Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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How Start2FinishUTM is Making a Difference

Start2FinishUTMChild poverty is a pressing issue in Canada, with more than one million children living in conditions that put them at risk of lifelong adverse effects. In 2021, Canada ranked 19th out of 39 countries in terms of child well-being, with poverty rates worsening over the years. The consequences of this poverty are profound, affecting children’s physical health, mental well-being and academic success. For many, the lack of adequate resources, nutrition and educational support makes it incredibly challenging to break out of the cycle of poverty. Education, a key pathway to a better future, is often compromised for these children, leading to long-term disadvantages that can last a lifetime.

Start2Finish is a Canadian charity committed to breaking this cycle of child poverty by offering continuous educational support to at-risk children. Its mission is clear: to empower children from low-income families to succeed in school and life by nurturing their minds, bodies and social health. Through programs like the Running and Reading Clubs and Backpack Program, Start2Finish provides children with the tools they need to thrive academically and socially in their school environment.

The Start2Finish Journey

Start2Finish was founded in 2000 with a vision to eliminate the impact of child poverty in Canada. Since its inception, the organization has made a significant impact across the country, serving thousands of children each year. With a network of 700 volunteers in 70 communities, Start2Finish offers 120 sessions each week

The Running and Reading Clubs, one of Start2Finish’s flagship programs, are after-school initiatives that combine physical activity with literacy education. These clubs operate in more than 50 communities across Canada, providing children with a safe and supportive environment where they can improve their reading skills, build confidence and develop a love for physical activity.

The Backpack Program, another cornerstone of Start2Finish’s efforts, provides children in Canada with key school supplies at the beginning of the academic year. This initiative ensures that children from low-income families have the resources they need to start the school year on the right foot. Together, these programs are designed to address the multiple dimensions of poverty that affect children’s ability to succeed in school and life.

Between 2022 and 2023, Start2Finish distributed 12,000 books to children, worked alongside 37 organizations and accomplished much more. Start2Finish also provides several other initiatives, including the Brainworx program, the Junior Coach program and many more.

Start2FinishUTM: Expanding the Reach

In February 2024, a group of dedicated students at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) recognized the importance of Start2Finish’s work and decided to bring its mission closer to home. Led by co-presidents Kathy Dang and Karl Aquino, Start2FinishUTM was established as a student group with the goal of expanding the reach and impact of Start2Finish through volunteer recruitment and community engagement.

The idea for Start2FinishUTM was born during UTM’s Alternative Reading Week, a program that connects students with community organizations for experiential learning opportunities. Dang and Aquino, both passionate about giving back to the community, were inspired by Start2Finish’s mission and saw a chance to make a difference. “We really love their work and we really appreciate what they do as a nonprofit organization. So we, Start2FinishUTM, we’re basically helping them expand their volunteer outreach initiatives to help the organization,” Aquino explained.

One of the challenges facing Start2Finish in recent years has been a decline in volunteer numbers, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the organization’s long-time volunteers did not return, creating a gap that needed to be filled. Start2FinishUTM aims to address this challenge by recruiting new volunteers from the UTM student body and the broader Mississauga community.

Building a Strong Volunteer Network

To achieve its goals, Start2FinishUTM has outlined a comprehensive plan for volunteer recruitment and community engagement. The group plans to host interactive workshops, information sessions and charity events throughout the academic year. “We’re planning on tabling in September at the Clubs Fair, where we can outreach to first-year and second-year students and also during Orientation Week,” Dang shared. These events will provide students with the opportunity to learn more about Start2Finish and how they can get involved.

In addition to these outreach efforts, Start2FinishUTM is also exploring fundraising initiatives to support Start2Finish’s programs directly. “We’re in the middle of brainstorming so many different ideas that we could do as fundraising events,” Aquino said. The group hopes that these efforts will not only provide financial support to Start2Finish but also raise awareness about the issue of child poverty in the community.

A Personal Motivation

For both Dang and Aquino, their involvement with Start2FinishUTM is deeply personal. Dang, who is studying Digital Enterprise Management and Linguistics and Aquino, who is pursuing a degree in Comparative Physiology and Biology for Health Science, both have a strong desire to give back to their community. “It’s very close to my heart because I love children,” Aquino said. Coming from an Asian family where academics is one of the biggest things, providing these services for children might be small, but for me, very important,” he added.

Dang echoed this sentiment, sharing her own connection to the cause. “Our mission is to break the cycle of child poverty by providing ongoing educational support to at-risk children. My main motivation was to assist in this cause, supporting and helping children that may be struggling just as I may have once experienced in my personal life as well. And that personal connection really hits straight home to my heart,” said Dang.

Looking Ahead

As Start2FinishUTM moves forward, the group is focused on building a strong community of volunteers and supporters who share its passion for education and social change. “We’re just starting and we’re a very fresh and new student group. Hopefully in the next few years, more students will know about it and our impact on the community will snowball from there,” Aquino said.

Start2Finish UTM is more than just a student group; it is a movement dedicated to breaking the cycle of child poverty through education and empowerment. By partnering with Start2Finish, the students at UTM are not only contributing to a vital cause but also building a legacy of service and social responsibility that will inspire future generations.

– Jennifer Lee

Jennifer is based in Toronto, ON, Canada and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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3 Projects Supporting Women in Tanzania

3 Projects Supporting Women in Tanzania Tanzania, an East African nation with more than 65 million people, boasts Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain, iconic wildlife and exquisite beaches. Formed in 1964 through the union of Tanganyika, a former German colony and Zanzibar, an imperial trading island, Tanzania has a history of gender inequality. Women in Tanzania have historically faced a variety of barriers to equal opportunities. However, the country has made significant strides in social, economic and political realms. Since 2021, Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania’s first female president, has led the nation, symbolizing progress toward gender equality.

Tanzania’s 1977 constitution prohibits gender discrimination and women hold 37% of parliamentary seats. Despite a female labor force participation rate of 80%, surpassing the Sub-Saharan African average of 63%, Tanzanian women face significant challenges. Their central role in households often restricts their participation in paid employment and many lack financial education and opportunities for entrepreneurship. To address these ongoing issues, three organizations are actively working in Tanzania to help women realize their financial and societal potential.

Forever Projects

The Forever Projects program promotes self-sufficiency among Tanzanian women, guiding them from poverty to independence. Initially, the program provides essential formula milk for malnourished babies and other life-improving items. Subsequently, it trains women in disease prevention and financial security, equipping them to start businesses and assume vital community roles. An Australian family moved to address the orphan crisis in Tanzania and founded the charity. It operates at the community level, collaborating with local partners like hospitals and police forces.

A central theme of the program is “Empowerment,” designed to enable women to help themselves. For instance, a 65-year-old participant received training in nutrition and commerce. This allowed her to nurture her malnourished grandson and launch her own business. Forever Projects aims for lasting impact, helping communities escape poverty cycles. The charity reports that 91.7% of participants gain confidence in their futures, with many tripling their income, fostering socially and financially secure lives, thus reducing poverty, child abandonment and disease.

EngenderHealth

The central aim of the EngenderHealth program is economic empowerment. It targets young people and women, who face various cultural norms and educational barriers to the working world. Funded by Shell Tanzania and Equinor, it connects subjects to work for Lindi Municipal Council and Mtama District Councils in Tanzania. EngenderHealth promises to investigate the barriers to economic empowerment as part of this 2023 to 2025 program. With this evidence, it will propose points of action for economic empowerment to best match community needs. These may include proposals made by World Bank Program Leader Inaam Ul Haq, who recommended Tanzania “end child-marriage, lower school dropout rates and provide childcare support”.

Her Initiative

Her Initiative is a nonprofit organization that aims to shift negative cultural views and financial disempowerment of women via digital inclusion. Its approach is based on teaching women important skills, linking them to opportunities and developing an encouraging environment. Its impact has indirectly reached 25 million young women. Mshiko clubs is one of its projects, it seeks to combat girls leaving education prematurely. It teaches financial freedom, focusing on how to save money and find sources of income beyond the school curriculum. This sets up their vision of guiding young women to choose and create opportunities for themselves and others.

Impact

These programs exemplify the broad impact of gender-responsive empowerment in breaking the cycle of poverty and boosting a country’s economy. Tanzania’s poverty rate dropped from 35.6% in 2000 to 26.4% in 2018 and the country advanced from a low to lower-middle-income status in 2020. Mara Warwick, World Bank Country Director, partially attributed this change to the “expansion of women’s economic opportunities.” For Tanzanian women and the country as a whole, these ongoing efforts are crucial for reducing poverty and fostering growth.

Looking Forward

Tanzania has made notable strides in promoting gender equality. Organizations like Forever Projects, EngenderHealth and Her Initiative have played a key role in empowering women. These initiatives focus on providing women with the tools to achieve financial independence and improve their communities. As Tanzania continues to lower its poverty rate, the expansion of women’s economic opportunities remains critical to sustaining progress and fostering long-term national development.

– Daisy Outram

Daisy is based in Kent, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Kauai Food Bank: Island-based organization combats hunger

Kauai Food BankKauai, known as Hawaii’s “Garden Isle” for its breathtaking landscapes and lush greenery, faces a challenge not immediately apparent to its visitors–food insecurity. Despite the island’s beauty, residents of the island struggle with a food insecurity rate of 20% as of 2020, higher compared to other hunger data sources. Additionally, the state of Hawaii struggles with hunger as well, with a food insecurity rate of 22%, according to 2018 BRFSS data. To address this critical issue, the Kauai Food Bank has emerged as a vital organization dedicated to fighting hunger and providing essential resources to those in need.

How It Helps

The Kauai Food Bank plays a crucial role in the community by offering various programs to alleviate hunger. One of the primary services the organization provides is food assistance through its distribution centers. These centers are strategically located across the island to ensure food is accessible to all residents, including those living in remote areas. The organization also hosts distribution events from their Lihue warehouse every second and fourth Wednesday of the month.

Pop-Up Events

In response to the heightened food insecurity that the COVID-19 pandemic caused, the Kauai Food Bank introduced “pop-up” food distribution events. The organization designed these events to meet the urgent needs of those disproportionately affected by the pandemic. The pop-up events provide essential items such as fresh produce, pantry staples, and other groceries. By bringing food directly to the communities that need it most, the food bank has reached more people and provided immediate relief to families struggling during these difficult times. The success of these events highlights the food bank’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances and continue its mission under challenging conditions.

Partnerships

The Kauai Food Bank’s efforts are further amplified through its partnerships with other local organizations and corporations. By collaborating with corporations, schools, shelters and nonprofit organizations, the food bank has created a network of support that allows it to extend its reach and impact. An example of a contribution that resulted from a partnership with the Kauai Food Bank would be Project Keiki, a community-giving program dedicated to providing food for children when they don’t have access to school lunches. Foodland Super Market, a local Hawaii grocery store chain, helped launch this project with the state food bank, which branched out to all island-local food banks.

Achievements

A study published in 2024 revealed that Kauai has the lowest household food insecurity rate in Hawaii, at just 23%. This achievement directly results from the concerted efforts of the Kauai Food Bank and its partners. The study’s findings underscore the importance of the food bank’s work and its positive impact on the community. Continued efforts are necessary to maintain and further reduce food insecurity, ensuring all residents have access to the resources they need to thrive.

Kauai Food Bank: Even More Success

The Kauai Food Bank also focuses on serving special populations within the community, including children and families. During a recent food distribution event, the Kauai Food Bank and the Hawaii Foodbank provided enough food to support more than 500 individuals and families. This event is just one example of how the food bank’s targeted initiatives are making a tangible difference in the lives of Kauai’s residents. The ability to reach such a large number of people in a single event demonstrates the food bank’s capacity to mobilize resources quickly and efficiently, a critical factor in the fight against hunger.

Conclusion

Looking ahead, the Kauai Food Bank remains steadfast in its mission to eliminate hunger on the island. As the island’s economy continues to recover from the pandemic’s effects, the food bank’s role will be more important than ever. By providing not only food but also hope and support, the Kauai Food Bank is a lifeline for many residents, ensuring that the island’s beauty is reflected not just in its landscape, but in the well-being of its people.

– Christian Core

Christian is based in Princeville, HI, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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3 Ways Mothers Can Be Lifted Out of Poverty

MothersPoverty disproportionately affects women, particularly mothers. For instance, in 2017, 20% of women in the United Kingdom (U.K.) were living in poverty compared to 18% of men. Additionally, 90% of single mothers experience poverty. While the proportion of men facing poverty has decreased in recent years, the rate for women has remained stalled. Here are some of the ways mothers can be lifted out of poverty:

Better Provision for the Essential Living Costs

Governments can address poverty by improving support for essential living costs faced by families. By covering expenses for heating and electricity through targeted schemes for the most vulnerable, working families can make fewer sacrifices. Such programs would eliminate the difficulty of buying groceries and maintaining a warm home. This support would enable families to focus more on spending quality time with their children and provide mothers with much-needed respite.

Child Care Provisions

Child care provisions also provide a hopeful potential solution. High child care costs act as a key barrier for parents who work. Fees are an additional financial factor that particularly impacts lower-income parents during school holidays. Suppose countries can implement better universal child care provisions. In that case, the gap between accessibility for low- and high-income parents can be closed. Parents can focus on work and career progression, leading to better wages for their families. Children can interact with other children and develop their creativity and imagination. Creating these schemes will, therefore, benefit both the parents and the children. 

Turning to a success story, Sweden works as a model for other countries, providing hope that these solutions are attainable when put into practice. The “income packaging” approach to the welfare state adopted in Scandinavian countries promotes female involvement in the world of work. By providing children’s allowances, mothers can focus on work rather than entirely on ensuring that child care measures are in place. This enables greater career progression and mothers to work more hours rather than being confined to part-time roles due to child care commitments. 

Income Transfers and Support for Parents in Employment

Implementing schemes with more generous income transfers and support for working parents has effectively reduced poverty. In countries like the U.K., where social transfer systems are limited, support for vulnerable working families falls short, resulting in higher poverty rates. In contrast, Scandinavian countries provide more comprehensive support for single mothers. This targeted approach ensures that the assistance is more effective and beneficial. Additionally, the direct benefits can be assessed more efficiently, allowing for easier adjustments and improvements as needed.

Final Remark

The changes required to lift mothers and their children out of poverty are achievable. With a global commitment to supporting this group, effective tax redistribution and improved support schemes can help break the cycle of poverty. By implementing these measures, future generations of families can be lifted out of poverty and provided with greater opportunities for a better life.

   – Sarah Littleton

Sarah Littleton is based in London, U.K. and focuses on Good News, Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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3 Agricultural NGOs in East Timor

Agricultural NGOs in East TimorEast Timor is a small Pacific island near Australia and Indonesia. Of its economically active citizens, nearly 80% are active in agriculture. Agriculture makes up 25.4% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), with its main exports being coffee, rice, corn, beans and more. As the main activity and source of income for most of the population, agriculture is vital for East Timor’s economy and people. Despite being a crucial sector of the economy, many Timorese farmers lack high-quality equipment and knowledge of sustainable crop production methods, leading to low yields and poor-quality crops. This is where agricultural nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in improving farming practices in East Timor. Here are three examples of NGOs focused on enhancing agricultural development in the region.

RAEBIA

RAEBIA is a local organization that promotes conservation agriculture to support communities. In response to challenges such as drought and adverse climatic conditions, the organization focuses on teaching sustainable farming techniques to rural farmers in East Timor, ensuring agricultural practices are resilient and future-oriented.

To achieve its goals, RAEBIA operates two key programs—Seeds of Survival and Community Seed Banking. Through these initiatives, the organization has established two community seed banks, which serve as local institutions to preserve seeds. Additionally, several hectares of farmland have been conserved using techniques like terracing, controlled grazing and controlled deforestation.

By teaching and implementing these practices, farming in East Timor can become sustainable as the soil quality improves. The programs have also committed to educating the local communities on combating climate emergencies and empowering local leaders in the farming community, including women and youth.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is another NGO operating in Timor Leste and it is working to support the country’s agricultural census and management systems for its agriculture. Guided by its Country Programming Framework (CPF), FAO works to improve farming livelihoods and support smallholder fishing. For example, FAO collaborated with the Secretary of State of Fisheries to develop sustainable marine management in East Timor. Furthermore, it strengthened regional and national fisheries governance.

Additionally, FAO also donated money to East Timor’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries to enhance their monitoring and evaluation capacity. This was achieved by developing a system and improving its planning, programming and decision-making, using the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries data. FAO’s goal was to push East Timor’s aquaculture to enhance from the top down, with the government using “the developed M&E system to inform evidence-based policy planning and decisions.”

The Global Agriculture and Food Security Program

The NGO has a program operating in East Timor called the Sustainable Agriculture Productivity Improvement Program (SAPIP) that focuses on increasing smallholder agriculture productivity. In rural areas, crops are typically watered only by rainfall due to a lack of proper irrigation equipment. These crops are often grown through unsustainable small-scale subsistence farming on poor-quality soil.

SAPIP aims to enhance food security in East Timor by boosting public sector investments to increase smallholder agricultural productivity. Furthermore, it connects farmers to markets, helps mitigate risks such as floods and offers technical assistance. The NGO plans to train farmers using the Farmer Field School model. This will equip them with knowledge of good agricultural practices and demonstrate the benefits of collective farming.

As of December 2021, SAPIP had benefited 70,121 people, 47% of whom were women. This has been achieved by providing 123,554 days of training to scientists, extension agents, agro-dealers, farmers and community members to boost agricultural productivity. Additionally, 14,386 farmers became members of associations, approaching the end target of 16,500. SAPIP has made a substantial impact on East Timor’s agricultural communities.

Conclusion

These three agricultural NGOs in East Timor each have slightly different focuses, but all share the goal of improving and strengthening the country’s agriculture sector. Whether by promoting sustainable practices, uniting and empowering farming communities or advancing aquaculture, all three organizations have significantly contributed to enhancing East Timor’s agriculture quality.

– Hannah Chang

Hannah is based in Philadelphia, PA, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Common

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Monkeypox Outbreak in Africa

monkeypox outbreakCOVID-19 was a difficult time for everyone. Not only did we see extreme drawbacks in the economy, but drawbacks socially and personally as well. The world has worked hard to move on from a time of social isolation, and face masks, but a new problem has begun to arise that threatens the world’s plans for global stability. Monkeypox, now known as Mpox is a rare disease that leads to a rash and flu-like symptoms. There are two strains that affect a multitude of people at different rates and are contracted in various ways. Infected are commonly found in central African countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda, and Rwanda. These countries are now facing high rates of spreading, stirring tensions and concerns of another global crisis and potential monkeypox outbreak.

Countries at Risk

Mpox is causing major outbreak fears in the DRC, Uganda and Kenya as people are starting to experience an increase in cases. Mpox in the DRC has reached over 15,000 reported cases, as of August 2024, making it the largest concentration of infected on the continent, and surrounding countries are at risk. Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda have now reported their first cases of monkeypox, and have begun taking necessary precautions to isolate the problem before more are infected.

The DRC and other countries are working hard to contain the threat; a mixture of existing economic setbacks and Mpox would be detrimental to the progress and stability Africa has worked hard to achieve. Mpox in the DRC is close to a total outbreak in the eastern provinces of South and North Kivu where millions of displaced people are living in overcrowded conditions, inevitably causing an immediate rise in cases.

Kwazulu Natal reported nine cases of Mpox and two confirmed deaths already in July 2024. Men between the ages of 17 through 43 were among the first groups to contract the disease in July 2024. Exposure can occur through contact with contaminated materials, infected animals or infected people, most notably through sexual contact. South Africa fears of growing community transmission in areas with high concentrations of vulnerable groups.

Monkeypox Outbreak: Solutions

Government organizations like UNICEF, WHO and the African CDC are working in partnerships to provide vaccines, services and information, and health kits to healthcare facilities across Africa. A collaboration with Gavi, the vaccine alliance has led to the approval of several projects aimed at containing and stopping Mpox in the DRC and other African countries.

Beginning in 2026, Gavi will start stockpiling vaccines, but progress will rely on funding, prequalification of a recommended vaccine and the availability of WHO Emergency Use Listing. Gavi will support outbreak response in DRC and surrounding countries in the meantime. The organization will invest in the learning agenda which aims to help inform and improve future vaccination efforts.

In 2022 the CDC Foundation activated the Emergency Response Fund, previously used to bolster support to communities and organizations when Ebola, Zika, and most recently COVID-19 threatened the world. Appealing with government and private entities the CDC aims to raise as much support as possible, the first of many donations coming from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Going through the COVID-19 pandemic, the world gained an experience. Support in awareness and advocacy of the problem that the monkeypox outbreak poses is necessary for low-income countries to receive help. The world has the chance to stop another pandemic from taking shape.

– Immanuel Wiggins

Immanuel is based in Jackson, MS, US and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Inequality and Mental Health Fuel Global Poverty

Inequality and Mental HealthInequality is not just an economic challenge; it’s deeply psychological, influencing how individuals perceive themselves, others and society. Disparities in living conditions and opportunities profoundly affect mental well-being, leading to cycles of marginalization that erode trust, weaken social cohesion and harm mental health. This acceptance of inequality can become entrenched in societal norms, making it harder to challenge. However, understanding these psychological dimensions also reveals avenues for political and social change, as shifting perceptions can fuel efforts to reduce these disparities.

Understanding Global Inequality

Global inequality is marked by the uneven distribution of resources, opportunities and power, leading to significant differences in living standards. This issue is not only global but also deeply rooted within nations where social stratification creates rigid hierarchies based on power, status and wealth. For instance, the bottom 50% of the global population controls just 2% of the world’s wealth, while the top 10% commands 76%. Although global inequality between countries has slightly decreased, internal disparities within nations have widened, revealing an alarming trend of growing inequality even as some global measures improve.

Psychological Dimensions of Inequality

  1. Perceptions and Their Impact: How people perceive inequality is crucial in understanding behavior and societal cohesion. Perceptions, shaped by relative or absolute measures, influence how individuals view their place in society and their potential for upward mobility. Misjudgments in these perceptions can obscure or exaggerate the true extent of inequality, affecting personal choices and reinforcing societal dynamics that perpetuate the status quo.
  2. Mental Health Consequences: tyle=”font-weight: 400;”>>The psychological toll of inequality is profound, particularly when it comes to mental health. Dr. Greig Inglis from the University of the West of Scotland, who has extensively researched poverty stigma and its mental health effects, explains, “The most commonly discussed form of poverty stigma is discrimination, where people living in poverty are treated unfairly because of their financial situation. However, there are other forms of stigma, such as the anxiety about how others might treat them in the future due to their financial difficulties.” Inglis further notes that “the evidence is clear that poverty stigma is detrimental to mental health, often leading to low self-esteem, depression and other signs of mental ill-health.”

This stigma often traps individuals in a cycle where mental illness and poverty exacerbate each other, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Mental health struggles can lead to exclusion from economic opportunities, further deepening poverty. Moreover, poor mental health is closely linked to other health problems, reducing productivity and economic stability. Addressing mental health in these populations is essential for breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality.

Mechanisms Perpetuating Poverty

  1. The Role of Perception and Self-Interest: People’s perceptions of inequality are shaped by their environment and personal interests, with social and media cues playing a significant role. These perceptions can lead to biased views that reinforce existing inequalities, as individuals support policies that align with their interests, often benefiting the wealthy at the expense of the poor.
  2. Income Disparities and Social Stratification: Income inequality is a major driver of poverty, creating entrenched cycles that are difficult to break. Social stratification further solidifies these disparities, limiting social mobility and trapping those born into poverty. Overcoming these barriers requires systemic change that addresses the root causes of inequality rather than just its symptoms.

Global Efforts to Tackle Inequality

The Business Commission to Tackle Inequality (BCTI) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have launched significant initiatives to address global inequality. BCTI’s 10-point action agenda focuses on embedding social performance and accountability into business practices. At the same time, the IMF has expanded its efforts to include fiscal redistribution, social spending and inclusive growth.

In response to COVID-19, the IMF doubled access to emergency financing, approving $116 billion for 85 countries, provided debt relief grants through the Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust (CCRT) and collaborated on the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) for low-income countries. Additionally, the IMF allocated $650 billion in Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) to bolster global economic stability during the crisis. These initiatives highlight the importance of addressing both the economic and psychological dimensions of inequality as part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce global poverty.

Conclusion

Addressing mental health and emotional barriers that sustain inequality can create more just and equitable societies. While economic growth is necessary, it alone may be insufficient; changing perceptions and breaking down psychological barriers are vital for fostering sustainable development and global social equity.

– Sandeep Kaur

Sandeep is based in Manchester, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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HIV in India: Working Towards Improving the Health Care

hiv in indiaMore than two decades ago, Bill and Melinda Gates learned about the contagious Rotavirus, present in several countries. The more they learned, the more devoted they became to helping. Higher-income countries could treat rotavirus with ease, but lower-income countries struggled with it, leading to many casualties. Hearing this, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation started working in India in 2003. The foundation launched the Avahan Program, which targeted HIV prevention. Avahan was incredibly successful in its endeavors, eliminating nearly 600,000 infections.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation also partnered with others to help the Indian government in defacing polio. These efforts were not easy; nearly 2.3 million volunteers helped with vaccination efforts, and their labors were fruitful. The efforts helped provide vaccines to 170 million children finally eradicating polio in India in 2014, according to the foundation’s website.

CDC in India

In 2001, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established its first Indian office in New Delhi. Establishing this office was one of the first steps to their end goal: eliminating any presence of HIV in India by 2030.

The CDC, partnering with National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) began advancing HIV treatment in India. They improved accessibility to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and viral load (VL) testing. With CDC, NACO created 740 ART centers in India, all providing specialized care, disease management and ART, according to a 2024 CDC report.

Regarding their laboratories, the CDC has worked on reaching remote areas through community-led testing, and access to PLHIV. Additionally, the CDC is collaborating with the Indian Government to create systems within their laboratories, dedicated to the early detection and management of HIV, along with continued care regarding cervical cancer, according to the same report.

The CDC and the Indian Government have partnered together regarding testing, targeting districts with a high HIV prevalence, including Mumbai, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Andhra Pradesh, according to the CDC. This partnership has led to an increased awareness and understanding regarding HIV.

USAID Project

Additionally, USAID and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine started a project to make HIV treatment available in socially remote areas. This program has opened several centers that help with treatment. There are centers dedicated to teenagers, where they have access to “sports, music, and life-skills programs, while also accessing counselling, social services and peer support on their HIV journey.”

This mix of services allows them to navigate life and challenges as they live with HIV. There are also centers for transgender people, that provide specialized treatment for HIV along with general healthcare services as well. In these specific centers, they provide stigma-free care, allowing for a more accepting, safe atmosphere for patients. There are also online platforms such as SafeZindagi.in, which can often be a faster or easier option for patients. It provides confidential care and counselling for those living with HIV.

HIV in India: The Future

Having centers like these available to the general public is a game-changer. Factors that may inhibit people from seeking care include stigma, transportation accessibility, cost, lack of awareness, and more. Programs like these, along with the work from the CDC and Indian government, are slowly tackling these issues and working towards a healthier India.

Now, around 2.5 million people are living with HIV in India, compared to the 39.9 million people living globally with HIV. Thanks to the efforts from the CDC, the Indian Government and USAID, HIV prevention in India is advancing in an upward trajectory.

– Lakshya Anand

Lakshya is based in Bellevue, WA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Investing in the Future: Education in Burundi

Education in BurundiThe landlocked African nation of Burundi is commonly known for its history of colonization and ethnic strife, which culminated in genocide against the Hutu majority by the powerful Tutsi minority in the ’90s. Since the resolution of its Civil War in 2005, Burundi has remained plagued by political corruption, specifically the bribing of low-level government officials. For example, 13% of citizens of Burundi reported their interactions in the education sector resulting in a bribe in 2014.

This corruption is especially harmful for the 42.2% population which is below the age of 15, as a lack of government funding and resources has contributed to a poor quality or complete lack of education. Fortunately, both government initiatives and external organizations have recognized this problem and sprung into action, bolstering programs in Burundi to forge an educated generation of citizens and develop the nation’s struggling economy.

Government Initiatives

Recognizing the vitality of an educated citizenry in promoting the development of a recently united nation, in 2005, Burundi’s government made primary education completely free. By 2022, this measure had the effect of a 118.5% gross primary enrollment rate, meaning 118.5% of the theoretical primary school population was actually enrolled in school. Already, immense benefits are visible in fields like mathematics and language; for students in second grade, for example, language proficiency jumped from 46% in 2014 to 79% in 2019.

Furthermore, the program has completely changed the old system, which favored the education of boys. By 2011, primary education enrollment was equal by gender. This change has huge implications for Burundian development. As women become more literate and have fewer children, they are more capable of taking on jobs and contributing to the economy rather than staying home to care for a large family.

While government efforts have been instrumental in increasing enrollment, more resources are still required to improve the quality of education in Burundi. Luckily, international organizations have recognized this need and stepped up to boost educational infrastructure:

Libraries Without Borders

Since 2014, Libraries Without Borders has offered digital learning to the youth in Burundi in the form of “Ideas Boxes” and “Ideas Cubes.” Ideas boxes present digital content with an Internet connection. At the same time, the cubes provide an offline library to students in rural areas. In just six months of operation, the first two ideas boxes in Burundi saw more than 24,000 visits from eager young students, specifically Congolese refugees and Burundians themselves from the village of Makamba. With funding from organizations like the Global Partnership for Education, we can expect to see the expansion of this program and improved multimedia forms of education in classrooms throughout the nation.

The United Nations Children’s Fund

To combat the poor quality of education, which has historically resulted in elevated dropout rates among Burundi’s schoolchildren, The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has worked with the nation’s Ministry of Education to both train teachers and build inclusive schools for children with disabilities. Furthermore, a yearly UNICEF “Back to School” campaign has sourced World Bank funding to provide teaching and learning materials such as notebooks and chalk to schools across Burundi. In 2022, for example, the campaign targeted six less-developed areas with higher dropout rates, successfully instilling the value of a quality education in students who had never experienced it before.

Final Note

Although the work is not done, government efforts and international assistance have made strides in education in Burundi. With further investment in education as the nation’s future, we can hope to see these generations mature to form a robust economy and lead Burundi toward more prosperous development.

– Cole Zickwolff

Cole is based in Carlsbad, CA, USA and focuses on Good News, Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project..

Photo: Flickr

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Bahar Charity: Combating Child Poverty in Iran

Child Poverty in IranChild poverty remains a pressing issue in Iran, affecting the lives of countless children and families. Material poverty is particularly prevalent in Iran, with significant disparities in access to essential services and resources, particularly in rural areas. Around 30% of the Iranian population lives in poverty, which leaves many children at risk. Rural children, particularly girls, face greater barriers to accessing education, health care and adequate nutrition, creating a cycle of poverty that is difficult to break.

This widespread poverty has far-reaching implications, including limited access to quality education, health care and social services, all of which are critical for the healthy development of children. Against this backdrop, organizations like Bahar Charity, a student-run group at the University of Toronto, Canada, have stepped in to make a tangible difference in the lives of disadvantaged children in Iran.

Bahar Charity

Founded in 2016, Bahar Charity was created by a group of friends in response to a natural disaster in Iran. This event spurred them to take action. They created a platform through which they could provide meaningful support to people back in their home country. As Nafiseh Ghoroghchian, the current president of Bahar Charity, explains, “Our vision is to build bridges between the North American, especially the Iranian community and Iran… to keep awareness of the challenges back home and provide help where we can.”

The charity aims to connect the Iranian diaspora in Canada, particularly the students and alums at the University of Toronto, with communities in Iran to support children who are struggling with poverty. The organization strives to foster a sense of solidarity and empathy among young Iranian Canadians while providing tangible assistance to those in need.

Partnerships and Collaborations

One of the most significant partnerships that Bahar Charity has developed is with Paradise Charity. This registered Canadian charity has been operating since 2001. Paradise Charity collaborates with nine nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) across different provinces in Iran, identifying underprivileged children and connecting them with sponsors in Canada. This partnership has allowed Bahar Charity to reach a wider audience and bring more support to the children in need.

Through this collaboration, Bahar Charity has established a child sponsorship program. It enables donors to sponsor a child in Iran for a minimum of $30 per month. The funds are primarily used to support the child’s education but can also be allocated for other necessities, such as health care, therapy or even household needs like repairing essential appliances. As of now, Bahar Charity has successfully gathered around 40 sponsors for approximately 60 children, ensuring that they receive continuous support for their education and well-being.

Key Initiatives and Programs

Bahar Charity has developed several initiatives to bridge the gap between the Iranian community in Canada and the underprivileged communities in Iran. Some of the key programs include:

  • Child Sponsorship Program: In collaboration with Paradise Charity, Bahar Charity has facilitated a sponsorship program that provides financial aid to underprivileged children. This program focuses on supporting children who have lost a parent or come from low-income families. It ensures they have access to education and basic needs. Indeed, the charity has managed to sponsor 60 children through the contributions of around 40 sponsors, creating a sustainable source of support for these children.
  • Fundraising Campaigns: Bahar Charity has organized multiple fundraising events to provide emergency relief in times of crisis. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it raised funds to supply oxygen tanks to low-income provinces in Iran suffering from a lack of medical supplies. Similarly, it conducted fundraising activities to support families affected by floods and other natural disasters in Iran.
  • Educational and Cultural Initiatives: Bahar Charity regularly hosts seminars, discussions and cultural events to raise awareness about the issues faced by children in Iran. These events serve to educate the broader community at the University of Toronto about Iranian culture. Additionally, they highlight the challenges faced by disadvantaged communities. Notably, it organized a photographic exhibition featuring photographs taken by underprivileged children in Iran. The event was a success, showcasing the artistic talents of the children while raising funds for their support.
  • Advocacy and Awareness: Beyond financial support, Bahar Charity is committed to raising awareness about child poverty in Iran and mobilizing support from the Iranian-Canadian community. It organizes seminars, talks and documentary screenings to foster discussions on relevant social issues, such as homelessness and education inequality in Iran. These events are open to both Iranian and non-Iranian audiences, helping to build a more inclusive community at the University of Toronto.

The Future of Child Poverty in Iran

Bahar Charity has made remarkable progress since its inception. It has built a solid partnership with Paradise Charity, established successful fundraising campaigns and developed programs that directly benefit children in need. Looking ahead, it aims to increase its volunteer base and seek more collaborations with other organizations. With more hands-on projects, such as workshops and one-on-one tutoring sessions for Iranian children, it hopes to make a more direct and meaningful impact.

– Jennifer Lee

Jennifer is based in Toronto, ON, Canada and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr