Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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Prospera: Mexico’s Successful Conditional Cash Transfer Program

Prospera: Mexico's Successful Conditional Cash Transfer Program Prospera, which was formerly known as Oportunidades and Progresa, was the world’s first national conditional cash transfer program, originally launched in Mexico in 1997. The program, which ran between 1997 and 2019 and involved multiple rebrands, focused on incentivizing and improving access to education, nutrition and health for poor families.

Conditional cash transfer programs are government welfare programs that provide residents in poor communities with funds as long as they meet the conditions of the program. Common requirements for programs like Prospera typically include mandating school enrollment for children and ensuring regular health check-ups.

After the 1995 Mexican peso crisis drastically devalued the peso, Mexico launched the Prospera program to combat poverty and inequality. Targeting particularly impoverished areas, Prospera proved notably effective in Mexico’s poorest regions, such as Chiapas, where a poverty rate of 74.7% prevails. In La Gloria, Chiapas, about 93% of families benefited from the program’s stipends. Hence, Prospera aimed to alleviate poverty in both urban and rural areas across the country.

Poverty and Education

Prospera targeted poverty reduction by emphasizing school enrollment. In Mexico, where families often depend on extra income, children are pushed to work, undermining their education. This issue is more acute in the South, where children frequently leave school to work in agriculture, exacerbating educational neglect and perpetuating the cycle of poverty.

Under Prospera, families would receive grants every month for each child attending school. As children progressed in school, the grant amount would increase. For girls, the grant amount would range from 105 pesos or $9.50 in third grade to 660 pesos or $60 by high school. The stipend for girls was higher than the stipend for boys because on average, girls were more likely to leave school at a younger age.

Additionally, children participating in Prospera from their earliest days show a higher likelihood of pursuing higher education. A study found children enrolled within their first 1,000 days were 67% more likely to attend college compared to those enrolled after 6th grade. Prospera’s emphasis on continuous school attendance played a crucial role in its success. Education plays a pivotal role in poverty reduction according to Childfund, who claim education is the “catalyst needed to pull families and communities out of the cycle of poverty.”

Health and Nutrition

Prospera provided families with health-related monetary transfers to ensure regular health checks for both parents and children. These funds, aimed at improving food consumption and nutritional health, came with no spending restrictions. The program tailored its conditions to meet specific demographic needs, such as organizing health and nutrition sessions for mothers and high school students. Notably, Prospera contributed to a 17% decrease in infant mortality rates in Mexico, highlighting its critical role in addressing health-related poverty and malnutrition issues.

Effects of Prospera

Mexico’s conditional cash transfer program, though scaled back in 2019 to focus on education, continues to significantly influence global poverty reduction strategies. Its model has inspired dozens of countries worldwide to implement similar programs, benefiting impoverished communities. While debates exist over Prospera’s long-term poverty impact, its achievements in reaching millions in Mexico’s needy urban and rural areas, enhancing educational outcomes and reducing child health issues stand out.

– Marley Wilson
Photo: Unsplash

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How Science is Alleviating Child Poverty in Ukraine

How Science is Alleviating Child Poverty in UkraineThe conflict with Russia has dramatically increased child poverty in Ukraine, with the rate doubling to more than 80% in just one year. A promising initiative by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and INSCIENCE now offers displaced children a glimmer of hope.

Child Poverty in Ukraine

As recorded in the Humanitarian Needs Response Plan in 2024, there are 14.6 million people displaced or suffering from poverty in Ukraine and 3.17 million are children. The poverty and risk to the safety of children living in frontline areas across the Russian border are, of course, greater. However, poverty in Ukraine was already a challenge even before the escalation of violence in February 2022.

Educational Disruption and Innovative Solutions

Reports show an increase in poverty in Ukraine from 2021 disproportionally affects households with children in them. As reported by UNICEF, these households suffer most from poor access to basic utilities like electricity, water and heating. 

The war in Ukraine has severely affected children’s education, leading to reliance on online learning as a partial solution. However, the lack of access to essential learning tools like laptops, tablets and internet connectivity, due to the conflict, has compromised the effectiveness of this approach. This decline in educational quality contributes further to the poverty faced by Ukraine’s children. To combat these challenges, UNICEF and INSCIENCE have joined forces to equip children with the necessary resources to handle wartime trauma.

The “Science Kids” Initiative: A Beacon of Hope

The “Science Kids” initiative in Ukraine creates opportunities for children to hone their social skills and navigate the educational hurdles posed by the current conflict. This program not only offers a safe space for learning and creativity but also equips these young minds with strategies to process their trauma and cope with fear and anxiety, providing a semblance of normalcy in tumultuous times.

In Odesa, Mykolaiv and Kharkiv, the “Science Kids” program offers children a respite from the war through science exploration. At these sites, kids engage in learning, experiments and creative projects, such as observing an insect with a magnifying glass and drawing their imaginative insect. This initiative allows them to find some normalcy amidst turmoil.

Child Poverty in Ukraine: Addressing Mental Health

After class, they are then instructed in breathing exercises to help manage stress and anxiety. The coordinator of “Science Kids,” Yuliia Isliamova, spoke of the importance of good breathing exercises, saying it is “a very simple way to deal with anxiety and stress that they can use anywhere and with anyone – for example, with their parents or friends.” 

In addition, engaging with children’s mental health early can prevent the onset of serious psychological effects, thus avoiding its contribution to the cycle of poverty as they grow. Certainly, ending the war in Ukraine would significantly impact efforts to address poverty and child poverty.

Looking Forward

Amidst the backdrop of rising child poverty in Ukraine, initiatives like “Science Kids,” supported by UNICEF and INSCIENCE, offer a beacon of hope and resilience. By fostering educational engagement and mental well-being, these programs provide displaced children with the tools to overcome adversity and envision a brighter future. As the international community continues to support Ukraine, such efforts illuminate the path toward recovery and the potential for lasting change in the lives of its youngest citizens.

– Thomas Field
Photo: Unsplash

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Food for the Poor: Banana Bark Program

Banana Bark ProgramHaiti is presently facing the worst hunger crisis in its history. Per a recent study by the humanitarian group Mercy Corps, nearly 97% of households in regions surrounding the capital suffer from severe hunger due to a lack of employment opportunities and access to basic resources. The study was conducted in 2023 and included interviews with about 2,660 households. Nearly 2,600 of the households were found to be struggling to provide food to their families. Additionally, some families only have one meal a day. Without immediate humanitarian aid, approximately five million people will continue to suffer from hunger.

Food for the Poor

Food for the Poor (FFTP) is a Christian nonprofit organization founded in Florida that provides food, shelter, medicine and other needed services to the poor in the Caribbean and Latin America. This organization saw the need for employment so Haitian families could provide food and basic necessities for their households and in the ’90s, it developed a creative way to do so.

The Banana Bark Program

The Banana Bark Program was established several decades ago in Haiti to provide a sustainable source of income for families and it continues to benefit people to this day. The bark of the banana tree naturally peels off, which is collected, dried, shaved and cut into various shapes and words. This is then used on cards that inspire hope, culture and love. One person can shave around 2,000 pieces of bark per day. Every piece of bark can produce eight different patterns. This eco-friendly process can result in families producing a box of 24 cards every two days, with artisans paid based on the number of cards they create.

Banana Bark Cards Provide for Families

This program has helped many Haitian families, including Marcelin, Othon and their three children. With her family’s help, Marcelin has been crafting cards in the Banana Bark Program since 1995. In an interview with Marcelin and Othon in 2013 by FFTP, she said, “This helps us pay for school and helps us to buy food and clothes. I feel good to have this opportunity.” In that same interview, Othon also stated that they would not have the money without the card program.

FFTP has continued to provide this opportunity for Haitian families. The organization in the Florida headquarters is always seeking and developing new designs for the cards. After production, the cards are made available worldwide and FFTP often uses them in fundraising campaigns. This fundraising helps the organization provide food and medical supplies to humanitarian groups, orphanages and churches in Haiti and other Latin American and Caribbean nations.

Final Remark

There is still a need for humanitarian assistance in Haiti. Hunger and unemployment matters in the country have become more pressing and citizens are desperate for relief. However, programs like the Banana Bark cards provide much-needed income and assistance for Haiti’s struggling families.

– Heather Gisi
Photo: Unsplash

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Micro-Hydropower Dams Light the Way in War-Torn Myanmar

Micro-Hydropower DamsThe ongoing conflict in Myanmar has caused immense hardship, displacing millions and disrupting essential services. However, amid the challenges, hope emerges in remote villages. Micro-hydropower dams, harnessing the power of rushing rivers, are proving to be more than just a source of electricity – they are fostering self-sufficiency and resilience for communities facing immense adversity. Micro-hydropower provides reliable electricity, enabling villages to operate medical equipment, power schools for extended hours and improve communication infrastructure. This fosters a sense of normalcy and stability in a region grappling with conflict.

A Beacon of Hope in Conflict-Stricken Myanmar

Micro-hydropower provides a decentralized solution for communities in geographically isolated areas to build and manage their own standalone power systems where traditional electricity grids and infrastructure are inaccessible. This offers much-needed lighting for homes and energizes essential services like health care facilities, schools and water pumps, improving living standards and promoting community development. Micro-hydro projects can be constructed and maintained with local materials and expertise, reducing dependence on external aid and fostering a sense of ownership within the community. This empowers individuals and communities to take charge of their own development trajectory.

The World Bank estimates that around 736 million people globally lacked access to electricity in 2020, with a significant portion residing in conflict-affected regions. Traditional grid extension is often impractical in these areas due to security concerns and damaged infrastructure. However, micro-hydropower dams emerge as a viable alternative, offering a localized and sustainable solution for communities seeking to rebuild their lives. Micro-hydropower plants require minimal infrastructure compared to traditional grid connections, making them suitable for remote areas with difficult terrain or damaged electrical grids. This allows for quicker restoration of basic necessities and paves the way for future development.

Fostering a Sustainable Future

Beyond basic needs, micro-hydropower dams are igniting economic opportunities in war-torn Myanmar. The availability of electricity empowers local businesses, from small shops and workshops to agricultural processing units. This fosters income generation, creates jobs and stimulates the local economy, providing a pathway towards sustainable development and poverty alleviation.

Furthermore, micro-hydropower dams contribute to environmental sustainability. Unlike fossil fuel-based generators, often used in conflict zones due to their portability, micro-hydro plants produce minimal greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. This aligns with Myanmar’s growing commitment to environmental protection and its efforts to rebuild sustainably. Micro-hydropower leverages a renewable resource, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to a cleaner environment.

Additionally, micro-hydropower can contribute to long-term stability and peacebuilding efforts by fostering self-reliance and economic empowerment. Micro-hydro projects can serve as a focal point for community development, bringing people together to work towards a common goal. This promotes social cohesion and creates a sense of shared purpose, paving the way for lasting peace and reconciliation.

Conclusion

In the face of immense challenges, the communities in war-torn Myanmar are demonstrating remarkable resilience. By embracing innovative solutions like micro-hydropower, these communities are a testament to the human spirit’s unwavering pursuit of a brighter future powered by their own ingenuity and the force of nature.

– Vincenzo Marino
Photo: Flickr

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Advancing Women’s Rights in Andorra

Advancing Women's Rights: Legislation and Progress in Andorra On Jan. 15, 1997, Andorra submitted its accession document for the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) to the United Nations (U.N.)  Secretary-General. Women’s rights in Andorra have recently made significant advances, positioning at the forefront of gender equality efforts.

Andorra, nestled between France and Spain, this small European country has taken significant strides to ensure that women have equal opportunities and protections under the law. Central to this endeavor are various pieces of legislation aimed at combating discrimination, protecting against violence and promoting gender parity across different spheres of society.

Andorra’s Legislative Framework

In 2022, the country took a significant step toward gender equality by enacting a law aimed at ensuring equal treatment and opportunities for women and men, thereby prohibiting gender-based discrimination. Moreover, this landmark legislation outlines measures to foster gender parity across employment, education and public spheres. It underscores Andorra’s commitment to a society where individuals are valued for their skills and contributions, regardless of gender.

Combating Domestic Violence and Sexual Harassment

Addressing the scourge of domestic violence, Andorra has implemented robust legal measures to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable. The Law on Domestic Violence Prevention and Protection provides a legal framework for addressing domestic violence and ensuring the safety and well-being of survivors.

Furthermore, Andorra’s laws clearly outline how to report incidents, obtain protection orders and access support services, showing its firm stance against domestic violence. The country also combats sexual harassment through legislation, ensuring victims have routes for action and remedy. This approach underscores Andorra’s commitment to creating a respectful, intimidation-free environment where survivors receive the support needed to pursue justice and rebuild their lives.

In addition, Andorra has enacted laws against sexual harassment, covering workplaces and other environments to give victims routes for action and remedy. These laws define sexual harassment, outline reporting processes and aim to foster a culture of respect, ensuring everyone’s right to work and live free from harassment and fear.

Promoting Gender Equality in Politics and the Workplace

In 2021, Andorra made strides in political gender equality by implementing legal amendments that aligned with CEDAW Committee recommendations. These changes mandate a gender quota, requiring that each electoral list includes at least 40% of candidates from each gender, promoting balanced representation in democratic institutions.

Moreover, the Law on Political Parties mandates that political parties actively promote gender equality within their organizations. This may include measures such as ensuring gender balance in party leadership positions and candidate lists for elections. Andorra promotes women’s voices and perspectives in its decision-making processes by advocating for increased political presence.

Furthermore, labor laws in Andorra also play a crucial role in advancing women’s rights and gender equality. These laws prohibit discrimination in employment based on gender and ensure equal pay for equal work. By prohibiting employers from discriminating against women in hiring, promotion or terms and conditions of employment, the nation seeks to create a level playing field where individuals are judged based on their skills and qualifications rather than their gender.

Safeguarding Family and Social Rights

Furthermore, Andorran family law includes provisions aimed at safeguarding the rights of women and children within the family unit. These provisions address issues such as marriage, divorce, child custody and parental rights, with an emphasis on promoting equality and protecting the interests of vulnerable individuals.

In addition, Andorra has made notable progress in advancing women’s rights and gender equality through a series of progressive laws and initiatives across society. By implementing legislation to address discrimination, prevent violence and ensure gender parity, Andorra reaffirms its commitment to building an equitable society where everyone, irrespective of gender, can achieve their highest potential.

– Rhys Woodward
Photo: Unsplash

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Nkosinathi Sithole and Food Poverty in South Africa

Food Poverty in South AfricaFood poverty, depriving individuals of adequate nutrition, is a pressing issue affecting countless lives. Nkosinathi Sithole, a South African writer from the province of KwaZulu-Natal near Lesotho, sheds light on the harsh realities of food poverty in rural South African communities through his novel “Hunger Eats a Man.” Although a work of fiction, Sithole’s poignant narrative powerfully captures the stark truths of food poverty in South Africa, emphasizing the urgent need for change.

The Novel and Food Poverty in South Africa

The narrative takes place in a rural community in Lesotho. It follows the fictional character, Priest, who loses his job as a farmhand due to poor farming conditions. This situation highlights the widespread problem of food poverty. This scenario underscores the standard explanation of food poverty. Inadequate agricultural conditions in Lesotho make crop cultivation challenging, leading to repercussions like unemployment.

Sithole’s connection to Southern Africa, his birthplace and hometown, enriches the narrative with firsthand insights into food poverty and the urgent need for change. Despite awareness of this issue, the United Nations (U.N.) predicts that an estimated 27.4 million people in the region will face food insecurity in the next six months, indicating the persistent and unresolved nature of the problem for the future.

Evidence for Improvement in Lesotho

Given the significant implications of food poverty in South Africa, it is evident that efforts for increased food security are imperative. Hence, the work of the WFP comes into play. Established in 1961, the organization addresses hunger by offering food and cash assistance to nations grappling with food scarcity. As an international entity, the WFP endeavors to enhance food conditions across various countries and territories. Notably, the charity’s impact is substantial, with 20 million children receiving nutritious meals, snacks and takeaway rations in 2022, underscoring its success in providing food aid on a global scale.

The Future of Food Poverty in Lesotho

The WFP highlights chronic malnutrition as particularly severe among children under 3. This has often resulted in stunted development and potential growth impairment. Dedicated to fostering change and future prosperity, the WFP prioritizes babies, children and young people.

The organization supports the government’s school meal programs and provides food to 60,000 students in schools and Early Years centers. This critical initiative aims to build a brighter future for younger generations. It aims to ensure increased access to food and adequate nutrition.

Just as the poverty-stricken community in Sithole’s novel finds unity and hope, the WFP is committed to reversing food poverty in South Africa. The organization assists hungry communities, improving development, health and stability.

– Amelie Bunce
Photo: Unsplash

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Possible Health Reducing Poverty in Rural Nepal

Rural NepalIn the rugged terrain of rural Nepal, where access to health care is out of reach for many, Possible Health has emerged as a ray of hope. Founded by Dr. Duncan Maru and his team, Possible Health is not just a healthcare organization but a catalyst for reducing poverty in rural Nepal. With a mission to provide comprehensive primary healthcare services and a commitment to sustainability and community empowerment, the initiative transforms lives in rural Nepal. 

Founding

Possible Health traces its roots back to 2008, when Maru, Dr. Sanjay Basu, Dr. Jason Andrews and public health expert Bibhav Acharya realized the dire need for accessible and affordable health care in rural Nepal. When confronted by the limitations of traditional aid models, these men envisioned a more holistic approach to health care delivery. 

This approach would address immediate medical needs and the underlying factors contributing to poor health outcomes and poverty in rural Nepal. Therefore, Possible Health was created with the fundamental vision that health care is a human right, regardless of one’s socioeconomic status or geographic location.  

Health Care For All

In remote rural Nepal, the initiative’s operations are strategically placed clinics managed by a dedicated team of local healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses and community health workers. These clinics serve as essential centers of health and healing, offering specialized medical care that meets the unique healthcare needs of the local population. In addition, these clinics also contribute to reducing poverty by improving the overall health and productivity of the community.

One fundamental aspect of Possible Health’s approach lies in its commitment to harnessing technology to overcome geographical barriers and enhance healthcare accessibility in rural Nepal. Through the implementation of mobile health solutions, for example, healthcare workers can easily communicate, gather data and coordinate patient care, even in the most isolated regions. This innovative use of technology increases the efficiency of health care delivery and ensures that every individual in rural Nepal, regardless of their remoteness, receives the care they urgently need.  

Empowering Communities for Sustainable Change 

Beyond providing these healthcare services, Possible Health is deeply committed to fostering sustainable change and empowering communities to take charge of their own health and well-being. By training and employing local healthcare workers, for example, Possible Health creates opportunities for economic prosperity and self-reliance to help individuals and families out of poverty. 

In addition, the foundation actively involves community members in decision-making processes, ensuring that all programs are responsive to local needs in rural Nepal. Possible Health’s efforts in reducing poverty in rural Nepal have had a significant impact beyond its clinics’ walls. The organization has initiated programs focused on education and community development, building a foundation for long-term prosperity and resilience. By addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality, Possible Health is improving health outcomes and creating opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive. 

Poverty Reduction 

By prioritizing preventive health care through services such as maternal and child health check-ups and immunizations, Possible Health empowers individuals with the knowledge and tools to maintain good health. This approach reduces the financial burden of preventable illnesses and helps lift households out of poverty. 

Additionally, by training and employing local healthcare workers and involving community members in decision-making processes, Possible Health creates economic opportunities and fosters self-reliance, contributing to long-term prosperity and reducing poverty in rural Nepal.

The Path Forward 

As Possible Health continues to expand its reach and impact, the organization remains committed to its founding principles. With a visionary team guiding the organization and a network of dedicated supporters, Possible Health can make even more significant steps toward reducing rural Nepal’s poverty. By utilizing the power of health care as a force for change, the program is paving the way for a brighter and healthier future for individuals in rural Nepal. 

– Olivia Pitrof 
Photo: Flickr

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Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society: Impact in Malaysia

Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting SocietyLocated in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is one of the founding partners of the ASEAN Trade Bloc. It was created to boost economic coherence and fluidity within the region. Following the challenges posed by the aftermath of COVID-19, the trade bloc has witnessed a consistent resurgence in Gross domestic product (GDP) growth. With a population exceeding 34 million, Malaysia has emerged as a developing economic powerhouse in the region, emphasizing its strengths in agriculture, industrial processes and the service sector.

As a Commonwealth country, Malaysia boasts one of the most diverse population demographics. This article will delve into a small charity initiative, the Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society, within the Penang community on Malaysia’s west coast. Penang, a vibrant island, has long been recognized as a focal point for generations of Chinese migrant families who now consider Malaysia their home.

Malaysia’s Public Health Care System

Malaysia’s public health care system ranks third internationally in reliability, funded by citizens through tax, providing affordable services. However, long waiting lists have become the norm due to understaffing issues. The issue is still prominent despite government efforts to raise funding as of 2023 with $7.9 billion compared to $7.1 billion as of 2022. As a result, families with urgent medical issues often have to opt for private health care despite difficulties affording it. This is where organizations such as the “Che Sui Khor Moral Uplifting Society” come in to help families.

Through religion, the Moral Uplifting Society helps instill a sense of calmness amid uncertainty and change for struggling families. These families are dealing with various issues, such as not being sure if they will receive their paycheck next month. They are coping with the stress and guilt of being unable to provide their children with necessities so that they can have a normal childhood.

The Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society

The Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society was founded in China in 1954 and later expanded to Malaysia and Singapore, becoming a significant force in charitable activities. Countless volunteers aged 30 to 90 are the driving force behind the society’s charitable work. Many of them have dedicated their lives to donating their money and time to travel across different parts of Southeast Asia and help those in need.

Interview With Madame Ooi

Madame Ooi has spent more than a decade with the group and acknowledges how hard it is to sympathize with what people go through. “The fact is that none of us will know what they go through unless we had the same upbringing as them,” she stated.

Working alongside the group, she has been able to help different families through various struggles. Her efforts span organizing impactful food drives and raising money through charity balls and auctions.

The charity of the society impacts the local community by financing essential needs like school equipment, rent and emergency operations. It provides free meals and medical services for those in need. Additionally, it donates to the retired elderly to support their necessities.

The Boy Who Never Walked

One of Ooi’s most memorable moments working for the society was when she got to know one of the families applying for free medical help. A young couple who grew up in Penang had brought their 3-year-old boy to her office to fill out paperwork. The boy, who was born with a congenital disability, was carried by his dad. The doctors said that the umbilical cord had caused complications with the growth of his leg. The boy had never walked or run; with school coming up, they wanted him to be able to play with the other children. The boy was eager to run around, much like he had seen others in his neighborhood do. His parents had requested help to afford a free prosthetic leg for him, which would have cost them around $1200.

The organization paid for the boy’s prosthetic legs. Ooi recalls how she and the other staff members crowded around him eagerly outside the same corridor where he first arrived on his father’s shoulder. The doctor helped him put it on, and with the help of his parents, he got up. She remembers seeing the massive smile across his face as his parents guided his first steps and how the staff around her shared happy tears with her as they saw the boy and his family in joy over an incredibly intimate moment.

Conclusion

Although policies, schemes and government investments are helpful against poverty, they often fail to address each family’s unique challenges. Poverty is often looked at as the lack of money, which carries an element of truth. But money isn’t the entire recipe for the cure for poverty.

It is often up to these organizations, such as the Che Sui Khor Moral Uplifting Society, to ensure that their basic needs are met, not just financially but also supporting their emotional distress amid the challenges.

The charity section of the Uplifting Society continues to impact the local community of Penang, Malaysia. It supports more than 300 amputees annually by covering their medical expenses. This support enables children like the boy Ooi met to take their first steps into their future. The organization also helps guide those in need out of poverty by offering support and assistance through their work.

– Matthew Fung
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Internet Economy in Liberia

/Internet Economy in LiberiaCurrently, 1.05 billion people live in internet poverty and Africa has one of the highest populations of people without access to the internet. The internet is now ubiquitous to the economy, whether measuring the global economy or the more immediate economy of one’s home. Technology has infiltrated day-to-day life so that it is now nearly impossible to live without having access to the web. 

The benefits should quickly spread around. That was the case in Liberia until 2018, when political and economic opportunists sanctioned data liberties to benefit the producer over the consumer in the internet economy in Liberia. In developing countries like Liberia, where access to the web means the difference between struggle and survival, uncovering accessible routes for progress is crucial. The internet economy is vast, providing abundant resources, enough for everyone to benefit. 

Extended Economy

Extended Economy is a term used to denote factors not generally associated with one’s economic standing. Traditional factors include access to medical care, clean water, nutritious food, clothing and shelter. One’s extended economic standing contains items such as the state of war surrounding the individual, mental state, assistance for mental health and, yes, access to the internet.  

The internet economy is measured by a set of standards called the IPI (Internet Poverty Index). Three standard pillars are used to judge the health of internet access in any given area: Quantity or how much data a community needs to thrive; Quality, indicating the value of connection required to sustain access; and Affordability, how much it will cost the community member to gain access to the internet. 

How the Internet Benefits the Economy

A healthy internet economy increases job availability. This is because employers can find new employees in a larger pool than they would typically have access to and because the internet creates new job opportunities. Through the internet, citizens have opportunities to become technological support specialists, remote language tutors and much more. Of course, opportunities wouldn’t exist without proper education, which citizens also access through the internet. 

Another economic benefit is access to digital currency, which allows employees to receive payment quickly and in a form used in multiple economies. Digital currencies allow companies to broaden their scopes and interact in more varied trade arrangements. Furthermore, digital currency sets an easily converted standard and will enable countries with vastly different backgrounds to benefit from each other’s economies mutually.

Obstacles to Internet Inclusion

One of the major obstacles to internet inclusion is access and the major barrier to access is the price of that access. In Liberia, where those in extreme poverty survive on less than $2 a day, the internet is not within the scope of reality. As of 2023, the average cost for 1G (gigabyte) of data in Liberia varies depending on the internet service provider, but it is generally estimated to be around $2.63. For comparison, the average American will blow through a gigabyte of data in less than an hour, streaming music and video and playing mobile games.

In some cases, political policy can be a challenge to accessing the internet. For example, in 2019, during protests against government corruption, policymakers in Liberia blocked internet access. They specifically blocked access to popular social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp and X to control the narrative of the events happening in the country then. 

The Good News & What Can You Do

Some individuals and organizations are striving to bring about positive change in places such as Liberia and one of their goals is to improve its internet economy. “The Alliance for Affordable Internet” is working to pressure companies to lower their internet costs and encourage competition among them by supporting those offering services at more affordable rates. Similarly, “The Business and Human Rights Resource Center” and “Access Now” work to publicize and prevent unfair governmental actions against Liberians and protect their digital liberties.

– Antonio Muhs
Photo: Flickr

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Tearfund’s Impact in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Tearfund's Impact in the Democratic Republic of CongoTearfund’s impact in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) significantly contributes to alleviating the country’s enduring challenges. Amidst the wealth of natural resources and a population exceeding 95 million as of 2021, the DRC faces severe trials such as prolonged civil unrest and poverty affecting nearly 60 million people. These issues have led to violence, societal rifts and extensive displacement. As a leading charity, Tearfund plays a crucial role in offering vital aid to those most affected by these difficulties.

Tearfund’s Initiatives for Change

Since 1986, Tearfund has been active in the DRC, engaging in peacebuilding, humanitarian aid and community development efforts. The organization’s on-the-ground efforts include providing supplies and practical support, along with disaster risk reduction activities to strengthen community resilience. Key funding sources for Tearfund include the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and U.K. Aid Match, among others.

Addressing Water Scarcity and Sanitation Needs

Nearly 8 million people in the DRC lack access to clean water and sanitation. Tearfund’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) projects provide sustainable access to safe water and sanitation, which is crucial to rural communities. The organization has undertaken various projects, encompassing initiatives such as constructing 10 drinking water points and training local volunteers to oversee its management.

In addition, 6,195 households have been equipped with water kits, enabling them to treat drinking water while awaiting the functionality of the new points. The organization has also directed financial resources toward impactful endeavors, exemplified by a £100,000 (about $128,000) grant from the Scottish Government directed to Maniema. This allocation of funds has played a pivotal role in extending access to clean and safe water, benefitting nearly 45,000 individuals in the region.

Innovative Waste Management and Sustainability Efforts

There are no proper waste collection points in Kinshasa, the capital city, with locals dumping rubbish into the river. This plastic is also used as flood defense as the river often floods. In response, Tearfund’s local partner in Kinshasa runs a program reusing plastic waste, which cleans up the city and provides job opportunities for locals who collect and transform plastic into government-approved tiles.

In addition, this initiative has enabled turning discarded plastic into marketable goods such as paving stones, bricks, brooms and bags. Another way it helps deal with waste is by supporting sustainable farming, offering seeds, tools and training to reduce dependency on external aid. Through government funding and donations, Tearfund’s work in DRC has been a lifeline for those who live there.

Through three decades of commitment, the nonprofit has actively engaged in peacebuilding, humanitarian aid and community development, playing a crucial role in a country marked by decades of civil war and instability.

Looking Forward

Tearfund’s impact in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) illuminates a path of hope and resilience amidst challenges. Through innovative water sanitation projects and waste management initiatives, it is not just improving immediate living conditions but also laying the groundwork for sustainable development. Above all, as Tearfund continues its dedicated efforts, the future holds promise for enhanced community well-being and environmental stewardship in the DRC.

– Jack Timmins
Photo: Flickr