Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

Fragility and Rule of Law in Taiwan

The United Nations (U.N.) defines the rule of law as a system that holds both the State and common citizens accountable to equally enforced laws that adhere to international human rights standards. Currently, the Rule of Law is experiencing significant strain due to escalating tensions between the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan.

History of the Rule of Law in Taiwan

In 1945, at the end of the Second World War, Taiwan became part of the Republic of China. However, in 1949, a civil war broke out in mainland China, prompting nationalist forces under Chiang Kai-shek of the Kuomintang (KMT) party to flee to Taiwan. Both sides asserted their claim to represent all of China.

Chiang Kai-shek assumed the presidency and enforced strict martial law, leading an authoritarian government that seldom addressed poverty or the plight of Taiwanese citizens. Corruption thrived, and poverty was widespread as the country suffered from mismanagement under his rule. Rebellions were violently suppressed. Despite this, the Taiwanese people held onto their spirit and hope, envisioning a future marked by freedom and equality.

The KMT ruled for up to five decades until the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won the 2000 and 2004 elections. However, it returned to power in 2008 and 2012. But after the third democratization of Taiwan, in 2016, the first female president of Taiwan Tsai Ing-wen of the DPP was elected to power.

Tensions With China

Since 1949, Taiwan has been officially called the Republic of China. Only 13 countries in the world recognize Taiwan as a separate country. China has openly stated that it does not believe in Taiwan’s independence and does not recognize Taiwan’s democratic rights as a separate sovereign state.

Chinese President Xi Jinping claimed in October 2019 that “reunification” with Taiwan “must be fulfilled,” considering it a breakaway province. The Chinese Communist Party has even threatened the use of force if Taiwan declares itself an independent country.

The One-China Policy

The One-China Policy recognizes the authority of the Chinese government as the sole representative of China. In its relations with China, the United States (U.S.) acknowledges this policy and has formal ties with China instead of Taiwan.

Under President Jimmy Carter, the U.S. established diplomatic ties with China in 1979. This resulted in an end to its connections with Taiwan and the U.S. closed its Taipei embassy.

However, the U.S. passed the Taiwan Relations Act in 1979, which aims to protect the human rights of Taiwanese citizens and advocates for a peaceful resolution to determine Taiwan’s future. The U.S. claims that it upholds an “unofficial robust” relationship with Taiwan and that it is an important economic and foreign ally.

On the other hand, Beijing believes that there is only “One China” and maintains a “One-China Principle”. China claims that Taiwan is an unalienable part of mainland China. The Chinese- Taiwanese relations continue to be tense to date.

The Rule of Law and Poverty

Constant political tensions and COVID-19 have aggravated the uneven income distribution in Taiwan over the past three years. More than 68% of workers earn below-average salaries. This is evident in the high cost of living in Taipei. An estimated 50% of employees receive a monthly salary lower than NT$42,000, and this can easily qualify as living in poverty.

In addition, critics often raise concerns about the government’s calculation of the poverty index in Taiwan. Currently, the poverty rate relies on the relative poverty line, which is “60% of median disposable income per capita,” with varying thresholds for each city or province. The baseline is set at TWD 10,244. Low-income families below the threshold receive benefits and services. However, if a family’s income surpasses the monthly threshold for a specific area, they have limited access to aid, which may increase the risk of poverty.

Current Rule of Law Under Tsai Ing-wen

President Tsai Ing-wen is known to fight for her country’s democratic rights and provide opposition to the One-China policy. Most recently, in April 2023, the Taiwan President and U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy met in California to further friendly and peaceful relations. Her administration has received praise for effectively managing the COVID-19 pandemic through vaccination campaigns, contact tracing and quarantines for travelers.

In terms of quality of life, according to InterNations, 75% of expatriates are content with a high quality of life, affordable health care, green goods and beautiful infrastructures.

Ongoing Defense Efforts

On June 10, Ing-wen stated that she will use new technology to improve and strengthen Taiwan’s defenses. The president is also working toward safeguarding border security in response to Chinese showcases of military superiority. Ing-wen has vowed to make Taiwan a prominent contributor to the global economy with new biotechnology and green energy initiatives.

The Taiwanese people continue to have a strong sense of community, strength and support for each other through non-profit NGO charities such as Tzu Chi and Garden of Hope.

In Romanized Taiwanese, Tzu Chi stands for “relieving suffering with compassion”. In 1966, Dharma Master Cheng Ten founded the organization in Hualien, an impoverished rural area of Taiwan. Tzu Chi strongly believes in healing spiritual poverty by spreading the message of love, compassion and humanitarianism regardless of gender, ethnicity and race.

Tzu Chi also fights poverty by fundraising and creating grassroots volunteers around the globe. They provide holistic support and humanistic education. It now has around 77,621 core volunteers and thousands of members worldwide.

Looking Ahead

With continuous and unwavering support from other developed countries, Taiwan can potentially strengthen its democratic rule of law and create more growth and stability for its local citizens.

–Sharvi Rana

Photo: Unsplash

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Dalits of India

Dalits of IndiaIndia, the world’s most populous country, has a complex history marked by the caste system that divided its people into different social classes. The lowest caste group, commonly known as Dalits or “untouchables,” still faces prejudice, discrimination and stigma, despite the official abolition of the caste system and laws against such discrimination. The marginalized Dalit community continues to be impacted by these societal challenges.

Past and Present

According to Minority Rights, there are approximately 166 million Dalits, constituting an oppressed minority. Under the caste system, the Dalits remain the poorest inhabitants of India and this continues in modern times. Around 80% live in rural areas, where they work as farmers or laborers earning minimal money. Some are moving to the cities and are stuck doing menial jobs.”In areas such as health, education, housing, employment and wages, application of legal rights, decision-making and political participation and rural development, Dalit women have been almost entirely excluded from development policies and programs,” Minority Rights says. In terms of Dalit women’s sexual assault cases, 2% result in convictions, compared to the national 25% average.

Dalit Activists

Despite the challenges, many Dalits have been vocal in speaking out against the discrimination they endure and play prominent roles in Indian social justice organizations. One example is Manjula Pradeep, a longtime activist who is a co-founder of the National Council of Women Leaders. The Council fights for women’s issues in India, even going past Dalit women. Dalits like B.R. Bhaskar Prasad are also leaders of the Social Democratic Party of India, another group that often advocates for India’s lower classes.

Prasad has also been able to maintain Dalit unity. Ruth Manorama is one of the most recognized Dalit activists, having founded and been on the board of many empowerment organizations. Manorama has always maintained that women should be equal in the cause. She was awarded the Right Livelihood award in 2006.

Dalit Organizations

Activist-founded organizations have made significant strides in advancing the rights of Dalits in India and providing assistance to marginalized communities worldwide. Dalit Solidarity, a nonprofit organization founded in the Indian Dalit community in 2000 and now based in the United States (U.S.), focuses on providing education and health care support. Its website explains that its drive in assisting those in need has even expanded to other areas, such as with refugees in Ukraine and Malawi.

One organization that has always had the female voice involved is the National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights. In addition to promoting women’s rights, the campaign also works to promote awareness to end crimes against Dalits. The National Confederation of Dalit Organizations (NACDOR) collaborates with the U.N. to raise awareness of minority rights and align their work with the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals.

The Future

Dalit communities in India have made notable strides, with their largest political party, the Bahujan Samaj Party, assuming a prominent position in the country’s politics. India’s constitution ensures affirmative action for Dalits, which includes employment opportunities and other rights. Furthermore, there has been progress in improving access to education for Dalits. Drawing upon their unwavering determination and resilience, Dalits will persist in raising their voices against the obstacles they encounter.

– Josh Sobchak
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Addressing Food and Bed Poverty in the UK

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According to the Independent, as of March 2022, 14.4 million individuals resided in low-income households in the U.K. Although this figure has decreased to pre-pandemic levels of 13.4 million, the impact of high living costs and inflation persists, affecting a significant portion of the population. Among those most affected are children and ethnic minority families, who often lack the necessary resources to provide proper nutrition and ensure a good night’s sleep, crucial for school readiness. Recognizing that education serves as a proven pathway out of poverty, it becomes imperative to address issues of food and bed poverty in the U.K. to support children’s success in school and secure their future prosperity.

Food Poverty in the UK

Children experiencing food poverty do not have the same access to food options as their peers. Rising food prices in the U.K. have made it difficult for many households to afford essential, nutrient-rich foods. According to data from January 2023, 17.7% of households in the U.K. could not afford a day’s worth of food, as reported by the Commons Library.

Bed Poverty in the UK

Limited access to safe sleeping arrangements also puts children at a disadvantage. During a House of Commons debate on child bed poverty, Kim Leadbeater, a member of the U.K. Parliament for Batley and Spen, highlighted that at least 163 pupils in the Batley & Birstall Excellence in Schools Together group of 21 schools do not have their beds. The lack of a bed affects a child’s family life, personal growth and education.

The Importance of Addressing Food and Bed Poverty in the UK

Sleep and nutrition are essential in ensuring children’s well-being and future success. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, getting proper sleep at night helps students stay focused, improve concentration and enhance academic performance. The National Sleep Foundation emphasizes the connection between nutrition and sleep, stating that healthy eating habits promote better sleeping patterns. Unfortunately, nutritious food and a secure sleep environment are limited for children from low-income homes.

Food and sleep significantly impact a child’s education. Zarach, a charity in the U.K., focuses on addressing food and bed poverty to ensure that children come to school ready to learn.

What is Zarach?

Zarach is a charity dedicated to helping children experiencing poverty in the U.K. Initially established in Leeds, it has expanded its services to Dewsbury, Romford, Calderdale, Huddersfield and Stockport. Through partnerships with schools, Zarach aims to provide beds and essential resources to help children arrive at school prepared to learn. Education serves as a crucial stepping stone toward providing opportunities that can change a child’s future. Zarach supports children through its projects, enabling them to succeed.

How Zarach Works With Schools and Families to End Bed Poverty in the UK

Zarach collaborates with schools to identify instances of bed poverty and refer families to its programs. In addition to providing referrals, Zarach works with schools to raise awareness about families experiencing poverty through assemblies, fundraisers and bundle collections.

Children need support at home to improve their opportunities in the classroom. The essentials provided by Zarach give children the opportunity to grow in school. Zarach hopes to help families transition from focusing on survival to self-sustenance.

“Every Head a Bed”

This project focuses on providing bed bundles and food packages to families living in poverty. Children need stable access to healthy meals and a safe bed to sleep in every day. Without these essentials, children struggle to grow.

“We are here to bring lasting and positive change to those children growing up in the grips of poverty crisis through bed bundle deliveries, tailored support packages, raising awareness, advocating policy change and galvanizing people and resources across the U.K.”

Looking Ahead

In addressing the critical issues of food and bed poverty in the U.K., organizations like Zarach are making a tangible difference in the lives of children experiencing poverty. By providing essential resources, such as nutritious meals and safe beds, Zarach supports children’s well-being and educational success. Its efforts not only alleviate immediate hardships but also work toward breaking the cycle of poverty, fostering a brighter future for these young individuals and ensuring equal opportunities for all.

– Ellie Bruce
Photo: PxHere

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Improving Food Security in the Philippines

Food Security in the PhilippinesThe Philippines, a Southeast Asian country that is famous for its cultural richness and diverse landscape, struggles with a significant poverty rate of 18.1%. One of the factors contributing to this high percentage is the lack of food security in the Philippines. According to the UN, “the Philippines recorded the highest number of food insecure people in Southeast Asia from 2017 to 2019.” This insecurity stems from unpredictable weather patterns and social inequality.

The Role of GMOs in Improving Food Security

To combat food insecurity, various agrochemical companies have been genetically modifying crops globally since the 1990s. The Philippines has been actively involved in approving genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for commercial use, including Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn, Bt eggplant, and golden rice.

Golden Rice: A Solution to Vitamin A Deficiency

Golden rice, named for its golden-orange appearance, gained approval in 2021 due to its rich content of beta-carotene, a vital nutrient that a third of preschool-aged children are deficient in. The introduction of golden rice aims to reduce visual impairments and digestive issues that are a result of low vitamin A intake.

Positive Impacts of GM Technology

Beyond addressing nutrient deficiencies, GM technology offers various positive impacts. By utilizing GMOs, the use of chemical pesticides could be reduced by 37%, thus minimizing the environmental impact. Some reports have linked artificial pesticides to diseases and behavioral changes in animals, resulting in decreased reproduction and survival rates.

Controversy Surrounding GMOs

Despite the potential benefits, opposition to GMOs remains strong. Concerns about the sustainability of genetically modified crops have led to a recent Supreme Court writ prohibiting their commercial release.

Wilhelmina Pelegrina, the Southeast Asia strategy and analysis director for Greenpeace, stated in a press release that this decision “is a win for farmers and Filipinos who have long opposed genetically modified (GM) crops and the harm they bring to the people and the environment.”

The press release voiced the concerns of many GMO skeptics who argue that the Department of Agriculture should be prioritizing ecological agriculture in a way that equally addresses the needs of the farmers and access to nutritional food. Greenpeace suggests that the Department of Agriculture’s funding of GMOs only benefits larger corporate interests as opposed to the interests of the poor.

The Path Forward

With an anticipated surge in food demand by 2050, addressing food security becomes imperative. In Addition, the discourse between activists, lawmakers and the government could play a crucial role in determining the future approach to farming. As things stand, balancing the need for food security with concerns about GMOs remains an ongoing challenge in the Philippines.

– Christian Vince
Photo: Flickr

Mind the Gap: Businesses Commit to Ending Gender Wage Gap in Palestine 

Gender Wage Gap in Palestine  In occupied Palestinian Territories (oPt), the gender wage gap remains a persistent issue, with 29% of female workers in the private sector earning a monthly salary below the minimum wage of 1,450 shekels or $390.78 as of 2022. Closing this gap could require more than just financial considerations.

Addressing the gender wage gap in Palestine necessitates a broader conversation. In a positive development, 15 Palestinian companies have signed the U.N.-established Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEP) as of 2021. By endorsing these principles, these companies demonstrate their commitment to promoting gender equality in the workplace and advancing progress for women. This commitment goes beyond monetary values and reflects a dedication to female empowerment and the advancement of positive change.

The Gender Wage Gap in Palestine at a Glance   

In Occupied Palestinian Territory, reports from 2015 revealed that a woman’s median daily wage is 24% less than that of men in the same employment, most notably in the education sector. Women employed in public secondary schools receive $32.40 less per month than men. In contrast, women working in private primary schools in the West Bank receive $160 less per month.  

The implications are equally severe. Women-headed households make up more than 11% of Palestinian family units as of 2018, and yet the percentage of poverty among such households comes in at 54% in the Gaza Strip.  When compared with the overall percentage of poverty among Palestinians (29.2% in 2017), the extent of the challenges that working women face in fighting to avoid falling below the poverty line becomes apparent.    

Addressing the gender wage gap in Palestine is crucial to alleviate the financial and emotional strain that holds back women who are grappling with poverty. They often find themselves struggling against challenging circumstances while witnessing their male counterparts navigate more favorable conditions.

Digging Deeper  

The gender wage gap in Palestine extends beyond just basic salary and becomes evident when considering various forms of remuneration, such as paid leave, allowances, severance pay and other financial rewards. Even in cases where the disparity in wages appears small, the inclusion of family allowances (which only men can claim) and additional benefits like bonuses and health insurance widen the gap significantly. This creates a substantial divide that poses a risk for female teachers and professionals, hindering their financial security and potential.  

The current socio-cultural climate backs the working female into a corner, with the current unemployment rate for women in Palestine as of March 2023 coming in at 40%. For comparison, the percentage of unemployed men stands at just 20%. For Palestinian women, it is enough of a battle to even enter the workplace, let alone get paid equally for doing so. An example is Shatha Odeh who spent a year in an Israeli prison under claims of heading up an illegal organization in Occupied Palestinian Territory, when she said they arrested her due to her role as Director of Health Work Committees.

Bridging the Gap

Efforts to bridge the gender wage gap in Palestine appear to rely solely on economic measures, which may be precarious and temporary based on the trends. However, an alternative solution may lie in prioritizing people over financial considerations. In line with this perspective, the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEP) report that as of July 2023, 20 local Palestinian companies, including the Bank of Palestine, Birzeit Pharmaceutical Company and Vitas Palestine, have committed to promoting gender equality in the workplace by signing the WEP. This signifies a concerted effort by these companies to advance gender equality and empower women in Palestine.   

The United Nations (U.N.) unveiled the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEP) on International Women’s Day in March 2010, aligning with international labor and human rights standards. This global initiative consists of seven principles that provide a comprehensive framework for businesses to empower Palestinian women in the workplace. One key aspect of these principles is ensuring equal pay for equal work, and promoting fair compensation based on the value of the job performed.

According to the official U.N. WEPs brochure, such principals are already making waves. As of March 2021, more than 5,000 companies in 141 countries have signed and committed to implementing the WEPs. This has a cumulative effect of transforming the careers of more than 10 million employees and the families they are working to support.    

Vitas Palestine

Vitas Palestine is not only taking steps such as launching its “Vitas Values Equality” initiative, enforcing commitment to embracing gender equality, within its organization, but is also working hard to ensure such commitment resounds through its clientele and beyond.  

Through an increased focus on empowering female entrepreneurs, from CEOs to those working in small businesses, Vitas makes its standpoint quite clear. The working woman is a force to be reckoned with, deserving of equal opportunity, equal support and most importantly, equal remuneration.  

Vitas’ efforts align with the WEP. The WEP goes beyond being a temporary solution and aims to create lasting cultural change by valuing and empowering women in the workplace. This program is a crucial step toward closing the gender wage gap in Palestine and achieving financial equality. With a strong foundation in socio-cultural transformation, there is hope that Palestinian businesses can bridge this gap and overcome gender disparities once and for all.

– Izzy Grout
Photo: Unsplash

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Innovative Solutions for Water Scarcity

Innovative Solutions for Water Scarcity
Around the world, 1.1 billion people lack access to water, while 2.7 billion face water scarcity for at least one month each year. With changing weather patterns and an increase in extreme weather events like drought and extreme heat, water scarcity has become an even bigger threat than before. Every year, 829,000 people die from diseases directly related to the Triple Threat (unsafe water, poor sanitation and inadequate hygiene).

Despite challenges in how to tackle the issue of water scarcity, organizations and governments across the globe have already begun to implement initiatives to address this issue. For instance, in 2015, the OECD introduced its Water Governance Programme to advise governments at all levels on improving water policies. Scientific research conducted by institutions like the University of Birmingham and organizations like WWF is also focusing on finding solutions for water scarcity.

There are a variety of technologies undergoing development across the globe, from startups to governments, that are addressing the issue of water scarcity. Among these, the following innovative solutions stand out and show potential for tackling the issue successfully.

Solar Panel Technology: Desolenator

Desolenator, a desalination start-up, anticipates a 400% increase in the demand for drinkable water in the manufacturing sector. The company employs solar panel technology to harness sunlight and generate electricity. By utilizing thermal energy, it is able to purify contaminated water through the process of boiling, transforming it into steam and ultimately producing clean water.

Desolenator is currently partnering with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority to work on a project in Dubai, aligning with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050. Its goal is for 100% of energy production to come from clean energy sources by 2050. Not only is Desolenator helping to harness innovative solutions for water scarcity, it is doing so in a sustainable way.

Microfiltration: LifeStraw

LifeStraw, a company specializing in microfiltration, has developed a device that removes 99.9% of waterborne bacteria. It is relatively inexpensive, can be used at home or outdoors and removes more than 30 contaminants in water including chemicals, pesticides, bacteria, microplastics and parasites. LifeStraw is finding innovative solutions to tackling water scarcity. For example, with every 500 products sold, it distributes a LifeStraw purifier to a school in need as part of its Give Back Programme. It also works in partnership with the Carter Center for Guinea worm eradication and in emergency response work, distributing its products to those in need to ensure access to clean water.

Filter Paper: Folia Water

Folia Water has developed a filter paper infused with silver nanoparticles that can eliminate bacteria, viruses and parasites from water. The filter is cost-effective and capable of cleaning 20 liters of water. In 2015, Folia Water trialed the filter at 25 contaminated water sources in Ghana, Bangladesh and South Africa and successfully removed more than 99% of bacteria. While Folia Water needs more funding, it has provided safe drinking water to more than 40,000 low-income individuals in two districts of Bangladesh and aims to extend this to 500 million South Asians.

Agricultural Irrigation Technology

Agricultural irrigation technology generally involves how farmers can efficiently yield crops in the face of water shortages. The three main technologies include gravity, sprinkler and micro irrigation. These allow farmers to maximize crop yield despite water shortages. Since agricultural practices consume around 70% of the world’s freshwater supplies, governments around the world have been implementing policies to encourage agricultural irrigation. For example, the Moroccan Government has expanded irrigation with investment in the agricultural sector. Agricultural irrigation helps to manage water scarcity by increasing the effectiveness of water management and reducing water waste.

Wastewater Recycling: Membrane Bioreactor

Wastewater recycling reduces dependence on freshwater resources and limits the amount of discharged wastewater. Water recycling can be defined as the process of treating wastewater by using machines and chemicals for the reuse of water in industrial cycles. Recyclable water can include sewage, industrial drainage or domestic greywater. An effective solution is recycling waste water through a Membrane Bioreactor which removes toxins through a filtration system. Currently, the U.K. only recycles 2-10% of wastewater. Despite this, there are many positive impacts to recycling wastewater, including reducing costs for incoming water use, reducing costs for water disposal and lowering the environmental impact of operations. Alongside this, recycling wastewater can help address water scarcity, since less is going to waste.

Looking Ahead

Water scarcity remains a global issue facing billions of people worldwide, but organizations and governments are making efforts to tackle water scarcity through various initiatives. For example, the OECD’s Water Governance Programme provides guidance to governments on improving their policies, while scientific research has led to the development of products such as Desolenator, LifeStraw and Folia Water which are attempting to address water scarcity. Continued collaboration, policies and research show that innovative solutions can help in combating water scarcity.

– Rosie Lyons
Photo: Flickr

5 Charities in Macedonia Helping Those In Need

Charities in MacedoniaThe State Statistics Agency reports that as of 2020, more than 450,000 people in North Macedonia lived below the poverty line. Macedonia’s middle class is on the brink of collapsing under economic stress and its poor can barely afford basic necessities. The consequences of Macedonia’s poverty have carved out a treacherous pathway for children to succeed. Specifically, 299 out of 300 children who live in poverty are not enrolled in preschool and one out of three impoverished children go to secondary school. Furthermore, the likelihood of impoverished girls marrying before they reach age 18 is six times more than girls that are not experiencing poverty. Moreover, impoverished children have the chances of facing physical abuse at home, increased by two times more than children not experiencing poverty. Charities in Macedonia are critical to helping impoverished children, youth and adults.

5 Charities in Macedonia

  1. Habitat for Humanity: North Macedonia is currently in a housing crisis because many people can barely afford to buy homes in large cities, many homes in rural areas are abandoned and the homes in the slums are overcrowded and lack essential infrastructure. Habitat for Humanity began its journey in North Macedonia in 2004 to solve this housing crisis. It has also established the New Builds program in Macedonia to build apartments that are priced at affordable prices. As of 2019, the organization helped build five apartment buildings. Habitat for Humanity has also created an energy efficiency program in Macedonia. This program ensures the infrastructure changes in apartments that reduce the cost of paying for energy prices. Since 2010, it made these positive changes to more than 60 buildings. These innovations have saved 7,910 MWh annually while decreasing CO2 emissions by 3,670. Habitat for Humanity additionally manages 128 apartment buildings with 3,120 apartments.
  2. Lighthouse of Hope: The SOS Children’s Village finds that a fifth of children who live in poverty in Macedonia are placed into state-run institutions. Founded in 2015, Lighthouse of Hope provides orphans in Macedonia with loving care. This charity organization established The JOY Home, a daycare center for children who are orphans with disabilities. It works three days a week and more than 15 children a week receive physical therapy, speech therapy, play and attachment and life skills training.
  3. Foundation Open Society Macedonia: Established in 1992, Foundation Open Society Macedonia has been helping citizens by providing “grants for civil society organizations” as well as groups and individuals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization provided $148,000 to a regional project “Response to the socio-economic effects of COVID-19 by supporting vulnerable groups, the low-paid workers, workers from the informal economy and those occasionally employed.” This grant helped mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable groups such as women and marginalized communities, specifically in terms of employment for the members of these groups. Furthermore, it helped with “the monitoring and creation of public policies” as well as strengthening the representation of people who are vulnerable to the economic impacts of COVID-19.
  4. Roma Rock School: UNICEF reports that more than 100,000 children lived in poverty in Macedonia as of 2017. It also reports that only two-thirds of youth in poverty are able to complete high school in Macedonia. Since 2017, Roma Rock School has been helping Roma youth and children in Macedonia by providing them with free music education. The children can choose to take classes in the “drums, guitar, bass guitar, vocals, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, theory of music and solfège.” As of 2018, around 40 young people enrolled in Roma Rock School. The students meet famous musicians so they can envision a life that is different than their impoverished home lives. In a 2019 Kultivator project, students had a chance to engage in rehearsals, jamming and producing an original song, with a famous musician named Peter Mladenovski.
  5. The SOS Children’s Village: The SOS Children’s Village in Macedonia, which started helping people in Macedonia in 1995, helps nurture and support children who are orphans and abandoned and impoverished families in Macedonia, according to its website. In its village, the organization provides a “loving home” for a total of 64 orphans or abandoned children. In addition to this, the organization has a social center to help families, particularly women and children, and it currently has 264 beneficiaries. It helps people to work their way out of poverty and achieve self-reliance.

Making a Change

Charitable organizations in Macedonia are actively working to improve the lives of impoverished individuals on a daily basis. These organizations provide a safe haven where people can seek assistance, find shelter and regain their confidence. Through the support of these organizations, individuals are able to develop the necessary skills and resources to overcome poverty and secure a brighter future for themselves.

– Rachael Weiser 
Photo: Unsplash

The Intersection of Disability and Poverty in Indonesia

Disability and Poverty in IndonesiaDisability and poverty are critical issues that intersect, presenting complex challenges for individuals and societies worldwide. In Indonesia, this intersection is particularly prominent. The following is an exploration of the issue of disability and poverty in Indonesia, highlighting its causes, consequences and potential solutions.

Unraveling the Complex Relationship Between Disability and Poverty

Understanding the dynamic relationship between disability and poverty in Indonesia and globally requires a comprehensive examination of the various factors at play. Disability significantly increases the risk of experiencing poverty. According to the World Bank, the poverty rate in Indonesia stood at 20% in 2022 based on the poverty line of $3.65 per person per day.

Additionally, in March 2019, the National Socio-Economic Survey concluded that “more than 9% (23 million) of Indonesia’s population have a disability.”

Individuals with disabilities often face barriers that hinder their access to education, employment and social protection. Limited access to quality education perpetuates a cycle of disadvantage, inhibiting skill development and reducing economic empowerment opportunities. Discrimination and prejudice in the job market exacerbate these challenges, resulting in higher unemployment rates and lower wages for individuals with disabilities. Many public places and infrastructures in Indonesia lack the proper accessibility features for individuals with disabilities. This makes it very difficult for these individuals to navigate and participate fully in society.

Moreover, the lack of tailored social protection programs leaves them more vulnerable to economic hardships. Conversely, poverty can contribute to a higher likelihood of disability due to inadequate health care, unsafe working conditions, and limited access to necessary support services. The intersection of disability and poverty creates a complex web of challenges that necessitates a comprehensive and multi-pronged approach to address the underlying causes and alleviate their impact on individuals and communities.

Examining Government Initiatives on Disability and Poverty

The Indonesian government has enacted several notable laws and regulations to protect the rights of persons with disabilities in Indonesia. Act No. 4 of 1997 emphasizes equality and non-discrimination, outlining rights related to education, employment, accessibility, rehabilitation and social welfare. Law No. 23 of 2002 addresses explicitly child protection, including the right to education and social integration for children with disabilities.

Law No. 11 of 2009 focuses on social welfare, recognizing persons with disabilities as members of society facing challenges and social dysfunction. While these laws provide a foundation for promoting equality, it appears that continual evaluation, improvement and allocation of resources are necessary to ensure effective implementation and sustainable impact.

NGOs’ Role in Addressing Disability and Poverty

NGOs play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges that individuals with disabilities face living in poverty in Indonesia. These organizations are instrumental in promoting social inclusion, providing support services and advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities. Through a range of initiatives, NGOs actively contribute to improving the lives of this marginalized population.

One exemplary NGO working to help disabled people in Indonesia is Yayasan Mitra Netra (YMN), which focuses on supporting individuals with visual impairments. YMN’s efforts are centered on empowering visually impaired individuals through education, vocational training and job placement.

Among many, there are a couple of YMN’s accomplishments that stand out, such as the Braille mathematics books that use special symbols, as well as initiating the development of an electronic dictionary. During the first years of its work in the 1990s, the YMN was the first organization to provide computer courses for blind people, and in 1992, the organization also built an online library, providing access to books to people throughout Indonesia.

Another notable NGO is the YCAB Foundation which focuses on improving the lives of people with physical disabilities in Indonesia through education, skills training and economic empowerment programs. One of their flagship initiatives is the “Mobile Learning Center,” a mobile unit that brings education and training directly to communities, particularly in remote areas. This program focuses on providing accessible education for children and young adults who face barriers to accessing traditional schools. The Mobile Learning Center offers a range of educational activities tailored to the specific needs of individuals with physical disabilities.

By bringing education to their doorstep, YCAB Foundation ensures that these individuals have the opportunity to develop essential skills and knowledge, enhancing their prospects for employment and economic independence.

Making Efforts

Addressing the intersection of disability and poverty in Indonesia requires a multifaceted approach that includes government initiatives and the important role of NGOs. Laws and regulations provide a foundation for promoting equality, but ongoing evaluation and resource allocation is crucial for effective implementation. NGOs like Yayasan Mitra Netra and the YCAB Foundation make significant contributions to empowering individuals with disabilities through education, vocational training and economic empowerment programs. By working together, stakeholders can create a more inclusive society that ensures equal opportunities and improved quality of life for all Indonesians with disabilities.

– Betsy Watters
Photo: Unsplash

Power Africa’s Efforts to Resolve Africa’s Energy Crisis

Africa's Energy CrisisOn June 21,  2023, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced plans to invest some $89 million over a five-year period to “expand access to cleaner, reliable energy in sub-Saharan Africa.” Administrator Samantha Powers introduced the initiative at the 25th Africa Energy Forum (AEF), held in Nairobi, Kenya in June 2023. The announcement coincided with the 10-year anniversary of the Power Africa program, a U.S.-led partnership that has bolstered the AEF’s efforts to resolve Africa’s energy crisis and accelerate the implementation of reliable energy solutions across Africa.

Africa’s Energy Crisis

According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the rate of electricity access in sub-Saharan Africa has slowly but steadily increased in recent years, rising from 33.3% in 2010 to 48.2% in 2020. However, with more than 50% of the region’s population lacking access to electricity as of 2020, the rate of electricity access in sub-Saharan Africa remains “the lowest of any region in the world.” This is attributable to factors including a lack of grid distribution, high tariffs, income instability and strained infrastructure budgets, which have collectively lowered consumer demand and discouraged investment in improving the outdated grids that do exist. Accordingly, the report also showed, only about 18% of the sub-Saharan African population had access to clean energy for cooking as of 2020, a remarkably low percentage compared to the world average of about 70%.

Due to the current lack of access to clean energy, women and girls have been “disproportionately affected by household air pollution,” which UNCTAD reports resulted in 700,000 deaths across the continent in 2019. Yet, Africa holds 60% of the world’s best solar energy resources, meaning that there is great potential for African countries to implement safe, sustainable, cost-effective solutions for electricity distribution.

Power Through Partnership

Established in 2013, Power Africa focuses specifically on “ending energy poverty in sub-Saharan Africa.” By 2030, it aims to generate 30,000 megawatts or more of clean, reliable energy and provide electricity access for 60 million homes and businesses throughout the region. Consistent with the AEF’s goals, it plans to achieve this by uniting governments, companies and financial institutions in partnerships that will help combat the African energy crisis and “enable African leaders to pave their own future.”

Currently, Power Africa has more than 170 private sector partners coordinating efforts to build the technology, infrastructure and investments needed to deliver sustainable, reliable clean energy to sub-Saharan African communities. Simultaneously, the program is working with governments throughout the region to implement power sector reforms that are critical for resolving Africa’s energy crisis.

Furthermore, Power Africa is advancing gender equality in sub-Saharan Africa by promoting women’s involvement across all spheres of the energy sector, from policy-making to private companies to power generation plants. It emphasizes adopting gender inclusion policies, offers women opportunities for education and technical training and provides leadership training to support women’s advancement in the field.

Empowerment for the Future

So far, Power Africa has enabled more than 172 million people in sub-Saharan Africa to gain reliable electricity access, thereby contributing to alleviating Africa’s energy crisis. The new initiative will provide an additional “10 million on- and off-grid connections” that will benefit around 50 million people, allowing households and businesses across the region to gain access to better, cleaner, more reliable electricity.

Significantly, this comes with positive environmental and economic impacts. For instance, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, off-grid, or stand-alone, systems employ “a combination of techniques and technologies” to lower energy consumption and costs in remote regions where connecting to the grid is not economically feasible. With an additional $4.7 billion in public and private investments slated to develop infrastructure for a further 1,227 megawatts of clean energy generation and 1,500 km of transmission lines in sub-Saharan Africa, economic and environmental reform is on the horizon.

Looking Ahead

Since its inception, the Africa Energy Forum has opened discussion on topics including mining, pipeline projects, renewable energy, electricity trading and hydrogen power plants — an industry and a solution that has been gaining global attention and becoming increasingly prevalent in Africa. By providing space and funding to advance such solutions, Power Africa and AEF are making vital progress in combating Africa’s energy crisis while creating new diplomatic, infrastructural and business opportunities that will ensure future economic and environmental prosperity.

– Lucy Cosme Vera
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Using Smartphones to Address Global Illiteracy

Global IlliteracyThe impact of technology in the fight against global poverty is a subject of both positive and negative consequences. Nevertheless, numerous groups are harnessing the power of technology to drive progress toward the 17 U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. A prominent illustration is the utilization of smartphones to address global illiteracy. Curious Learning, an organization committed to promoting literacy through smartphones, is making noteworthy advancements in alleviating poverty for future generations.

The Importance of Literacy in Breaking the Cycle of Poverty

Literacy serves as a crucial foundation for every aspect of a child’s life. As defined by UNESCO, literacy encompasses the ability to read, write, and interpret information, enabling children to understand the world around them and become educated individuals. Despite the progress so far, the World Literacy Foundation reports that there are still 750 million illiterate adults worldwide.

The link between global illiteracy and poverty operates in two directions. Poverty hampers children’s access to education and the resources needed to develop reading and writing skills. Challenges such as unaffordable school fees, early labor requirements or living in remote areas far from educational institutions hinder opportunities, particularly for children in rural areas of developing countries, leading to high rates of school absenteeism.

Conversely, the lack of literacy limits economic opportunities and perpetuates the cycle of poverty. UNESCO emphasizes that if all adults completed secondary education, 420 million individuals could escape poverty. Access to education equips individuals with literacy skills that open doors to better employment prospects and higher earnings. According to Curious Learning, each new level of literacy is associated with a 9.7% increase in earnings. The interplay between literacy and poverty creates a vicious cycle that persists across generations unless effectively addressed.

Curious Learning’s Fight Against Global Illiteracy

Curious Learning is at the forefront of efforts against poverty by tackling the issue of global illiteracy. The organization’s mission is to provide children worldwide with the necessary access to learn how to read. What sets Curious Learning apart is its unique approach. The organization localizes free reading apps in 69 languages and distributes them in countries like Nepal, India and Kenya. With more than 75 dedicated apps aimed at developing reading skills and reducing global illiteracy in children, Curious Learning has achieved global outreach.

As of 2021, Curious Learning has extended its reach to every country across the globe, with a specific focus on developing nations. South Asia, West Asia and sub-Saharan Africa are regions characterized by alarmingly high illiteracy rates. Therefore, Curious Learning’s interventions are strategically concentrated in countries within these areas of greatest need. For instance, its work began with interventions in Ethiopia in 2011, followed by a World Bank study on literacy apps in Northern Nigeria in 2022. Both countries face significant illiteracy challenges, with rates of 50.9% and 40.4%, respectively, placing them among the top 20 countries with the highest illiteracy rates globally.

In line with technological advancements, digital literacy has been incorporated into the definition of literacy by UNESCO and other organizations. By introducing underserved children to reading through digital apps, Curious Learning addresses both reading skills and technological proficiency simultaneously, equipping children for success in the digital age.

The Apps

All of the apps that Curious Learning localizes and distributes are free to use, and this ensures accessibility. Here are a few of the organization’s apps that are making learning to read fun and engaging:

  • Feed The Monster: This game helps children learn letter names and sounds while collecting cute monsters as pets. It is available in over 50 languages, including Arabic, Ukrainian and Oluganda. The game is distributed in more than 50 languages including Arabic, Ukrainian and Oluganda.
  • Read With Akili- What Do You Like To Do?: Based on the children’s cartoon by the name of “Akili and Me”, this app is a learning program made for children in Africa. Children follow Akili, a 4-year-old from Tanzania and learn to read with three different levels of interactive content.
  • Chimple: Chimple encourages “self-directed early learning”.  The app is designed to take children from zero to basic literacy and numeracy.

The Impact

Curious Learning’s efforts proved successful in fighting illiteracy in developing countries. In a study done in collaboration with The World Bank and Middlesex University, published on August 3, 2022, Curious Learning tested the effectiveness of its apps in Northern Nigeria. Of the countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria has the most children unenrolled in schools at 10.5 million.

Households received a smartphone complete with the reading apps, Feed the Monster and the Global Digital Library and the researchers followed one child, ages 6 to 9 years old, from each family. The researchers implemented the apps along with aspirational videos as interventions for these children. Results of the interventions showed that children who received the interventions scored 42.5% fewer zeros on letter recognition.

The apps improved children’s literacy skills by 0.46 standard deviations and numeracy skills by 0.63 standard deviations. The intervention accomplished similar outcomes in twelve months as outcomes that took a whole five years of instruction in schools.

Curious Learning is committed to providing accessible and effective interventions to combat global illiteracy. Based on the organization’s statement on 2023 plans and goals, it plans to launch a global literacy league of people in various countries working to distribute literacy apps. It also aims to expand the scale of its programs in 30 countries with the highest numbers of illiteracy.

Smartphones and apps, like those developed by Curious Learning, have become powerful tools for breaking the cycle of global illiteracy and poverty. By providing accessible and engaging interventions, Curious Learning is making a significant impact on the lives of underserved children worldwide.

– Yesenia Aguilera
Photo: Unsplash