Archive for category: Nonprofit Organizations and NGOs

Information and stories about nonprofit organizations and NGOs

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How Mobile Clinics Are Expanding Dental Care in Rural Bolivia

Dental Care in Rural BoliviaLimited access to dental care is an often overlooked public health challenge in rural Bolivia, particularly for low-income and geographically isolated communities. Untreated tooth decay and gum disease can lead to chronic pain and infection, making it harder for children to concentrate in school and for adults to work consistently. In a country where household budgets are often tight, delaying care can also lead to higher costs later, especially when treatable problems become emergencies. Mobile dental clinics are one approach to helping close these gaps by bringing preventive and basic restorative services directly to underserved communities.

Why Dental Care Is Difficult To Access in Rural Bolivia 

Bolivia’s geography and settlement patterns create real barriers to routine care. Rural communities may be located far from clinics, with travel costs and time away from work making a dental visit impractical. Where dental services exist, they may be limited to urgent pain relief or extractions rather than preventive treatment or restorations. 

At the national level, the WHO’s Oral Health Profile for Bolivia highlights the economic impact of oral disease. It estimates per-capita spending on dental care at approximately $4.20 and productivity losses from five untreated oral diseases at $152 million. This is an indicator of how oral health problems can translate into missed work and reduced earning capacity. 

What Mobile Dental Clinics Do Differently

Mobile dental clinics reduce access barriers by bringing equipment and staff directly to remote areas, often in coordination with local schools and community authorities. Depending on the program, services may include examinations, cleanings, fluoride applications, sealants, basic restorations (fillings) and extractions, along with hygiene education. This approach is important because it shifts care upstream, preventing decay and addressing early-stage problems before they develop into infections that require more complex interventions.

Evidence From Mobile-Clinic Programs Operating in Rural Bolivia

One example of measurable outcomes comes from the Suyana Foundation. It operates mobile dental clinics in the Department of La Paz and tracks multi-year data on service delivery and oral health indicators in the communities it serves. In a program summary covering Bolivia, Suyana reports that between 2021 and 2023, its mobile dental clinics provided approximately 38,000 dental consultations. 

Over the same period, the foundation recorded improvements in standard oral health indices. These included a 21% drop in the CPOD/DMFT index (from 6.7 in 2021 to 5.3 in 2023) and a 44% reduction in the simplified oral hygiene index (IHOS) (from 2.5 in 2021 to 1.4 in 2023). Suyana also reports child-focused results: the incidence of new caries among 10-year-old children fell by 38% from 2022 to 2023 in its Bolivian program. 

Additionally, the number of students rehabilitated to “zero cavities” status increased from 296 in 2021 to 1,229 in 2023. These figures reflect the impact of a single organization rather than the entire country; however, they provide concrete evidence that mobile, prevention-oriented dental services can improve outcomes in areas with limited baseline access.

How Public Nonprofit Partnerships Expand Reach

Mobile-clinic models often depend on partnerships because logistics and sustainability are as important as clinical work. Public authorities can support coordination with schools, referral pathways into local health establishments and alignment with national standards. Nonprofits can add specialized staff, equipment, outreach capacity and external funding.

In Bolivia’s health ecosystem, organizations like Fundación ProSalud have a national presence, providing lower-cost health services through a network of clinics. These clinics help complement public provision and support broader access goals. Volunteer-based outreach models also operate in rural areas. 

In Cochabamba and surrounding regions, the nonprofit Mano a Mano runs “jornadas”—weekend medical and dental trips where teams travel to remote communities to provide care. This shows how mobile or pop-up services can reach areas that permanent facilities do not consistently cover.

Why Dental Access Matters for Poverty Reduction

Dental care can look “secondary” compared to infectious disease or maternal health, but it has direct poverty links. Pain and infection can reduce school attendance and workplace productivity, while delayed treatment can force families into higher-cost emergency care. The WHO’s estimates of productivity losses from untreated oral diseases underline that oral health is not only a clinical issue but also an economic one, especially for households living close to the margin.

Mobile dental clinics address this problem by reducing the time and travel costs of seeking care and emphasizing prevention. When clinics provide sealants, fluoride and early restorations, they can reduce the likelihood that a child needs repeated extractions or that an adult loses workdays due to avoidable infection.

The Future of Dental Care in Rural Bolivia

Mobile clinics are not a substitute for long-term investment in permanent facilities and the oral-health workforce. But in rural Bolivia, they can function as a practical bridge, expanding coverage now while building community habits around preventive care. Evidence from programs such as Suyana’s mobile clinics suggests that sustained outreach can improve measurable oral-health outcomes, particularly for children. 

As government standards, local coordination and nonprofit delivery capacity align, mobile dental services can continue reducing preventable pain, missed school days and productivity losses in underserved regions. 

– Tom Basu

Tom is based in Buckinghamshire, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Youth Development in Romania: Policies and Opportunities

Youth Development in RomaniaRomania’s young people face serious barriers in education and employment. Youth unemployment remains high compared to adult unemployment, and many young people do not complete secondary education. Since 2011, an estimated 450,000 children have dropped out of school before finishing middle school, and more than 15% of those ages 18 to 24 have not completed the eighth grade. These issues are more severe in rural areas and among ethnic minorities such as the Romani population.

Without adequate support, these trends can limit access to economic opportunities and civic engagement for young Romanians, slowing both personal development and the country’s long-term growth.

National Programs Supporting Youth

Romania is expanding national initiatives to support its young population. The National Youth Strategy (2024–2027) outlines goals to promote education, increase civic participation and reduce unemployment for people ages 15 to 35. This strategy helps guide policy, funding and program development across government agencies.

The Child Guarantee Action Plan seeks to ensure that all children, particularly those under 18, have access to quality education, health care and nutrition. The plan addresses poverty and social exclusion by focusing services on those most in need.

Programs such as School After School offer tutoring and extracurricular activities outside of regular hours to help students remain engaged and build skills in art, technology and sports. Together, these initiatives aim to strengthen youth development in Romania by expanding access to educational and personal development opportunities.

International Support and Partnerships

Romania’s youth development efforts are supported by international initiatives. The U.N. Youth Delegate Program provides young leaders opportunities to represent Romania in U.N. discussions, amplifying youth voices on human rights, peace and sustainable development.

The Youth2030 Strategy encourages countries to include young people in national development plans and promote access to education, health care, employment and civic participation.

The Global Initiative for Decent Jobs for Youth promotes gender-equal employment and works with governments and the private sector to align training programs with labor market needs. These partnerships support Romania’s efforts to expand quality education and job opportunities for young people, particularly in underserved communities.

Proposed Solutions for the Future

To further advance youth development, Romania can expand training programs that teach communication, digital literacy and professional skills, helping young people become more competitive in the job market.

Improving access to quality education and employment opportunities in rural areas would help ensure that more young people benefit from national growth. Strengthening mentorship programs, community initiatives and career guidance services may help reduce school dropout rates and better prepare youth for civic and economic participation.

Prioritizing these approaches could contribute to a more inclusive and resilient workforce while addressing economic and social disparities.

Looking Ahead

Youth development in Romania remains both a social and economic priority. National strategies, community programs and international partnerships work together to address unemployment, reduce early school dropouts and increase youth participation. Continued investment in education, job skills and civic engagement can support long-term stability and inclusive growth. Strengthening youth development efforts may help Romania build a more stable and adaptable society prepared for future challenges.

– Anaisha Kundu

Anaisha is based in Skillman, New Jersey, USA and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Organizations Supporting Farmers in Pakistan

Farmers in PakistanMore than 54% of farmers in Pakistan live below the poverty line. According to the latest national census of agriculture in Pakistan, 97% of farmers own less than 12.5 acres and 26% own less than one acre. Meanwhile, the average farm size is now 5.1 acres. These figures suggest that farmers are not generating enough profit to save and are instead living from crop to crop.

Pakistan ranks among the world’s 10 most climate-vulnerable countries, with devastating monsoon rains, floods, droughts, landslides and earthquakes. These natural catastrophes destroy livelihoods, shove civilians into poverty and hit the agricultural industry the hardest. When the aftermath damages crop yields, farmers suffer.

There are more than 11 million farmers in Pakistan. When major climate shifts strike, the government cannot provide for such a large segment of the population. Thus, farmers have no economic security in the event of a natural disaster. On top of this, a recent sharp increase in the costs of fertilizers, diesel, pesticides, farming machinery and electricity in Pakistan makes it expensive for farmers to produce the few crops that survive amid unpredictable climate instability.

Crop costs have also fallen globally and this growing disparity leaves farmers at a loss. Fortunately, here are five organizations that uplift farmers and minimize poverty in Pakistan by providing rural farms with supportive resources.

Hidaya Trust

Hidaya Trust is a nongovernment organization that aims to help underprivileged persons in Pakistan “stand on their own feet”, including farmers. The organization runs various programs covering education, social welfare, health care, the environment and self-employment. Hidaya Trust supplies families in the farmer assistance program with fertilizers, seeds and equipment, as well as education on farming techniques.

For those in the animal farming program, the organization uses its donations to provide families with livestock to start a farm. For example, a $50 donation can buy five chickens and one rooster to start a poultry farm; it costs $70 for seven rabbits, $220 for a pair of goats and $500 for a cow.

Kissan Madadgar

Kissan Madadgar is a real-time farming advisory service that provides expert support and consultation through various channels to farmers at no cost. Farmers in Pakistan can access this service through its 24/7 helpline, mobile application or YouTube channel. Agricultural experts at Kissan Madadgar also visit farms in person to offer on-site support.

This involves teaching farmers more sustainable, productive and feasible solutions and techniques. The goal is to empower farmers, help them prosper and improve Pakistan’s agricultural ecosystem.

Chamber of Food and Agriculture

The Chamber of Food and Agriculture is an independent, nonprofit organization based in Pakistan, created by farmers, for farmers. Agricultural experts and rural development practitioners in Pakistan work with food producers and policymakers worldwide to empower farmers. Run by a people-first policy, the Chamber of Food and Agriculture directly provides training workshops and resources to rural farmers in Pakistan.

It also promotes climate-smart agriculture and technical agricultural innovation. Through this initiative, the organization aims to facilitate stable, accessible markets for farmers, support policy advocacy and increase women’s participation in the farming industry.

The World Bank Group

In 2022, the World Bank Group launched the Punjab Resilient and Inclusive Agriculture Transformation Project, with $200 million in funding. The ongoing project supplies small rural farms in Pakistan with climate-smart farming technology to increase agricultural productivity and farmers’ incomes. This includes training farmers in climate-smart techniques, facilitating efficient and equitable access to water and building resilience to extreme climate emergencies.

The World Bank Group’s project is expected to help 190,000 rural farmers and 1.4 million acres of land.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

In 2020, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) established a livestock farmer field school in the Umerkot district of Pakistan to expand farmers’ knowledge beyond local practices. The organization also distributed 315 kilograms of animal compound feed to each farmer among more than 1,400 of the most vulnerable households to support them throughout the agricultural crisis. Additionally, with support from the World Bank Group, FAO worked with local governments to construct water storage tanks with underwater solar-powered water pumps in 25 rural villages in the Tharparkar district of Pakistan.

FAO provided the villages with water troughs for livestock and drip irrigation systems for kitchen gardens. These resources supported farmers by reducing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their farms. The construction of the water systems also created temporary employment opportunities for those most affected in the region.

The Future for Farmers in Pakistan

In Pakistan, agriculture is the largest sector in the economy. Farming makes up 24% of the country’s total gross domestic product (GDP), employs half of the labor force and is the greatest source of international exports. Farmers also create food security in the country. However, the agricultural sector struggles with low productivity due to its vulnerability to climate change and volatile markets.

Farmers in Pakistan require support with modern technology that accounts for climate instability, as well as further education on proactive farming techniques to maximize crop yields and ultimately help farmers overcome poverty. Given their contribution to Pakistan’s economy, policymakers and government leaders must prioritize farms when allocating funding and resources.

– Umaymah Suhail

Umaymah is based in Karachi, Pakistan and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Using Technology to Improve Education in Tanzania

Education System in TanzaniaTanzania, a country in East Africa, has faced many years of poverty and hardships under its government that bled into the education department. Due to a lack of support in finding teachers, supplies, and high dropout rates in the education system, it took a while for someone to find a solution to ease the transition of teaching English. 

The national language in Tanzania is Swahili (Kiswahili), with English as the second most common. In Tanzania, there is no push to learn English at a young age, which causes children to drop out and be left in a pitfall without the opportunity to learn and the inability to be employed in higher-paying jobs. 

The setbacks that children face in Tanzania are not their fault. Despite the education system’s flaws, there is a group of hardworking people who are using technology to help bridge the English gap and keep students in school.

Selfless Solutions (E-Shuleni)

After a volunteer trip to Tanzania, Patrick Irwin saw how much the children in Tanzania wanted to learn, but didn’t have the resources to learn. Irwin wanted to make a change in providing education and using technology to bridge the language barrier, and seeing the motivations of the kids encouraged Irwin to keep going.

“When you see with your own eyes just how much the kids are developing thanks to the work of our organization and all the people involved, it gives you a lot of motivation to continue to do the things that aren’t necessarily as fun,” Iwrin said. 

“E-Shuleni” is the technology used as a way to help children transition to learning English with more ease. For seven years, children are taught Swahili, and once the students complete primary school, an abrupt switch to learning English happens. This switch often causes struggles to keep up with the curriculum, and many students drop out. 

Struggles in Education

The education system in Tanzania, though scoring high rates on their exams, continues to struggle with other problems: overcrowding, teacher shortages, financial struggles, and resource gaps are just some of the problems that they still face. 

Poor proficiency in English as the medium of instruction was a major factor contributing to higher dropout rates in early secondary grades, according to a study by Consortia Academy. School records revealed that many students…struggled to understand lessons and communicate effectively in English…This language barrier created significant learning challenges, limiting students’ participation in class and their ability to perform well in assessments, ultimately contributing to early school withdrawal.

These problems, though not significant to just Tanzania, are problems that many surrounding countries face. However, the problems of education and solutions to fix those problems are focused solely on Tanzania, because each country is different. 

Focusing on education in just Tanzania with the Selfless Solutions program, Irwin believes that this will, in turn, bring more support and a steady footing underneath. Instead of trying to branch out to different countries. 

“We are focused on strengthening and sustaining existing programs that we have rather than expanding into new areas,” Irwin said. “Our program is designed to scale and expand across Tanzania, but it may not be suitable for neighboring countries like Kenya and Uganda.”

Since 2019, when Selfless Solutions was founded, this program has created a bright and supportive future for the children in Tanzania. 

Future of Selfless Solutions

Following the success and positive results from the pilot of “E-Shuleni,” the enterprise of teaching children English has expanded to seeking new partnerships and groups.

Selfless Solutions expanded “E-Shuleni” to the new “E-Shuleni” Reading Club. The reason behind this is the first class that used this technology, the children completed the full e-learning program. These children have now moved to grade 5, aiding in the improvement of children who surpass the dropout rate when they start to learn English. 

The students come together every week to read, practice, and stay connected to English. Irwin believes that hope and self-belief are not contained in the classroom, and that a child is influenced when they are at home or in their community. Selfless Solutions creates a groundwork and steadiness for more things in life, not just education.

– Elizabeth Fryer

Elizabeth is based in Philadelphia, PA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Selfless Solutions

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5 Charities Operating in Singapore

Charities Operating in Singapore

Singapore is one of the world’s wealthiest and most developed nations. However, despite Singapore’s economic success, income inequality and food insecurity continue to affect vulnerable populations across the country. According to local reports, some individuals struggle to meet basic necessities, such as a comfortable shelter and food.

In addition to financial limitations and the high cost of living, food insecurity remains an issue for many individuals, particularly low-income families, seniors living alone and migrant workers. The streets in Singapore are sometimes seen with people considered homeless, as they can’t afford housing, highlighting the need for charitable organizations.

While the government has contributed significantly to reducing poverty and improving the lives of the poor, gaps remain for individuals who fall below eligibility criteria or require additional assistance. As a result, charities play a vital role in supporting vulnerable communities by offering food assistance, shelter and housing, health care, counselling services and other forms of aid. The following are five charities operating in Singapore that are making a meaningful impact.

1. Willing Hearts

The first of the charities operating in Singapore is Willing Hearts. Since 2003, Willing Hearts has been supporting and improving the lives of the underprivileged and impoverished through volunteerism and teamwork. Willing Hearts has also relocated five times over the past 21 years to better reach the lives of the underprivileged and marginalized.

Established by Tony Tay and his friends, Willing Hearts is one of Singapore’s leading soup kitchens with more than 10,000 meals distributed per day to more than 70 locations in Singapore through volunteer-led kitchens. In addition to food distribution, Willing Hearts also offers a variety of services such as dental care, legal aid, bereavement and healing services.

2. Food From the Heart

Food from the Heart is an independent nonprofit food charity in Singapore that focuses on 10 initiatives that alleviate food insecurity, educate and raise funds. The community food pack program is one of the initiatives from Food from the Heart that provides seniors, low-income individuals and families with fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs and bread through a monthly distribution. Through this program, the organization supports more than 10,113 families each month.

In addition to all of the programs combined, Food from the Heart has assisted and supported more than 129,877 families and individuals, distributed 143,825 food packs and supported 63,831 beneficiaries in total as of the end of 2024.

3. HealthServe 

According to HealthServe, a large number of migrant workers holding work permits in Singapore face conflict regarding emotional distress, workplace peer pressure and injuries. While employers are legally required to pay for medical treatment, such as medical services, dental treatment and insurance, some individuals feel discouraged from seeking the help they need due to cultural and language barriers and peer pressure. HealthServe has helped and supported these workers by positively impacting more than 18,000 migrant workers by the end of 2024, which includes more than 5,300 medical and dental services, 6,000 casework and social services, 8,000 mental health and counselling services and 14,200 community services related to health education and outreach.

In 2024, HealthServe’s objective was to extend mental health support and awareness. Ever since the program started in 2022, HealthServe has trained more than 1,630 migrant workers with knowledge and skills to support overall well-being.

Looking ahead to 2025, HealthServe aims to expand dental sessions, strengthen support for chronic diseases among migrant domestic workers, enhance psychotherapy and counselling services and extend GP services to more sectors.

4. Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2)

Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2), a charity in Singapore, provides direct assistance by supporting and protecting low-wage, foreign and migrant workers through food programs, medical emergency funds, social work and shelter.

One of its initiatives, The Cuff Road Project, supports workers in need by providing a free breakfast and a fulfilling dinner every weekday for each worker. On Saturdays, TWC2 provides lunch.

One of TWC2’s services is casework, which provides support and assistance to individuals to help them navigate complex social, legal and government systems. Caseworkers in TWC2 assess and evaluate the client’s needs while ensuring a suitable solution and support. TWC2 has logged about 13,630 conversations of support in 2024, including 100,887 inbound and 68,329 outbound messages.

Beyond direct assistance, TWC2 engages with policymakers, like the Ministry of Manpower. They also propose solutions, conduct research on migrant worker issues and engage with employers and businesses.

5. SPD (Society for the Physically Disabled)

Set up in 1964, SPD is a nonprofit charity that focuses on helping individuals with disabilities and those with developing disabilities. SPD provides 20 programs, offering therapy, community rehabilitation, early intervention, job placement and support.

In 2024-2025, SPD assisted more than 13,200 people with disabilities. This included 1,659 children who received early intervention, 7,940 individuals who received support with rehabilitation community programs, and 3,900 individuals who gained awareness and education from talks, events and training.

Looking Ahead

Although Singapore is widely recognized for its economic success and high standard of living, vulnerable communities continue to face social and economic challenges. These five charities operating in Singapore, play a crucial role in addressing these issues by providing food security, health care, advocacy and rehabilitation support. Together, these organizations demonstrate the importance of compassion, volunteerism and community support in fostering a more inclusive and equitable society in Singapore.

– Bianca P. Gunawan

Bianca is based in Jakarta, Indonesia and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Fund for Armenian Relief: Impacting Refugees in 2026

Fund for Armenian ReliefThe changing climate is a persistent issue that is becoming increasingly relevant as severe weather events reach cities around the world. With the consensus that extreme storms are an isolated issue instead of an international one, damage affecting unhoused and refugee communities in 2025 highlighted the importance of nonprofit organizations in the absence of assistance from local governments. Generating more support for displaced persons and the unhoused community begins with sharing stories that evoke relatability and enhance overall understanding of the issue.

Ongoing Advocacy

On Nov. 11, 2025, climate reporter Sabrina Shankman shared insight on the best way to educate people about the significance of climate change at the “Climate Is Every Story” panel series designed for Boston College faculty and students. Shankman said storytelling is the key to proper advocacy, not data points.

Similarly, Neil McCullagh, executive director of the Carroll School of Management’s Joseph E. Corcoran Center for Real Estate and Urban Action and BC ’91, highlighted the effectiveness of Habitat for Humanity’s human-focused narrative. Specifically, he discussed how the partnership between Habitat for Humanity and a faith-based organization provided 13 housing units that improved the lives of struggling families. Initiatives like this are powerful and help communities visualize the bigger picture and give their support.

Relief Efforts

Habitat for Humanity is a global organization based in Atlanta, Georgia, that provides housing assistance. Habitat for Humanity works with communities around the globe, serving about 70 countries. In 2025, research revealed that inadequate access to housing is a global issue, with 1.8 billion people worldwide unable to find affordable housing.

The organization continues to operate with the philosophy that “a world where everyone has a decent place to live” is possible. Its programs aid populations suffering from poverty, economic disadvantages and other challenges. There are similar nonprofit projects that provide items usually inaccessible to low-income individuals. Habitat for Humanity ReStore offers used household items at affordable prices. Proceeds from these items help the organization collaborate with local families to provide accessible housing for low-income individuals.

Volunteers from the Global Village program improve the lives of communities internationally by building houses in countries including Guatemala, Honduras, Kenya, Malawi and Romania. Other nonprofit projects have provided people in Brazil with a water tank as a response to a disaster in the region.

Global Village volunteers also responded to the risk of natural disasters in Cambodia by building water towers while providing homes for displaced persons in the Dominican Republic. These programs are creating momentum toward housing equity in underdeveloped countries. Relief efforts are giving people a fresh start. Mobilizing volunteers is one of the most effective methods to advocate for change. Still, innovative and sustainable solutions are needed to address fluctuating levels of support for services.

Forced Displacement and Hunger

A variety of challenges affect refugees, but one of the greatest trials they face is hunger. Currently, refugees receive most assistance from nongovernmental organizations.

Sustainable living practices empower refugees to find nourishment through natural resources. Educating displaced persons on agricultural practices equips them with tools to avoid hunger and improve individual economic circumstances. A significant level of impact has been achieved through targeted programs. In particular, nonprofit projects like FAR’s Support for Artsakh’s Displaced Project teach students horticulture and gardening skills. For example, 15-year-old student Nanar Markosyan learned horticulture and gardening through this program, which prepared her to attend the National Agrarian University to pursue greenhouse management.

Sustainable farming approaches, such as tending soil or caring for livestock, promote self-reliance and resilience. Programs like these help prevent reliance on third-party food sources that may not always be available.

This approach can also be seen in the Fund for Armenian Relief’s malnutrition treatment programs established by a local NGO aiming to end malnutrition. The “Breakthroughs in Child Nutrition and Development for Healthy Generations” program was established in September 2020 to provide nutrition assistance to preschoolers and kindergarteners. As a result, 354 children received nutrition assistance in Ijevan, Tavush marz, Armenia. Focusing on successful programs like these helps ensure that child hunger is reduced or eliminated.

Fund for Armenian Relief

Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) assists refugees fleeing life-threatening circumstances. FAR also provides food assistance and humanitarian support to help vulnerable communities in Armenia. The organization was created after the devastating earthquake in 1988, when the Armenian diaspora in the U.S. provided food and supplies. After the disaster, FAR identified the need for additional forms of assistance, which led to resilience-centered initiatives. Currently, the organization operates soup kitchens, assists vulnerable and abused children and supplies clean water. What began as a mission to help refugees rebuild their lives after the 1988 earthquake has evolved into a multifaceted nonprofit organization offering services related to health care, education, economic development, child protection and social services.

The Borgen Project spoke with Bree Carriglio, executive director of Fund for Armenian Relief, regarding the organization’s progress and goals for refugee assistance in 2026. Carriglio described progress made toward supporting displaced populations. When discussing food insecurity among children, Carriglio said, “FAR is always working to identify different ways we can provide nourishment to our most vulnerable populations. Our soup kitchens, old age home and child malnutrition programs in kindergartens are just a few ways we do this, and every year we evaluate how we can improve the nutritional values of our menus and reach more people.”

Carriglio noted that hunger was a major issue among displaced populations after a nine-month blockade prior to fleeing. Following the displacement between 2023 and 2024 resulting from conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, FAR provided immediate aid to 14,000 families during the first six months.

Nutrition Deficits

FAR aims to assess specific nutrition deficits in children through its malnutrition program this year. In 2026, the organization anticipates progress in its food aid programs and plans to identify opportunities to expand nutrition assistance through program evaluations. Looking ahead, Carriglio emphasized that continued efforts to support displaced refugees are essential to expanding FAR’s mission. She said the key to rebuilding lives is to “make sure they have not only the physical resources to do that but also the psychosocial support and other resources to address the emotional toll this type of trauma can have on individuals.”

FAR’s nonprofit projects continue to show progress. Because the organization has no political affiliation, funding relies heavily on donors. In some cases, FAR has partnered with the Armenian government to administer programs that demonstrate measurable outcomes. FAR has also participated in advocacy efforts to raise awareness about forced displacement and food insecurity among refugee populations. Carriglio said, “During the last crisis, we raised awareness by reaching out to the diaspora and sharing both firsthand accounts of the crisis and how we were mobilizing to help, which focused on both immediate assistance in the form of humanitarian aid and implementing strategies to help displaced individuals rebuild their lives.”

However, these resources are not sufficient to sustain every program. Budget cuts created funding gaps, forcing FAR to end a workforce program for vulnerable populations, including veterans reentering the workforce. Monetary aid remains the most effective form of support because food can be purchased within Armenia and distributed without delay.

The Path Forward

The conflict that caused nearly 100,000 refugees to flee Artsakh and cross the Armenian border is one of many challenges displaced persons have endured.

Fund for Armenian Relief has the ability to adapt to change and its mission to provide humanitarian support continues to transform the lives of vulnerable children, including those facing challenges beyond food insecurity. Other nonprofit projects, such as Habitat for Humanity’s Global Village program, have secured housing and supplied clean water internationally.

Investing in programs that support vulnerable communities serves as both immediate relief and a long-term strategy for mitigation. Raising awareness and building strategic partnerships can help reduce the challenges faced by populations struggling to meet basic needs worldwide.

– Lala McCullough

Lala is based in Brentwood, CA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: farusa

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Organizations Aiding Ear and Hearing Care in Zambia

Organizations Aiding Ear and Hearing Care in Zambia Hearing health is often overlooked in global development conversations, yet in Zambia, it plays a critical role in education and economic participation. With a population of almost 17 million, 5% of Zambians experience hearing problems or diseases. It is hard to help everyone in the community, given that there are only five Otorhinolaryngologists (ENTs) and one audiologist available.

The commute for most individuals can exceed 10 miles on foot to reach a specialist, making access to hearing care in Zambia unrealistic for many Zambian citizens. In 2022, 60% of the population was in severe poverty, so not everyone can afford to walk long distances to get care for themselves or their families, as they are struggling to feed their families on $2 a day.

Organizations like Seeds of Hope Children Ministry and GBCZambia place strong emphasis on donations to support medical research and education to improve hearing care in Zambia. However, providing tools within an educational setting can help individuals succeed. Further studies conducted within these communities could help organizations better understand the needs of individuals who require hearing care in Zambia. Two organizations, DeafKidz International (DKI) and Zambart, address these needs and provide tools to help Zambian citizens succeed regardless of their disabilities.

DeafKidz International: Adapting Zambia’s Education

DeafKidz International (DKI) has been working in Zambia since 2013 to help children build resilience and improve education and safety for those who are hard of hearing. It aims to complete its mission in two parts: educating the children through workshops and training teachers to identify signs of abuse or confusion among individuals who are hard of hearing.

The six-hour workshop for children focuses on safety, boundaries and basic communication. The education of an average student in Zambia is not identical to that of a hard-of-hearing individual. Thus, this workshop uses role-plays, demonstrations, worksheets and interactive games to help children understand these topics. DKI also financially supported the purchase of laptops in 2024 for classrooms to help bridge educational gaps.

To ensure that educators are up to date, the DKI team communicates regularly with trained teachers. It does this by running brief sessions to verify that information translation is accurate and to gather feedback on the results of DKI’s programming. In early 2025, DKI staff observed that students ages five to eight were comprehending sign language at varying levels, indicating the program’s gradual progress.

DKI’s team values the feedback it receives from children, parents and educators alike. For instance, noting and adjusting the program to differentiate between “early warning signs” of abuse and symptoms of illness is important. DKI has taken a unique approach to hearing care in Zambia through adaptability and confidence-building.

Zambart: Building a Foundation for Research Advancements

Zambart, a research group that advances health care for all, has also begun piloting programs to study Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) and general hearing problems. The goal of the research study is to evaluate the effects and quality of life of individuals who are hard of hearing due to CSOM and other related hearing diseases. This would provide other organizations and the government with a clearer idea of the types of resources that would be helpful to these individuals.

As part of its initiative, Zambart begins by interviewing families in different communities in Zambia to understand their experiences with CSOM. Next, it will perform randomized trials of topical iodine treatment for ear discharge and analyze short- and long-term care. It will also pilot the introduction of a low-cost bone-conducting headset for 150 adults and children who experience hearing loss.

As a way to go hand in hand with DKI’s efforts, it will also conduct further studies and qualitative analyses to understand the lived experiences of people with hearing loss. The goal is to understand what enables or prevents them from feeling self-determined, empowered and resilient in their education and daily lives. The results of this study would be the implementation of tech-based learning for sign language.

Zambart accepts monetary donations to advance its research; however, the funds received go directly into its mission and action efforts. Though it does require significant money, training and time to achieve the necessary advancements in hearing care in Zambia, the Zambart team is actively working to address the root problems.

Focusing on Empowerment and Resilience

Overall, children and adults with hearing and ear illnesses have not received as much focus in Zambia as other diseases. However, when working with groups that focus on adaptability, resilience, community building and empowerment, these communities are given the chance to grow and learn. Though monetary donations go a long way toward advancing accessible clinics and medical professionals, providing the right tools and methods can further strengthen hearing care in Zambia.

– Simran Dev

Simran is based in Caledon, Ontario, Canada and focuses on Global Health and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Artisans Fighting Poverty in Peru

Poverty in PeruPeru is a country in South America with a population of 34.22 million people. The global pandemic did a lot of damage to Peru’s economy and poverty rates in the country have increased significantly since 2019. Currently, 27.6% of the population lives beneath the national poverty line and much of that poverty is centralized in rural parts of Peru.

In fact, rural poverty is higher than the national average, at a whopping 39.3%. Ending poverty in rural areas is vital to ending poverty nationwide. Still, it is tough, as many rural areas speak distinct languages and specialize in different forms of cultural art.

However, it is this cultural art that many programs have chosen to focus on in one of the many attempts to alleviate financial difficulty in rural areas.

The MGD Achievement Fund

The MGD Achievement Fund’s joint program in Peru focused on reducing poverty across four of the country’s most disadvantaged regions. It did this by building inclusive creative industries in tourism, handicrafts, organic agriculture and gastronomy. The program enriched the poorest parts of Peru by using traditional heritage to stimulate tourism through handicrafts and foods, as well as promoting organic agriculture.

Much of its work was done with the help of the United Nations (U.N.), specifically the Food and Agriculture Organization, the U.N. World Tourism Organization and the country’s Ministerio de la Producción (Ministry of Production). Focusing on the regions of Ayacucho, Cusco, Lambayeque and Puno, the program distributed official certificates to 126 artisans, 26 entrepreneurs in rural tourism and 49 regional cooks. The program was a huge success and more than 2,500 families across Peru increased their incomes, maintained their traditional practices and cared for the environment around them.

The program also documented many traditional arts and ensured they could continue for seasons to come.

The Awamaki Program

Awamaki uplifts Peruvian artists. It is a nonprofit that operates in Peru’s Sacred Valley, also known as the Urubamba Valley. It is based in the town of Ollantaytambo and focuses on addressing the widespread poverty throughout the valley.

The heart of the program is a cooperative of five women-led groups across the valley and it allows these women to receive skills-based training for their art. Their art is sold throughout the valley and beyond and all profits go back into their communities. The organization also helps facilitate tours in the region, bringing money into small towns.

It offers tours in both Spanish and Quechua, the native language of many regions in South America. The group also teaches computer classes to residents and offers English classes to help bolster international relations in the future.

Conclusion

Overall, Peru is a beautiful country with a wonderful heritage that is close to the hearts of many. Some have spent their entire lives doing their traditional art, making their own traditional food and speaking their traditional languages. Documentation and appreciation of heritage can be a huge stepping stone, especially when that heritage is so closely intertwined with the area’s finances. Honoring culture while promoting growth is the most effective tool for alleviating poverty.

– Eddie Hofmann

Eddie is based in Seattle, WA, USA and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Bridges to Prosperity: Tackling Rural Isolation in East Africa

Rural Isolation in East AfricaFika, formerly known as Bridges to Prosperity, is an NGO that operates in East Africa to address rural isolation. What started as a small partnership with local communities to construct trail bridges now operates in 21 countries. It has built 480 trail bridges and has reached approximately 1.7 million people.

Despite being historically underestimated, rural isolation is a root cause of poverty. Approximately 1 billion people are considered rurally isolated, meaning they live more than two kilometers from an all-season road and 80% of people living in extreme poverty reside in rural areas. A significant proportion of these populations live in sub-Saharan Africa, underscoring that no long-term impact can be achieved without first addressing rural isolation in East Africa.

Fika’s Impact So Far

Over the past few years, Fika has had its greatest impact in Rwanda. Since partnering with the Rwanda Transport Development Agency in 2019 and building 200 bridges, the organization has reached more than 800,000 people nationwide. Fika estimates that each bridge results, on average, in a 75% increase in farm profits and a 30% increase in household income.

This impact benefits local communities and demonstrates a strong return on investment for a trail bridge. In fact, Fika calculated that each trail bridge returns 49% of its cost in increased economic activity annually, meaning each bridge essentially pays for itself within two years of operation. Even when considering nonmonetary factors, connecting communities to critical services has led to a 200% increase in school attendance among girls and improved access to health care in Rwanda.

These outcomes show a clear correlation between poverty and rural isolation in East Africa, meaning one cannot be addressed without the other. Furthermore, after years of research and testing, Fika designed a trail bridge model that is both cost-effective and sustainable. When the project began, the founders had limited access to heavy, durable materials.

As a result, it developed a system that uses repurposed and locally sourced materials to construct the trail bridges. These bridges are now simple to build and highly resilient, capable of withstanding the volatile climates of the countries in which they are built.

Vision for the Future

While many people have already benefited from the organization’s work, millions remain isolated from critical services. Fika aims to expand into other East African countries and broaden its reach into Central Africa; its newest program is launching in Zambia, with the goal of connecting 500,000 people by 2030. Most importantly, Fika is working to move away from philanthropy toward a more sustainable model in which governments or the private sector fund these projects.

The trail bridges built so far are owned by local governments, which makes them responsible for maintenance rather than Fika and helps ensure long-term upkeep without relying on the organization’s resources. Fika is still trialing partnerships with local governments, as each country requires a different cooperation model.

Final Thoughts

Although trail bridges are not the most traditional form of foreign aid or poverty alleviation, Fika represents a shift toward more permanent and sustainable solutions. Quick relief aid is essential and has helped millions in the past. However, organizations that address the root causes of poverty, such as rural isolation in East Africa, are more likely to achieve long-lasting impact and support future development without relying on continued foreign aid.

– Vittoria Cortese

Vittoria is based in Washington DC, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Poverty Reduction 2025: Top 10 Landmark Achievements

Poverty Reduction 2025: Top 10 Landmark Achievements The following is a “Good News” rundown of 2025, bringing important, positive stories to the top of the agenda. Here are 10 poverty-reduction 2025 landmark achievements that continue to spur the movement forward in the fight against global poverty.

Top 10 Landmark Achievements

  1. Safer Standing. Firstly, recognition for the 300,000th landmine removed from Sri Lankan land this year. The landmines were remnants left behind from the country’s civil war, which persisted for more than three decades and ended in 2009. A nonprofit organization conducted the operation, highlighting the role institutions outside government can play in improving society. The removal of these landmines has allowed 280,000 people to return to their homes. The nonprofit in question, HALO, has rendered 120 square kilometers of land safe again. People can now return home and travel safely and freely. This marks an important accomplishment that promises a safer life for communities across Sri Lanka.
  2. India. Traveling north to India, the second entry on this list of poverty reduction achievements, the country has seen a significant drop in the proportion of its population living in poverty. This includes the declaration of Kerala as India’s first state free of extreme poverty. This progress is linked to the Extreme Poverty Program, which established initiatives including providing families with homes, allocating land and assisting with home repairs. These efforts relied on cooperation among communities, government and local assemblies. This achievement stands as one of the most notable 2025 poverty-reduction milestones.
  3. Bangladesh. Moving east to Bangladesh, nearly the entire population has gained access to basic electricity for the first time. This development supports the United Nations goal of universal electricity access by 2030. Over the past 30 years, access to electricity in Bangladesh has increased by about 85%, compared with just 14% of the population having power in 1991. This improvement signals continued progress. Access to electricity affects daily life in critical ways, including the ability to read after sunset.
  4. Nigeria. Turning toward technological innovation, 2025 saw a young inventor spreading light across Nigeria using recycled plastic tiles to create clean-power charging stations. Named the Commonwealth’s Young Person of the Year in March, Anigbogu has delivered energy access to communities with little or no power across Nigeria, Rwanda, Zimbabwe and Tanzania. This supports education, communication, health, safety and poverty alleviation. Anigbogu’s focus on clean power also promotes a future less dependent on fossil fuels. Beyond the technology itself, LightEd prioritizes community welfare by creating safe spaces and providing energy access to displaced people. This includes lighting refugee camps, increasing safety and offering education on environmental sustainability.
  5. Democratic Republic of the Congo. Poverty reduction 2025 landmark achievements also included renewed peace efforts. In June, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared a peace agreement known as the Washington Accord, aiming to end conflict dating back to 1994. The agreement includes the withdrawal of Rwandan soldiers from eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. In return, the Democratic Republic of the Congo government agreed to stop supporting anti-Rwandan insurgents. The deal also includes commitments to economic cooperation.
  6. Mozambique. In Mozambique, 2025 marked the introduction of the first fully inclusive emergency data collection tool designed to close the disability gap in emergency response. The tool aims to improve inclusion by involving people with disabilities in response planning. The Elrha project developed the tool to assess barriers faced by people with disabilities during emergencies. The approach integrates disabled people as data contributors through its SIRA survey. Field use in Mozambique identified the tool as vital for improving accessible humanitarian aid.
  7. Tibet. The seventh achievement on this list was announced in July, when Chinese officials demonstrated progress on what is forecast to become the world’s largest solar farm. Located in Tibet, the project is expected to cover an area comparable to the city of Chicago. China reported a decrease in carbon emissions within the first six months of the year. The solar farm stretches across desert land, reducing wind and soil erosion while allowing vegetation to take root. The project represents a milestone in demonstrating economic growth alongside emissions reduction.
  8. Indonesia. In Indonesia, the government launched a free meal program for children and pregnant women. Within four years, the initiative aims to reach 82.9 million people. The program addresses high rates of maternal and child malnutrition. The free meal program was a central policy of President Prabowo’s election campaign. Government officials and soldiers now serve meals including fried chicken, tofu, rice and oranges. Mothers across more than 20 provinces have reported positive outcomes, supporting efforts to address food insecurity, stunting and wasting.
  9. Switzerland. The first malaria treatment designed specifically for babies received approval in Switzerland in July. In 2023, malaria caused more than 597,000 deaths worldwide. Until now, available treatments were unsuitable for infants due to liver development concerns. The pharmaceutical company Novartis developed the treatment, commonly known as Riamet Baby. After nearly three decades of research, the treatment is scheduled for rollout in eight African countries this year.
  10. Ireland. Ireland announced that a basic income is now a legal right for artists. The policy aims to reduce financial instability and discourage people from leaving the arts sector. The scheme pays 2,000 artists and creative workers €325 per week. After a pilot program launched in 2022, the initiative expanded nationwide and will continue until February 2026. The policy supports artists affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthens Ireland’s arts sector.

Looking Ahead

These poverty reduction 2025 achievements highlight steady progress toward improving living conditions worldwide. From expanded access to basic services to peace initiatives and innovation, these efforts demonstrate that targeted solutions can create lasting change. Together, they show continued momentum in the global fight against poverty.

– Maya Hollick

Maya is based in the United Kingdom and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels