, such as the Iranian Red Crescent Society, UNHCR and UNICEF. These organizations are crucial in helping communities maintain stability and access to basic resources as the demand for assistance grows. 

“In times like this, charities become a lifeline,” she said. “When people are forced from their homes or lose everything, they depend on this support just to get through each day.” 

A Path Forward Through Humanitarian Support 

As conditions across Iran continue to shift, the importance of humanitarian organizations has moved far beyond short-term intervention. These five charities operating in Iran provide not only support but also continuity in times when daily life has been disrupted. They are becoming increasingly central to how communities survive and rebuild in an environment shaped by instability and uncertainty. 

The existence of these charities signifies more than support for many impacted by conflict and financial hardship; it signals that help is still available even in the most challenging circumstances. Their work is part of a broader humanitarian endeavor to respond not only to immediate needs but also to the long-term realities facing vulnerable populations. 

As pressure on communities intensifies, the role of these charities in Iran becomes even more significant. Their ongoing efforts show that, despite substantial challenges, structured and persistent humanitarian action can lay the groundwork for recovery, resilience and a more stable future. 

 – Honey Regev

Honey is based in Edinburgh, Scotland and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Targeted EdTech and Education in Sierra Leone

Education in Sierra LeoneAs global education funding declines, millions of vulnerable children face an increased risk of dropping out of school. UNICEF reports that disruptions to education systems continue to affect access to learning worldwide, particularly in low-income countries where resources remain limited. These challenges contribute to a growing global learning crisis.

The Wi De Ya System

In Sierra Leone, digital education interventions are helping schools respond to these challenges. The Wi De Ya system uses real-time data to track attendance and engagement, with plans to build local capacity to support long-term maintenance. This approach allows educators to identify students at risk of dropping out and intervene before disengagement becomes permanent.

While data systems identify risk, human support plays a central role in improving outcomes. The Global Partnership for Education reports that financial and social assistance can improve school retention among vulnerable learners. Once students are identified as at risk, schools and partners can respond with tailored support. 

This may include school supplies, financial assistance or connections to social services. The World Bank notes that education investments are more effective when they focus on the most vulnerable populations, improving both efficiency and outcomes.

Addressing Barriers Beyond the Classroom

In Sierra Leone, barriers to education often extend beyond school environments. Many children in Sierra Leone face economic pressures that push them into work, limiting their ability to attend school. UNICEF reports that child labor remains a significant issue, highlighting the need for support for vulnerable children and their families.

A 12-year-old girl named Adama, featured in a UNICEF report, spends her days breaking rocks in a quarry instead of attending school. She explains that her family earns only about $2 a day, which is not enough to cover basic needs or education costs. Like many children in similar situations, she hopes to return to school but remains unable to do so due to economic pressures.

Data from these systems also helps educators better understand the challenges students face. Schools can respond with supportive measures rather than disciplinary action. Research supported by UNESCO shows that early warning systems identify students at risk of dropping out and enable targeted support strategies that improve retention and learning outcomes.

A Cost-Effective Response To Declining Funding

As education funding becomes more limited, scalable and efficient solutions are increasingly important. This approach offers a cost-effective model by focusing on early identification and targeted intervention. The Education Commission highlights the importance of investing in effective and equitable education systems to improve learning outcomes.

By reducing dropout rates, these systems also contribute to long-term economic stability. The World Bank links increased school retention to improved economic outcomes and poverty reduction. This model demonstrates how data-driven systems can support vulnerable students in resource-constrained settings.

– Isil Ertas Senturk

Isil is based in Oakville, Ontario, Canada and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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International Development Projects in Québec

International Development Projects in QuébecQuébec is a French-speaking province of Canada with strong ties to the international Francophone community. In light of heavy budget cuts to international aid at the Canadian federal level, Québec has demonstrated the impact of subnational action and independently financed projects in international development.

Overseas Aid Budget Cuts

In late 2025, the Canadian federal government announced its annual budget. Over four financial years, the government pledged to reduce the international aid budget by $2.7 billion.

This cut followed a climate set by other G7 members, several of whom had already begun reducing overseas aid provisions. Before Canadian cuts had been announced, the gross G7 Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) budget was already projected to decrease by 28% on 2024 levels by 2026.

Canada had already fallen short of United Nations international aid budget targets, with ODA accounting for just 0.32% of Gross National Income (GNI). The U.N. had set the target at 0.7% of GNI.

The Québec Approach to International Assistance

While the ODA budget is overseen by the Canadian federal government, Québec has taken its own route when it comes to civil society action and international partnerships.

The international solidarity principle is a cornerstone of Québec’s ideological approach to development and represents Québécois singularity with respect to the overarching Canadian aid policy. Given its position in the global Francophony, a unique characteristic within Canada, Québec prioritizes its partnership with Francophone Africa. The province also highlights the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as central to its mission.

The growth of civil society movements aimed at providing international assistance led to the formation of a bloc organization, the Québec Association of International Cooperation Organizations (AQOCI). The association comprises more than 70 organizations located all over Québec and acts as a network to enable strategic cooperation and increase the combined influence of the member organizations.

Below are four examples of organizations and projects for international development spearheaded by Québec.

Québec Sans Frontières

Québec Sans Frontières (QSF), founded in 1995, is an organization that aims to mobilize the international solidarity concept by enabling young volunteers to support local initiatives in target areas, notably Francophone Africa, Latin America and the West Indies. As well as providing support to disadvantaged communities, QSF supervises internships for volunteers, allowing them to gain experience in the humanitarian sector.

Volunteers help underprivileged local communities to strengthen their existing capacities to respond to issues that may arise. The organization prioritizes environmental preservation and women’s rights.

Ingénieurs Sans Frontières Québec

Ingénieurs Sans Frontières Québec (ISFQ) is a Québec-based nonprofit organization whose aim is to harness Québécois expertise and innovation to deliver sustainably engineered infrastructure in underdeveloped communities.

The organization has delivered more than 55 infrastructure projects, including the construction of classrooms in Senegal and a college in Togo.

It is also upheld by the international solidarity principle and aims to amplify mutual learning between the engineers and the communities they serve.

Oxfam-Québec

Founded in 1973, Oxfam-Québec is the Québec branch of the international nonprofit Oxfam, working against the inequality it identifies as the root of poverty and discrimination.

Oxfam-Québec has directed several campaigns upholding women’s rights in nine countries across the world, supporting more than 450,000 women.

It has also supported a further 30,000 women in Bolivia in its campaign against gender-based violence.

International Climate Cooperation Program

Aside from local initiatives and international nonprofits, the Québécois government has also pioneered work in international development at the provincial level. The program, launched in 2016, is unique in that it is one of the first climate ventures taken at the subnational level.

The program has a budget of $34.5 million and supports projects in Francophone Africa and the West Indies aimed at reducing the effects of climate change.

The mission is underpinned by the recognition that climate change compounds poverty and reduces basic security, and draws upon the logic of a new kind of international climate diplomacy that Québec says requires subnational cooperation.

Looking Ahead

Despite a trend toward the reduction of overseas aid budgets in Canada and the wider G7, Québec has demonstrated the role of subnational leadership and the importance of an internationally minded civil society. Indeed, the province offers a model for non-state communities pursuing independent courses of action in international development.

– Phoebe Lang-Clapp

Phoebe is based in Montréal, Québec, Canada and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr