Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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Harnessing Wastewater: Achieving SDG Target 6.3

 

SDG Target 6.3The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development identifies 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and SDG 6 focuses on universal access to water and sanitation services, emphasizing their long-term sustainability. SDG 6 divides into six specific target areas to accomplish this goal, each with its own defined objective. 

One of these targets, SDG Target 6.3, aims to address the issue of untreated wastewater while promoting recycling and safe reuse practices on a global scale by 2030.

SDG Target 6.3 Overview

SDG Target 6.3 comprises two indicators, 6.3.1 and 6.3.2, providing specific measurements to monitor progress. Indicator 6.3.1 assesses the proportion of domestic and industrial wastewater flows that undergo safe treatment. By monitoring this indicator, the UN can evaluate the effectiveness of the wastewater treatment process to protect public health and the environment. Indicator 6.3.2 measures the proportion of bodies of water that demonstrate good ambient water quality. This indicator helps the UN gauge water sources’ overall health and cleanliness, indicating progress in reducing pollution and preserving aquatic ecosystems. 

Botswana Case Study

Effective wastewater management plays a pivotal role in mitigating water scarcity issues in water-stressed countries. Botswana, renowned for being one of the most drought-prone countries globally, presents a compelling case study with its recurrent and extended periods of drought dating back to the 1950s. These droughts have severely affected food security, leaving more than 10% of the population grappling with chronic food insecurity. Moreover, the agricultural sector, upon which 70% of the rural population depends for their livelihoods, suffers greatly as irrigation and crop production primarily rely on rainfall. The adverse impact is exemplified by the staggering number of cattle deaths, with nearly 40,000 recorded during the 2018-2019 drought. 

To underscore the severity of the situation further, the World Bank’s calculations in 2020 revealed that Botswana’s freshwater withdrawal ratio stood at 2.31, indicating that the country consumes more freshwater than it has available.  

Recognizing the need to tackle these challenges and foster economic growth, the government of Botswana conducted a case study. The case study addresses how standards can be used for wastewater treatment and reuse, aligned with SDG Target 6.3, by improving water quality through pollution reduction. The government of Botswana developed national water standards based on international standards developed by the Water Quality Technical Committee through the Botswana Bureau of Standards. 

The government of Botswana involved its Department of Water Affairs in this case study by implementing these standards to treat wastewater discharged from its Headquarters through a constructed wetland system. The study then tested samples from this system for effluent quality in accordance with drinking standards, irrigation standards and wastewater discharge requirements. 

The results from the case study demonstrated that the constructed wetland system effectively treated wastewater for non-drinking purposes such as irrigation, construction and dust suppression. Emphasizing the potential impact of wastewater management, adequately treated wastewater can contribute 16% of Botswana’s available water resources. 

Implications for Developing Countries

The success of this case study demonstrates that other institutions in Botswana can replicate the use of constructed wetlands for on-site wastewater treatment and reuse for non-drinking purposes. However, the implications extend beyond Botswana. Globally, 80% of wastewater is released into the environment without adequate treatment. Jennifer Garner, Global Director of the World Bank Global Practice, emphasizes the crucial role of water treatment and reuse in addressing water scarcity and pollution issues, particularly considering that 36% of the global population resides in regions with limited water access. Properly treated wastewater can substitute fresh water in multiple applications, such as irrigation, industrial processes and recreational activities. Furthermore, it contributes to preserving natural ecosystems’ flow, while the by-products generated during the treatment process can be utilized to generate energy and nutrients. 

Access to water is essential for driving economic growth, supporting healthy ecosystems and sustaining life. Approximately 3.6 billion people worldwide lack safely managed sanitation services, disproportionately affecting developing countries. Developing countries can access clean water for irrigation, health and sustainable living by working towards SDG Target 6.3 and halving the proportion of untreated wastewater by 2030.

– Clara Swart
Photo: Flickr

Enhancing Mental Health Care in Laos

Mental Health Care in LaosGlobally, mental health conditions constitute 14% of the total disease burden, and in Laos, approximately 210,000 individuals are grappling with various mental, neurological or substance-use conditions, including depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, access to essential mental health services is lacking for many affected individuals, particularly in rural areas, resulting in a hidden crisis. This has been made significantly worse by the pandemic. 

Despite a decade of overall health improvements, mental health services in Laos have not progressed at the same pace. A mere 0.3% of the total health budget is allocated to mental health, starkly illustrating the challenges, with 95% of individuals with serious mental illnesses left untreated. However, transformative collaborations with the World Health Organization (WHO) and The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) signify a positive shift, empowering health care providers and scaling up mental health initiatives nationwide. This evolving landscape reflects a nation committed to addressing mental health as a core component of overall well-being, marking a promising turning point for mental health care in Laos.

Strengthening Mental Health Services

Efforts to address these challenges are underway through collaboration with the WHO under the UHC Partnership. This joint initiative sees mental health and psychosocial support integrated into the general health system, with a focus on primary health care as a pivotal platform for community-level intervention. Extensive training programs have been implemented, targeting central- and provincial-level health care workers, including those directly affected by events such as the Attapeu dam burst. This strategic training equips primary care providers to offer essential mental health support, fostering a deeper understanding of mental disorders and addressing associated stigma.

A crucial step has been taken by the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the WHO, in developing and field-testing National Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Counseling Guidelines. This significant undertaking involves training by district health officers and village committees, ensuring a grassroots approach to mental health care. The goal is to create an inclusive action plan for scaling up initiatives nationwide, ensuring accessibility to mental health care for all, including those residing in remote areas.

Mental Health Amid the Pandemic

The compounding effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in Laos is underscored by the WHO. Increased distress, particularly in rural areas, where an estimated 75% of the population lacks access to mental health care services, is contributed to by economic hardships and direct illness from COVID-19. 

UNFPA has implemented youth-focused interventions, providing psychosocial support through initiatives such as helplines, personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care workers and online resources, underscoring a comprehensive approach to address the mental health implications of the pandemic.

Laos faces significant challenges in mental health care due to limited resources, geographical disparities and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Collaborative initiatives led by international organizations like the WHO and UNFPA, along with the commitment of the Lao government, are systematically addressing these challenges. Positive strides, including the strengthening of mental health services, integrating training into primary care and developing comprehensive guidelines, signify progress toward a more inclusive and accessible mental health care system. While challenges persist, there is hope for a future where mental health care in Laos is prioritized and reaches every individual, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status.

– Marnie Woodford-Venables
Photo: Flickr

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Gender Equality in Scandinavia Creates Happy Countries

Gender Equality in ScandinaviaWomen’s rights are at the forefront of human rights, including their financial, emotional, physical and work rights. The practices seen in Norway and Iceland act as a great example of gender equality in Scandinavia.

The Impressionable Statistics in Scandinavia

Gender equality in Scandinavian countries Norway and Iceland are examples of progressive gender equality in action. Both countries have been voted as the happiest places in the world and this is in part due to their attitude to gender equality. The World Happiness Report states that Norway and Iceland have the ‘six key indicators’ to an abundant lifestyle — GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity and corruption.

Norway and Iceland see women as a factor that is beneficial to their society. Although the pay gap has lessened over the past decade, women still earn less than men — even in countries like Iceland & Norway. In 2023, the World Economic Forum stated that Iceland had closed more than 90% of the gender pay gap.

Social Support in Iceland and Norway

Women in Scandinavia are considered not only a part of the makeup of Iceland and Norway but are a fundamental part of the country’s workforce.

Iceland is voted number one for gender equality in the world. 66% of graduates are women and 30 of 62 parliamentary seats are held by women. 80% of women in Iceland are a part of the workforce and 50% of the attendees of the GMAT business school entrance exam are women. 

The World Economic Forum states that Norway’s ”Fostering and developing of female talent has the potential to accelerate the growth, competitiveness and future-readiness of economies and businesses worldwide.”

Healthy Life Expectancy in Norway

Much work goes into researching women’s livelihoods and what can improve them. Norway’s ‘Women’s Public Health Association’ is an example of betterment for women, as they focus on housing women for domestic violence recovery and women’s overall health.

The Women’s Public Health Association states: “We are equally committed to contributing to research on women’s health working on behalf of women who have been exposed to violence and minority women and more generally, to improving women’s rights in society.”

Freedom in Norway & Iceland 

Scandinavian countries like Norway and Iceland say that “their social contracts thrive because their community is strong.’ This community is made up of citizens, residents and visitors. Focus on gender equality in Scandinavia encourages freedom for all, as women’s rights are extended to immigrants.

Anthropologist Thomas Hylland-Eriksen states “What may be peculiar about the Nordic way of dealing with immigrants is the great emphasis placed on equality, including gender equality.” Minorities are considered a part of the fundamental system that makes up Nordic countries.

Furthermore, Iceland holds the Gender Equality Act, last updated in 2021, its main aims are to: prevent discrimination based on gender, as well as maintain gender equality and equal opportunities for the genders in all spheres of society. This means that it is by law unadvised to discriminate in the workplace.

What Is the Takeaway?

Gender equality is at the heart of human rights and United Nations values. Gender-based discrimination is prohibited under almost every human rights treaty. Yet globally, millions of women and girls continue to experience discrimination and violence — being denied their equality, dignity, autonomy and even life.

These influences and examples of equality allow for the gender gap to be discussed in the future. It will take almost 140 years for women to stand equal with men globally. However, gender equality in Scandinavia serves as inspiring progress. The female rights and attitude towards gender is a great example of a nation wanting to move forward on equal footing. 

– Anastasia Brown
Photo: Flickr

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Reflecting Back on Global Citizen Festival 2022

Global Citizen Festival 2022The 2022 Global Citizen Festival marked its 10th anniversary, featuring a unique dual concert held in both the United States (U.S.) and Ghana. Celebrating Ghana’s 65th anniversary of independence, the event showcased performances by renowned artists such as Mariah Carey, Metallica, the Jonas Brothers, Usher, Stormzy and SZA. This historic moment was a significant contribution to the global efforts against extreme poverty.

Festival Tickets

The festival’s ticketing system offers a unique approach to engage attendees in positive actions against poverty. “Global Citizen attendees can earn free tickets by signing petitions, taking quizzes, uploading videos and completing other tasks relative to the festival’s causes – ‘actions’ equate to entries in drawings for tickets,” Forbes explains. To participate, individuals can download the Global Citizen app, accumulate points and enter ticket drawings for a chance to claim two free tickets.

The Role of Performers

Liz Agbor-Tabi, the Vice President for global policy at Global Citizen spoke of the instrumental role of the A-list performers, “We believe that music is the universal language of humanity, and so through our unique model of pop and policy, we’re able to drive policy and advocacy. And we do that working with artists, with performing artists, visual artists, culinary artists, etcetera …It’s really a moment for the creatives to express through their artistic gifts and to be able to project five robust policy agendas.”

The absence of a paid fee for the artists who performed emphasizes the genuine and compassionate drive behind the festival and the aim of performances by such high-esteemed artists as a means to use their platform to simply spread the word on how the international community can tackle extreme poverty.

The Impact

The Global Citizen Festival in 2022 made a significant impact, hosting events in both New York City and Accra, raising a total of $2.4 billion. Notably, $440 million of this fund is dedicated exclusively to initiatives aimed at ending extreme poverty in Africa. During the festival, there were announcements about committing more than $800 million to combat extreme poverty. Additionally, as part of the seventh replenishment of the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the European Commission and Canada pledged a substantial $1.6 billion to support these critical health initiatives.

The festival brought attention to pressing global concerns, including the impacts of COVID-19 and Russia’s actions in Ukraine, shedding light on their effects on poverty. According to the Global Citizen website, the event emphasized the need for leaders to urgently regain progress lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also addressed the ongoing crisis caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, impacting both the Ukrainian people and exacerbating global hunger.

Moreover, the festival spotlighted the persistent issue of period poverty, affecting more than 500 million individuals who lack access to essential menstrual supplies and proper hygiene facilities. During the New York event, Global Citizen announced the launch of the Global Menstrual Equity Accelerator, aiming to tackle this widespread challenge.

Looking Ahead

The performers at the Global Citizen Festival 2022 used their platforms to educate and inspire people worldwide to address extreme poverty. The hope is that the results of the Global Citizen Festival 2023 will demonstrate an enhanced commitment from the international community to work toward putting an end to global poverty.

– Camryn Vodden
Photo: Flickr

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These 5 Agricultural Technologies Are Eradicating Global Poverty

Agricultural TechnologiesWith a rapidly growing human population and dependency on agriculture, it is more apparent than ever how crucial agricultural technologies are to help end global poverty. Reports suggest that “by 2050, the global population size will have increased by 46%, requiring increased agricultural production to ensure food security.” The primary victims will be the global citizens already living below the poverty line. Still, this potential reality will simultaneously pull families that have never experienced poverty into poverty. 

Here are five agricultural technologies that will help fight back against these threatening projections and statistics.

  1. Agricultural Data Platforms: Agricultural data platforms combine many crucial aspects of agricultural data in one accessible platform. These platforms not only provide farmers with essential information such as crop health and soil moisture but can also help provide policymakers and legislators with real-time information, which can help inform accurate decisions regarding policy seeking to alleviate the effects of poverty. A case study from Spain highlights the positive impact of a data-sharing platform on the fruit and vegetable district. The farmers reported that the platform allows them to aggregate farm data, public data on climatic conditions, plant diseases and market conditions into a single space. This consolidated information is available for various queries, fostering improvements within the agricultural community. The success of this platform demonstrates its potential applicability for the benefit of farmers in different regions.
  2. Land Optimization Modeling: Land optimization modeling relies on computational techniques to guide decisions on crop types and planting locations, much like agricultural data platforms. Unfortunately, farmers’ land use is often influenced more by stakeholders than by scientific considerations. According to Liu et al., land-use coordination is a multiple stakeholder game, involving different interests in local land-use competition. The modeling helps rectify this power imbalance, returning financial control to farmers who frequently live below the global poverty line. A study along the Yangtze River in China highlights the benefits of land optimization modeling. The system adjusted production, living and ecological land proportions to 59.85%, 8.34% and 31.81%, respectively, better aligning with future demands for food security and ecological protection.
  3. E-extension Platforms: E-extension or electronic extension platforms use the internet and various Information and Communication Technologies, or ICTs, to support rural agricultural communities primarily through education and training initiatives. By training the people involved in growing, maintaining and harvesting crops, E-extension platforms help enable a sense of autonomy within the local community. They can open up opportunities for further financial stability. The Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) operates in 16 different African countries. In Uganda, the SAA helped train young farmers to become agricultural commodities teachers, leading to increased agricultural productivity overall.
  4. Market Information Systems: Market Information Systems focus on providing farmers with real-time financial information so they know how much to sell their crops for and whom to sell them to. In fact, these systems help make the financial markets more transparent to farmers who may have limited access to or do not understand how the markets operate. This component is essential to ensuring farmers and their communities are paid accurately rather than being taken advantage of by stakeholders or corporations. Market information systems have become more and more popular in the 21st century. For example, in India, the Indian Agribusiness Systems Private Limited (IASL) has helped farmers better understand and interact with stocks, arrivals, prices, forecasting and more.
  5. Small-Scale Irrigation Technologies: Small-scale irrigation technologies vary in many ways, but the primary goal of each is to provide water to small-scale farms sustainably. This change is especially beneficial to developing regions that battle scarce rainfall and/or droughts and, therefore, lack stable crop access. These technologies include drip irrigation, rainwater collection, solar-powered pumps, community irrigation schemes and more. In a study done on the impacts of small-scale irrigation in Ethiopia, it was found that “…participation in small-scale irrigation has a positive effect on the majority of household livelihood diversification, and expanding irrigation schemes improves rural farm households’ livelihoods.”

Looking Ahead

These agricultural technologies, despite facing criticism, exhibit significant promise and are currently implemented successfully worldwide.

By empowering farmers and local communities, these technologies provide better financial prospects and agency. Simultaneously, on a global scale, they contribute to a more stable food supply, preventing a rise in poverty rates.

– Piper Jenkins
Photo: Unsplash

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Purchase College’s Commitment to the 17 SDGs

17 SDGs

Purchase College is a public state university in New York that focuses on liberal arts but holds the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the center of all its efforts. In an interview with The Borgen Project, Anne Kern, dean for global strategy and international programs and director of the center of engagement at the college itself, explains how the college’s prioritization of justice, equity and environmental sustainability in all aspects of the campus, both in and outside the classroom, came from the college’s ongoing commitment to incorporate both social justice and sustainability on the campus in order to play a role in the fight against global poverty. Purchase College’s dedication to reducing global poverty is visible in its commitment to the 17 SDGs.

In spring 2021, Purchase College collaborated with the United Nations University Global Coalition, aiming to engage globally-focused colleges and institutions in joint efforts for a sustainable future. The partnership focuses on addressing critical global issues, aligning with the United Nations’ 17 SDGs. According to Kern, Purchase College students will encounter these goals in their professional lives, and she emphasizes the importance of their awareness to equip them for success. This initiative reflects the college’s commitment to social justice, sustainability and preparing students for a globally impactful future.

Goals of the United Nations University Global Coalition

The United Nations University Global Coalition commits to broadening students’ awareness of the world’s most pressing issues outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By urging students to actively participate in creating change and proposing innovative solutions, the coalition aims to equip them with the required skills and leadership qualities for effective collaboration across cultural and national boundaries, as well as various disciplines and sectors.

Through engaging in practical research, sharing knowledge and innovating with local and international organizations, students will contribute to novel approaches to achieving the SDGs. This experiential learning will empower them to interact with both private and public entities, playing leadership roles and providing guidance for local, national and global responses to these goals.

Recognizing the impact of each entity’s operations on critical sustainable development challenges, students will act responsibly to address these issues. Serving as exemplars, they will communicate their efforts publicly and uphold accountability for the results achieved. This comprehensive approach aims to foster a sustainable future through collective and informed action.

17 Rooms

In the past, Kern attended a kick-off event to join the Brookings Institution’s Community of Practice on learning to implement a 17 Rooms event on Purchase College’s campus, which aims to provide a fun and energizing approach to convening 17 disparate specialist communities under the same roof in order to identify high-impact actions to improve SDG outcomes. The 17 Rooms project was launched by The Brookings Institution and The Rockefeller Foundation in September 2018, on the eve of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, as an experiment to spark new kinds of action toward the 17 SDGs. Since then, 17 Rooms has developed into two different paths. The first is a yearly worldwide flagship process aimed at addressing international-scale SDG difficulties, while the second is “17 Rooms-X,” a broadly accessible technique designed to assist local communities in taking real actions toward local SDG objectives.

Moreover, 17 Rooms assembles participants from diverse professional communities to convene in separate “Rooms,” each dedicated to one of the 17 SDGs. Within each room, the shared objective is to choose collaborative actions for the upcoming 12–18 months. Ideas that emerge are then circulated across rooms, facilitating the identification of potential areas for cooperation. This approach effectively brings together natural allies, promoting familiarity for collaboration while ensuring sufficient diversity to generate innovative ideas and avenues for action.

Anne Kern’s Opinions on 17 Rooms

When asked why she decided to participate in Brookings Institution’s 17 Rooms event in the first place and how she thinks Purchase College could benefit from an event like this, Kern told The Borgen Project that she thinks it’s a good idea for young collegegoers to know that they have the ability to take on issues within the world with the college’s assistance through an event such as 17 Rooms, and she thinks that Purchase College could benefit from it because it will open up the doors to many wonderful opportunities the college could have through foreign relations relating to aid hailing from students who attend Purchase College itself.

Purchase College Inspired by 17 Rooms

In August 2023, Purchase College hosted an event inspired by the Brookings Institution’s 17 Rooms initiative, where the college’s Sustainability Office and the Office for Global Education collaborated to put on an event where like-minded students discussed pressing global issues such as the environment, justice and equity. Faculty and staff from various departments across the institution led small breakout discussion groups to educate and engage incoming students about the SDGs. Additionally, students had the opportunity to focus on one SDG, learn how Purchase advances it, and set goals to make a change on campus while forming connections with peers, faculty and staff.

To this day, Purchase College, along with Anne Kern, continues to help take on issues within the world through its commitment to the 17 SDGs, thanks to its Sustainability Office and the Office for Global Education, who help them along the way.

– Deon Roberts
Photo: Flickr

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4 Foods That Can Feed the World’s Poor

Feed the World’s PoorPeople around the world are suffering from hunger—more than 800 million of them as of 2021, in fact. Some specific foods that can feed the world’s poor include amaranth, pigeon peas, taro and fonio. Apart from them being nutritious, their weather-resilient nature makes these crops ideal. While tackling the hunger crisis does involve immediate food relief, it also requires a longer-term investment in teaching people to plant well, using sustainable agricultural practices and crops suited to harsh environments. Here are four plants that communities can plant across the world to address hunger.

Amaranth

Although amaranth produces grain, every part of it is edible. Furthermore, its nine amino acids and high protein and fiber content make it a very nutritious meal. It is drought-resistant and has been planted yearly on nearly every continent, making it an excellent crop. Amaranth grain is easier to digest after soaking for a few days. It can be turned into flour or added to a variety of dishes. Amaranth tastes “sweet and nutty,” with a “crunchy [texture] when cooked.” Puente a la Salud Comunitaria is a nonprofit working in Oaxaca, Mexico, to reduce malnutrition and poor health. It is incorporating amaranth into its diet outreach and microenterprise workshops because of its high nutrition. Purdue also recognized the importance of amaranth as one of the foods that can feed the world’s poor when it created an amaranth popper for use in Africa.

Pigeon Peas

This “pea” is not a snap pea or a cowpea. While the grain is edible, the other parts of the plant have been used as roofing, medicine and charcoal. Its usefulness as far more than a food increases its favorability. Pigeon peas are drought and heat-resistant. They can be harvested ripe or dry and must be replanted every year in areas that receive frost. However, in areas without frost, the pea plant can last for up to five years. Under the right conditions, this is an extremely high-yield plant. One plant reportedly produced 2.5 lbs. of seeds, making it an excellent addition to the list of foods that can feed the world’s poor. It is grown widely in India and Africa and has been cultivated at high elevations.

This pea is known for its sweet flavor and must be cooked before it is eaten. In 2022, Madagascan farmers took advantage of pigeon peas’ drought-resistant nature and used the peas to feed their families. The improved soil quality post-pea can be used to plant other crops. In Malawi, pigeon peas have a reputation for being the food that gets eaten when there isn’t anything else to eat. This demonstrates their hardiness, but people are not receptive to it as a staple because they are unaware of its many uses. To solve that problem, a pigeon pea cookbook was published in 2022 to teach people how to use it.

Taro

The underground part of this plant is the most commonly eaten portion, but contrary to popular belief, it is a corm or underground stem, not a root. Although its leaves and stalks are also edible,  they are eaten less frequently. High in fiber and nutrients, this adaptable plant is grown around the world, making it one of the ideal foods that can feed the world’s poor. There are several varieties of taro, and as a result, it can be grown in different types of soil. It must be cooked before it is eaten due to its toxicity when raw, and “has a mildly sweet taste and a texture similar to potato” with a note of nuttiness. One of taro’s limits is its inability to store well for long periods of time. However, it can be prepared in various ways to feed the world’s poor.

The Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance recognizes that taro takes a limited amount of land and work to grow. This makes it an attractive option for farmers and countries in poverty. In 2018, the crop was “9th in the world for food crop production.”

Fonio

This hardy and nutritious grain is another food that can feed the world’s poor. It contains important amino acids along with plenty of fiber and nutrients. Fonio is extremely drought-resistant and can also flourish in less-than-ideal soil conditions. These two characteristics make this grain a formidable opponent of world hunger. It is a traditional African crop and has been grown there longer than any other cereal. It is also easily stored, enhancing its capacity to address hunger. This grain has a “rich, nutty flavor” and expands in size four times when cooked in water.

Looking Ahead

According to UNICEF, “more than one in five children under age 5 worldwide had stunted growth” as a result of malnutrition in 2022. With hardy, nutritious and versatile crops like taro, fonio, pigeon peas and amaranth available, solving world hunger and changing the lives of millions of people could be within reach.

– Abigail Leland
Photo: Unsplash

The Future Starts Today: Enriching Young Lives in South Africa

South Africa’s history of apartheid and marginalization has made it rife with poverty. A report published by the World Bank in 2023 concluded that as of 2014, an estimated 55% of South Africans lived at and under the national poverty line. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), 50% of people aged 25 to 34 do not have the upper secondary qualifications needed to sustain a healthy labor force. This data points to a massive educational issue, and fixing that starts with school reform and youth preparedness. Here is how people are working on enriching young lives in South Africa.

Accenture

In early September 2023, there was an announcement that Accenture, an IT service company, provided a grant worth R24 million in South Africa’s currency ($1.3 million) to Save the Children: South Africa. STC will receive funding for youth entrepreneurship and local community projects for the next three years. Accenture has a program known as Skills 2 Succeed, where it invests in foreign countries targeting unprivileged youths. The target is an estimated 30,000 youths of equal boys and girls aged 15-24 from the most impoverished parts of the country.

Accenture will provide training for skills development while promoting climate change and the green economic sector. About 860 adults will be directed on how to create more fruitful environments as the basis for enriching young lives in South Africa. This direction includes implementing more modern technology to develop digital skills. Accenture is partnering with local community service organizations to provide computers and other digital equipment to prepare the youth for the modern world.

Shoprite Holdings

Shoprite Holdings is the largest supermarket company in Africa. In the past five years, the company has given opportunities to local communities with the Youth Employment Service (YES) Program. So far, at least 9,454 opportunities have been created for South African youth.

Participants receive a year of retail training and experience; afterward, they can begin working in retail, explore other sectors with newfound skills or choose the path of entrepreneurship. Shoprite also has a personal seven-week Retail Readiness Program, which teaches basic retail and management skills to unemployed youth. It is the largest and most successful skills development program by a South African retailer. Over the past three years, Shoprite has invested more than R384.5 million ($20.66 million) into developing 18,513 unemployed youth.

According to the Shoprite Group’s 2023 Food Index, 21.18% of South African children will experience stunting by 2025. Children affected by stunting (while being more likely to be victims of poverty in adolescence) are more likely to drop out of school and remain impoverished into and throughout adulthood.

Shoprite is partnering to support 479 children enrolled at 10 Early Childhood Development (ECD) education centers in Soweto. ECD centers provide a safe and instructional location to teach young children and provide a solid foundation for their future. However, many of these centers struggle to support themselves. Since last year, Shoprite has served more than 7,200 meals daily to children at over 114 ECD centers across South Africa.

Afrika Tikkun Bambanani

Afrika Tikkun Bambanani is dedicated to maximizing ECD and supporting impoverished youth. The company recently launched its Bamba Learn app, which is available on Android and iOS. It is an educational app that plans to teach fundamental skills such as numeracy, literacy and critical thinking to children aged two to six.

An estimated 800 employees are working on enriching young lives in South Africa, with 200 early learning centers in disadvantaged communities throughout the country serving as the cognitive foundation of 10,000 of South Africa’s future.

Sun International

Another group working hard to instill quality education in children in South Africa is Sun International, a development and investing company. Literacy is a fundamental part of education, and according to the 2030 Reading Panel report for 2023, South Africa has experienced a significant regression in children’s literacy; most children graduate grade one without knowing the alphabet and a recently estimated 82% of grade four students struggle to read for understanding. 

This regression has severe indications for stunted critical thinking skills on a generational scale. The greatest issue is that children are simply not reading due to lack of access. 

Sun International worked with the local nonprofit Read To Rise in September to counteract this crisis by donating books and school supplies to Vukani Primary School in Soweto. The donation included four mini-libraries, school supplies for grades three and four students and 65 additional books for the school with a total value of R37,500 ($2,000). Over seven years, Sun International has worked to send 13,000 books to 23 primary schools across South Africa and into the hands of an estimated 6,241 young minds.

Looking Forward

On the bright side, various initiatives and corporations are actively working to uplift young lives and combat the educational challenges stemming from historical issues in South Africa. Accenture’s investment in youth entrepreneurship and digital skills, Shoprite’s Youth Employment Service Program, Afrika Tikkun Bambanani’s innovative Bamba Learn app and Sun International’s efforts to promote literacy all contribute to creating a brighter future for South African youth. These endeavors demonstrate a commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty by investing in education and skill development, paving the way for positive change.

–Eddie Dale

Photo: Flickr

Partnerships for Global Poverty Alleviation

Ongoing trends in the fight against poverty highlight the significance of collaborative global initiatives. Governments, international organizations and the corporate sector are working together to tackle the multifaceted challenges associated with poverty. This unified approach enhances the effectiveness of poverty alleviation efforts.

The Borgen Project supports these joint activities as part of its commitment to fighting global poverty through the passage of foreign aid laws.

The following is a deep dive into the relevance of global collaborations, alongside efforts that are helping to alleviate poverty. These partnerships for global poverty alleviation show the potential of collective action in mobilizing resources and skills to address one of our time’s most important concerns.

United Nations Development Program

The United Nations (U.N.) is a key player in global diplomacy, with 193 member states. The public continues to see it as a central hub for addressing various international issues.

To tackle issues like global poverty, the U.N. approved the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), representing the common global commitment to addressing 14 aspects of global poverty, including education, health care and job opportunities.

Present in more than 170 nations and territories, the efforts of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) have been essential to meeting the challenge of the SDGs.

In addition, the Human Development Index (HDI) which gauges a nation’s overall progress using metrics like life expectancy, education and per capita income, was developed largely due to the influence of UNDP. Many nations’ HDI scores have improved as a result of UNDP’s activities.

In 2022, the U.N. conducted an impact assessment of the SDGs through more than 3,000 scientific studies. The findings indicated that the goals had a substantial impact on political discourse, possibly influenced by the efforts of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

SDGs have had a special ability to connect people with a common goal of eradicating global poverty, and the UNDP has been instrumental in this effort, succeeding in mobilizing $3.8 billion in SDG bonds, raising $1.6 billion to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and giving 71 million people access to essential services in 36 countries. These figures indicate why this is one of the most significant partnerships for global poverty alleviation.

World Vision

Founded in 1950, World Vision is a prominent international humanitarian organization dedicated to alleviating poverty. Operating in nearly 100 countries, World Vision focuses on issues such as child well-being, education, health and economic development. Based on 2022 data, World Vision has sponsored 3.2 million children and helped 3 million people gain access to water. 

By quickly responding to emergencies, the organization has been able to “[help] more than 30 million people affected by emergencies,” which ranged from “conflict to cyclones.” World Vision has had a significant influence by changing the lives of vulnerable children and communities, pushing them to pursue a brighter future.

Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA)

Africa is widely recognized for its stunning landscapes and diverse cultures. However, the economic development across the continent lags behind. Among the 46 countries labeled as least developed by the U.N., a significant 33 are from Africa. This poses unique challenges for the region’s progress.

African countries have realized this gap in development and have made admirable progress through several key partnerships. One of these, the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), prioritizes small-scale farmers in order to increase agricultural productivity, develop value chains and improve market access. 

The organization’s motto emphasizes sustainable growth for Africa’s food systems, a commitment it continues working to uphold. So far, the Alliance has attracted more than $140 million in investments, demonstrating its ongoing dedication to this goal.

By investing in large-scale agriculture, AGRA is able to cut potential losses while encouraging local farmers and providing them with upward mobility. This strategy gives underprivileged African communities the tools they need to end the vicious cycle of poverty. 

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

Vaccines play a crucial role in fighting health-related poverty and preventing diseases such as polio, tetanus, and influenza.

Since 2000, Gavi, in collaboration with organizations like UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), has prevented more than 17 million disease-related deaths and vaccinated more than 1.8 billion people. More than half of these individuals are children, and they come from 73 different nations. This not only saves lives but also contributes to reducing poverty by boosting economic productivity in these countries.

Looking Ahead

The struggle against worldwide poverty is a multifaceted challenge, intricately woven with the relationships between governments and the private sector. The interconnected dimensions of this issue require collaborative efforts, and the alliances spotlighted so far suggest a significant stride toward making global poverty eradication more attainable for governments and citizens alike.

–Advait K. Mishra

Photo: Wikimedia

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Child Marriage and Women’s Rights in Burkina Faso

Women's Rights in Burkina FasoBurkina Faso, home to 3 million child brides, grapples with one of the highest child marriage rates in the world. Shockingly, of these children, 500,000 girls are married before the age of 15. This deeply ingrained practice finds its roots in a complex web of factors from tradition to poverty and, most importantly, gender inequality. Child marriage not only strips girls of their childhoods but also robs them of the opportunity to enjoy their rights and reach their full potential. It perpetuates a cycle where girls’ voices are silenced, their dreams dashed and their aspirations sacrificed. Ending this practice means empowering girls to be healthy, to continue their education and to participate actively in development.

The Impact

The consequences of child marriage reverberate throughout the lives of girls and young women in Burkina Faso. A lack of education is one of the most common outcomes. As the adolescent birth rate is 132.3 per 1,000 women aged 15–19, girls who marry early are more likely to drop out of school to raise their children. 

Furthermore, the health implications of these rights violations for girls cannot be overlooked. Burkina Faso has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality in the world, with one in every twenty-two women succumbing to pregnancy-related causes. By simply providing education to these girls surrounding sex education, alongside improved health care programs in place, these deaths could be dramatically reduced. These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for comprehensive solutions that empower girls and women to make informed choices about their lives, their health and their futures.

A Glimmer of Hope

That being said, despite these shocking statistics, Burkina Faso as a nation does recognize the need for change, and recent developments demonstrate this. As of February 2020, the Burkina Faso government had announced its dedication to eradicating early, non consensual marriage for girls by raising the legal age of marriage to 18 and ensuring that in Burkina Faso’s criminal code, forced marriage is clearly outlawed. 

A year later, in July 2021, Burkina Faso also committed to a five-year journey of action to improve gender equality by 2026 by investing $40 million into the development of legal as well as social change to end not only child marriage but gender-based violence, female genital mutilation and more. These efforts demonstrate a genuine commitment to protecting the rights of girls and women throughout the country. 

Impact: Success Stories and Empowering Change 

In Burkina Faso, where conflict disrupts education and pressures some families into early marriages, stories of resilience and hope emerge. 

At the Sainte Maria Goretti shelter, a beacon of hope, over one hundred young women have sought refuge, each with a determination to rekindle their dreams. Sister Veronique, a guardian at the shelter, has been witness to their incredible journeys. “Some have faced violence, while others endured hardships that would daunt the bravest,” she shared. Veronique takes care of girls like Evelyne, 16, whose grandfather planned to force her to marry an older man after an attack on their village caused them to flee.

“I overheard his intentions and made the courageous choice to find refuge here,” said Evelyne. “I’m still a child, and on top of that, I want to study,” she emphasized. While Evelyne’s parents eventually located her at the shelter, social worker support and their recognition of Evelyne’s passion for learning convinced them to let her continue her education. 

These stories radiate the indomitable spirit of young girls in Burkina Faso, who, even in the face of adversity, stand resolute in their pursuit of education and dreams. Their journeys embody the transformative power of enabling girls to make choices that shape their own lives and futures, encapsulating the promise and hope for women’s rights in Burkina Faso.

A Hopeful Path Forward

In Burkina Faso, the battle against child marriage is ongoing, but there is a glimmer of hope that lights the way for women’s rights in Burkina Faso. The prevalence of this harmful practice is gradually decreasing as legal reforms and awareness campaigns gain momentum. While there is much work ahead, the path forward is clear: By breaking the cycle of child marriage, we not only empower individual girls but also pave the way for an entire generation to rise, thrive and shape a brighter future for women’s rights in Burkina Faso.

– Phoebe Abrahams
Photo: Flickr