Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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Đổi Mới: Vietnam’s Rapidly Evolving Healthcare System

Đổi MớiFollowing the economic development precipitated by the launch of Đổi Mới in 1986, Vietnam has achieved status as a “middle-income economy in one generation.” The heightened demand for improved health care services has prompted a rapidly developing health care system transforming lives in Vietnam.  

How the Health Care System Has Developed

The Vietnamese Ministry of Health provides services at three levels: the district and commune levels, the provincial level and national institutions under central government control. This hierarchical system is employed to efficiently distribute services, extending them effectively from the grassroots level. As a result of such comprehensive progressions, there are many notable successes of the rapidly developing health care system transforming lives in Vietnam:

  • Hospital Infrastructure: The modernization and renovation of facilities in both public and private hospitals have created a myriad of opportunities for the establishment of new departments specializing in advanced treatments. This progress has not only led to improvements in addressing fundamental health issues like nutrition, immunization and hygiene but has also extended to more advanced areas of research. Consequently, Vietnam has successfully developed its vaccines for COVID-19, which have undergone clinical trials.
  • Medical Equipment: The rapidly developing health care system transforms lives in Vietnam through life-changing technologies, allowing for “breakthroughs in diagnostics, medical devices, medicines and nutrition.” By implementing “Alinity,” a system designed for simplifying diagnoses, in 18 hospitals, the Chicago-based company Abbott has made high level treatment accessible to the entire population.
  • Universal Health Coverage (UHC):UHC aims to provide affordable, high-quality services to all levels of society. Offering a “spectrum of services,” UHC goes beyond health promotion through education, treatment and rehabilitation, incorporating a “legal framework” and other interdisciplinary approaches. Through these comprehensive measures, the rapidly advancing health care system in Vietnam continues to bring about transformative changes in people’s lives.
  • Education: Vietnam’s commitment to health care development extends beyond providing treatment. It has also led to the establishment of a new medical school. Founded in 2018, VinUniversity achieved a “5-star QS rating in seven categories” within two years of operation, making it the “youngest university in the Asia-Pacific region” to accomplish this feat. Entering into a “formal alliance with the University of Pennsylvania in 2018,” VinUniversity is evidence of Vietnam’s efforts to utilize globalization and international support to bolster its health care services.

How Health Care Developments Help To Overcome Poverty in Vietnam

Health care is one of the most significant factors that affects poverty rates in any country. Given that “poor health is disproportionately concentrated among the poor,” Vietnam can seldom achieve poverty reduction without improved health care. Through its efforts to revolutionize the health care system, Vietnam has expanded high-quality services to those most impacted by poor health nationwide. This initiative not only improves the overall health of the population but also enhances economic opportunities for those severely affected by poverty, increasing their “ability to work” and potential for “educational attainment.”

Vietnam, significantly assisted by its rapidly developing health care system, has “attained its Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of halving its poverty rate 10 years before the deadline set by the U.N.” Poverty reduction has occurred so rapidly that, whereas in 2021, 4.4% of the population lived below the national poverty line, by 2023, this figure has dropped to 2.93%.

Challenges Facing Vietnam’s Health Care 

Although the rapidly developing health care system is transforming lives in Vietnam, many areas require further attention, evidencing the need for continued funding and support from both within the country and outside.

Vietnam’s health care system continues to operate through “manual, paper-based reporting systems.” Consequently, data integration and distribution are currently inefficient processes. 

Despite a significant increase in the number of health care workers, rising from 15,000 in 1986 to 109,500 by 2021, the distribution of workers is not “relative to population density,” resulting in the neglect of more rural populations by the rapidly developing system.

However, strategies are in place to tackle this issue, including the increased implementation of “telemedicine,” offering consultation and diagnosis online. This, however, requires technological improvements in the rural communities themselves, demanding increased funding and subsequent international support. 

Underfunding

The Vietnamese health care system faces challenges in sustainability and further development without an augmentation of funding. “In particular, insufficient resources are allocated to health care infrastructure, equipment and staff training.” Therefore, many patients have no choice but to resort to “out-of-pocket payments,” which can be a “significant financial burden for low-income families.” Increased international aid is necessary to support the health care system, supporting the Vietnamese government in achieving UHC and reducing the need for low-income patients to subsidize their own medical demands.

Conclusion

The rapidly developing health care system transforms lives in Vietnam by providing innovative, highly advanced treatments and financing research into preventative methods. Largely government-funded, Vietnamese health care is now accessible to all demographics and can tackle both basic health needs and more complex issues.

– Chloe Thomas
Photo: Flickr

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WOBA: Addressing Period Poverty in Vietnam

Period Poverty in VietnamThe 2018-2022 Vietnamese program, Women-led Output-Based Aid (WOBA), aimed to tackle poor water sanitation, reducing period poverty in Vietnam and cultural taboos surrounding menstruation. First established by the key Vietnamese network East Meets West (EMW), the female-led force wished to tackle gender inequality and attitudes to menstruation in Vietnam’s poorest communities.   

With the help of the Vietnam Women’s Union (VMU), an organization with more than 13 million members nationwide, EMW’s program WOBA has expanded to the most marginalized households and women. Their collaboration has continued to make positive changes to period poverty in Vietnam. 

Vietnam’s Stigma Towards Menstruation

Medical News Today defines period poverty as the political, cultural and socio-economic “barriers to menstrual products, education and sanitation.” Period poverty in Vietnam may have harmful impacts on women’s lives. This includes their mental health, health and hygiene, work balance and education. Further, lacking access to menstrual products may result in dangerous infections and an increase in possible toxic shock syndrome. The stigma surrounding menstruation often results in women’s exclusion from the community. 

WOBA’s Support

WOBA sought to decrease the gender inequalities that have disproportionately disadvantaged women’s access to sanitary water. The program’s primary objectives include increasing access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in marginalized communities and reducing menstrual stigma and exclusion targeted at women. Its fight against period poverty in Vietnam focused on the poorest areas, including Hoa Binh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh and Ben Tre.

By 2022, WOBA had set several crucial objectives to enhance water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) initiatives. These goals encompassed reinforcing governmental efforts in implementing WASH policies, improving accessibility and utilization of WASH facilities in marginalized communities, empowering women and advocating for hygienic practices. A significant focus was also placed on delivering clean water to female-led households. 

Noteworthy accomplishments of the program included assisting 52,580 women and girls in managing menstrual hygiene challenges. Additionally, installing hygienic latrines for 18,000 marginalized households and establishing new water connections benefiting 8,000 households facing economic hardship. 

Truong Thi Hoa’s Story

Truong Thi Hoa is the “President of the Tan Xuan Commune Women’s Union in Nghe An province.” She fights to tackle harmful taboos and empower women to engage with menstruation hygiene safely in her Vietnamese communities. In a conversation with Water for Women in 2023, she opened up about her experience with menstrual stigma. She recalls feeling “ashamed and afraid to meet others or go to school during her period.”

Truong Thi Hoa wishes to bring dignity to women affected by period poverty in Vietnam. Her training sessions educate women on the appropriate use of sanctuary products. In the same conversation with Water for Women, she believes inviting men into the conversation “is an efficient way to support, understand and share the health care burden with women and girls.”

Truong Thi Hoa feels that an essential step in breaking cultural taboo is for women to invite their husbands to her organized training sessions. For Truong Thi Hoa, men are vital allies who help bring gender equality to Vietnam’s attitudes toward menstrual hygiene.

Long-Term Improvements

Period poverty in Vietnam has dramatically improved with the aid of the  WOBA program. During the program, EMW collaborated with Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), which funded “national consultants on menstrual health and hygiene.” Its educational sessions continue the work of individuals like Truong Thi Hoa, providing informative conversations and practices with women about their “hygiene and sanitation needs” and menstrual health.

Furthermore, EMW’s WASH program has continued to aid schools in Vietnam. Due to challenging weather conditions, families are often deprived of clean water. In response, the initiative “installs water filtration systems and hand washing basins” in rural and mountainous schools where access to clean water may be a daily struggle. Additionally, the program’s educational initiative continues to raise awareness about the importance of personal hygiene in schools. Its conduction of “a behavior change campaign promoting hand washing” continues to reduce period poverty in Vietnam.

UNICEF’s Report on Menstrual Health in East Asia

In 2023, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) released a regional progress review on Menstrual Health in East Asia. UNICEF commended the positive observance of Menstrual Hygiene Day by Thrive Networks/East Meets West Foundation Vietnam as an ongoing effort to combat period poverty in Vietnam. The report underscored that the foundation’s work “contributed to increasing menstrual health awareness.” As well as helped “gain attention from one of the high-ranking government officials.”

Looking Forward

While many women struggle with period poverty in Vietnam, integral organizations such as EMW and its projects, such as WOBA, have successfully aided the improvements of menstrual hygiene for many women.

– Kasia Flisiuk
Photo: Unsplash

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Bilingual Education and reduced Child Labor in Peru

The Link between Bilingual Education and reduced Child Labor in Peru Peru, a country in western South America has struggled in the past to address the challenges of child labor. Recent studies and programs point to bilingual education as a key strategy in combating poverty and potentially creating a brighter future for the nation’s children. These developments suggest bilingual education might play a crucial role in addressing child labor in Peru, offering a hopeful path forward in the struggle against this enduring challenge. In addition, by offering instruction in both indigenous languages and Spanish, these educational initiatives provide more accessible and relevant learning experiences for indigenous children.

Child labor in Peru

Conducted in 2015, the National Child Labor Survey found 1,619,200 children engaged in some form of labor in Peru. The largest sector of child labor is in the agricultural industry at 63.8%. However, various other industries also exploit child labor in the country. A hazardous business comes in small-scale mining. Here children are used informally and are at risk of being exposed to harmful gases, mercury poisoning, mining collapse and even landslides and explosive accidents.

Illegal mining also poses a threat to local communities with child trafficking commonplace. In these instances, commercial sexual exploitation and forced child labor can devastate lives in the mining regions of Peru. It is also worth noting that the level of child labor in coastal and urban regions was far lower than that of rural and jungle regions. This disparity shows the added struggle that indigenous Peruvians have in securing their children’s safety and future.

Bilingual Education

The good news can be found in the research paper “Bilingual Education and Child Labor: Lessons from Peru.” Written by Professor Alberto Posso, Head of the Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics at Griffith University’s Business School. Published by the “Journal of Economic Behaviour and Organization” Posso notes the correlation between indigenousness and increased levels of poverty in the country.

While Peru’s illiteracy rate sits at 6%, indigenous people in the country represent 4% of that figure. To address this challenge, the Peruvian government has promoted bilingual programs that aim to retain indigenous children in schools and support their traditional cultural values while also teaching the national language of Spanish.

The National Department for Intercultural Bilingual Education (DINEBI) has significantly impacted bilingual education by providing teacher training courses to 16,000 individuals. Additionally, initiatives like the Project on Education in Rural Areas (PEAR) promote intercultural dialogue. This dialogue not only enriches understanding of life in Peru’s indigenous communities but also offers innovative approaches to education and early childhood learning, aiming for more inclusive and culturally diverse educational environments.

The Results

Government-supported bilingual education initiatives in Peru have led to a 12%-18% decrease in child labor. According to Professor Posso’s research, similar policies could boost the number of hours indigenous children spend in school by 38%. Above all, bilingual education emerges as a crucial tool not only in Peru but also in national and international efforts to combat child labor and poverty. It underscores the importance of community-specific initiatives in acknowledging the unique ways poverty affects majority groups and marginalized communities.

– Thomas Field
Photo: Unsplash

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Project ERTAD: 4 Year Plan To Revitalize Georgia

Project ERTADProject ERTAD (Empowerment, Resilience, Transformation and Development) represents a four year scheme to ameliorate the socio-economic conditions of the most vulnerable families in Georgia experiencing poverty. The project is a joint effort by the organizations World Vision Georgia, World Vision Germany, LEPL Social Service Agency and Danish Refugee Council in Georgia. Receiving financial support of up to 5 million Euros from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and reaching out towards 750 families across five regions of the country, Project ERTAD will strive to provide support in areas relating to social protection, livelihoods promotion, financial inclusion and social empowerment.

Over a three-year period, the poverty rate in Georgia has steadily declined from 21.3% to 15.6% in 2022. Moreover, the rate of unemployment has also witnessed a decrease from 20.6% in 2021 to 18.1% in 2022.

Project ERTAD’s Aims

Project ERTAD seeks to build upon this progress through the employment of 160 front-line civil servants tasked with executing the ultra-poor graduation model to assist the families exposed to the worst impacts of poverty in Georgia. By providing the most vulnerable families with support through an approach referred to as the Ultra-Poor Graduation (UPG) approach, the poorest households will receive increased socio-economic inclusion, transferable technical skills, and access to social and financial markets to enhance their communities. The five regions where this project will be launched include Kakheti, Imereti, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Adjara and Samegrelo. 

‘‘Our organization’s main priority is strengthening families and in this way helping children. We believe that through our international experience and methodology practiced globally, we will succeed and help families to overcome poverty,” confirmed Ekaterine Gurgenadze, Director of World Vision Georgia.

World Vision’s History

World Vision has a history stretching back more than 70 years. Founded in 1950 in Oregon, the organization originates from the generosity of its founder Bob Pearce who, after giving the last $5 in his pocket to an abandoned Chinese girl in 1947, sought to prioritize the needs of the helpless both nationwide and globally. Initially providing emergency services to the people of East Asia, the charity has since expanded to become the largest Christian non-government organization with operations in nearly 100 countries worldwide. 

With a strong emphasis upon the Christian faith, World Vision extends its support globally by providing emergency responses to victims of war and natural disasters. For example, the charity lent its support to the victims of the 2023 earthquake in Turkey and Syria and continues to provide support for those enduring the respective conflicts in Syria and Ukraine. 

World Vision Georgia

World Vision’s operations in Georgia primarily address issues pertaining to street poverty and internally displaced individuals including migrants, refugees, stateless individuals and asylum seekers within its borders. The organization estimates that there are 250,000 internally displaced people. This includes 30,000 international migrants. Despite the progress in addressing poverty nationwide, the charity estimates that there are 2,000 children in Georgia living on the streets in major cities such as Tbilisi.

By implementing schemes such as the Child Rights Code, 21,447 children have thus far received support from World Vision. Such commitment extends towards creating Child Protection Units to improve the Child Welfare and Protection System. This includes establishing day care centers and 24/7 shelters to provide these children with food, along with medical and emotional support on a daily basis. Moreover, 19,260 displaced individuals have benefitted from World Vision’s education, empowerment, integration and protection services. 

Looking Ahead

Project ERTAD will ultimately build upon the work achieved thus far by World Vision in Georgia. Launched this year and extending towards 2026, the project reflects the Georgian government’s poverty alleviation plan by incorporating the best approaches towards elevating the social service system in Georgia.

– Thomas Perry
Photo: Pixabay

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The Robin Hood Foundation: A Beacon of Hope in South Africa

The Robin Hood Foundation: A Beacon of Hope in South Africa In the heart of South Africa, where socio-economic disparities loom large and the gap between privilege and poverty seems impossible, there shines a beacon of hope – the Robin Hood Foundation. This charitable organization, rooted in the belief that even the smallest actions can create profound change, has helped transform lives and communities nationwide.

Small Acts Big Change

The Robin Hood Foundation’s journey began with the founder, Cindy Norcott, realizing that the average person can make a meaningful difference in the world. Norcott witnessed the impact of donating her children’s outgrown baby clothes and was motivated to start the Love the Babies project. Within a few months, Norcott and her team of volunteers saw more need and started the Gogo bags project, which lightened the need of grandmothers, or Gogos, who had taken on their orphaned grandchildren.

Whether through donating time, resources, or expertise, the foundation exemplifies how seemingly small gestures can culminate in profound transformations. In addition, by channeling the goodwill and generosity of ordinary citizens, the foundation sparks a ripple effect of positivity that resonates far beyond its initial inception.

Nurturing Tomorrow’s Leaders

Central to the foundation’s efforts is its unwavering commitment to empowering youth. Recognizing that young people hold the key to the country’s future, the Robin Hood Foundation invests in programs designed to nurture people’s potential and provide them with opportunities for growth and development. Moreover, from educational scholarships to skills training initiatives, these efforts aim to break the cycle of poverty and unlock the untapped talents of South Africa’s youth.

Uplifting the Community

The foundation also supports grassroots organizations deeply embedded within their communities. By partnering with local initiatives, the Robin Hood Foundation ensures that its interventions are both helping the less privileged in the community and using the resources, knowledge and expertise of the community to best meet its needs. In an interview, Norcott explained that the goal of the foundation is to mobilize resources from businesses and individuals in the community and put them directly into the hands of the less fortunate in the community.

Addressing the Realistic Issues

One thing that stands out about this organization is the fact that it addresses very specific needs that it has identified in the communities in which it works. Child-headed households are one of the most underserved. On its website, the foundation creates a space where donors can sponsor a child-headed household for $54 per month. Furthermore, the Robin Hood Foundation has created a space where people can donate nonperishable food items, sponsor a truck and driver to transport goods to projects, donate clothes and shoes, donate dog and cat food and even knit or crochet beanies and blankets for those in need.

Food Security

One of the foundation’s flagship initiatives is its food security program, which aims to combat hunger and malnutrition in impoverished communities. Through its food donations and projects, the Robin Hood Foundation works to ensure that no one goes to bed hungry. During the 2022 floods in the Kwa-Zulu Natal region, the foundation could donate and distribute 14 tons of food and 1,3 tons of water to the individuals displaced and otherwise affected by the natural disaster.

Moreover, as an everyday solution, the Robin Hood Foundation has a project called the Sarmie Army. This project takes place weekly and includes multiple volunteers gathering weekly to make sandwiches and distribute them to impoverished schools in the area.

The Robin Hood Foundation embodies the impact of collective action, illustrating how small acts of kindness can lead to significant changes. It shines by providing critical support through educational programs, collaborations with local organizations, initiatives tailored to specific needs and strategies aimed at enhancing food security. Above all, this foundation not only offers essential aid to those in dire situations but also motivates the broader community to engage in efforts to combat poverty and inequality.

– Danielle Schaafsma
Photo: Unsplash

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3 Nonprofits Providing Relief to South Sudanese Refugees

3 Nonprofits Providing Relief to South Sudanese RefugeesIn the aftermath of Sudan’s brutal civil war of 1983-2005, which tallied approximately 2 million deaths, two separate states emerged in 2011. The southern territory became the Republic of South Sudan, primarily home to Christian and indigenous animist religious groups. However, violence persisted as unresolved conflicts between Sudan and South Sudan, including border disputes and religious differences. Consequently, brutality against South Sudanese refugees, including degrees of sexual violence, is labeled appalling by the United States (U.S.) Department of State.

Seeking a life free from brutality, more than 4 million people, 65% of whom are children, have fled the country as refugees. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) recognizes Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda as the primary host countries for South Sudanese refugees. The rest of this article will examine the nonprofits operating in these countries to deliver aid.

South Sudanese Refugees and Amnesty International

Amnesty International tackled the refugee crisis by documenting hardships and urging the global community to honor its financial pledges. In 2017, it emphasized Uganda’s crucial role in hosting 1 million South Sudanese refugees, underscoring the urgent need for improved support and resources.

In addition, the organization actively engaged in the refugee crisis by dispatching researchers to assess the situation in four refugee camps, highlighting the severe funding shortfall’s impact on necessities like food, water and shelter. It found a desperate demand for food, water and shelter. By May 2017, Amnesty International observed that 82% of the pledged funds to the UNHCR remained unmet, exacerbating the food scarcity and worsening living conditions in the camps.

However, the organization, with the UNHCR, the World Food Program and 57 other aid agencies, pushed for substantial improvements in funding increases. Consequently, UNHCR’s funding receipt improved to 46% by 2023, compared to the previous 18%.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

Since 2006, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has been active in refugee aid, focusing on emergency response and programs addressing global displacement. It emphasizes support for African refugee camps, partnering with UNHCR to launch the Saving Newborn Lives in Refugee Settings project in countries including South Sudan, Kenya and Ethiopia, benefiting South Sudanese refugees.

In addition, the project emphasizes family planning and newborn health, equipping health facilities with essential equipment, supplies and oversight, along with offering training and mentoring. These efforts significantly enhance the capacity of health workers at refugee sites to deliver neonatal care services.

The program has been designed to provide knowledge in infant resuscitation and how to prevent post-partum hemorrhage. Knowledge of newborn care essential to its survival has also been disseminated, to decrease infant mortality rates in the two years after birth.

Furthermore, the Gates Foundation collaborates on initiatives to enhance sanitation at refugee camps. Its Waste-to-Value projects introduce advanced technologies, including container-based toilets that convert waste to energy. The UNHCR highlights these efforts as crucial for improving sanitation at refugee sites.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC)

Since 1989, the IRC has been a major aid provider in southern Sudan, focusing on health care improvement, including training health workers and enhancing nutrition and sanitation services. It has put South Sudan on crisis watch, dedicating efforts to strengthen health care infrastructure and support services.

Moreover, the program’s training encompasses collaboration with health workers on essential and reproductive care, enhancing community leaders and urging government officials to support survivors of sexual violence.

The IRC provided aid to 1.1 million South Sudanese refugees in 2019 through its nutrition services and well restoration, combating disease spread. The IRC’s comprehensive training programs aim to rebuild displaced lives and foster peace. Highlighting the importance of donations, the IRC underscores that continuous financial support is crucial for refugee families to survive, recover and rebuild.

– Kayleigh O’Brien
Photo: Unsplash

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Revolutionizing Education in Rural India with Mobile Schools

Revolutionizing Education in Rural India with Mobile SchoolsIndia, with its vast and diverse rural expanse, faces significant challenges in providing quality education to every child. Geographic isolation, socio-economic barriers and a shortage of infrastructure often leave rural children with limited or no access to schooling. In response to these challenges, innovative mobile schools emerge as a beacon of hope, transforming education in rural India.

Moreover, operating from buses outfitted with educational materials, technology and dedicated teaching staff, these schools bridge the gap, make education accessible and contribute to the fight against poverty through education. This article explores the inception, impact and future of mobile schools in India, underlining their significance in societal betterment and the innovative approach of mobile classrooms.

The Significance of Education in Societal Betterment

Education is universally acknowledged as a fundamental pillar for societal development and poverty alleviation. In India, where a significant portion of the population resides in rural areas, the disparity in educational access exacerbates the cycle of poverty.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) emphasizes that education is crucial for sustainable development, as it empowers individuals with the knowledge, skills and values needed to live and work sustainably. Mobile schools in India embody this principle by extending educational opportunities to marginalized communities, thus playing a vital role in societal upliftment.

The Innovative Approach of Mobile Classrooms

Mobile schools in India utilize buses converted into classrooms to reach remote villages. These buses are equipped with learning materials, digital technology and a team of educators, offering a comprehensive curriculum ranging from basic literacy and numeracy to environmental education and digital literacy. The Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation, for instance, operates with the vision of holistic education and development in rural and tribal India, running numerous mobile schools that serve as a model for nonformal education.

One innovative example is the “School Bus Project” by the NGO Round Table India, which has successfully converted buses into mobile classrooms to provide education to children in slums and remote villages. These mobile schools are not only about academic learning but also focus on extracurricular activities and health education, ensuring a well-rounded development for the children.

New Developments in Mobile School Initiatives

The mobile school initiative in India is continually evolving, integrating new technologies and pedagogical approaches to enhance the learning experience. Some mobile schools incorporate solar power and satellite internet connectivity, exemplifying this evolution and enabling the use of digital learning tools and resources in areas without electricity or internet infrastructure.

Furthermore, partnerships with tech companies lead to the development of customized educational apps and platforms tailored to the needs of rural students, enabling personalized learning experiences.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite their success, mobile schools in India face several challenges. These include the maintenance of vehicles, scalability to more remote areas, and the adaptation of curriculum and teaching methods to the diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds of rural students. Additionally, it is crucial to sustain funding and support from governmental and nongovernmental organizations for the long-term impact of these initiatives.

Looking Forward

Mobile schools in India represent a remarkable innovation in education, offering a lifeline to children in rural areas who are otherwise deprived of learning opportunities. By overcoming geographical and socio-economic barriers, these mobile classrooms play a pivotal role in the fight against poverty through education.

Above all, as this initiative continues to grow and evolve, it holds the promise of shaping a brighter future for rural India, where every child has access to quality education. Moreover, the success of mobile schools underscores the importance of innovative solutions in addressing educational disparities and highlights the transformative power of education in societal betterment.

– Hosna Hossain
Photo: Unsplash

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Haiti Remains Resilient

HaitiDespite having faced multiple challenges and with “more than half of its population living below the poverty line,” the people of Haiti remain resilient. Haiti was once the wealthiest colony in the Americas producing sugar, coffee, cacao, cotton and indigo. Today Haiti is the poorest country in Latin America and the Caribbean region. As of 2023, some 4.4 million people, 40% of Haiti’s population, are facing acute food insecurity according to the United Nations (UN) Humanitarian Affairs Agency, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). In 2022, Haiti ranked 163 out of 191 countries on the United Nationals Human Development Index.

Today the country needs economic growth. Although humanitarian assistance could alleviate some urgent needs it does not address the root of the current economic and political paralysis Haiti faces. Eradicating poverty is vital to Haiti’s economic growth. The existence of poverty leaves Haiti open to corruption and impedes the growth of the economy. Poverty in Haiti is so excruciating that most of the Haitian population finds it almost impossible to meet their basic needs such as shelter, health care and food.

International Support

The United Solar Associates partnered with the Ministries of Aides International Organization and delivered an “Off-Grid Photovoltaic System” designed by the Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Massachusetts. The system was installed at the Port-Margot School Solar Project in Haiti to eliminate the existing problem of intermittent electricity. Students and residents will benefit from reliable service of electricity to their computers, copiers and printers in the computer learning center.

Furthermore, the Ministry of National Education registered “more than a million students, more than 17,000 schools and more than 30,000 teachers” in its 2023 data collection.

In addition, the University of Miami (UM) Miller School of Medicine physicians and staff treated more than 250 critically injured within 48 hours of arriving in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. Subsequently, they have provided telemedicine consultations, fundraising and communications support.

Post-Earthquake Projects

Next, the World Bank provided support to Haiti following the 2010 earthquake and the 2016 hurricane has achieved significant results. Moreover, there are 18 active projects focusing on energy, education health, agriculture, water, infrastructure, disaster risk management and sanitation and the World Bank has invested more than $1.2 million as of October 2023, according to its website.

Finally, the International Development Association (IDA) financed 456,000 tuition waivers for Haiti residents and developed a school feeding program that will provide meals to over 23,000 students. IDA’s intervention also provided cholera education and prevention training to more than 3 million people. In 2011, there were 350,000 cases of Cholera. Since 2019, there have been “no laboratory-confirmed cases.”

“The Heart Has a Memory”

Scholars argue the truth to be found in Friedrich Nietzsche’s statement, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” Perhaps the memory of having once been the richest colony is the root of Haitian resilience. “The heart has a memory of its own and it has forgotten not one thing; and yet, all seems to slip away in the blink of an eye.”

– Pamela Fenton
Photo: Unsplash

Elderly Poverty in Brunei

Elderly Poverty in BruneiIn 2023, a significant demographic milestone emerged with broad social and economic impacts: the global population of adults aged 50 surpassed the number of children under 15 for the first time. Brunei Darussalam, a small, oil-rich Islamic country on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia, faces challenges associated with this shift. Ranked as one of the world’s wealthiest nations due to its vast oil and gas reserves, Brunei’s population of 455,858 sees a contrast with a poverty rate of 5%, positioning it 11th out of 78 countries.

Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS), highlighted the profound economic impact of the aging global population, noting the substantial expenditures on health care, research and support services. Furthermore, Hajah pointed out the rapid growth of the aging population and its broad implications. During Brunei’s chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2021, Johari emphasized Brunei’s leadership in endorsing the ASEAN Comprehensive Framework on Care Economy.

Additionally, in 2017, an action plan spanning five years was adopted to enhance elderly development, welfare and protection, aiming to create a senior-friendly support system and reduce elderly poverty in Brunei. Unfortunately, an aging demographic compounded by an ominous surge in noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, cancer, chronic respiratory disease and diabetes challenges Brunei’s socio-economic development.

Addressing Poverty and Social Protection in Brunei

Bruneians who live in poverty prefer to use the phrasings “living in need” and “difficult life” over “poverty” and “poor.” This exchange of phrasings intends to protect an individual’s self-confidence and self-esteem. Yet this preference challenges officials’ attempts to accurately assess the severity of poverty and implement targeted interventions.

However, Brunei’s social protection schemes encounter challenges. These challenges include limited coverage, differential treatment between public and private sectors, exclusion of unemployed individuals and inadequate support for vulnerable groups such as divorcees, widows/widowers, single parents, orphans, the abused and disabled people.

The Dual Impact of an Ageing Society

Across developing countries, evidence showcases the productivity, creativity, vitality and participation of older adults in workplaces, communities, households and families. According to ageInternational, some of the pros of an aging society include:

  • Consumer Market: Older adults can create new opportunities in the consumer market with higher disposable incomes and specific needs that can drive economic growth.
  • Accumulated Knowledge: An aging population can possess a wealth of knowledge and experience, beneficial for education and mentorship.
  • Stable Workforce: Older individuals provide greater stability in employment as they switch jobs less frequently.

In addition, the aging population significantly impacts the labor market. The dependency ratio, which compares the number of economically inactive individuals to those who are economically active, is set to increase. According to the International Labour Organization, some of the cons of an aging society include:

  • Labor Shortages: Addressing the need to create jobs for young individuals and encourage lifelong learning for older individuals to acquire new skills.
  • Pension and Retirement Challenges: Ensuring adequate pensions and financial support for retirees.
  • Limited Social Support Systems: Establishing social support systems, including affordable housing and accessible transportation, to enhance the quality of life.
  • Health care Costs: Investing in health care infrastructure to meet the growing needs of an aging population and prioritizing preventive health care measures.

Brunei at a Demographic Crossroads

As Brunei Darussalam navigates through its complex demographic and health landscape, proactive and holistic measures become imperative for securing the future prosperity of its people. Moreover, by addressing the multifaceted challenges head-on, Brunei is poised to set a precedent for demographic resilience and health sustainability.

Above all, the nation’s commitment to comprehensive solutions promises not only to enhance the well-being of its aging population and reduce elderly poverty in Brunei but also to pave the way for long-term national growth. At this pivotal juncture, Brunei’s journey offers valuable insights into the power of foresight and action in shaping a thriving society.

– Pamela Fenton
Photo: Unsplash

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How ActionAid International Is Improving Public Health in Kenya

ActionAidDespite Kenya being one of the largest and most developed countries in Eastern and Central Africa, it still grapples with significant challenges, particularly regarding food security, access to clean water, health care and education. The country is currently reported to have made strides in economic development. Still, persistent issues such as poverty, inequality and corruption continue to hinder progress, especially in rural and marginalized communities. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach involving government intervention and collaboration with important organizations such as the ActionAid International nonprofit.

ActionAid: An Overview

ActionAid is a global movement working toward improving public health in Kenya. It also aims to eradicate poverty and injustice by supporting people and communities to claim their rights and achieve sustainable change. The organization was founded in 1972 and focused on empowering developing communities and marginalized groups to advocate for access to health care resources. At the heart of the group’s approach is the belief that poverty is not simply based on lack of income but is also about community marginalization. The organization works in various Kenyan locations to address the root causes of poverty, including unequal distribution of resources, discrimination and lack of access to education and health care.

ActionAid’s methods and programs differ from the standard nonprofit approach, encompassing many overlooked issues, including women’s health rights, climate justice, humanitarian responses and economic justice. Through grassroots mobilization, advocacy campaigns and partnerships with other impactful organizations, the nonprofit is improving public health in Kenya. This society seeks to amplify the voices of affected populations by creating community-led initiatives and providing essential resources to influence policy changes that address the systemic inequalities faced by marginalized communities in the country. The organization focuses on three critical areas for improving public health in Kenya: empowerment, solidarity and campaigning for social justice.

The Response to Poverty and Rights

In addition to its programmatic work, ActionAid also conducts research plans, policy analysis and public awareness campaigns to raise awareness about the fundamental causes of poverty and advocate for changes at the national and international levels. One of these impactful plans, labeled “Strategic Objective 2,” involves facilitating young people and communities living in poverty and exclusion to advocate for their rights with democratic governance for access to the advancement of economic opportunities for young people. This plan aims to build capacity among youth and marginalized communities, providing them with the necessary skills, knowledge and resources to effectively engage with policymakers, demand accountability and participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives.

The organization also works with various impoverished communities to provide them with essential resources, capacity-building initiatives and support to address specific needs and challenges. One of these impactful plans, labeled “Strategic Objective 3,” involves:

  • Implementing sustainable development projects.
  • Facilitating access to education and health care services.
  • Promoting economic empowerment through livelihood programs.
  • Advocating for policy changes that advance the rights and well-being of marginalized populations.

Through these collaborative efforts, the organization strives to foster resilience, self-reliance and dignity among communities facing poverty and exclusion. Furthermore, ActionAid is committed to maintaining long-term partnerships with local organizations such as the Foreign Ministry of Affairs of Denmark to ensure that interventions are culturally sensitive, contextually appropriate and sustainable in improving public health in Kenya.

Addressing Food Insecurity and Access To Clean Water

ActionAid, recognizing the critical importance of addressing food insecurity and lack of clean water access, has implemented several initiatives across Kenya to tackle these pressing issues. The organization aims to empower communities to secure their right to food and clean water through grassroots mobilization, advocacy campaigns and educational strategies. The organization has implemented these sustainable solutions in multiple locations nationwide, including Turkana, Garissa and Baringo.

In addition to addressing the immediate need for resource accessibility, ActionAid also recognizes the importance of education in influencing communities to break the cycle of poverty and achieve sustainable development. One of the most notable programs developed to address this issue is the “Education For Life Project (EFL),” which equips marginalized youth and adults with the essential skills and knowledge for personal and developmental growth.

The EFL project goes beyond traditional classroom education by incorporating practical, hands-on learning experiences tailored to participants’ and their communities’ specific needs and aspirations. The initiative is currently implemented in five regions of Kenya (Kisumu, Garissa, Kilifi, Migori and Isiolo) in partnership with Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) and Leonard Cheshire (LC) to influence positive school and life skills for the most marginalized populations.

– Caleb Ilayan
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