Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

How Artificial Intelligence Impacts the Workforce

The Workforce
As immense as a tsunami, the wave of artificial intelligence has already started creeping toward the shores of innovation, promising to change the way society lives, works and interacts with each other. AI is no longer a futuristic concept; it is a reality that is already transforming industries and societies around the world. Despite the potential benefits, AI also poses a considerable threat to the workforce. With estimates suggesting that nearly 15% of jobs worldwide could be vulnerable to displacement due to automation, the implications of AI for the future of work are profound and far-reaching.

The Rise of AI

All over the globe, artificial intelligence and AI have begun to permeate the everyday life of people. This technology has already transformed the way people engage with the world around them, from personal gadgets like smartphones and virtual assistants to large-scale systems like transportation networks and financial institutions. And as this demand grows, the technology itself also continues to evolve. One study by NVIDIA found that over the past 18 months, the performance gains of their A100 GPUs have increased by a factor of almost five. This unprecedented speed and scale provide a glimpse into the potential applications of these technologies in the future.

Impact on Jobs

As AI technology advance and becomes more prevalent, it brings with it a slew of potential issues, the most common of which is job displacement. According to a Zippia report, countries such as Greece and Slovakia in Europe face a risk of losing more than 50% of their jobs due to computerization. Occupations in data entry, manufacturing, machining, customer service, labor and inventory management are particularly at risk, as these are areas where AI and automation are most likely to have a significant impact.

Low-income Families

These changes are likely to have the most consequential influence on low-income households and regions. Many low-income families rely on low-skill jobs as their only source of income. Unfortunately, the AI industry could displace 50% of these jobs over the next 5 years. As machines become more prevalent in the workplace, the demand for low-skilled workers may continue to decrease, leading to a potential reduction in wages and benefits.

Possible Intervention Efforts

Fortunately, there are a number of steps that can help protect or transition the workforce in the age of AI. Some of these steps could involve investing in skilled-training programs and implementing protection periods for workers who face exposure to job loss due to AI. For instance, the fund-based “SkillsFuture” program that Singapore introduced in 2015 has already achieved measurable success.

The program’s more than 660,000 beneficiaries, including those who received the $500 credit and benefited from the training and professional assistance programs were able to easily transition into and out of the workforce as new technologies underwent development. In Canada, a similar program, “Future Skills Centre,” has also emerged. Through this program, more than 36,000 participants from more than 20 different economic sectors were able to receive practical professional training to help them get ready for and adjust to the changing workplace.

Looking Ahead

In the face of AI’s potential impact on jobs, there are promising interventions that can help mitigate its effects. Investments in skilled-training programs and the implementation of protection periods for at-risk workers can provide crucial support during the transition. Successful initiatives like Singapore’s “SkillsFuture” and Canada’s “Future Skills Centre” demonstrate the effectiveness of such measures in equipping individuals with the necessary skills to navigate the changing landscape of work. With proactive efforts and inclusive policies, societies can embrace the opportunities presented by AI while safeguarding the well-being of their workforce.

– Sanjith Sambath
Photo: Flickr

Improving Maternal Health in Pakistan: 10 Years On

Maternal Health in PakistanMaternal health in Pakistan has been a major issue over the years and has consistently shown many negative outcomes. This suggests that the women of Pakistan are not receiving the attention they require in their months of pregnancy. In 2020, the maternal mortality rate was 154 per 100,000 live births. And as of 2021, Pakistan’s infant mortality rate was 53 per 1,000 live births. The prevalence of low birth control, alongside a disorganized medical system, creates an atmosphere of risk and danger for expectant mothers.

Norway-Pakistan Partnership Initiative

Established in 2009 by U.N. agencies UNICEF, WHO and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Norway-Pakistan Partnership Initiative (NPPI) aimed to reduce barriers that prevented pregnant women from accessing safe and reliable medical care in the province of Sindh. This involved strengthening health care systems through better support and using flexible financial approaches to improve the provision of maternal health care.

The project ended in 2013 with underwhelming research that assessed the impact of the NPPI. The overarching narrative was that the project had an insignificant effect on the participating communities. Although there have been some improvements, the rate at which pregnant women are accessing health care has only increased marginally. Despite this, reports indicated the following successes from the NPPI:

  • Support for female health workers: The NPPI created functional community networks in 80% of the participating villages.
  • Creation of an incentive scheme: The rollout of a successful voucher initiative saw 35% of pregnant women using the vouchers to seek medical care.
  • Provision of support and outreach services: All female and community health workers received full training in newborn, infant and child health care.

A Decade Later

A decade after the end of the NPPI, checking back in to assess how maternal health in Pakistan has weathered the recent years, especially through the pandemic, reveals the following. Approximately 20% of all deaths among women of childbearing age are due to pregnancy complications, specifically hemorrhaging and sepsis. The COVID-19 pandemic has also profoundly impacted maternal health in Pakistan. With a sudden lack of available hospital beds, many women found themselves unable to access the medical attention they required as they carried to term. Delays in emergency services and poor organization in facilities have also directly impacted increased maternal and infant mortality.

Rurality and Education

An intersection between education and location has also been identified. In a 2019 study, researchers with the National Institute of Population Studies linked low education levels and rural localities in Pakistan with poorer maternal health outcomes. Maternal mortality was 26% higher in rural areas compared to urban counterparts. Additionally, significantly more women in rural areas are less educated than women in urban spheres. About 96% of educated women sought medical care during their pregnancy compared to 50% of uneducated women. These recent maternal health indicators and contributing factors suggest that education and rural access to medical facilities need to be targeted in future interventions to improve maternal health in Pakistan.

National Committee for Maternal and Neonatal Health

Established in 1994, the National Committee for Maternal and Neonatal Health (NCMNH) is dedicated to reducing the high maternal mortality rate in Pakistan. Its goal is to advise policymakers on effective policies that reduce and prevent maternal and neonatal deaths. So far, the committee has:

  • Assisted the Ministry of Health in the development of the Maternal Health Section policy in 2001.
  • Introduced WHO technologies, including post-abortion care in Pakistan.
  • Established a skills lab, or a medical facility that conducts skill training, equipped with modern medical technology to complement the abilities of Pakistan’s medical professionals.

Bakhabar Noujawan Course

Currently, the NCMNH is developing a course to promote and educate young girls on reproductive health. This is a crucial factor that directly correlates with poor maternal health indicators. Aimed at women aged 15 to 29, the Bakhabar Noujawan course involves educating students about how to maintain and navigate reproductive health. The vision is that participating in this course will contribute to these women’s credit in their educational institutions while encouraging them to become more involved in their own health.

Looking Ahead

Despite the persisting challenges, efforts to improve maternal health in Pakistan have shown some promising developments. Initiatives like the Norway-Pakistan Partnership Initiative have supported female health workers, implemented successful voucher systems and provided comprehensive training. Also, the establishment of the National Committee for Maternal and Neonatal Health and the upcoming Bakhabar Noujawan course demonstrate an ongoing commitment to reducing maternal mortality and improving reproductive health education. Overall, these initiatives hold the potential to make a positive impact on the well-being of women in Pakistan and pave the way for a healthier future.

– Ariana Mortazavi
Photo: Flickr

One-Kidney Village: Selling Organs in Afghanistan

Selling Organs in Afghanistan“One-Kidney Village” got its nickname from the widespread practice of impoverished town members selling a kidney for additional income. The economic crisis has many Afghans desperate for immediate financial relief. The act of selling organs in Afghanistan for a few thousand dollars has become so common in the western city of Herat that it has earned a name that reflects that unfortunate reality.

Afghanistan will soon enter its second year under Taliban rule. When the Taliban took control of Kabul in August of 2021, the already war-stricken country’s economy only worsened. Once the Taliban assumed control over Afghanistan, international aid ceased. It has since partially resumed but economic desperation is still crippling many towns.

What is “One Kidney Village?”

One of these towns has been nicknamed the “One Kidney Village” due to the number of citizens that come under pressure to find any sort of financial relief. Desperate villagers see the opportunity to sell their organs for several thousand dollars as a chance to escape their financial burdens. The amount they receive in exchange for their organs is more money than many in “One Kidney Village” have earned at one time.

As of December 2021, the UNHCR estimated that 55% of Afghanistan’s population (around 23 million people) faces extreme hunger. The organization also estimated that, of the 23 million, 9 million face the risk of experiencing famine.

Kidney trade was already an issue in Afghanistan long before the Taliban took control, but since the takeover, it has become a far more common practice in all areas of Afghanistan, not just “One Kidney Village.” According to The Guardian, the price per kidney has lowered as the number of volunteers willing to sell their organs has spiked. The price once ranged from $3,000 to $4,000, but now (as of 2023) sells for as little as $1,500 or less.

Desperation for Financial Relief

After the removal of the kidney, it usually takes some time before the seller finds a recipient. Once they do, some individuals sell their kidneys for a smaller amount out of desperation for immediate financial relief and the number of people looking to sell. Since there is supply and demand for kidney selling, it has become somewhat of an industry in Afghanistan.

Afghans usually match with wealthy patients needing a kidney transplant. These patients travel from as far as India and Pakistan to Herat to undergo the procedure because of the access and availability of transplants in Afghanistan, Al Jazeera reports. The recipient of the kidney pays for the kidney as well as the medical bills for themselves and the seller. Al Jazeera’s interviews with Afghans that have sold their kidneys highlight an unfortunate reality that many Afghans do not realize when they agree to the procedure.

Consequences of Selling Organs in Afghanistan

The Borgen Project spoke with Sarah Lockwood, a doctoral student and undergraduate professor at Northeastern University working toward her Ph.D. in Criminology and Justice Policy. Lockwood has done research on organ trafficking in the U.S. and has a detailed understanding of push factors and consequences associated with organ trafficking in general.

Using her research, Lockwood reflects on the all too common outcome that can result from an individual selling their organ. “It decimates a lot of these people’s lives because [it] should have been a sure cash payout. They’re not even given what they were promised and then they don’t have any of the safety nets afterward to actually take care of their health,” said Lockwood.

In addition to rarely getting the total amount of money that buyers initially promise them, those who sell their kidneys often end up with a host of additional health issues and resulting medical bills. Post-procedural infections are the result of limited medical regulation and routine examinations to evaluate post-procedure health. Even though the practice is so common, Afghanistan does not have a law that controls how organs can be donated or sold as long as the donor has given consent. Proof of consent is provided in either written or video form.

No Laws and Regulations

Many Afghans who sell their kidney end up in equal or worse financial trouble than when they began. If they develop health issues after the removal, there is no law or regulation to ensure they receive adequate treatment, according to Al Jazeera.

“The thing we forget about with a transplant is like somebody who’s a donor doesn’t just get up and go about their life as they had before,” said Lockwood. “That is a life-altering surgery, you have literally one less organ in your body. If you are already barely making ends meet, anything medically that happens after that surgery, you’re already in a situation where you probably didn’t have access to doctors, to begin with, and don’t have any sort of health insurance or safety nets,” she also said.

Selling Organs in Afghanistan

Lockwood discussed that in developed countries donors undergo health screenings to ensure a donor is in sufficient enough health to recover from the procedure, making them aware of any potential risks. Recovery can prohibit the donor from working for some period of time, which could put their employment at risk. Transplant centers also get training to detect red flags that could potentially indicate force, fraud or coercion.
Lockwood defines organ trafficking as “an exchange of an organ for something of value with the expressed intent of it either being forced upon, coerced or exploited from somebody.” Force, fraud or coercion is the standard when it comes to defining all trafficking.

Working Toward Eliminating Organ Trafficking

Addressing organ trafficking is not simple. Finding alternative solutions for desperate Afghans could eliminate the coercive aspect of selling a kidney for financial compensation. Lockwood offers “building a situation in which an economy can thrive without exploitative labor or practices like that.”
“These are the poorest of the poor, the most stressed out, the most at risk. To be able to elevate them out of those situations, where $3,000 is not worth the loss of a kidney [and] you are able to make that through other means, which means you’re probably less likely to engage in those spaces” said Lockwood.

– Maya Steele
Photo: Flickr

The Importance of Sesame Seeds for Nigeria’s Economy

Nigeria is a country rife with poverty. Between 1980 and 2010, it saw a drastic 153.6% increase in poverty, even though its per capita GDP rose by about 19% during this period. According to a recent World Bank Report, around four in 10 Nigerians were living in poverty as of 2022, many of them in Northern Nigeria.

However, the production of sesame seeds in Northern Nigeria has been providing hope for the region’s poor. The seed is in major demand around the world and, according to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Nigeria was the world’s sixth-largest exporter of sesame seeds in 2021, making sesame seeds the country’s second most lucrative export after cocoa. With much sesame seed cultivation concentrated in the north and international demand for sesame seeds expected to continue rising, the seeds are playing a key role in reducing poverty in Northern Nigeria and improving the country’s economy as a whole.

Economic Importance of Sesame Seed in Nigeria

The flowering plant that produces sesame seeds can thrive in Northern Nigeria because it is resistant to drought. It is a high-value crop because both the seeds and the oil extracted from them are common food staples around the world, used in sweets, breads and everyday cooking. Additionally, a variety of non-food products, including ulcer and burn medicines and aerosol sprays, incorporate sesame oil. Lower-quality sesame oil can be used in making lubricants, while the shafts from processed seeds can be used as animal feed.

Nigeria exports an estimated 90% of its sesame seeds, with China and Japan being major importers. According to Sheriff Balogun, president of the National Sesame Seed Association of Nigeria, the country generates $700 million from sesame exports yearly, which equates to about $1400 per metric tonne of exported seed.

While several years ago, only a few Nigerian states were cultivating sesame seed, it is now produced in 26 states, with the country’s top producers being in the north. Exports to Japan, especially, have had a positive impact on Nigeria’s economy. Japan imports about 40% of its sesame seeds from Nigeria, and the trade volume between the two countries reached $1 billion in 2022. Between 2020 and 2021, Nigeria’s income from agricultural exports rose by an estimated 57.02%, a boost that sesame exports, which increased from 98.27 billion naira to 113.2 billion naira, played critical roles in propelling.

Efforts To Boost the Nigerian Economy with Sesame Seed

Despite the poverty and food insecurity that many in Northern Nigeria face, there have been ongoing efforts to help farmers in the region thrive so that they can build a better future for themselves and their families. For instance, the FAO and World Food Programme (WFP) have partnered to help farmers in Northeastern Nigeria improve food production, with the goal of ensuring them a secure source of both income and sustenance. By supplying seeds, fertilizer and food to nourish households until a successful harvest, the initiative provided vital support for all 67,000 inhabitants of the town of Rann in 2018.

More recently, the Japanese Government announced plans to invest $30 billion in Nigeria and other African countries in the next three years. Japan hopes to help further boost Nigeria’s economy and strengthen mutually beneficial trade relations between both nations.

Additionally, the Central Bank of Nigeria has allocated 21 billion Naira to expand Nigeria’s production and export of sesame seeds and cocoa. The initiative aims to increase the country’s foreign exchange income through agricultural commodities, in part by providing loans to smallholder farmers.

Looking Ahead

Though many Nigerians, especially in the north, are struggling with poverty and food insecurity, sesame seed cultivation presents hope for the country’s future economic growth. With continued national and international support, Nigeria’s sesame seed industry shows signs of expanding and paving the way for secure livelihoods and a thriving economy for Nigerians.

– Chidinma Nwoha

Photo: Flickr

BEING POOR IN ARMENIA 

Armenia, a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, experienced a decrease in poverty after the collapse of the Soviet Union. However, the recession in 2008 had a significant impact on Armenia and the economy is still struggling to recover. Many families in Armenia struggle to obtain employment and afford necessities. In 2021, 26.5% of people in Armenia lived below the national poverty level. The primary reasons for being poor in Armenia are a high unemployment rate, economic transition and political instability within the country. 

Economic Transition

Armenia experienced a difficult transition from a centrally planned economy to a market-based economy after gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. This transition led to a significant decline in industrial production, high inflation and loss of jobs. Armenia continues to face economic challenges, including high levels of poverty and inequality, limited access to finance and a lack of economic diversification.

Additionally, a key driver of Armenia’s economic transition is the development of the technology sector, particularly in the field of information technology. A range of startups such as iCity LLC are focused on technology services and software development to provide businesses with better services and equipment. Another startup, Abigon LLC, specializes in developing infrastructures for telecommunication networks and the design and construction of database centers, which have facilitated the transport of goods and services, enabling people in Armenia to access work, school and recreational activities.   

Unemployment

High unemployment has been a major driver of poverty in Armenia, especially for Armenia’s large families. The reported unemployment rate in Armenia is 12.7% as of January 2023, and many people face challenges in finding work. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on the Armenian economy, leading to job losses and reduced economic activity.

In response to this issue, the government has implemented a formal program for vocational education, mostly in schools, which aims to prepare students with relevant qualifications to improve their skills to gain employment. So far, vocational education has assisted in the upskilling of qualifications and competencies in a range of industries, including agriculture, tourism and technology.

Political Instability

Armenia has struggled with government corruption which has eroded public trust in political institutions and contributed to social and economic inequality. The lack of democratic elections due to the authorities’ failure to ensure justice and transparency has resulted in a lack of public confidence in the electoral process and slowed Armenia’s progress toward becoming a functioning democracy.

Looking Ahead

Armenia has made noticeable progress in implementing anti-corruption activities such as those being carried out by Armenia’s General Prosecutor’s Office. Governmental support for programs designed to encourage young people to develop and adapt to changing working conditions could deliver positive results. For example, from 2003 to 2007, local and international NGOs, such as the All Armenian Youth Fund, implemented youth programs to increase cultural and professional orientation. Finally, as a British charity operating internationally, CARE works to reduce global poverty and support the development of civil society. Since 1988, CARE has been working primarily on assisting Armenian rural households with incomes below the poverty line. 

– Lilit Natalia Manoukian
Photo: Flickr

How Does the UK Fight Period Poverty?

Period PovertyPeople often stigmatize menstruation or periods in many countries. This makes it difficult for women to seek help and speak openly about what they need. Lack of education on the subject leads to a threat to women’s well-being. As a result, conversations about period poverty arise. Period poverty is a lack of access to period products, menstrual education and facilities for managing menstruation. It affects many lives. In 2022, 3.1 million people in the U.K. were struggling with hygiene poverty.

What Does Period Poverty Mean to Women?

Apart from stigmatization, period poverty poses another endangerment for girls and women. According to data published in spring 2021, in the U.K., every second girl no-showed to class in school because of her period and every third girl had problems accessing period products after the COVID-19 pandemic started.

Skipping classes or being concerned about other things instead of studying decreases academic performance and can impact the future. When women do not have access to period products, they may use unhygienic materials like old clothing, and this can increase the risk of infections and other health problems. This can also have effects on mental health due to the stress and anxiety of not being able to afford period products. Research in 2019 reported that 27% of girls in the U.K. aged 10 to 18 skip going out for fear of menstruating. Unfortunately, this can result in anxiety and social isolation.

What is the Solution?

The United Kingdom has decided to address this problem. In 2019, the government announced steps to create a task group that includes Plan International UK, Procter and Gamble and Minister for Women and Equalities, Penny Mordaunt, to educate society and to supply free period products to schools and hospitals. Beginning in January 2021, the U.K. government abolished the so-called ‘tampon tax,’ which had imposed a 5% VAT on period products. The decision also brought the U.K. into line with other countries, such as Australia and Canada, which had already removed the tax on sanitary products.

Scotland

In 2018, Scotland became the first country in the world to offer free women’s sanitary products across different levels of educational institutions. Moreso, from 2018 to 2022, the government allocated £1.86 million for women’s sanitary products for families with low income. Since 2019, the Scottish Government also committed to providing £2.8 million annually to local councils to ensure everyone gets free period products all over Scotland. As of 2021, it has implemented a free period product scheme that provides all menstrual products free of charge to anyone who needs them. Under the scheme, free period products are available in public locations, including schools, colleges, universities, community centers and libraries. Products are accessible through vending machines or free-standing dispensers. As of 2023, a special app, ‘PickupMyPeriod,’ allows an individual to track all the products online in real-time. Individuals can also order a home delivery from the local councils.

England

In England, the government has implemented a fully-funded, four-year period product scheme that provides free period products to primary and secondary schools, as well as colleges. The scheme has been working since January 2020. Educational institutions can order a range of period products for their students. As of January 2022, 61% of primary schools, 94% of secondary schools and 90% of post-16 organizations have ordered toiletries for their pupils. By providing free period products in schools, the government hopes to ensure that students can attend school without worrying about the cost or availability of period products.

Northern Ireland

Education Minister Michelle McIlveen decided to encourage period dignity in schools. In September 2021, she launched a three-year pilot version of a project that aims to supply menstrual products to everyone in need. The scheme covers primary, secondary and special schools as well as Education Other Than at School (EOTAS) settings. The expected cost of the program is £2.6 million.

Lidl in Northern Ireland is one of several businesses that have taken steps to address period poverty in Northern Ireland. In 2021, the company announced the Period Poverty Initiative. It provides free period products in all of its stores in Northern Ireland. Since August 2021, all customers who have a Lidl Plus account can receive a monthly coupon for free period products.

Wales

The Welsh Government’s Period Dignity Strategic Action Plan is a plan that sets out the government’s approach to addressing period poverty in Wales. The government has already implemented a free-period product scheme to ensure that individuals have access to the menstrual products they need. There are free period products in schools, public buildings and leisure and sports centers. Since 2018, the Welsh government started to allocate finances on this matter. Each year, it distributes more and more funds for period products. In 2018, it distributed £920,000 between local councils, and in 2022, this number reached £3.7 million. The total amount of spending beginning in 2018 has reached about £12 million.

Going Forward

Period poverty is a complex problem. Apart from period product supply, the question of ruining stigmas and taboos around menstruation is no less important. This problem impacts people’s lives, influencing their physical and mental health. On the bright side, the U.K. continues to take action by implementing initiatives that aim to address period poverty and put an end to stigmatization.

– Anna Konovalenko
Photo: Flickr

Newspaper Run by Street Children Is Fighting Child Poverty in India

Child Poverty in IndiaWhile it can often feel challenging to raise awareness and take action in the fight against poverty, a group of street children across northern India is proving that being proactive can result in progress and change. These children are taking their fates into their own hands and fighting for the alleviation of child poverty in India by telling and spreading their own stories across the country.

Balaknama is a monthly newspaper run by a team of 40 street children spread across seven districts in northern India. Apart from the advisor, editor, sub-editor and seven reporters who are in charge of writing, editing and printing, there are 30 reporters, or Batumi, who find leads and pitch stories. However, they cannot read or write, and many are familiar with homelessness. The stories focus on the lives of India’s poorest, with the aim of garnering enough public attention to compel the Indian government into taking action.

Balaknama’s Purpose

The eight-page newspaper presents one of the only openings into the realities of Delhi’s 80,000 street children. From its conception almost 20 years ago, Balaknama’s purpose has been to highlight the injustices that street and working children experience across India and the world. It says of its purpose, “When children did not find space among adults, they decided to pen down their issues and glories, [in] an attempt to change people’s perception and ensur[e] identity, dignity and participation of street children.” The newspaper covers a range of topics pertinent to child poverty. These topics include child labor, street children’s homelessness and malnutrition.

Run by current and former working children, Balaknama gives its contributors the chance to improve their lives through their own agency. Many who have worked for the newspaper have gone on to attend school and work for Childhood Enhancement through Training and Action (CHETNA), the NGO that helped make Balaknama possible. This helps bring more Indian children out of poverty.

Balaknama’s Long History

Balaknama has been running since 2003. In May 2002, CHETNA organized a leadership-building workshop that attracted 35 street and working children. During the workshop, the organization realized that child poverty in India was hugely under-researched. As a result, it decided to take the matter of educating the Indian public into its own hands.

These children then went on to found their own organization, Badhte Kadam, which translates into “Stepping Forward.” The children of Badhte Kadam published the first edition of Balaknama in September 2003. They published in Hindi on a quarterly basis until 2014, from which point onward it became a monthly publication. Today, while Balaknama continues to be printed in Hindi and English and is preparing for its 20th anniversary, CHETNA continues to hold weekly support group meetings, allowing street and working children in the area to voice their troubles and concerns.

The Paper’s Impact

Balaknama has been a huge springboard for many talented and ambitious children to fight for greater attention and care to be given to child poverty in India. Balaknama’s current editor, 18-year-old Kishan Rathore, was able to live in a shared house and begin proper studies with the help of a stipend from CHETNA, which also contributes to the required funds that keep the newspaper operating. Another editor, Shambhu Kumar, was able to study for a psychology degree at Indira Gandhi National Open University in Delhi after his experience with Balaknama and CHETNA opened new doors for him. He said, “I have seen my life transform – from getting beaten on the streets to living a life of dignity through education.”

Balaknama’s contributors have also gone on to raise awareness for child poverty in India at the international level. In 2016, Chandni, then a journalist for the newspaper, gave a TED talk about the importance of child journalists and the challenges they face every day. Chandni also appeared in a report for the Hindustan Times where she said, “Children are the future of our country. If [the] Government sincerely wants to develop our country, [it] need[s] to focus on children first.” She said, “I want to provide education to the children like me who can’t go to school on their own, those who are still stuck somewhere like me and dream of better education. I want to provide them with that education. This is my only dream now.”

Looking Ahead

Apart from raising awareness for child poverty in India, Balaknama has become a site of opportunity for children who contribute to its pages. One day, Badhte Kadam hopes, children will have their rights protected so that they will no longer work on the streets of Delhi.

– Tiffany Chan
Photo: Flickr

Turning Coconut Husks into Sustainable Building Materials

Sustainable Building MaterialsIn today’s world, access to affordable housing remains a persistent challenge and a lack of low-cost housing traps people in a cycle of poverty and substandard living conditions. As populations grow and urbanization intensifies, the demand for safe and affordable housing continues to rise. Traditional construction materials often come with exorbitant costs, further exacerbating the affordable housing crisis. It is in this context that innovative solutions like Cocoboard emerge as game changers, promoting an alternative to sustainable building materials that hold the potential to uplift communities and break the barriers of poverty.

By providing low-cost housing solutions through the recycling of coconut husks and other waste products, Cocoboard not only addresses a fundamental human need but also paves the way for improved quality of life. As a result, it is empowering individuals and families to thrive and contribute to their societies.

The Problem of Waste Management and Coconut Husks

Coconut husks are one of the most commonly discarded commodities with valuable applications that communities around the world can utilize. The Philippines produces more than 14.72 million metric tons of coconuts every year. In India, this number stands at around 13 million. And, with husk waste accounting for more than half of all coconut waste, these nuts produce more than 20 million tons of husks per year. Unfortunately, in most parts of the world, these parts of the coconut simply go to waste. Clogging up landfills and waterways, reports suggest that low-income farmers and families contribute to discarding coconut husks, with more than 85% of the resource going to waste.

Transforming Waste into Sustainable Building Materials

Coconut-fiber-based building materials are a revolutionary invention that converts used coconut husks into extremely valuable structural resources. While various companies and research groups use this pioneering process, Cocoboard’s primary composition comes from the same core set of straightforward procedures. Initially, the shredding process breaks the husks into small fibers. These fibers bond together with eco-friendly adhesives, ensuring the cohesion and structural integrity of the resulting material. Finally, through the compression of fibers, sturdy boards form which can serve for various housing applications. Since the introduction of the products in 2014, this process has been refined and redone, and coconut-based walls and panels have proven to be a comparable and equivalent alternative to traditional housing materials.

Alleviating Poverty

Over the last 12 years, nominal housing prices across the entire globe have risen by over 84%. As the worldwide population continues to increase and resources become more and more scarce, this number is only projected to grow. However, with Cocoboard, which is a significantly less expensive solution than traditional building materials, impoverished communities can build affordable homes without sacrificing safety and quality. In the Philippines, for example, the government has implemented a program that utilizes Cocoboard to build low-cost housing for marginalized communities, providing safe and sustainable homes for those who would otherwise be left without shelter. Through this solution, thousands found a suitable place to live.

Empowering Communities & Sustainable Development

Cocoboard not only offers affordable housing solutions but also empowers local communities and contributes to sustainable development. Among Cocoboard’s key strategies for achieving such feats is the creation of job opportunities and fostering of skilled development within communities. One of the parent companies of Cocoboard, NaturLoop, has established a local supply chain team in the Philippines to involve local farming communities in the value chain. By working directly with farmers and low-income workers and establishing consolidation centers, the NaturLoop team has made it significantly easier to collect and process coconut husks. This creates additional income streams for farmers, improving their welfare and livelihood.

The manufacturing process of Cocoboard often involves local community members as well, providing employment opportunities and imparting valuable construction and waste management skills. This not only enhances their livelihoods but also promotes economic growth at the grassroots level.

Additionally, NaturLoop is also a strong proponent of building strong, circular economies, reducing the overall environmental impact in the areas they serve. The production process for Cocoboard requires minimal energy input and emits fewer greenhouse gases compared to traditional construction materials. This not only mitigates environmental harm but also supports sustainable development by utilizing local resources and minimizing waste accumulation in landfills. Through its focus on empowering communities, improving living conditions and promoting sustainable development, Cocoboard emerges as a transformative solution that tackles the intertwined challenges of poverty and housing affordability.

Challenges and Future Prospects

While Cocoboard presents an innovative solution to the affordable housing crisis and waste management, several challenges and limitations need to be addressed before widespread implementation can be successful. For one, the scalability of the production process. The increase in demand for affordable housing solutions could necessitate the establishment of efficient and scalable manufacturing facilities for Cocoboard. This would require investment in machinery, the training of workers and streamlining the production process to meet the rising demand without compromising quality. To address challenges like these, collaboration among governments, NGOs and private sector stakeholders is crucial. Governments can play a significant role in promoting the use of sustainable building materials like Cocoboard by providing incentives, subsidies or regulatory support. Investment in research and development could also lead to improvements in the manufacturing process, making it more efficient and cost-effective.

Looking Ahead

The prospects for Cocoboard are promising. As the demand for sustainable and affordable housing continues to rise globally, there is a growing recognition of the need for innovative solutions like Cocoboard. With advancements in technology and increased awareness about environmental sustainability, the potential for Cocoboard to make a significant impact on addressing poverty and waste management is substantial. Innovative solutions like Cocoboard offer hope to millions of individuals living in poverty and substandard conditions worldwide.

– Sanjith Sambath
Photo: Pixabay

The Fred Hollows Foundation Boosts Eye Health in the Philippines

Eye Health in the PhilippinesIn the Philippines, more than 2 million people live with visual impairment, with 62% of them suffering cataracts. Most of those with poor eye health live below the national poverty line. And estimates suggest that 10% to 20% of people in the Philippines belong to Indigenous groups in isolated rural areas. As the majority of ophthalmologists in the Philippines work in urban centers, private facilities and hospitals, visually impaired people cannot access or afford eye treatment.

Vision and eye health care have been a major concern in the Philippines due to the high prevalence of eye diseases and disorders. Some common causes of blindness are cataracts, error of refraction and glaucoma. The country’s lack of access to basic eye care services is a significant challenge. Many Filipinos lack awareness of the importance of regular eye examinations that can help detect and treat eye diseases early on.

The Fred Hollows Foundation

In 2014, the Fred Hollows Foundation started working in the Philippines with the vision of developing a sustainable community eye health program. This program aimed to provide accessible, affordable and high-quality eye care services to Filipinos. The foundation supports the Department of Health (DOH) in building community eye health programs in 25 countries throughout Africa, South Asia, East Asia, the Middle East, Australia and the Pacific. Its priority is to strengthen the health system in the Philippines and work with communities in order to improve their eye health. The organization is achieving this goal through life-changing surgeries and treatments, training doctors and health workers and educating children in schools about visual impairment.

The Achievements of the Foundation

So far, the Fred Hollows Foundation has strengthened the health system of the Philippines by implementing eye health programs in local areas with the support of private health specialists, provincial governments and the DOH. In partnership with the Department of Education, it implemented many vision programs in schools, and this has resulted in vision screening and the supply of glasses to more than 400,000 children. In addition, the Fred Hollows Foundation performed 1,036 eye operations and treatments in 2019, including 325 cataract operations and 711 sight-improving measures. More than 4,000 people were trained in eye health, including teachers, community members, surgeons, clinic support staff and community health workers.

The foundation reached the nation’s poor and marginalized people through fair and inclusive initiatives, such as working with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and participating in their Family Development Sessions. The foundation has also worked with the National Commission for Indigenous People in order to reach Indigenous schools and communities, including poor Filipino families.

Looking Ahead

In the Philippines, blindness and visual impairment are growing public health concerns. While there has been some progress with regard to improving vision and eye care in the Philippines, the Fred Hollows Foundation continues working to ensure that all Filipinos have access to quality eye care services and to build a powerful eye health network with many partners and organizations.

– Lilit Natalia Manoukian
Photo: Flickr

This Is Unfolded: Reducing Poverty in Southeast Asia

Poverty in Southeast AsiaAt the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, major clothing retailers in the U.K. canceled $2 billion worth of garment orders. This was despite the fact that the garments had already been manufactured. The canceled orders left millions of textile workers in Bangladesh without pay, potentially facing extreme poverty. In response to this crisis, Cally Russell, a fashion businessman, set up the ‘Lost Stock’ scheme. It involved selling the unclaimed stock and donating close to half of the proceeds to textile workers. Later, Lost Stock evolved into ‘This Is Unfolded’, a fashion brand that works to reduce poverty in Southeast Asia. 

Lost Stock – How Did It Work?

The Lost Stock scheme was a partnership between Cally Russell’s shopping app Mallzee and the SAJIDA Foundation, based in Bangladesh. The SAJIDA Foundation, set up in 1993, has supported more than 6 million individuals in becoming entrepreneurs and lifting themselves out of poverty. Lost Stock purchased abandoned clothing orders and gave customers the opportunity to buy a ‘mystery box’ of clothing. Each box cost about $49, and customers offered details regarding their size, gender and personal style to the organization. Lost Stock then selected three items worth over $85 altogether and sent them to the customer a few weeks later.

For every purchased box, Lost Stock and the SAJIDA Foundation were able to financially support one garment worker and their family for seven days. In 2020, the Lost Stock initiative financially aided 113,000 people for more than a month, ensuring that garment workers did not starve or succumb to poverty. Moreover, the initiative reduced textile waste by not allowing the canceled garment orders to deteriorate in a landfill. 

Evolution to This Is Unfolded

After the success of the Lost Stock scheme, the organization transformed into This Is Unfolded, a sustainable clothing brand intent on reducing poverty in Southeast Asia. It adopts a slow approach to clothes manufacturing in a bid to reduce waste production and in turn, ensure that less harm comes to the planet. After receiving an order, team members develop small collections of 20 items or less to ensure that supply does not outweigh demand. Customers receive items straight from the production factories. This method of manufacturing allows the team to save money on delivery and production costs. Consequently, it is able to price items at around 80% of the price of clothing from major high-end retailers.

Perhaps more significantly, the brand uses these savings to pay garment workers a fair wage, employing 379 workers in Indian factories that use ethical manufacturing practices and instill a safe, positive working environment. The brand also pays bonuses to its full staff after the completion of each clothing collection, fully compensating workers to help them avoid falling into poverty. 

Efforts to Aid in Child Literacy

In India, 26% of the population is illiterate. Since 1995, the educational charity Pratham has worked to increase literacy rates in India. In education centers, children who have never been to school or who experienced educational disruptions receive basic literacy and writing lessons. For every sold garment, This Is Unfolded funds a child to receive literacy lessons in a Pratham education center for at least one month. So far, it has supported 3,500 children in learning to read and write.

Concluding Thoughts

This Is Unfolded has made admirable progress in lowering textile waste and reducing poverty in Southeast Asia. From its origins as Lost Stock, it made certain that thousands of garment workers did not experience extreme poverty. It now makes strides to ensure that child literacy rates reach 100% in India. The organization’s work is beneficial to both the global population and the planet. It also serves as an inspiration to other clothing retailers who can also join the efforts to make positive marks on the planet.  

– Mohsina Alam
Photo: Flickr