Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

Strengthening Mental Health Initiatives in Sweden

Mental Health Initiatives in SwedenSweden has often been ranked among the nations with the highest rates of quality of life and overall happiness. In addition to its stellar system of care and initiatives, the country is ripe with luscious natural landscapes and green spaces, providing its citizens with a pure, accessible, cost-free way to de-stress. These qualities work alongside mental health initiatives in Sweden. Many also recognize Sweden for its healthy balance of work and culture.

While mental health rates were low in the past, mental health initiatives in Sweden have been improving in recent times. Due to its growing success, many other nations are looking to the Nordic country as an example of progress, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Government Policies

While there is still work to be done, mental health initiatives in Sweden are on the rebound. In 2016, the Swedish government introduced and implemented a mental health strategy focusing on “prevention and awareness, accessibility to care and greater emphasis on vulnerable groups.” This includes introducing methods to prevent severe conditions and increasing access to mental health treatments. Users can obtain treatment via county council mental health providers or generic services by the municipalities’ social welfare system. These municipalities provide care to individuals with mental illness, including school-aged children and patients recently discharged from a medical facility.

Options Available to Patients

There are many options available to Swedes who are living with mental illness. Numerous crisis hotlines staffed by volunteers are readily available for Swedes to utilize. These include SPES, available to those grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide, The Rainbow Line, available to LGBTQ+ individuals, Kvinnofridslinjen, available to women facing violence or threats of violence and BRIS, available to anyone who needs support.
Another initiative available to patients is the Young Health Programme (YHP), founded and operated by AstraZeneca. YHP is a global disease prevention program with a unique focus on mental health awareness for those aged 10 to 24. Researchers collected findings by surveying 1,350 discussions with the BRIS child helpline. They published the results so mental health professionals could access those findings. Patients, their families and health care professionals utilized five short films based on the team’s findings as part of their treatment process. To date, more than 29,000 children have used these methods to receive support for their respective conditions.

Outlook on the Future

Sweden’s efforts to strengthen its mental health initiatives are creating meaningful changes for patients and their families. Policies and policymakers are focusing on varying aspects of mental health and groups affected, including adolescents and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Agencies are more equipped to appropriately treat and care for their patients. As of June 2023, policymakers are continuing to strengthen mental health initiatives in Sweden in the hopes of maintaining positive mental health trends in the future.

– Nicholas DeLuca
Photo: Unsplash

Cricket is Reducing Gender Violence in India

Gender Violence in IndiaSince the establishment of the first cricket club in 1792 in Kolkata — the world’s second-oldest cricket club — cricket has come to be a key pillar of Indian culture. Fans see the sport as a religion in India: victories have resulted in public holidays (following India’s World Cup triumph in 1983), defeats elicit mourning and fans of the game revere the players in an almost worship-like manner. In 2011, India became the first nation in the world to win the World Cup tournament on home soil. Yet the sport remains predominantly male-dominated, historically excluding females from participating and even spectating matches. So how is Parivartan, a Mumbai-based program that focuses on engaging boys through cricket, helping reduce gender violence in India?

Domestic Violence in India

Although many aspects of society seem to be taking notable leaps forward, there has been little progress in alleviating gender violence in India. In fact, according to a report by the World Economic Forum (WEF), India ranked 134th out of 145 countries for gender parity in 2018, down from 130th in 2017.

Although some structural changes have made a difference in politics and the business sector, with 83.3% of legal frameworks that enforce gender equality under the SDG indicator now in place in India, women still face a lot of discrimination in their day-to-day lives. At any hour, between 30 and 40 women are victims of domestic violence, and that is just the documented figure. Sexist views are part of Indian society, so much so that 50.6% of men and an astonishing 54.4% of women believe that there are situations in which justifications exist for a husband beating his wife.

One contributing factor to the elevated figures around gender violence in India is the custom of dowry. Beliefs and customs around dowries have resulted in the treatment of women as an economic burden. For this reason, a woman has to shell out a required sum of monetary compensation in return for bridal acceptance from the groom. Despite outlawing this practice of paying dowries more than 60 years ago, stories still emerge of marital property disputes that end in murder. India’s National Records Bureau reported that in 2020, on average, dowry-related conflicts led to the killing of 19 women, while 1,700 women committed suicide over “dowry-related issues.”

Parivartan

It is these behaviors that Parivartan, which translates to ‘transformation’ in English, is trying to highlight and erase from Indian society. A collaboration that began in 2008 between the Indian Office of the International Centre for Research on Women (ICRW) and Apnalaya, a small community-based NGO, adopts the model of the U.S. “Coaching Boys Into Men” program and receives funding from The Nike Foundation. Through sports, the program aims to build attitudes and behaviors that end gender violence in India. Young cricketers are encouraged to challenge their views on “eve teasing,” a term that serves to describe the popular and generally accepted ‘boys’ sport’ of sexually harassing women in the streets.

The coaches and mentors in the program act as role models to the younger boys, who in turn develop positive behaviors to take back and share with their community. The program focuses on the idea of empowering women through changing the behaviors of men – achieving gender equality is not possible without changes in men’s lives as well as women’s, as it is more often the men who are committing the violence.

The program runs in local communities and schools, thereby targeting boys from all social classes. The interventions in schools coached athletes from the middle to higher-middle level of economic strata, while the community-level projects takes place in the slums of Mumbai.

Research conducted through a questionnaire showed that the views of participating athletes changed over time. Despite the young age of many of the athletes, their views when starting the program tended to reflect that men are supposed to be “tough, unfaithful and unemotional.” By the end of the program, these perceptions had largely changed.

Looking Ahead

Apart from the ongoing efforts and trends in India, the idea that sport can serve to drive social change and encourage international development continues to gain popularity across the world, with projects such as Grassroot Soccer in South Africa and Fight for Peace in Brazil. This raises hope that one day, sports participation can play a major role is ridding society of gender inequalities and violence. 

– Almaz Nerurkar
Photo: Flickr

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Addressing the Neglect of Elderly Syrian Refugees’ Health

Elderly Syrian Refugees' Health
More than 5 million Syrian people fled their homes to neighboring countries, such as Lebanon and Jordan, due to mass displacement in the wake of conflict. Many of these refugees are older people with different health issues who seek assistance. Despite the best efforts of the humanitarian response, some elderly Syrian refugees’ health is neglected due to a lack of data, institutional biases and underfunding.

Identifying the Prevalence of Health Issues

As a result of the demands of the current Syrian refugee crisis, Lebanese health and social workers have identified the prevalence of non-communicable diseases among older Syrian refugees, such as diabetes, blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease. Additionally, psychologists have observed that many people have to confine themselves to homes due to bone and joint complications, leading to social isolation and mental health problems. Elderly Syrian refugees’ health is neglected because of poor hygiene and access to clean water.

This, along with the fact that many people live in small, cold tents with many people living in it, leads to pulmonary complications and skin disorders like scabies. Additionally, lack of food causes malnutrition, which impairs their immune system, making them susceptible to diseases such as flu and diarrhea.

According to a 2014 Handicap International and HelpAge International report, many of their patients with Syrian refugee status suffer from mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and psychosis. HelpAge International’s Chief Executive Officer, Toby Porter, claims that the lack of psychosocial care for older people negatively impacts their family’s well-being.

Senior Refugees Face a Variety of Problems

In 2021, according to the Vulnerability Assessment of Syrian Refugees in Lebanon (VASyR), primary health care and hospital care were less accessible for households with the lowest expenditures. The study demonstrates that those with the least resources were the least likely to receive the necessary care, likely due to a lack of adequate insurance or the ability to pay out-of-pocket for medical care. Thus, this highlights the need for greater financial support for medical care so that those with the least resources can still access the care they need.

A 2022 Conflict and Health article suggests that there needs to be more awareness of the needs of older refugees in the aid sector, which focuses mostly on children, women and young adults regarding financial support and medical services. Providing assistance to older refugees should be a priority. Social workers have noted that even though hearing aid and eyeglass campaigns are often conducted, they benefit children and young adults.

According to social workers, donors should prioritize older refugees, allowing them to receive adequate medical care and assistance. A Caritas Lebanon Migrant Centre (CLMC) Board Committee member, Kamal Sioufi, commented: “Older refugees have so many needs, which are not yet a priority for the humanitarian aid actors responding to this crisis.”

Urgent Steps Needed for Improved Care

According to a Handicap International and HelpAge International report, it is also essential to improve the accessibility of health care for people with specific needs. It is crucial that psychological distress services are readily available and tailored to meet the needs of individual clients. The health care staff should have training in diagnosing chronic diseases and receive adequate consultation time. Providing complete information about how to manage patients’ conditions will enable them to help them more effectively. Health care professionals should receive essential psychological distress services as well as training on how to assist elderly individuals.

Since 2013, HelpAge International has been working with older Syrian refugees in Lebanon. Around 2,000 patients have benefited from health consultations, nutrition lessons, cooking classes and social events. Furthermore, HelpAge has trained humanitarian and government workers on older people’s health issues.

Working Together

Organizations like HelpAge International have been providing health consultations, nutrition lessons and training for humanitarian workers to better support the elderly Syrian population. Continued efforts and support can potentially improve their living conditions by providing them with the care and assistance they require.

– Simran Raghav
Photo: Flickr

GuardDV is Empowering Survivors of Gender-Based Violence in Puerto Rico

Gender-Based Violence in Puerto RicoGender-based violence (GBV) in Puerto Rico is endemic. In fact, in 2021, public officials responded to swelling rates of GBV during the pandemic by declaring a “state of emergency.” Governor Pedro Pierluisi condemned the long-standing machismo and discrimination behind this “social evil” and the “lack of action” in addressing it.

The declaration came after the Puerto Rico Gender Equality Observatory reported, in 2020, that the rate of femicide had increased 62% from the previous year. Alarmingly, more than 25% of those murders were classified as intimate partner violence.

While a nuanced issue, there is a clear correlation between domestic and gender-based violence and the experience of poverty. For example, the recent spike in femicides in Puerto Rico follows shocks like 2017’s Hurricane Maria and COVID-19, which have had a devastating impact on Puerto Ricans’ income and access to basic resources. As of 2018, 44% of the U.S. territory’s population was living in poverty — an inordinate percentage compared to the national poverty rate of about 12%. Poverty exacerbates domestic tensions as well as the circumstances that make it difficult for women to leave abusive homes, heightening financial insecurity and increasing the risk of continued exposure to violence.

Law 54

In 1989, Puerto Rico introduced the “Domestic Abuse Prevention and Intervention Act” to address intimate partner and gender-based violence. Commonly known as Law 54, the legislation designates domestic violence as a felony. Furthermore, it requires law enforcement to complete a comprehensive report on any domestic violence case, even when charges are not filed, in order to improve accuracy in recording domestic violence incident rates.

While Law 54 recognizes the seriousness of the problem, many cases of domestic and gender-based violence in Puerto Rico remain undocumented. For example, in most of the U.S., police departments report rape at “four times the rate of homicide,” according to the American Civil Liberties Union. Yet, in 2010, the Puerto Rico Police Department reported more than 1,000 homicides and just 39 rapes. The ACLU estimated that only about 1% of rape cases in Puerto Rico were reported that year, with the actual number being some 100 times higher.

The anomaly raised questions about the accuracy of reporting claims of domestic violence, adequacy of investigation and effectiveness in providing legal and social protection to survivors. In a 2012 investigation, the ACLU concluded that there was “dramatic under-enforcement of violations of protection orders” and “inadequate staffing of both specialized domestic violence PRPD units and specialized domestic violence prosecution units.” These and other challenges, such as a lack of coordination between investigators and prosecutors, have hindered progress in preventing domestic violence and protecting victims.

How GuardDV Empowers Survivors

Zayira Jordan developed GuardDV in 2018. A survivor of domestic violence, she wanted to use technology to serve other survivors and help ensure their physical and emotional security. The mobile application allows survivors to access “real-time information about the safety of their surroundings,” alerts them to potential protection order violations and provides a “panic button” for use in threatening situations. GuardDV uses three different kinds of technology. Active GPS and International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) together make it possible to accurately identify the locations of survivors and offenders. Facial recognition ensures that an offender is always carrying the phone linked to their court-registered IMEI code, requiring offenders to visually log in to the app for random check-ins throughout the day.

How the App Works

  1. After approval of a protection order, both the offender and survivor must install GuardDV on their phones.
  2. Three parameters are set to activate automatic notifications if an offender violates the protection order. Trusted friends and family can join the survivor’s “Guardian Angel” support network and receive simultaneous notifications.
  3. With GuardDV active, survivors can use the live map feature to avoid potential threats. If the offender violates the safety zone, the app immediately notifies both the survivor and their Guardian Angels.
  4. If the offender crosses the first two boundaries within the safety zone, GuardDV alerts 911 and provides real-time location information to the survivor, helping them to avoid a high-risk situation. If the offender persists and breaches the final boundary, the app notifies the authorities to apprehend them.

Implementing smart monitoring through apps like GuardDV has proved to be critical for empowering survivors of gender-based violence in Puerto Rico. The app demonstrates how technology can help bring comfort and security to survivors, and accountability to offenders. Additionally, it offers hope for how technology can help prevent instances of gender-based violence for victims and survivors who remain in abusive environments, increase reporting and ensure efficient physical, emotional and legal protection for those who most urgently need support.

– Lucy Gebbie
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

3 Facts About Elderly Poverty in North Korea

Elderly Poverty in North KoreaNorth Korea, a highly centralized totalitarian state with a population of nearly 25 million people, is a country that constitutes the northern half of the Korean Peninsula in East Asia. Over the past few decades, the country’s economy has faced significant challenges, including a scarcity of resources, international sanctions and self-imposed isolation. From 2012 to 2018, the country had an estimated poverty rate of 60% with significant fluctuations at the national level. Consequently, the country faces an aging population and a decline in the younger population caused by low birth rates. Despite its centrally planned economy, job stability in the workforce does not provide enough income, resulting in elderly poverty in North Korea.

3 Facts About Elderly Poverty in North Korea

  1. Increasing Rate of Poverty Risk Among the Elderly Population: North Korea’s elderly population, aged above 65 years, is rapidly rising. In 2008, the aging population increased from 5.3% to 8.5%, predicting a growth of 14% by 2033. Increasing demand to assist the elderly population in a country with low economic growth and sustained workforce opportunities brings income and health concerns.

  2. Limited Pension System: North Korea has a limited pension system. It provides minimal support in providing financial assistance to the elderly. Reports from Radio Free Asia (RFA) indicate that the social security pension offers about 1,000 won per month. This is around $0.12. Many elderly citizens are unable to cover basic living expenses with limited income, leading them to remain in poverty and hindering their retirement plans.

  3. Housing Conditions: Many elderly individuals live in poor housing conditions due to a lack of proper infrastructure. This leads to inadequate heating and structural issues. Roughly 90% of North Korea’s housing environment was constructed between the 1950s and 1990s. This was to solve the resulting housing crisis after the damage of numerous facilities and buildings during the Korean War in 1953.

Efforts of North Korean Authorities to Address Elderly Poverty

According to sources from Daily NK, an initiative was implemented by the Propaganda and Agitation Department of the North Korean communist party’s Central Committee to identify and register the homeless elderly population aged 60 years and above. It strived to build new facilities for nursing homes, aiming to provide care and support for abandoned or neglected elderly individuals. Nevertheless, North Korean citizens expressed concern regarding the initiative, with the possibility of elderly residents feeling compelled to return to their families despite the lack of resources to ensure proper caregiving. Additionally, there are speculations of potential mistreatment or neglect in the absence of familial support.

Efforts by NGOs in Alleviating Poverty

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) strive to mitigate the struggles endured by the elderly population in North Korea. Although the government gives limited information on solutions, these NGOs endeavor to improve the quality of life for the elderly by providing assistance through their food aid program and awareness-raising initiatives.

Helping Hands Korea (HHK) is a Christian NGO that was founded by Tim and Sunmi Peters in Seoul. Since 1996, it has addressed the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of North Koreans in crisis. One of its projects aims to provide food, medicine and clothing to the most vulnerable in society, especially the elderly.

Other initiatives focus on promoting elderly poverty awareness to encourage governmental priorities and bring elicit action on the potential policies. In 2020, the United Nations released the “Needs and Priorities Plan.” It targeted the provision of humanitarian assistance while implementing sustainable development goals. It aims to give food and nutritional support to 3.3 million people in North Korea. The plan also will give health services to 5.5 million people and clean water and sanitation to 300,000 people.

Looking Ahead

North Korea is making efforts to overcome its challenges to improve its economy. While it may not be in the government’s best interest, collaboration with international organizations supports the funding of elderly poverty. With continued effort, North Korea could achieve a future that is free of elderly poverty. And this can potentially improve living conditions and reduce the burden on younger generations.

– Cherine Jang
Photo: Flickr

United States’ Intervention in the Venezuelan Refugee Crisis

Venezuelan Refugee CrisisWith over 7.13 million refugees and migrants, the Venezuelan refugee crisis has become the largest external displacement of people in the history of the western hemisphere. Most of the refugees flee from economic hardships and political corruption that’s plagued Venezuela for over 10 years.

Thankfully, many state and non-governmental organizations have stepped in to help out with the crisis. The largest contributor to the humanitarian response, however, is the U.S. State Department. Through its various branches, the State Department gives aid to the refugees, helping to heal the divide between the U.S. and Venezuela.

The Crisis

The origins of Venezuela’s crisis began long before the last few years. Arguably, they go all the way back to when investors found large oil reserves in the country in the 1920s. While their economy grew exponentially due to this discovery, it resulted in an increasing reliance on oil.

Years later, President Hugo Chavez utilized the nation’s oil wealth to expand social services, but also greatly expand his presidential powers to near-dictatorial levels. This is partly responsible for Venezuela’s consistent ranking as one of the most corrupt countries in the world.

Chavez’s successor Nicolas Maduro took power in 2014 and continued to enact corrupt policies while consolidating more presidential power. At the same time, the price of oil declined sharply and the Venezuelan economy declined with it, according to the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR).

Since then, the people of Venezuela have faced an extreme lack of economic opportunity, food scarcity, lack of medical resources, crime and lack of proper housing, giving rise to the Venezuelan refugee crisis. At the same time, they have continually tried and failed to oust their corrupt government from power. Because of all this, millions of migrants and refugees have fled to neighboring countries and other parts of the world.

State Department Aid

Though relations between the government of the U.S. and Venezuela have soured, the State Department is still intent on helping Venezuelans both within their own country and living abroad as refugees.

Since 2017, the U.S. State Department has given more than $2 billion in aid towards the Venezuelan crisis, making it the largest donor in the world. The State Department works through two separate agencies to assist Venezuelans. These are the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), which is a subsidiary of the State Department itself, while the other is USAID. While both agencies work closely with each other, each has unique roles in providing aid to refugees all around the world, including the U.S. and Venezuela.

PRM primarily focuses on supporting refugees living outside of Venezuela. Its work helps provide a range of essential services including shelter, health care, water, sanitation, hygiene, education and more. Workers distribute this aid in 17 countries throughout South America, Central America and the Caribbean. PRM also utilizes refugee coordinators to work diplomatically with local government officials.

By contrast, USAID is more focused on helping Venezuelans in Venezuela with the same kind of necessary support PRM provides. However, it also assists refugees living in neighboring countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.

Latest Developments

Thankfully, the U.S. government affirmed its continued support for Venezuelan refugees at the ninth Summit of the Americas in June 2022. There, President Biden announced an additional $314 million in aid to Venezuelan refugees scattered throughout the western hemisphere.

The aid funding goes to both PRM and USAID with the former receiving $103 million and the latter receiving $171 million. An additional $40 million for development was also given to USAID.

And though much work between the U.S. and Venezuela has helped millions of refugees, there is a need for continued action. With time and effort, the State Department’s latest round of aid could alleviate much of the suffering. And if the U.S. and other governments continue to give crucial humanitarian assistance, there is hope that one day, Venezuela’s refugee crisis will be a thing of the past.

–Jonathon Crecelius

Photo: Flickr

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Higher Education in Yemen

Higher Education in YemenFor the past eight years, the civil war between the Saudi-led military coalition and Houthi rebels has plagued Yemen. More than half of the Yemeni population is below the poverty line, and women are most vulnerable with a 26.1% unemployment rate compared to the 12.3% of men. This ongoing conflict severely affects Yemeni citizens and students. As for higher education, the estimated 20% of Sana’a University students cannot afford to attend class without transportation and books, having to stay home instead.

Effects of War on Higher Education in Yemen

As the war escalates, universities lack funding, rendering attendance unaffordable for potential and current students. Around 100 universities have suffered damage from air strikes and bombings, as of 2018, and military forces are utilizing dozens more. Professors in public universities suffer from a 40% reduction in salary, resulting in a shortage of professors. Students face challenges with displacement and injuries sustained from the war, financial burden from lack of employment, increased living costs, and possible abduction into soldiering. Nevertheless, various organizations have come forward to offer funding and support for Yemeni students, lowering the cost of education and ensuring that future generations can access learning opportunities.

Organizations that Lower the Barriers to Higher Education in Yemen

  1. The Scholar Rescue Fund – The Institute of International Education initiated the Scholar Rescue Fund in 2002. It collaborates with universities worldwide to offer secure academic placements to Yemeni scholars. Universities across Europe, North America, Malaysia and nearby regions accommodate these placements, enabling students to actively engage in their studies using their native language, maintain connections with loved ones and establish relationships with colleagues and peers in Yemen. Since its launch, the Scholar Rescue Fund has supported 1,059 endangered and displaced scholars, providing assistance to 470 universities.                                                                                                                                               
  2. The Hadhramout Foundation – The non-profit foundation actively collaborates with universities globally and offers scholarships for higher education in Yemen. It also conducts language training programs and provides technical and vocational training opportunities, ensuring Yemeni students receive a comprehensive education. The Hadhramout Foundation has more than 1,859 alumni in its alumni club.
  3. Al-Khair Foundation – This Yemeni non-profit organization actively focuses on social development efforts throughout Yemen. The foundation implements development programs that specifically target education, humanitarian response and the improvement of livelihoods. Through these initiatives, the foundation significantly contributes to reducing the cost of education in Yemen. One of its notable endeavors includes funding more than 850 grants for marginalized Yemeni students, enabling them to attend universities and prioritizing inclusivity and equal access to education.
  4. Lavazza Foundation – In 2016, the Lavazza Foundation established the “Scholarships for Education of Young Yemenis” project, aiming to provide 22 scholarships to Yemeni students. The foundation actively strives to eliminate socioeconomic barriers that hinder educational access, empowering deserving students to pursue their academic aspirations. The project ensures an equal distribution of 50% female and 50% male scholars. All students receive material assistance, job search training and access to professional opportunities.
  5. EducationUSA – EducationUSA actively promotes studying in the U.S. by offering opportunities and information about more than 4,000 U.S. universities on behalf of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Moreover, Amideast facilitates the EducationUSA Competitive College Club (CCC), a program designed for Yemeni high school students. The CCC assists students in navigating U.S. college applications, securing scholarships, and developing their academic and professional resumes. Notably, the program is free of charge.

Looking Ahead

The organizations mentioned above actively take steps to ease the financial burden on Yemeni students and guarantee access to education during the ongoing conflict. These organizations accomplished this through scholarships, temporary learning programs, academic placements and comprehensive educational initiatives, scoring significant progress in lowering the cost of higher education in Yemen. These efforts empower students, dismantle socioeconomic barriers and contribute to fostering a more educated and resilient Yemeni society.

– Clara Swart
Photo: Flickr

Everything You Should Know about Renewable Energy in Malaysia

A lack of access to air conditioning, heating or refrigeration paints a picture of what energy poverty looks like for vulnerable populations. People in this category lack modern and renewable energy sources to help meet everyday needs. This is especially true for those in rural or hard-to-reach areas in Malaysia. This has called attention to the need for renewable energy in Malaysia.

More than 733 million people do not have access to electricity and 2.4 billion (more than half the population of Asia) cannot access clean cooking resources. As 2030 approaches, there is an increasing urgency to meet one of the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDG): “affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.”

Energy poverty is high in Asia and in Southeast Asia specifically. Based on expectations, the energy demand could more than double by 2040. As one of the better-developed nations in Southeast Asia, Malaysia has the distinctive potential to develop a sustainable system reliant on renewable energy rather than fossil fuels.

To meet its clean energy target, Malaysia wants to recreate its national power grid by using digital systems, machine learning and automation. The country promises to lower greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, using clean and renewable energy. There will be a replacement of power plants and the newer systems will be the standard beyond 2030. Battery energy storage systems or BESS’s are to be expanded to a 500MW capacity to meet solar energy goals.

Advantages of Renewable Energy

Multiple benefits come with investing and transitioning to renewable energy for Malaysia. Firstly, it is cost-effective in lowering energy, environmental or health expenses and can save the nation more than $9 billion annually by 2050. An investment in renewable energy also permits tax allowances and greater financial incentives for homeowners and businesses seeking locally sourced sustainable energy. And finally, the renewable energy transition can reduce rising labor and material costs and create millions of new work opportunities in various fields by 2030. 

The First Local Battery Energy Storage Systems

Citaglobal and Genetec Technology formed Citaglobal Genetec BESS and launched Malaysia’s first developed and produced BESS. Successfully demoed in 2022, the system is designed to be portable and large-scale. If these challenges can be met, BESS makes grid integration and connecting to remote sites much more feasible.

It is also customizable and supports renewable energy such as hydro, solar or wind to multifaceted industries–from manufacturing to telecommunications. Such a system is key for Malaysia to help meet its 2050 net zero emissions target and secure renewable energy security. The Citiglobal Genetec joint partnership hopes to market the BESS system to other Southeast Asian countries.

Plus Xnergy

Plus Xnergy, cofounded by Group CEO Ko Chuan Zhen, is a Malaysian clean energy “solutionist”. Its revised 2023 budget aims to sustainably expand Malaysia’s job market and increase the average wage. The budget’s initiatives include: increasing tax allowances and exemptions from the previous three to five years, prioritizing flood mitigation and encouraging electric vehicle adoption. The clean energy company states that corporations will benefit from these initiatives and with lower energy costs, take up renewable energy much faster. By 2025, Plus Xnergy hopes to increase Malaysia’s clean energy mix by 31%, ensuring not only businesses, but homes receive low-cost, sustainable energy.

Plus Xnergy’s BESS product is designed to save energy and help populations and industries off the power grid in rural areas. The system reduces costs and provides stored, backup power in the event of a blackout or during peak seasons. Plus Xnergy claims that these affordable storage systems are quick and easy to install to scale. Additionally, purchasing these systems makes you eligible for the Green Investment Tax Allowance and helps reduce carbon footprints.

Gentari and Renewable Energy

Alongside battery storage as renewable, lower-carbon solutions, clean hydrogen is another viable option. Gentari is a clean energy firm whose mission is to responsibly and sustainably provide energy globally. As of now, it is collaborating with Singapore’s gas utility company, City Energy, to generate more than 1 million tons annually of clean hydrogen through a supply chain from Malaysia to Singapore. Green mobility is another pillar of Gentari’s solutions and it is working alongside City Energy on a charging network for electric vehicles across both countries’ borders.

Gentari further demonstrates its commitment to renewable energy in Malaysia by partnering with JLand Group (JLG), a Malaysian property developer, to create a green ecosystem across JLG’s many property projects. With the same renewable goals, its initiatives are slated to commence in the third quarter of 2023.

Transforming Energy for the Future

Taking action now will not only benefit Malaysia’s future economy but create reliable, renewable energy systems for rural and struggling populations. Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative of the U.N. Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, told Rockefeller Foundation in 2021: “Access to energy transforms every facet of life, with reliable electricity often the first step toward helping a community lift itself out of poverty.”  

– Clare Calzada
Photo: Unsplash

Responding To Myanmar’s Cyclone Mocha

Myanmar’s Cyclone MochaFormerly known as Burma, Myanmar is a country located in Southeast Asia. The nation comprises more than 100 ethnic groups and borders India, Bangladesh, Laos, Thailand and China. Its population is around 57.2 million. Former President U Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi were overthrown in the February 2021 military coup. As of 2023, Myanmar’s acting president is Myint Swe. On May 14, a category 5 tropical “Cyclone Mocha” struck the nation. It brought winds of up to 280km/h as well as severe heavy rain, storm surges and landslides. The cyclone made landfall north of Rakhine State’s capital Sittwe, causing widespread destruction and forcing thousands of vulnerable people to evacuate. Myanmar’s Cyclone Mocha is now one of the strongest cyclones to hit the Bay of Bengal in more than a decade. And this event has affected millions of people, including refugees in Bangladesh.

U.K. Support

In May 2023, the U.K. announced £2 million in funding to support 175,000 people affected by Myanmar’s Cyclone Mocha. The funding will provide shelter and clean water as well as prevent the spread of disease. Previously, local and international partners received £650,000 in funding from the U.K. With the additional pledge of £2 million, vulnerable people and their communities will receive much-needed emergency aid. Since 2017, Myanmar has received more than £81 million from the U.K. to help with the provision of water, food, sanitation and health care in Rakhine State. Committed to the support of peace and stability, caution and diligence are also in place to ensure the Myanmar military regime receives no U.K. aid benefits.

U.S. Support

On May 17, 2023, the U.S. announced an initial pledge of $200,000 to maintain current relief activities. Later, it announced a provision of almost $17 million in humanitarian aid. The additional support will provide clean water and sanitation as well as emergency shelter and relief items to cyclone-impacted communities. All humanitarian aid will be supplied through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Humanitarian partners are active in the affected areas. Prior to this, USAID partners worked in preparation for the cyclone. Currently, the U.S. is the leading donor of humanitarian aid in Myanmar. Since August 2017, reliable humanitarian providers have received more than $400 million from the U.S.

Oxfam Respond To Myanmar’s Cyclone Mocha

The cyclone has created significant damage in the Rakhine State. Rakhine State is host to thousands of displaced people due to conflict, with many living in temporary camps. The cyclone’s heavy winds led to the camps taking severe damage, further impacting the lives of displaced people who are already undergoing hardship. Oxfam and partners are assessing the destruction in order to plan for a humanitarian response. The organization’s aid will consist of providing clean water, sanitation and emergency cash and food. More than 100 Oxfam staff and volunteers are actively working in Rakhine State to distribute emergency supplies and aid.

H&M Foundation Donates

The philanthropic arm of the multinational clothing company, H&M Group, announced its donation of $250,000 to the Red Cross to support ongoing humanitarian aid in Myanmar. The donation is directed toward the supply of water, sanitation and hygiene. The distribution of clean water will be a particular focus and an integrated approach will be applied to provide access to the basic essentials.

Pope Francis Appeals For Solidarity

On 28 May 2023, during the Regina Coeli prayer, Pope Francis appealed to authorities managing Myanmar’s humanitarian aid access and delivery. The Pope spoke of the 800,000 people who remain in need of urgent help. Attention was also brought to the Rohingya refugees who are fleeing Myanmar’s violence and experiencing the devastating impact of Cyclone Mocha. The Pope concluded, “I appeal to those responsible to facilitate the access of humanitarian aid and I appeal to the sense of human solidarity and ecclesial solidarity to come to the aid of these brothers and sisters of ours.”

What is the Future for Myanmar?

Currently, the full impact of Myanmar’s Cyclone Mocha is unknown. Humanitarian assistance is crucial for those who are severely affected by the destruction. Organizations like Oxfam and the H&M Foundation are also stepping in to provide crucial support, while Pope Francis appeals for solidarity and urges authorities to facilitate humanitarian access. Together, these efforts aim to alleviate the suffering and inspire hope for a better future among the people of Myanmar during this challenging time.

– Grace Clay
Photo: Flickr

5 Charities Operating in Hawaii

Charities Operating in HawaiiThe number of people living in poverty in Hawaii rose from 9% in 2018 to 15% in 2022. Residents have always rallied goodwill organically in the tight-knit communities of Oahu. The spirit of aloha inspires compassion for others without expectation of anything in return. This attitude has fostered an intrinsically supportive population of locals for generations. Several charities have harnessed Hawaiian culture to do good on Oahu by uplifting those living in hard conditions. In particular, five charities operating in Hawaii are working to reduce poverty and improve living conditions.

5 Charities Operating in Hawaii

  1. The Omidyar Network – The founder of Craigslist also founded this charity in 2004. Pierre Omidyar prioritizes racial, economic and technological equality in the fund’s strategic investments. It has committed over $1.5 billion since its inception. The group maximizes impact with a hybrid approach to enacting real-world change. It’s a limited liability company with a private philanthropic organization. That allows them to write grants and fund research with an entrepreneurial spirit, placing stock in impact-oriented startups to fast-track the solutions it supports. Its money also goes to other charities working in the same realm to amplify similar causes. A considerable amount of its effort is allotted to ballot initiatives and direct advocacy in a holistic campaign to make a difference. One of its largest initiatives dedicates annual funds to the Hawaii Community Foundation. The foundation stewards several charitable investments toward scholarships and grants targeted towards communities, such as alternative housing solutions, comprehensive healthcare for all residents and empowering seniors in Hawaii.
  2. The Ulupono Initiative – This is another Hawaiian effort to make the islands more self-sufficient. With sustainability at the forefront of its values, Ulupono has encouraged sustainability in all sects of Hawaiian infrastructure since 2009. Its most important fights include ensuring clean transportation, local food and clean fresh water for the health, longevity and economic prosperity of all Hawaiians. The organization achieves this through grassroots education and pushing technological advancement. It has designated more than $79 million to local organizations and solutions to achieve this holistically.
  3. Help the Homeless Keiki – In 2019, more than 35,000 children in Hawaii were living below the poverty line. Help the Homeless Keiki prioritizes ending child poverty in its charity mission statement. Its programs encompass a wide range of strategies to overcome the issue, including supply donations, outreach events, education, scholarships and subsidized housing. Success stories since 2003 include sending once-homeless high schoolers to college, helping people seed business ventures of their own and getting into sports for full-ride tuition. In the first three years of operation, the project housed and employed an encampment with more than 75 children living in it. Help the Homeless Keiki has operated for more than 20 years as a subsidiary of Project Hawaii Inc and is staffed completely with volunteers.
  4. Family Promise Hawaii – One in six children faces hunger in Hawaii. Family Promise Hawaii has focused on housing vulnerable families across the Hawaiian islands since 2006. The charity provides alternative housing and shelter to those who need it, connecting each contact with long-term living options to ensure stable futures. It implements workforce development by bolstering prosperity by providing vocational training and demystifying financial literacy. Family Promise Hawaii has provided services to more than 4,730 family members since 2006. More than 80% of the families in their shelter program can secure housing. The group draws on more than 1,000 volunteers to return $3 in donated goods and services for every dollar donated.
  5. Helping Hands Hawaii – This charity erases the conflict that inequality causes by supporting self-sufficiency, emergency assistance and housing services. It has pledged to give low-income families a chance to overcome obstacles that block them from reaching their full potential. Helping Hands Hawaii accomplishes this by collecting physical donations and coordinating Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) outreach. The organization recently reached 25 years of its “Ready to Learn” program, which gives low-income and homeless children the resources they need to start school. The charity was officially incorporated in 1974 from the establishment of the 1941 Honolulu Council of Social Agencies’ Volunteer Placement Bureau. Since then, it has honed in on cost-efficient and effective ways to provide a lifeline of sorts in a full continuum of care. Revenues are welcomed from a variety of sources, from both public grants and private donors.

Placing collective well-being at the forefront of their values, these 5 charities operating in Hawaii are paving paths toward bright futures for those below the poverty line.

– Avery Pearson
Photo: Unsplash