Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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5 Things You Should Know About the SAFE Act

SAFE ActAccording to the World Health Organization, in 2021, 828 million people were impacted by global hunger. The Securing Allies Food in Emergencies (SAFE) Act — which is currently being voted on in the Senate — will work to address global hunger and food insecurity. Here are five things to know about the SAFE Act (S.436).

  1. The SAFE Act was created in response to the food crisis in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion. According to the New York Times, Russian attacks on Ukraine “cripple[d] the grain terminals where wheat and corn are loaded onto ships,” resulting in a Ukrainian food crisis. The SAFE Act was created to aid Ukraine as well as areas that rely upon Ukrainian and Russian goods. 
  2. The SAFE Act will also aid countries supported by the United Nations World Food Program. The United Nations World Food Program is “the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.” Unfortunately, this program greatly relies upon importing goods from Ukraine. The SAFE Act would provide support to the countries that rely upon this program to ensure that they are still able to receive the help they need. 
  3. It has bipartisan support. The SAFE Act currently has political support from both of the major American political parties. It was introduced in the Senate by Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) and Senator Jim Risch (R-ID). 
  4. The SAFE Act will provide assistance to the millions of people living in poverty who are impacted by global hunger and food insecurity. In the words of The Hunger Project, “poverty causes hunger.” While not all people living in poverty are hungry, nearly all people dealing with the impacts of global hunger live in poverty. This means that a piece of legislation such as the SAFE Act has the potential to greatly help those living in poverty. 
  5. Food insecurity negatively impacts children’s education. Many children in countries impacted by global hunger and food insecurity have a difficult time in school as hunger inhibits their ability to concentrate. Sometimes, hunger leaves students with no choice but to withdraw from school, which can negatively affect their life outcomes. 

Looking Ahead

Putting the SAFE Act into law is not the only step being taken to fight back against global hunger. Several nonprofit organizations have similar goals. Founded in 1979, Action Against Hunger is an organization dedicated to taking action to stop global hunger. 

They do this through detecting and treating undernutrition and malnutrition in a variety of countries, working with local health workers to teach parents and caregivers about breastfeeding and nutrition and providing mental health support to those suffering from the negative mental health effects of food insecurity. Some of Action Against Hunger’s key milestones include halving the world’s undernourished population over the last 30 years and expanding its outreach to over 50 countries. From legislation such as the SAFE Act to organizations such as Action Against Hunger, hopefully, global hunger will come to an end one day.

– Nicole Alexander
Photo: Flickr

Growing Wealth Inequality Behind Typhoon Doksuri

Typhoon DoksuriTyphoon Doksuri had a catastrophic impact on several key rice-producing regions in Asia. The five provinces and cities in North China that suffered the hardest hit by the rainstorm, together produced 164,999 million tons of grain in 2022, comprising 24% of the country’s total production. Not to mention the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand, which were also affected by the storm. As a result of the massive amount of farmland damaged by Typhoon Doksuri, a severe shortage in the global rice supply comes along.

Affections Worldwide

The increase in the price of rice will not have a serious impact on most developed countries, but for the many developing countries that rely on imported rice to meet the needs of their own populations, it will be a deep blow to their already developing economies, exacerbating a series of already severe Poverty. 

The continued surge in food prices on the international market often triggers large-scale social unrest and the risk of terrorism in some West Asian and North African countries, because these countries generally have low food self-sufficiency rates and rely extraordinarily on imports to solve the problem of food, with food imports accounting for more than 10% of the total imports of trade in goods in almost all of these countries, even in high-income oil-exporting countries such as Saudi Arabia are no exception, often times exceeding 20 and even 40%.

Export Bans

A lot of developing countries such as India and China are intensifying efforts to boost their agricultural self-sufficiency amidst growing geopolitical tensions and the Ukraine war. Agricultural departments are urging farmers to cultivate more soybeans, seeking to decrease their dependency on imports. 

Concurrently, Beijing has implemented stringent measures to promote food self-sufficiency, including reclaiming arable land and investing in domestic seed breeding for enhanced crop performance. However, China faces challenges in achieving food security. The nation witnessed a decline in its summer harvest for the first time since 2018, attributed to adverse weather conditions caused by Typhoon Doksuri in Henan, a key wheat-producing region. Moreover, natural disasters have impacted over 10 million acres of farmland, an increase from the previous year.

More Crises

Rice production in the Philippines is under severe pressure from multiple challenges. Events such as Super Typhoon Dusuari have adversely affected rice production, causing significant agricultural losses and spiking global food prices, respectively. Imports, which used to be a reliable backup, are now facing new obstacles, such as India’s ban on non-basmati white rice exports.

Despite substantial funding from the Department of Agriculture, rice cultivation continues to lag behind, and many farmers are trapped in a cycle of debt and lack access to formal banking services. In addition, the Philippines is situated in the typhoon belt and often suffers from agricultural and infrastructure damage caused by storms. Some have suggested shifting resources from rice to more profitable crops, such as vegetables or coffee, or even reducing rice production, which lacks large-scale profitability. 

As food prices rise and hunger increases, the country faces the challenge of balancing adequate compensation for farmers with affordable food prices for consumers. As global uncertainties, such as the climate crisis, increase, the Philippines must prioritize food sustainability in order to avoid facing a worrisome hunger crisis.

– Jiayi Liu
Photo: Flickr

Addressing the Link Between Disability and Poverty in Azerbaijan

Disability and Poverty in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan, a country with deep historical roots and a challenging past, has been grappling with the complex issues of disability and poverty. The intersection of disability and poverty in Azerbaijan presents a particularly pressing concern. However, rather than dwelling on the challenges, it is essential to focus on the positive steps that are being taken to address these issues. Azerbaijan’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity and social progress not only sets it as a regional exemplar but also positions the nation on the global stage as a model of forward-thinking social development.

A Historical Perspective

Azerbaijan, a nation with a rich historical tapestry and a determined vision for its future, grapples with two interconnected challenges: disability and poverty. The roots of Azerbaijan’s poverty problem are entrenched in its Soviet-era status as a non-subsidized republic, causing economic challenges that persist to this day. The aftermath of gaining independence in 1992-1994 saw the nation contending with multiple obstacles, including military conflicts, resulting in territorial losses and the displacement of more than 1 million Azerbaijanis. Economic underutilization, destructive budget policies and a precarious political situation hindered meaningful reforms and foreign investment, culminating in enduring poverty.

The Current Situation of Disability and Poverty in Azerbaijan

Simultaneously, Azerbaijan shoulders the responsibility of caring for approximately 560,000 people with disabilities, constituting 5.6% of the population, with about 10% of them being children. The prevalence of disability, though relatively low due to the country’s youthful demographics, tends to increase with age, often tied to chronic diseases and mental health issues. Azerbaijan has acknowledged this challenge and shown commitment to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, emphasizing changes in legislation, enhanced disability assessment systems, improved access to education and public services for disabled children, and increased public infrastructure accessibility.

In a January 2023 KEKA survey, a local sustainable development organization in Azerbaijan, it was revealed that 80% of respondents with disabilities were unemployed and actively seeking employment. Shockingly, one in 10 individuals with disabilities had never attempted to apply for a job. The survey, which included 100 respondents with various types and severity of disabilities, also examined their educational backgrounds and income.  

Addressing the Interconnected Challenge

By addressing disability and poverty in Azerbaijan inclusively, the country can work towards a more equitable and prosperous society, striving for socioeconomic development that benefits all its citizens. Azerbaijan’s ambitious vision for 2030, outlined in “Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development,” places a central focus on creating an inclusive society where all citizens can thrive. The plan emphasizes the importance of an effective and equitable social security system to promote greater inclusivity and ensure the well-being of all members of society. By minimizing poverty, reducing unemployment rates and expanding need-based assistance, the government aims to alleviate hardship for those in need and create additional opportunities for social protection. Stronger protections for the poor and individuals vulnerable to poverty, including those living with disabilities, are at the forefront of this vision.

There is no data about how many people with disabilities are in poverty. The latest official figures show that the national poverty rate decreased from 5.9% in 2021 to 5.5% in 2022. In the first months of 2023, the unemployment rate remained stable at 5.6%. These statistics underscore the government’s commitment to addressing economic disparities and providing employment opportunities for its citizens, including those with disabilities.

Fostering Inclusivity and Empowerment

In line with its commitment to inclusivity and addressing the challenges of disability and poverty in Azerbaijan, the country strives to create accessible social rehabilitation infrastructure for individuals with disabilities. The goal is to empower these individuals to lead fulfilling lives, contributing to society to the best of their abilities. Employment support programs for people with disabilities are set to expand, removing barriers and fostering a more supportive work environment. Furthermore, the plan envisions a comprehensive system of social services tailored to meet the unique needs of socially vulnerable groups. This approach creates equal opportunities for participation in society, reinforcing the belief that inclusivity drives sustainable and holistic growth.

Allocating funds from the state budget for creating accessible environments and transportation options is crucial to cater to the needs of differently-abled individuals, such as wheelchair users and those with visual impairments. Implementing these changes will improve the economic conditions of people with disabilities and allow them to lead fulfilling lives in an accessible society, making meaningful contributions to the economy.

A Bright Future of Inclusivity

In conclusion, the government’s commitment to addressing disability and poverty in Azerbaijan through inclusive policies demonstrates a dedication to the well-being and prosperity of its citizens. By amalgamating efforts to uplift vulnerable segments of the population and striving for a more equitable society, Azerbaijan stands as a beacon of inclusivity and social progress in the region, setting a positive trajectory toward a prosperous and harmonious future. By focusing on poverty reduction, unemployment mitigation and an equitable social security system, Azerbaijan is working towards creating a society where all its citizens can enjoy a prosperous and fulfilling life, leaving no one behind in its journey towards socio-economic development.

– Aydan Talibli
Photo: Unsplash

Google’s Investments into AI in Africa

AI in Africa
Technology is revolutionizing the entire world. Agriculture, education, employment, health and science are all sectors experiencing rapid change thanks to artificial intelligence (AI). With Africa’s population of 1.4 billion inhabitants — 70% of whom aged below 30 — and the significant growth in AI investments, the continent is set to “unlock the next industrial revolution.” Taking this into account, Google has been investing in AI programs in Africa. 

The History of AI in Africa

Although medicine in Africa already used AI in the 1970s, the continent saw the pilot of medical artificial intelligence (MAI) during the mid-1980s. First deployed in Kenya, this type of technology enhanced the quality of interactions between health workers and patients in that the former could give more precise diagnoses to the latter. Ever since, AI has helped detect diseases (cancer, malaria, tuberculosis and water diseases), analyze medical scans, facilitate logistics and oversee medical supply chains. 

In 2019, Google launched its first AI research center based in Accra, Ghana, to improve health care in Africa. AI is not only used for the health of humans but also for that of plants, as crop diseases affect food security in certain regions.

The Google AI Accra team is providing faculty research grants, as well as sponsoring Masters degree programs and related conferences. As the preferred computing medium in the world is mobile, AI is becoming increasingly available on smartphones. Due to price economics, low-performance budget smartphones are relatively popular in Africa. Consequently, for AI to be widely accessible, the design of compact learning machines must be tailored to these smaller devices. 

Google’s Program: AI for Health

In June 2023, the Google for Startups Growth Academy launched AI for Health, an initiative to improve health care in Africa, the Middle East and Europe by supporting medical professionals to diagnose and treat patients more efficiently. Indeed, contaminated drinking water brings on an estimated 502,000 deaths from diarrhea — the most common waterborne disease in Africa — each year. Among this number, 361,000 of these demises are those of children under five. Other prominent deathly diseases of this type in Africa include cholera, typhoid, polio and hepatitis A.

Therefore, AI for Health is among Google’s current efforts to encourage start-ups to address significant global challenges through innovative solutions. During the three months, participants receive equity-free support while attending virtual workshops to learn about leadership development, product design, customer acquisition and responsible innovation. There are also opportunities for one-on-one mentorship sessions from technical experts and AI mentors — such as Google Health, Google DeepMind and Fitbit, for instance — to obtain guidance on company strategy. 

To be eligible to join AI for Health, start-ups must have Seed to Series A funding, and they must be using AI to address well-being or health issues. In addition, they must show proof of business traction, a significant user base and revenue, a scalable product and a plausible growth model. The program has recently onboarded 30 start-ups representing 15 countries among the three regions, six of which are African; these are Eden Care (Rwanda), iZola and Zuri Health (Kenya), mDoc and Pharmarum (Nigeria) and Pharmacy Marts (Egypt).

Looking Ahead

All in all, AI for Health plays a pivotal role in transforming and improving health care in Africa, as it provides innovative solutions, creates partnerships and enables knowledge exchange for start-ups. scope, the program is helping tackle health challenges and high costs, as well as enhancing access to health and health care quality.  

– Abigail Roch
Photo: Pixabay

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How Tony’s Chocolonely Is Reducing World Poverty

Tony’s ChocolonelyThe two biggest cocoa producers in 2022 were Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and Ghana with 2.2 million tonnes and 800,000 tonnes respectively. To yield this impressive quantity of cocoa, the Ivory Coast and Ghana employ a significant portion of their population in agricultural work. In the Ivory Coast, more than 48% of its population in 2017 were employed in the agriculture sector. Meanwhile, in Ghana, an estimated 7.3 million people either owned a farm or operated a farm in 2020. The sheer importance of agriculture makes cocoa a crucial export commodity for the economies of the Ivory Coast and Ghana. These countries are also frequent production locations for many chocolate and coca-based multinational companies. 

One such company is Tony’s Chocolonely, a Dutch confectionery corporation. However, Tony’s Chocolonely differs in one important aspect. The company firmly believes that the profit-centric approach of the cocoa industry is the root cause of poverty and child labor in countries similar to the Ivory Coast. In a 2020 survey conducted by the company in Ghana and the Ivory Coast, 27.2% of farmers in Ghana and 44.9% of farmers in the Ivory Coast were considered to be poor by MPI (multidimensional poverty index) standards. Furthermore, in 2021, many West African farmers were further driven into poverty as cocoa prices fell a drastic 18.5%. To combat increasing poverty rates, the company has taken the initiative to support local farmers and has presented several outlets to escape the shackles of poverty. 

Tony’s Chocolonely’s Efforts

One of the company’s most effective strategies to reduce poverty has been through increased market prices. Specifically, Tony’s Chocolonely adheres to the Fairtrade Premium, an extra sum of money farmers can receive to improve their quality of life, and even maintains their own “Tony’s Premium.” By paying a premium price for cocoa, Tony’s Chocolonely has effectively protected local farmers. For example, in 2022, the cost of living in the Ivory Coast jumped 14% and threatened the livelihood of thousands of farmers. 

Fortunately, because Tony’s Chocolonely supports the Living Income Reference Price (LIRP) of the Fairtrade Premium, the price per ton of cocoa increased from $2200 to $2390. Additionally, the Tony’s Premium in the Ivory Coast rose significantly from $792 to $1096. The inflated market prices have enabled poor farmers to afford primary health care, educate their children and provide nutritional meals for their families. 

The second strategy Tony’s Chocolonely implements to decrease poverty is lowering child and forced labor rates. Unfortunately, in Ghana and the Ivory Coast, more than 2 million children are unethically employed to produce cocoa beans. An additional 30,000 people, confirmed by the 2018 Global Slavery Index study, were forced into the cocoa industry. Despite industry practices, Tony’s Chocolonely has made it its mission to create 100% exploitation-free chocolate. In Western African communities that Tony’s Chocolonely works with, child labor has declined to approximately 4.4%. This percentage of child labor is much lower compared to the industry standard of 46.5%. As fewer children are illegally employed, more children will have time for education, which can present them with greater opportunities to escape poverty. At the same time, ending child labor and forced labor can also improve the quality of work in the cocoa industry, thereby maximizing productivity. 

These strategies have outlined the emergence of Tony’s Chocolonely as a pioneer in reducing poverty within the cocoa industry. 

What’s Next?

As Tony’s Chocolonely grows as a major confectionery company, its vision to end poverty continues to benefit many West African communities. Tony’s Chocolonely serves as a paramount example for other companies, displaying how it’s possible to generate substantial profits while still protecting its workers from poverty. While there is still a lot of progress left to desire in the cocoa industry, Tony’s Chocolonely has proven that corporations can fight poverty.

– Manav Yarlagadda
Photo: Flickr

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5 of the Walt Disney Company’s Charitable Actions

Walt DisneyKnown for its iconic movies and world-famous parks, The Walt Disney Company is the second largest media company in the world. With over 12 parks across the world and world-renowned employees, Disney makes charity and giving back to the world a priority. In fact, The Walt Disney Company’s employees have volunteered for over three million hours since 2012. It is safe to say that Disney is extremely charitable, as it strives to “bring positive, meaningful, and measurable impacts to our communities around the world.” 

Feeding America

For the past 10 years, Walt Disney has paired up with Feeding America, a hunger relief organization that manages over 60,000 pantries across the United States. With hundreds of volunteers and countless hours sacrificed, Disney has allowed those in need access to more nutritious meals. Disney’s charity for the organization goes beyond this, though, and on top of volunteering the company made sure the food banks had what they needed to properly run and store food effectively. The company expanded the capacity of the food banks and provided more refrigeration, as keeping the donated food as fresh as possible is essential before providing it to others. 

Toy Drive

Children in poverty often are unable to receive toys during the holiday season due to low-income circumstances, but Toys For Tots is an organization that provides toys to children in need. The organization has donated over 652 million toys and has supported over 291 million children. Disney has partnered with the organization and sponsored Toys For Tots since 1947. 

First Book

First Book is an organization that prioritizes education for children in poverty. The organization provides books to classrooms and children and believes that all children should have equal access to quality education. Since Disney’s charity team made the decision to partner with First Book in 2000, the company has donated over 90 million books to the organization. The Walt Disney World refers to this specific donation as the “Magic of Storytelling,” as the company truly believes that storytelling can change the world. 

Leftovers

With the amount of food that the Disney Parks must provide, it’s hard for there to not be a great amount of waste produced. Instead of simply throwing out the leftovers, Disney donates its leftovers to those in need. Since March 2020, Walt Disney has donated over 2.1 million meals that came from Disney kitchens. Disneyland Paris, for example, has donated an additional 62 tons of leftover food to local grocery stores and disadvantaged families. 

Donations

As if all of Disney’s charities weren’t enough, the company makes donating money to these organizations a priority as well, on top of donating resources. In just the fiscal year of 2022 alone, The Walt Disney Company has donated $233 million to charities across the globe and $140 million to underrepresented communities.  

With a company as big as Walt Disney, it’s easy to become engrossed in the glamor and perks that wealth can offer. Disney has made staying humble a majority priority, as giving back to the world and donating to charities has proven to be at the top of their agenda for countless decades. 

– Ryan Balberman
Photo: Flickr

How Padman Has Been Addressing Period Poverty in India

Period Poverty in IndiaPeriod poverty in developing countries further inflicts inequality on women. Period poverty is when there is a lack of access for women and young girls to education and sanitary products. In India, 71% of adolescent girls remain unaware of menstruation until their first period. Even recently, in 2020, the lack of access to sanitary products worsened as there was a shortage in supply due to manufacturers turning their attention to the production of face masks. Sanitary products were not on the Indian government’s essentials list during the lockdown despite being necessary for more than 45% of the population. Around 20-30% of children living on the street in India are female, and as many toilet facilities require payment, there is an added financial burden for poor women in India. Here is how a man with the nickname Padman is addressing period poverty in India.

How Arunachalam Muruganantham Got Started

In 2012, Arunachalam Muruganantham shared how he became a successful social entrepreneur and changed the lives of women in India facing period poverty at HerStory’s Women on a Mission Summit. Arunachalam Muruganantham was born in Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, India. Muruganantham grew up in poverty after losing his father in a road accident. Due to this, he worked various jobs, including machine tool operator, farm laborer and welder, to support his family. In 1998, he married a woman named Shanthi. Muruganantham discovered his wife using dirty rags and newspapers to construct a period pad during her menstrual cycle. This was due to the expensive cost of the sanitary napkins that multinational corporations produced. Despite the raw materials costing ₹10 ($0.13), the end product was sold for 40 times that price, sustaining the burden of period poverty for women in India.

Muruganantham decided this was unacceptable and began designing experimental pads made of cotton, though his wife and sisters later rejected these. His wife and sisters refused to volunteer for his experiments, so he looked for female volunteers in his village to test his invention. However, due to the taboo nature surrounding the topic of periods in India, everyone refused. Muruganantham decided to test the product himself, using a bladder filled with animal blood. When his invention was discovered, he was ridiculed and ostracized by the community and family.

Constructing the Pads

Muruganantham discovered that the commercial pads used cellulose fibers derived from pine bark wood pulp, which helped the pad absorb liquid while retaining its shape. The imported machines used to make these pads cost ₹35 million ($440,000), so Muruganantham devised an alternative low-cost machine. By sourcing the wood pulp from a supplier in Mumbai, Muruganantham created a machine that ground, de-fibrated, pressed and sterilized the pads under ultraviolet light. This machine only costs ₹65,000 ($810). 

In 2006, Muruganantham visited IIT Madras and registered his invention for the National Innovation Foundation’s Grassroots Technological Innovations Award, which it won. Through this, he was able to obtain funding and market these machines to women across rural India. Despite corporations offering to commercialize his invention, Muruganantham has refused and continues to only provide these machines to self-help groups run by women. Muruganantham’s story became the subject of an award-winning documentary by Amit Virmani called Menstrual Man. Muruganantham has now become known as Padman, a social entrepreneur whose invention has changed women’s lives in India who were facing period poverty.

How His Work Lives On

Arunachalam Muruganantham’s invention continues to support women in India and has inspired upcoming social entrepreneurs such as Ajinkya Dhariya. In 2022, Dhariya took his idea for a start-up that develops sustainable sanitary disposal technologies to Shark Tank India. “One sanitary napkin takes 500 to 800 years to decompose, and 98% of sanitary napkins go into landfills and water bodies. They are also burnt at 800 degrees with incineration, producing hazardous waste, toxic smell and smoke,” Dhariya said on Shark Tank India.

Dhariya’s company, PadCare, offers a bin to store waste for 30 days without bacterial growth or smell. The company has 150 major clients, such as Facebook and Goldman Sachs, and has installed more than 5,500 PadCare bins across India. The company has received international interest from countries such as the U.S., Canada and Singapore. The work of social entrepreneurs and inventors in India has improved the lives of women facing period poverty. By breaking down the taboo surrounding women’s menstruation and sexual health in India, the country can lessen period poverty.

– Anjini Snape
Photo: Unsplash

Chile’s Path to Development

Chile's Path to Development
At a time when Latin America struggles with socioeconomic and political turmoil, Chile stands as a solid contrast. The country tops Latin America regarding economic freedom, security, development and globalization and is the only country in Latin America that the World Bank has ranked as a high-income country. 

However, a few decades prior, the Chilean economy was in a deep financial crisis. Between 1982 and 1983, Chile’s GDP fell by 16%, unemployment soared to 30%, and around half of the population fell below the poverty line, while extreme poverty affected 30% of the population. How did Chile go from a bleeding economy to the top of the ranks in Latin America and earn a spot as a developed country? 

Chile’s Road to Growth 

Starting in 1985, the Chilean government, with assistance from the Chicago Boys, a group of Chilean economists who were prominent around the 1980s, shifted focus toward economic growth and financial solvency. Exports grew rapidly and unemployment decreased. The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean showed that Chile experienced the highest levels of economic growth of all countries during the 1980s. 

While these efforts established the groundwork for Chile’s economic transformation, they did not address the widespread poverty, which resulted in a collapse in public health services, lower wages and lower social pensions for the elderly. Following these results, a new approach placed the fight against poverty as the nation’s top priority under Chile’s Growth with Equity Development Strategy. The administration sought to balance pro-growth policies along with strong social policies. 

4 Objectives in Chile’s Path to Development

Chile’s path to development focused on four primary objectives:

  • The Chilean government opened the economy to world trade and focused on developing a strong export sector. Free trade agreements and eliminating tariffs and other barriers to trade have complemented this strategy.
  • The government launched a conservative fiscal policy to shrink public debt. It sponsored state-run policies to decrease national spending and lower inflation, which was at crippling rates. Chile’s inflationary crisis was so severe that, in 1973, it reached 600%.
  • The government reformed labor and tax policies to expand social protection. It increased wages, expanded income support for low-income families and increased minimum pensions. Additionally, it invested strongly in aid directed toward education, skills, health services and the construction of new schools and hospitals. 
  • Chile reconstructed its private sector by transferring control of numerous state-run industries to the private sector and expanding job creation. Significant reforms that rebuilt Chile’s domestic capital market, banking system and pension fund system followed this. The central piece to these strategies was reducing the tax burden on companies, which would enable them to increase investment levels, invest savings in the financial market and repay their debts to the banks.

The Reform’s Immediate Impact

Following the new policies, the Chilean economy grew at 6% per year, and poverty reduced from 40% to 20% of the population between 1990 and 2000, which was a historic high. Furthermore, in a continent that ranks last in wealth inequality, the policies cut in half the extreme income disparity between the top 20% and the bottom 20% of the country. These policies continued to spur growth and reduce poverty during the 2000s. In 2022, the poverty rate was 4.8%, drastically lower than the average in Latin America. 

A Model for Latin America

Chile is often referred to as the target model for other countries in Latin America due to its success in its economic restructuring and reaching a high level of development. However, economies across the globe are not uniform, and there is not a single solution applicable to all of Latin America. Yet, there are some lessons that other countries in Latin America can use that Chile’s path to development has illustrated.

The Importance of Social Networks and Institutions

Two very important conditions allowed the reform to be not only successful but also sustainable. The first was the establishment of an efficient network of social protection for low-income workers and families. Chile’s experience and early failures show that development centered on economic growth cannot abandon attention to social protection, health and education. The second was the creation of effective laws and institutions that provided stability to the economic policies and ensured they were maintained over time. A major problem in Latin America that hinders its growth is the constant change of policy that resets any progress. Growth needs to be stable and consistent for it to be sustainable.

Additionally, while many countries in Latin America have tried to obtain economic growth through isolationist policies, such as basing their economies on import substitutions, Chile’s path to development shows that being a global player has its benefits. By opening its economy up to world trade, Chile was able to earn itself a seat at the global table. 

Looking Ahead

Through insightful economic reform, Chile went from a country on its knees to Latin America’s most stable economy. Chile was able to cut poverty successfully, split inequality and boost job creation tremendously. However, while there have been significant improvements, there is still progress to be made. Chile still battles significant wealth inequality and will need to address this issue with continued social investment that works to expand social mobility. Nevertheless, Chile has left behind many lessons and guidance for the rest of Latin America to follow as they attempt to walk their development paths. 

– Cameron Alcocer
Photo: Flickr

5 Organizations Protecting Children’s Rights in India

Children’s Rights in IndiaIndia is the world’s most populated country and with such an immense population also comes the need to ensure a safe environment with plenty of developmental tools for children, especially from Lower-Income Groups, to succeed in this rapidly growing world. In India, several organizations are passionately committed to safeguarding and advocating for children’s rights. Their efforts encompass areas such as education, health care, protection from exploitation and ensuring a nurturing environment for every child. These organizations stand as champions for the welfare and future of India’s youth.

Organizations Fighting for Children’s Rights in India

  1. Salaam Baalak Trust (SBT) is a renowned Indian nonprofit organization dedicated to the welfare of street children. Founded in 1988, it provides shelter, education, health care and vocational training to homeless and marginalized youth in major Indian cities. SBT’s impactful work offers hope and a brighter future to countless underprivileged children. Since its inception, this organization has supported 131,012 children in toto, provided shelter to 35,062 children, distributed 8.5 million meals, engaged 71,715 children to literacy programs, provided vocational training to 6,235 beneficiaries and reunited 26,589 children with their families.
  2. Save the Children or Bal Raksha Bharat is a renowned nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged children in India. Their programs focus on education, health care and protection, aiming to provide children with a better future. Through various initiatives, they strive to ensure every child’s rights are upheld and their potential unlocked. In the year 2022, Save The Children aided 343,994 children through their Health and Nutrition Projects, 332,873 children through their Education projects and 1.6 million children through various other projects.
  3. World Vision India (WVI) is a prominent humanitarian organization working tirelessly to improve the lives of vulnerable children and communities across India. Established in 1951, it focuses on education, health care and economic empowerment, with a mission to combat poverty and promote child well-being. World Vision India’s extensive outreach has positively impacted countless lives due to its focus on improving ration and household supplies for the economically vulnerable. To date, WVI has provided 206,322 cooked food packages, provided 19,954 households with fry ration and supported 30,758 children with their Child Protection programs. 
  4. SOS Children’s Village is a global organization with a strong presence in India, offering loving homes and holistic care to orphaned and abandoned children. Established in 1964, it provides stable family environments, education and support to ensure children’s emotional and social development. SOS Children’s Village India is a beacon of hope for disadvantaged youth, especially with their long-term customized care interventions such as family-like care, special needs childcare, individual foster care, short stay homes, family strengthening, kinship care, emergency childcare, education and youth skilling. The organizations aid 65,000+ children annually. 
  5. The Delhi Council for Child Welfare (DCCW) is a dedicated organization committed to the welfare of children in India’s capital, Delhi. Founded in 1952, it focuses on providing programs, such as PALNA and BAL CHETNA, which are aimed at encouraging holistic development of the youth in the areas of nutrition, medical services, vocational training, care of abandoned children, adoption, rehabilitation of mentally and physically challenged children and providing day-care and non-formal education. Over 2,500 children benefit from these programs daily. Additionally, approximately 1000 children receive educational sponsorships and around 400 adolescent girls receive vocational training, annually. 

The Future

While India has been working significantly to improve child rights in India, the future, however, will continue to demand comprehensive strategies to ensure that children continue to benefit from such programs and organizations. Firstly, legal reforms must enhance and enforce existing protections, addressing issues like child labor and early marriage. Second, prioritizing education accessibility, especially in marginalized communities, is crucial. Third, health care initiatives should focus on reducing child mortality rates and improving nutrition. Additionally, awareness campaigns and community education can empower families and communities to advocate for children’s rights in India. 

Collaboration among the government, NGOs and international organizations is vital to implement these measures effectively, ensuring every child in India enjoys a safer, healthier and more prosperous future with their rights protected.

In conclusion, India’s commitment to aiding child rights is crucial for the nation’s progress. By expanding access to education and health care, and fostering community awareness, India can ensure a brighter future for its children. Protecting their rights is not only a moral imperative but also an investment in the nation’s future prosperity and development.

– Piyush Plabon Das
Photo: Flickr

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Shining Hope on Poverty in Kenya 

Poverty in KenyaKenya has been leading the way as one of the fastest-growing economies in East Africa for the past decade, with an average growth of 5.7% each year. Unfortunately, this has been benefiting the country unevenly; with millions of Kenyans still living in severe poverty. Hope was sparse until an NGO called Shining Hope on Communities emerged from the slums but it is making a difference regarding poverty in Kenya.

Africa’s Largest Slum

Kibera sits on the southern edge of Nairobi and is home to more than 250,000 Kenyans in a space no larger than 2.5 km2. Considered a landmark for sightseers, thousands of men, women and children are victims of starvation and disease.

The area is a slum with dire living conditions, posing safety and disease threats to all inhabitants. It lacks clean water, electricity and sufficient food access while containing no proper housing and holds the constant threat of eviction at any time as an informal settlement. Mostly though, it has robbed most inhabitants of opportunities to educate themselves and to escape to a better life.

The Birth of SHOFCO

The Kibera slum is where it all began when a young Kennedy Odede was born into the tough, unsafe and cruel reality of poverty in Kenya. Odede managed to escape at the age of 10 to a life of sleeping rough and teaching himself with big dreams for a better future for Kenyans.

In 2004, and with nothing but a 10p coin, a football and an idea, the doctor sought out and found a way to support those he had left behind. He created Shining Hope for Communities from the ground up.

Now, the globe recognizes him as a social entrepreneur and is commending him for his achievements. He was crowned one of Forbes’ ’30 under 30’, and has received an Echoing Green Fellowship, among others. Odede still advocates and sits on various foundation boards to give a voice to those still suffering in silence.  

SHOFCO Today

With offices in the U.S. and Kenya, Shining Hope For Communities has taken a grassroots approach to reducing poverty in Kenya by working directly with communities and informal settlements. They work closely with communities suffering the most to provide essential services, including water, safety and other basic survival needs.

SHOFCO then supports the further development of these areas, with education and development opportunities. It encourages and helps individuals access opportunities to improve their futures and through this, begin to develop healthy and self-sufficient communities.

So far, almost 20 years down the line, the organization has reached and achieved the following:

  • SHOFCO’s efforts have impacted 17 urban slums in Kenya.
  • The organization has helped 2.4 million Kenyans living in informal settlements.
  • It helped six health clinics open between the Kibera and Mathara slums.
  • The initiative granted 954 young people access to jobs and internships.
  • The youngest organization in history to receive the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize.

SHOFCO & Female Empowerment

Historically, females in the urban slums of Kenya were disregarded when it came to education and opportunities. SHOFCO launched Girls Leadership Academies in Kenya’s two largest slums, Kibera & Mathare. The academies have managed to reach 656 of the slum’s inhabitants. 

The academies offer free education up to the eighth grade and opportunities far better than were previously accessible. Opportunities waiting outside the confines of the slum. 

The girls are also granted access to free health care, supplies, uniforms and food, to ensure that the opportunity for a better future can be fully seized.

Since the launch of the education programs, the amount of girls contracting and suffering from HIV within the slums has reduced significantly. Higher survival rates have also been seen among infants with fewer but healthier children born. The students have gone on to continue advocating for change themselves; to earn more than ever expected and invest more than 90% of earnings into their families, further improving the future of these communities.

Looking Ahead

There is still a long way to go in eradicating poverty in Kenya, but this is only the beginning. SHOFCO is an example of an organization that has provided hope and opened up a future for the residents of Kibera and Mathare that had never existed and it does not have to stop there.

– Lucy Blake
Photo: Flickr