Archive for category: Nonprofit Organizations and NGOs

Information and stories about nonprofit organizations and NGOs

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Uyghur Muslim Rights: Organizations Making a Difference

Uyghur Muslim RightsThe Uyghur Muslims are a population steeped in history, practicing their religion for centuries. The religion has amassed a rich culture which ranges from unique music known as Muqam, to their very own language. However, as unique as Uyghur culture may be, it is one in decline as a result of continual persecution from the Chinese State.

Since 2017, what China describes as “re-education” centers have appeared across the country’s west. Uyghurs are held in these centers without legal process and, in many cases, are forced to undergo slave labor, such as picking cotton. This horrific situation has continually garnered international condemnation, with the former U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, describing the situation as an “ongoing genocide.”

With the case being such a high-profile one, many groups are fighting for the freedom of the Uyghurs.

Coalition to End Forced Labor in the Uyghur Region

The Coalition to End Forced Labor in the Uyghur Region is an internationally endorsed initiative united in ending “state-sponsored forced labour and other egregious human rights abuses against people from the Uyghur Region.” It calls on companies and governments to challenge the Chinese government’s oppression against the Uyghurs.

The coalition documents many different stories from those who are subject to this oppression, helping to highlight the awful conditions in the “re-education” centers. Other than calling on action from both companies and governments, the coalition seeks to enhance and protect Uyghur Muslim rights by continually highlighting the abhorrent abuse that Uyghurs face. By highlighting these rights abuses, there is a greater chance of the Uyghur’s fight for freedom garnering public attention as it did in the late 2010s.

Anti-Slavery International

Anti-Slavery International is a nongovernmental organization (NGO) that highlights slavery and human rights abuses. On many occasions, the organization has covered the Uyghur Muslim rights violations, also highlighting how many Western countries enable these violations.

The nonprofit highlights different Chinese exports and links them as products of Uyghur slavery, including tomato paste, solar panels and electric vehicles. The organization calls on governments to ban imports with potential links to slavery as a means of combating the shameful tirade that China imposes on Uyghur Muslim rights.

World Uyghur Congress

The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) aims to “promote democracy, human rights and freedom for the Uyghur people.” The congress has a comprehensive leadership system chosen by more than 170 delegates from 27 countries, outlining how global the group has become. The WUC relies heavily on grassroots mobilization to drive meaningful change.

It encourages individuals to take action through petitions, public demonstrations and letter-writing campaigns addressed to government officials. Amid the ongoing persecution of the Uyghur population in China, the WUC’s role has become increasingly vital in advocating for the protection and advancement of Uyghur Muslim rights within the country.

Conclusion

Organizations like the Coalition to End Forced Labor, Anti-Slavery International and the WUC continue to lead efforts to defend Uyghur Muslim rights. Indeed, by raising awareness, pressuring governments and mobilizing global support, they play a vital role in challenging oppression and keeping the fight for justice alive.

– Andrew Nicoll

Andrew is based in Long Melford, Suffolk, UK and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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5 Organizations Fighting Systemic Poverty in Colombia

Poverty in ColombiaColombia, a South American country, has a long history of political tensions and armed conflict, both within its borders and in neighboring Venezuela. Systemic poverty in Colombia has left approximately 18.3 million people living below the poverty line. Multiple factors contribute to this persistent issue, including unequal access to opportunities and a lack of quality public services. These inequalities create dire consequences, with more than 85% of child deaths in certain municipalities being preventable with adequate care, reflecting unequal access to essential services. While the causes of systemic poverty in Colombia are widespread and complex, several organizations are addressing the issue through various targeted approaches.

5 Organizations Fighting Systemic Poverty in Colombia

  • ActionAid U.K. ActionAid U.K. has been working in Colombia since 2020 through a partnership with a local organization. Its work primarily focuses on protecting women’s rights and ensuring their safety, as 30% of women in Colombia have experienced violence from a partner. The organization also aims to address the disparity in opportunities and quality of life between rural and urban areas. To combat the effects of systemic poverty in Colombia, ActionAid U.K. engages in advocacy, promotes sustainable local development, improves water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and protects women and children from sexual and gender-based violence. The organization supports displaced individuals and unemployed victims of violence, offering them resources and opportunities to rebuild their lives.
  • Opportunity International Colombia. Opportunity International Colombia supports people affected by the region’s long-standing conflict. An estimated 7.7 million Colombians have been displaced due to conflict, along with many Venezuelans who have sought refuge in Colombia. The organization provides access to loans and training to help individuals build sustainable businesses. With 55% of adults lacking a formal bank account, rural families remain the least likely to have access to financial services. The organization addresses this gap by offering financial services that empower marginalized communities. Additionally, the organization works to improve education through its EduFinance program, helping children from low-income families access quality education. Through these ongoing efforts, Opportunity International Colombia has played a critical role in improving economic resilience and financial literacy.
  • Tearfund. Tearfund has been working in Colombia since 1980, focusing on poverty caused by migration and conflict. The organization aids families at risk of malnutrition and mobilizes local churches and community groups to provide support. As a result of its advocacy efforts, 24,000 stateless children have now been granted citizenship in Colombia. Tearfund reduces discrimination against violence-affected families and assists with their transition to stability. Community kitchens, food baskets and food vouchers provide thousands of Venezuelan families with improved nutrition and better access to health care services. Tearfund’s commitment to addressing the root causes of poverty has led to tangible improvements in the lives of displaced families.
  • CAFOD. Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) has been working in Colombia for more than 50 years. The organization focuses on supporting victims of conflict and marginalized communities. The organization ensures that those living in extreme poverty can potentially earn an income to support their families sustainably. CAFOD partners with local organizations to address a variety of critical areas, including peacebuilding, human rights protection, gender-based violence and the long-term effects of armed crises. By targeting these key areas, CAFOD improves food security and provides communities with the tools they need to rebuild their lives. Its work not only addresses immediate needs but also supports long-term development and stability.
  • Habitat for Humanity GB. Habitat for Humanity GB works to improve housing and informal settlements in Colombia. Through holistic programs that focus on neighborhood and home improvement, the organization enhances living conditions for impoverished families. Habitat for Humanity GB has worked with 1,440 volunteers and has served 730 people through home repairs. Its work involves constructing houses and improving the infrastructure of informal settlements, promoting housing alternatives and diversifying funding sources. Additionally, the organization raises awareness and mobilizes communities to become involved in improving their living environments.

Looking Ahead

Organizations like ActionAid U.K. and Habitat for Humanity GB play an essential role in addressing systemic poverty in Colombia. Their combined efforts tackle poverty through financial inclusion, education, humanitarian aid and infrastructure improvements. Sustaining progress requires continuous collaboration between local communities, government agencies and international partners. Indeed, expanding these initiatives could create lasting change by addressing the root causes of poverty and ensuring that vulnerable populations have the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.

– Sydney Morrow

Sydney is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Tahea Mwanza Relieves Poverty in Tanzania

Poverty in TanzaniaTanzania Home Economics Organization (Tahea Mwanza) is dedicated to empowering families and fighting poverty in Tanzania, specifically the Mwanza region. The Mwanza region, located in northern Tanzania, has a population of approximately 3.7 million and is roughly the size of the country of North Macedonia. Poverty in Tanzania is widespread, with nearly half of the population living below the international poverty line of $1.90 a day. Tahea Mwanza works to create lasting change in the region through community-driven development, with locals providing support and input on all projects. Its vision is to build a future where communities throughout the region have access to quality education, affordable housing and reliable food sources.  

Early Childhood Education

While access to education has improved in recent years, 1.2 million children in Tanzania have still never attended school. Tahea Mwanza addresses this issue by expanding early childhood education opportunities for children aged 0 to 8 years. The organization has established 30 community centers, providing play-based learning environments that support cognitive and language development. These centers also serve as childcare facilities, enabling mothers to work and support their families while ensuring their children receive a strong educational foundation. In addition to early childhood education, Tahea Mwanza trains community counselors to support parents in nurturing their children’s cognitive, language and social skills. By focusing on parental involvement, the organization aims to strengthen early childhood development efforts and prepare children for formal schooling.

Affordable Housing

Limited access to affordable and livable housing remains a significant challenge in Tanzania, particularly in rural areas. Poor housing conditions disproportionately affect women and youth, limiting their economic opportunities and overall well-being. Tahea Mwanza helps address this challenge by facilitating access to land and property ownership through saving and lending programs. The organization has played a pivotal role in establishing housing cooperatives and has contributed to the construction of more than 1,800 homes, providing safe and affordable housing to thousands of families. In addition to its housing initiatives, Tahea Mwanza collaborates with local communities to advocate for policy solutions that promote affordable housing for all.

Health and Nutrition

Malnutrition and food insecurity remain major public health concerns in Tanzania. Nearly 53% of children aged 2 to 5 experience developmental delays due to poor nutrition and limited access to essential food resources. Tahea Mwanza combats these ongoing issues through health and nutrition programs focused on child development. The organization provides community-based nutrition education for pregnant women and young mothers, teaching food preparation, preservation and storage techniques. Additionally, Tahea Mwanza promotes the cultivation of nutrient-rich and climate-resilient crops, such as sweet potatoes, equipping local farmers with training on best agricultural practices. By integrating sustainable farming methods with nutrition education, the organization helps reduce food insecurity and improve overall health outcomes for families.

Looking Forward

Tahea Mwanza’s initiatives have directly benefited nearly 80,000 people and indirectly impacted more than 283,000 across the Mwanza region. Through early childhood education, housing assistance and nutrition programs, the organization has contributed to tangible improvements in local communities. With more than 800 active projects, the organization continues to expand its impact by empowering local communities and strengthening economic resilience. Continued funding and support could allow the organization to broaden its reach, helping more families break the cycle of poverty and build sustainable futures in Tanzania.

– Matthew Wornom

Matthew is based in Yorktown, VA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Pashtun Poverty in Central Asia

Pashtun Poverty in Central AsiaThe Pashtun people are a nomadic ethnic group whose woes continue to escape global conversation. The group of around 60-70 million people continues to face impoverished conditions across Pakistan and Afghanistan, respectively. With a life expectancy of 46 years, these people’s problems cannot be ignored. Ethnic conflicts and the lack of stability in Afghanistan throughout the last decade have drastically reduced the quality of life for Pashtuns.

FATA

Pashtun poverty is directly tied to destabilization and ethnic violence in Central Asia. Previously called “the most dangerous place in the world,” the Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA) of Pakistan was home to 20% of the world’s Pashtuns. Although absorbed in 2018, FATA was home to blatant and widespread poverty, with 60% of people living below the poverty line.

This area was described as a “legal vacuum” because no neighboring country would assume administrative control. This led to a 33% literacy rate and plagued the area with intense ethnic and religious violence. In 2018, Pakistan merged the areas into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the hopes of improving conditions. Most terror attacks occurred in Pashtun areas in 2022, which points to continuing destabilization and a failure to address the conditions.

Drug Trafficking in Afghanistan

Over the border in Afghanistan, the Pashtuns have additionally dealt with decades of conflict and now Taliban rule. Although Pashtun’s relationship with the Taliban is complicated, the Taliban’s ban on narcotic production has disrupted a significant source of income for Pashtun communities. The U.N. estimated that it had affected the lives of nearly 7 million people who relied on growing opium for income.

Farmers were believed to have lost $1.3 billion in 2023 due to the halt in production, while landowners sold their stockpiles at a hiked price. While the production of narcotics is a complex issue, it is an industry upon which millions depend for their livelihoods. Its cessation has likely pushed many into poverty. Many farmers have continued to defy the ban as it’s their only way to avoid hunger and provide for their families.

Education in Pakistan

Although the situation for Pashtuns seems quite dire, great strides have been made for the education of the next generation. The village of Khanozai, in Balochistan, has a successful education scheme with an estimated 98% literacy rate. Although many Pashtun families must face the dilemma between having their children work or attend school, this village has insisted on the education of the next generation.

The Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai is actually Pashtun. In 2012, she spoke out against the Taliban in favor of education for girls. This led to an attack on her life. She survived and has become a global face of the movement for the right for a girl to learn. She is the only Pashtun and youngest ever person to win a Nobel Prize laureate.

The Pashtun Trust

The Pashtun Trust is an England-based charity that works to support both the local community and those in Central Asia. The nonprofit’s Khyber Pukhtunkhwa Projects work to alleviate poverty and provide education to people in Pakistan and Afghanistan. In 2019, the Trust managed to build 50 water wells throughout the region to tackle dehydration.

Pashtun poverty in Central Asia is an ongoing issue. However, nonprofit organizations like the Pashtun Trust are committed to improving the conditions of Pashtuns.

– Charley Dennis

Charley is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Nonprofits Tackling Poverty in Russia

Nonprofits Against Poverty in Russia More than a decade ago, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) halted operations in Russia after Russian authorities accused the organization of interfering in domestic politics. This departure posed challenges for many groups that relied on USAID funding. Despite this, various nonprofits in Russia have adapted to these circumstances and remain dedicated to addressing critical needs including poverty in Russia.

Poverty in Russia

Russia has seen a steady decline in poverty in recent years. In 2023, 13.5 million people—9% of the population—lived below the poverty line, a decrease from 14.3 million the previous year, according to Reuters. However, the years following USAID’s withdrawal saw a rise in poverty, with rates peaking in 2015. This surge largely stemmed from the economic consequences of Russia’s involvement in the Ukraine war in 2014.

Russia’s national poverty line measures the inability to afford necessities like food, clothing and essential services. By international standards, the World Bank reported that only about 2% of Russia’s population lived below the global poverty line in 2021. While these figures reveal progress, significant challenges remain, especially for the most vulnerable populations.

Nonprofits Making Change

Several nonprofits in Russia have taken up the mantle to tackle poverty and improve living conditions for those in need. These organizations focus on a range of issues, from health care and homelessness to children’s health.

  • Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP). An international network of more than 18,400 civil society organizations in the fight against inequality and poverty. GCAP’s Russia National Organization comprises 29 member groups dedicated to reducing inequality and poverty. GCAP focuses on improving health care access in impoverished communities, primarily by spreading awareness of health care rights and services.
  • Nochlezhka. Founded in 1990, Nochlezhka works nationwide to assist and protect the rights of individuals experiencing homelessness. The organization provides shelters, night buses, heating tents, counseling services and halfway homes. Nochlezhka collaborates with hundreds of partners and volunteers to address the needs of Russia’s homeless population effectively.
  • Caritas Russia. Operating under the international Caritas network and affiliated with the Catholic Church, Caritas Russia supports youth, people without homes, individuals battling addiction and those facing unemployment. The organization offers shelters, home-care services, reintegration programs for inmates and released prisoners and camps for children in need.
  • Children’s Hearts.  Since 2002, Children’s Hearts has supported children with heart disease by raising funds and purchasing critical medical equipment for clinics. The organization has assisted nearly 5,000 children, with donations totaling $16 million (more than 1.5 billion rubles).

Looking Forward

Nonprofits in Russia continue their efforts to address poverty amid complex challenges and an evolving national landscape. Their work highlights the importance of collaboration, advocacy and sustained support to combat inequality and improve the lives of vulnerable populations. While greater action is necessary to create lasting change, these organizations provide hope and vital services to those in need.

– Olivia Young

Olivia is based in New York, NY, USA and focuses on Global Health, Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Organizations Helping to Reduce Poverty in Malta

Poverty in MaltaMalta is an island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, lying between North Africa and Sicily in southern Europe. The capital of Malta, Valletta, is the smallest in Europe in terms of geography and population. In the past decade, the minimum wage in Malta has risen by 29%, yet rising living costs have left one in five people at risk of poverty.

Without significant government action, such as raising the minimum wage by more than the current average of 3% annually, this number might grow significantly in the next 10 years. To address this issue, numerous charities and organizations across the country focus on combating poverty through various initiatives, including alleviating food insecurity and providing educational services. Here are five charities and nonprofit organizations helping to reduce poverty in Malta.

Foodbank Lifeline Foundation

Established in 2018 by Reverend Kim Hurst, the organization started as an unofficial program to feed roughly 30 families that attended Saint Andrew’s Scots Church in Valletta. Due to the rising demand for food, Hurst formed the organization to help combat food insecurity throughout Malta. The organization relies on food donations and distributes the food in parcels on the islands of Malta and Gozo. Currently, the Foodbank Lifeline Foundation provides much-needed food security to more than 300 families in Malta and Gozo.

Foundation for Educational Services

Created in 2001 by Malta’s Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, the organization provides various child care services across Malta. The initiative currently operates 13 childcare centers across Malta, aiming to give babies and toddlers a chance to develop a lifetime of learning in a fun, caring and stimulating environment. Foundation for Educational Services also provides various after-school programs for children on the islands of Malta and Gozo whose parents are at work.

Malta Foundation for the Well-Being of Society

Formed in 2014 by the then-president of Malta, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, the organization primarily focuses on fostering child participation in Maltese life. The organization does this through various projects, like The Right to Play and “The Children’s Manifesto.” In addition to these projects, the organization has established “Children’s Councils” throughout Malta, where children have a voice in their local communities.

Aditus

Established in 2011 by Neil Falzon, Nicola Mallia and Carla Camilleri, the organization primarily focuses on human rights in Malta. Aditus is “called on to monitor, report and act on access to human rights in Malta.” The organization works on projects and campaigns that revolve around migration and transition into life in Malta, like the #DontLetThemDrown hashtag campaign. In addition, the organization campaigns throughout Malta on issues like housing accommodations for those at risk of poverty and rights for undocumented people and families in Malta.

Caritas Malta

Founded in 1968, the organization focuses on charity and volunteer work for Malta’s impoverished citizens. Its most successful project, “New Hope,” focuses heavily on substance abuse and rehabilitation, family services and a prison inmate program.

However, the organization also provides other forms of social welfare, including employment assistance programs and counseling. The organization researches and outlines the various ways people live in poverty in Malta and details how the cost of living in Malta impacts all facets of Maltese life through its reports.

Conclusion

These five charities and nonprofit organizations are, among many others, dedicated to reducing poverty in Malta. Despite the challenges faced by some, the people of Malta have demonstrated a strong sense of community, working together to support and uplift one another.

– Julius Millan

Julius is based in New York, NY, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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TOMS: Advancing Efforts in Improving Lives

TOMSTOMS is a social enterprise founded in 2006 by Blake Mycoskie. Mycoskie took a sabbatical to Argentina, where he witnessed children struggling without shoes: inadequate safety and education barriers. The company sells a wide range of products, from shoes, eyewear, apparel and handbags and its recent venture, coffee, in 2014. In 2019, Mycoskie switched to TOMS’ renowned approach, the One-for-One Model, where every pair of shoes purchased would mean giving a shoe to someone in need. TOMS evolved from this strategy to reach a diverse range of issues.

The company’s current operational model offers a third of its net profits through strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations. These organizations are aimed at mental health, eradicating gun violence and opening doors to opportunities. Indeed, TOMS has consistently strived to ensure that making a positive social impact is as significant as producing high-quality products. With meaningful and sustainable partnerships, it has impacted more than 100 million people.

ChildFund

In 2012, TOMS partnered with ChildFund to give new shoes to needy children in Liberia. In Liberia, children are required to wear black shoes to school; however, numerous families cannot afford them. Thus, families with siblings share a pair of school shoes, each wearing a slipper on one foot and a school shoe on the other.

A “ChildFund study in 2010 estimated that 15% of school-aged children in developing countries have hookworm or another parasitic disease due to bare feet.” This partnership improves the children’s learning experience. It supports long-term access to education and health for these children, offering a step out of poverty. Thanks to TOMS and ChildFund, hundreds of Liberian schoolchildren now have school shoes.

Save the Children

With the One-for-One model, TOMS gave more than a million pairs of shoes and winter boots to children in various countries: Lithuania, El Salvador, Tajikistan and more. The distribution of shoes was part of a broader, holistic approach to improving children’s well-being through Save the Children’s wellness, dietary and educational services.

TOMS employees participated in events and trips to witness the behind-the-scenes of what it is like to give the TOMS shoes to the children. Save the Children leaders often speak at TOMS’s office events, cultivating the shared collaborative spirit. Employee engagement with TOMS and Save the Children was beneficial. It inspires employees to strive for the best quality products for the children.

Save the Children’s brand awareness widened when TOMS frequently displayed the brand to new crowds and trendsetters. Through digital advertising, TOMS would focus on spreading awareness about children in poverty in their flagship stores and partner with Save the Children to market its campaigns. During Hurricane Harvey, TOMS urged customers to advocate for Save the Children’s emergency fundraising efforts.

One Day Without Shoes Campaign

On 10 April 2010, TOMS “One Day Without Shoes (ODWS),” an idea developed in 2008 by students in Pepperdine University’s Surf Club, was commemorated to create awareness about the impact of not having shoes for underprivileged children worldwide. TOMS ensured that a pair of shoes would be donated to a child in need for every interesting photograph posted. By posting a photo of bare feet and using hashtag #withoutshoes, TOMS was able to garner a broad community to get involved and inspired.

A new pair of TOMS Giving Shoes was received by 296,243 children in need. This was achieved through the involvement of people in more than 30 countries. During the campaign, the community of 300,000 barefoot photos was eager to tag #withoutshoes to publicize the campaign.

World Mental Health Day, 2023

TOMS gives a third of its profits through cash grants to nonprofit organizations. On 10 October 2023, TOMS gave 10 “mental health-focused nonprofit organizations” worldwide $10,000 cash grants each. Wall of Sharing, Fundación Origen, International Medical Corps—Ukraine and Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative—Nigeria are such organizations.

TOMS’ Commitment to Positive Change

TOMS has evolved from its original “One-for-One” model to a broader approach, focusing on sustainable change. Ensuring immediate needs and long-term improvements, the company has positioned itself as a leader in corporate responsibility. Indeed, the company has created a meaningful impact on communities internationally. Furthermore, strategic partnerships with ChildFund and Save the Children, cash grants to International Medical Corps—Ukraine and more have been instrumental to global communities by providing shoes to children in need or supporting mental health initiatives.

– Nalini Vj

Nalini is based in Perth, WA, Australia and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Youth Unemployment in Algeria

Youth Unemployment in AlgeriaAccording to the World Bank, Algeria plans to transition to a more diversified economy to address its high unemployment rate, particularly among youth aged 15 to 29. In 2023, Algeria’s unemployment rate stood at 12.7% overall, with youth unemployment reaching 30.8%, underscoring the urgency of the issue.

Located in North Africa and part of the Maghreb, Algeria has long relied heavily on hydrocarbon revenues, which account for 90% of state income. Like many of its MENA region neighbors, Algeria depends on oil exports, but this reliance has limited job creation, particularly for young people. Rural areas are especially affected, with 29% of Algeria’s 44 million residents living outside urban centers.

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) reports that young people in rural areas face higher levels of unemployment and poverty compared to their urban counterparts. Poverty rates are four times higher in rural areas, reflecting stark socio-economic disparities that demand targeted solutions.

The Rural-Urban Divide

In Algeria, a significant disparity exists between poverty levels in rural and urban areas. According to a study by the Economic Research Forum (ERF), young people in rural regions are 3.64 times more likely to live in poverty than those in urban areas, particularly in the north-central part of the country. This disparity stems from limited resources and inadequate infrastructure in rural areas compared to urban centers, which hinders employment opportunities.

Agriculture has traditionally been the primary source of jobs in rural areas, but employment in this sector has declined since 2021, according to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). This decline has exacerbated challenges for young people seeking work, particularly in areas lacking proper educational institutions or vocational training centers.

Multidimensional poverty is also more prevalent in rural areas. An ERF study found that in the eastern part of Algeria, 31% of rural residents live in multidimensional poverty, compared to just 8% in urban areas. These socio-economic disparities highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to address poverty and improve access to education and job opportunities in rural communities.

Government and NGO Efforts

The Algerian government has introduced measures to tackle youth unemployment, including unemployment benefits for young adults. Eligible recipients receive 13,556 dinars (approximately $100) along with medical benefits until they secure employment.

Nongovernmental organizations also play a key role in addressing youth unemployment. Injaz El Djazair, a nonprofit founded in 2010, focuses on encouraging entrepreneurship, enhancing employability and promoting financial literacy among Algerian youth. By 2021, the organization had supported more than 100,000 students and has since expanded its reach to 150,000 students. Injaz offers 20 specialized education programs designed to prepare students for professional success and equip them with essential skills for the job market.

Looking Forward

Youth unemployment in Algeria highlights the pressing need for economic diversification and targeted interventions in rural and urban areas. High poverty rates and limited job opportunities in rural regions have further widened the rural-urban divide, underscoring socio-economic disparities. Government programs and initiatives like Injaz El Djazair aim to bridge these gaps by supporting entrepreneurship, improving employability and equipping young people with essential skills. Addressing these ongoing challenges remains critical to ensuring sustainable economic growth and stability across Algeria.

– Aya Diab

Aya is based in New York City, NY, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Intergenerational Poverty: From Childhood to Adulthood

Intergenerational Poverty: From Childhood to Adulthood Intergenerational poverty refers to poverty that persists across multiple generations within families, particularly in developing countries. According to the World Bank, 70% of global poverty is concentrated in low- and middle-income countries, where systemic barriers hinder upward mobility. Children born into poverty are far more likely to experience economic hardship as adults due to limited access to education, health care and stable employment. Research has revealed that prolonged exposure to poverty during childhood can significantly decrease opportunities for better livelihoods later in life.

The Impact of Poverty on Child Brain Development

Early childhood development is particularly vulnerable to the effects of poverty. A significant portion of brain formation occurs in the first six years of life and living in impoverished conditions can disrupt this critical process. According to Very Well Mind, children raised in poverty often face developmental delays caused by stress, lack of resources and unstable living conditions. On a neurological level, children may experience reduced white and gray matter volume, which affects memory, movement, emotions and cognitive information processing. Mentally, children in poverty are at a higher risk of developing conditions such as anxiety and depression, which can persist into adulthood.

Poverty’s Long-Lasting Effects Into Adulthood

Studies reveal that the longer a child lives in poverty, the greater their likelihood of remaining in poverty as an adult. A study published in Frontline found that children who experienced poverty for 8 to 14 years were significantly more likely to face economic hardship between the ages of 20 and 25.

Reports from the Urban Institute reveal that only a small percentage of children in poverty complete their education. High school graduation rates are notably lower among children raised in poverty compared to their more affluent peers, limiting their opportunities for higher education and better-paying jobs. Physical health is another area heavily impacted. Poor families often live in unsafe housing, increasing risks of accidents, injuries and chronic health issues such as heart disease. Children from impoverished backgrounds are more likely to suffer from poor nutrition, reduced health care access and long-term medical complications.

Solutions for Breaking the Cycle

Addressing intergenerational poverty requires both immediate relief and long-term strategies. A report titled A Roadmap to Reducing Child Poverty emphasizes the importance of providing parents with financial resources to meet their children’s basic needs. By alleviating parental stress, children are given better opportunities to thrive. However, experts also stress the need for sustainable programs that focus on health, education and long-term well-being.

5 Organizations Fighting Poverty Globally

Several organizations are working globally to address poverty and its long-term effects:

  1. Oxfam International. A global confederation of 19 organizations working in 90 countries, Oxfam provides crisis relief and practical solutions to poverty.
  2. Organization for Poverty Alleviation and Development (OPAD). An NGO promoting human rights, sustainable development and poverty eradication through education, health programs and economic initiatives.
  3. Concern Worldwide. Operating for more than 50 years in 50 countries, Concern Worldwide focuses on empowering local communities to address poverty caused by natural disasters, hunger and conflict.
  4. End Poverty Now (EPN). A Canadian NGO that unites nonprofits to create sustainable solutions. EPN ensures continued support for the programs it initiates, fostering lasting impacts.
  5. Global Citizen. With a mission to eradicate extreme poverty by 2030, Global Citizen mobilizes global citizens to advocate for systemic change and hold world leaders accountable.

These organizations play critical roles in combating the many forms of poverty, offering both immediate assistance and sustainable pathways to self-sufficiency.

Looking Ahead

Breaking intergenerational poverty involves targeted interventions that prioritize children’s development and family stability. Effective strategies address systemic challenges while empowering communities through education, health care and economic opportunities. By combining immediate aid with sustainable solutions, global initiatives play a crucial role in fostering long-term change. These ongoing efforts offer hope for a future where poverty no longer determines the opportunities and outcomes of successive generations.

– Sadie Treadwell

Sadie is based in Grovetown, GA, USA and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Fighting Food Insecurity Among Indigenous Canadians

Food Insecurity Among Indigenous CanadiansIn 2023, 36.8% of Indigenous people in Canada lived in food-insecure households. Food insecurity among Indigenous communities in Canada has been prevalent since the earliest attempts at colonial eradication of these people through forced migration, residential schools and colonial hunting practices. Loss of traditional knowledge and land has made Indigenous Canadians more susceptible to food insecurity due to factors like high food prices, accessibility to groceries and other economic disparities. 

The organizations listed below combat food insecurity among Indigenous communities in Canada by reconnecting communities with traditional knowledge and sustainable practices. They focus on education, empowerment and skill-building, offering programs that improve food access, teach cooking and promote cultural practices. These efforts help communities build lasting solutions to food insecurity and enhance self-sufficiency.

Ojibiikaan Indigenous Cultural Network

Ojibiikaan Indigenous Cultural Network, located in Toronto, Ontario, is an Indigenous-led organization that strives to deepen the connection between people and the land. The organization focuses on three key pillars: the education of food and nutrition, implementing sustainable food systems and revitalizing traditional ecological knowledge.

Its programs include a variety of activities such as medicine walks, which is a form of meditation and an Indigenous rite of passage; snowshoeing, which is both a mode of transportation and a sport; sugarbush tapping, which is the collection of maple sap and the boiling of it to make maple syrup; gardening and traditional cooking. Through these programs, Ojibiikaan fosters a more profound respect for the environment while promoting both individual and community well-being.

Qajuqturvik Community Food Center

Qajuqturvik Community Food Center, located in Nunavut, Canada, works to address the significant challenges of food insecurity and high food costs in the region. With food prices more than twice the national average and limited availability of local country food, more than half of the households in Nunavut face food insecurity. Indeed, only a tiny fraction of daily calories come from traditional, locally sourced food. 

In response, Qajuqturvik focuses on three key pillars: improving access to nutritious food, developing essential cooking skills and empowering community members to become active voices in advocating for change. The organization’s programs address immediate needs while fostering long-term community growth and self-sufficiency. These include a daily community meal, a food service training program, children’s cooking classes, a community cooking club and a food box distribution initiative. 

Working Group on Indigenous Food Sovereignty

Indigenous Canadians established the Working Group on Indigenous Food Sovereignty to bring awareness of food insecurity among Indigenous communities in Canada. Furthermore, the group aims to ensure Indigenous voices are part of discussions surrounding food networks in the province of British Columbia and its major surrounding areas. Members of this organization come from diverse backgrounds, including traditional harvesters, farmers and gardeners, Indigenous community members, academics and researchers, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and political advocates. 

The organization’s Indigenous Food Systems Network Website connects individuals and organizations involved in Indigenous food-related action, research and policy reform. The Indigenous Food Systems Network is a hub of information about the land, economics, health, ecology, generational care, community and responsibility. 

– Nina Bujewski

Nina is based in San Luis Obispo, CA, USA and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr