Information and stories about poverty reduction.

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A Music Tour Reducing Poverty in Africa

Poverty in AfricaRwanda is a small landlocked country in East Africa that has remarkably reduced extreme poverty from 40% to 16% since 2000. However, as a young country with 45% of the population under the age of 18, childhood poverty remains a significant challenge. To recognize the efforts of those working to alleviate poverty in Africa, the “Move Afrika: Rwanda” concert was held at Kigali’s BK arena on December 6, 2023.

Poverty in Rwanda

Despite significant efforts and successes in reducing poverty in Rwanda, the challenges for children and their families remain substantial. Of 1,000 children born in Rwanda, 50 do not survive to 5 years old. Moreover, 75% of these deaths come in the first months of life. While chronic malnutrition has declined, poor water quality and access to hygiene facilities still leave children suffering from stunting and low birth weight. This challenge is compounded by the fact that only 64% of households have their own latrine and 5% have hand-washing facilities with soap and water.

In terms of education, 13% of children are enrolled in early education, with a large disparity weighted against children living in rural areas compared to urban ones–a common trend when analyzing child poverty rates globally. Despite these challenges, poverty reduction efforts in Rwanda merit celebrating and supporting further. Hence, the American creative communications company pgLang, in partnership with Grammy Award winner Kendrick Lamar, the Rwanda Development Board and Global Citizen, imagined an original music event for the region.

Move Afrika: Rwanda

“Move Afrika: Rwanda” supports an advocacy campaign that urged world leaders to make bold pledges on significant issues, aiming to reduce poverty in Africa. The campaign focused on key areas such as increasing resources for health campaigns that particularly benefit women and young girls, addressing food scarcity within the continent and providing greater access to economic opportunities. During the event, local communities were supported with training to support the concert. This included stage management and security skills training. Furthermore, Rwandan culture was front and center, with traditional Agaseke peace baskets a focal point on the stage. These were crafted by 20 artisans from the Nyamirambo Women’s Centre.

In celebrating those people fighting to reduce poverty in Rwanda, the works of nonprofits and civil society workers who came together in nationwide community service to plant more than 1,000 trees on Mount Rebero were recognized. In attendance also were 30 health care workers who were allowed to highlight their work in health equity and access. Move Afrika has also made a lasting pledge to continue to support local entrepreneurs and help them access longer-term job opportunities in the future. By giving internationally recognizable performers such as Kendrick Lamar a platform, Move Afrika is exposing countries like Rwanda to fighting poverty with international support.

The Future of Move Afrika?

“The Move Afrika: Rwanda” music tour was a success. So much so that it will be repeated next year; this time, it will be held in Ghana. Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo said, “Global Citizen is known for leveraging live music events to engage youth while creating social and economic impact. Today, we celebrate this milestone for Ghana.”

“We look forward to future announcements on this growing cohort of Move Afrika destinations,” he added. With Move Afrika at the beginning of its journey to reduce poverty in Africa, there is no telling where this innovative and engaging project will end up.

– Thomas Field
Photo: Flickr

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Disability and Poverty in Russia

Disability and Poverty in RussiaRussia’s poverty rate across all demographics sits at 12.1% as of 2020, per the World Bank. Further, 13 million Russians have disabilities, which is roughly 9% of the total population. In lower and middle-income countries, which includes Russia, disabled people are twice as likely to live in poverty than non-disabled people. As with many countries, disability and poverty in Russia are linked to each other; Russia’s history of discrimination against disabled people relegates many of them to live in poverty and this marginalized demographic faces discrimination in modern-day Russia.

History

Historically, the Russian government has treated its disabled citizens with disregard for their well-being. The current Russian Federation’s former governing state, the Soviet Union, outright denied their existence in the country, infamously declining to participate in the first iteration of the Paralympic Games in 1980, claiming that no disabled people existed in the country.

Before this, the Soviet government assigned disabled World War II veterans to low-paying jobs upon their return from war, thus relegated to poverty. These new jobs assigned to the now-disabled Russian veterans often disregarded their previous careers and skill sets. They reduced them to being defined by their disability.

This practice of job reassignment created an association between poverty and disability in Russia and disabled citizens were given little opportunity to better their conditions beyond their low-wage occupations.

Modern Problems

In addition to the higher rates of poverty among disabled Russians, discrimination against people with disabilities is still pervasive in the country. In 1995, the Russian Federation passed a law outlining a federal definition of disability, a step forward from the Soviet Union’s denial of disabled Russians.

Despite the federal acknowledgment of disabled citizens, the country still lacks adequate resources for them. Disabled people in Russia, particularly children with disabilities, are mistreated. For example, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW), Russian orphanages have been caught transferring their disabled residents to state-run institutions without their consent once they have turned 18 when they instead should be transitioned into living independently.

This comes in tandem with allegations of abuse inside Russian orphanages, where an estimated 30% of disabled Russian children live. These orphanages hold children for extended periods despite being intended only for temporary stays. Former residents have accused these children’s homes of tying patients to beds, sedating them and temporarily transferring them to mental institutions against their will as punishment.

Solutions

The violence and adversity faced by disabled people are still pervasive. However, some organizations are working to alleviate the issues that come from disability and poverty in Russia. To combat the adversity faced by disabled Russians, some citizens have started their own charities and nonprofits to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and give support to their families.

For example, Perspektiva is a Russian nonprofit that works to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities, including helping them find employment to diminish the number of people living with both disability and poverty in Russia. Perspektiva has helped Russians with disabilities complete internships with international companies, such as Ernst and Young, L’Oreal and SAP and it lists hundreds of jobs on its employment portal for disabled job applicants.

Final Remark

The social acknowledgment of disabled Russians and the work of charities like Perspektiva have helped improve the status of disabled Russians living in poverty. However, this vulnerable demographic still needs assistance and advocacy to improve further.

– Elizabeth Nelms
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Innovations in Poverty Eradication in Fiji

Poverty Eradication in FijiPoverty is a significant issue in the islands of Fiji. However, instead of giving up, the country is actively seeking new and innovative ways to assist those who are struggling. Through both small community projects and large-scale government plans, Fiji is leading the way in the fight against poverty. The country is making great strides towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) in Education, Health, Environmental Sustainability and Global Partnership for Development (GDP), especially compared to most Pacific developing member states.

Oxygen Access Helps Poverty Eradication in Fiji

In Fiji, oxygen access was one of the biggest health issues due to the lack of a consistent and reliable supply of medicinal oxygen. To tackle this problem and achieve poverty eradication in the nation, the Ministry of Health, in partnership with Cure Kids, launched an exciting initiative called the Oxygen Project to improve oxygen access. The Oxygen Project distributes oxygen concentrators to health care facilities all over Fiji. Oxygen concentrators are small, lightweight devices that filter the air and concentrate the oxygen, ensuring that patients receive pure, medicinal-quality oxygen.

This initiative eliminates the need for bulky oxygen tanks that require transportation between health centers. Solar power systems installed in health facilities enabled the concentrators to operate without traditional power sources. Most importantly, the project will train biomedical engineers, solar engineers and nurses in operating, maintaining, monitoring and repairing solar panels and concentrator systems.

Telecommunication Technology

Fiji is connected to major telecommunication hubs and nearby Pacific Island nations through a vast network of underwater cables. Amalgamated Telecom Holdings (ATH), which the Fiji National Provident Fund primarily owns, owns Fiji’s telecommunication providers, including Vodafone, Telecom Fiji and Fiji International Telecommunications Ltd.

The second significant player in the market is Digicel. At the same time, Starlink, a satellite internet provider and a subsidiary of SpaceX, has received government approval and is soon anticipated to launch in Fiji. Due to a lack of infrastructure development in rural areas, about 5% of the country still lacks mobile network coverage.

Due to a lack of infrastructure development in rural areas, about 5% of the country still lacks mobile network coverage. Telecommunications play an essential role in poverty eradication in Fiji because they expand access to information, enhance communication networks, create economic opportunities, support education and skills development and improve health care access.

The World Bank’s Role in Sustainable Recovery

The World Bank’s executive directors approved an operation to support Fiji’s ongoing efforts to recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and multiple tropical cyclones. The World Bank’s Fiji Recovery and Resilience First Development Policy Operation (DPO) with a Catastrophe-Deferred Drawdown Option (Cat-DDO) will accelerate the nation’s recovery while enhancing economic, social and climate resilience.

Fiji experienced a severe economic contraction that left one-third of its workforce without full-time employment. The project perfectly aligns with the recently authorised World Bank Group Country Partnership Framework for Fiji (2021–2024) and the Fijian National Development Plan. Enhancing Fiji’s debt and public financial management is a top priority for the operation, which also encourages women’s participation and breaks down barriers between the sexes in industries where males predominate.

Furthermore, the operation supports the creation of a Social Assistance Policy that will enhance the effectiveness and targeting of social assistance programs for numerous impoverished and vulnerable groups in Fiji, as well as the private sector-led economic recovery supported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Conclusion

Innovative methods for poverty eradication in Fiji are starting to emerge to meet the multifaceted issues that disadvantaged communities face. These include projects like social enterprise development, digital technology, community-based tourism, climate-smart agriculture, microfinance and financial inclusion, social protection programs and participatory planning and governance.

These inventions seek to strengthen livelihoods, empower communities and increase resistance to environmental difficulties and economic shocks. These poverty innovations support inclusive growth and sustainable development in Fiji by integrating business models with social impact goals and encouraging local ownership and cooperation.

– AuiCha Conley
Photo: Unsplash

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Possible Health Reducing Poverty in Rural Nepal

Rural NepalIn the rugged terrain of rural Nepal, where access to health care is out of reach for many, Possible Health has emerged as a ray of hope. Founded by Dr. Duncan Maru and his team, Possible Health is not just a healthcare organization but a catalyst for reducing poverty in rural Nepal. With a mission to provide comprehensive primary healthcare services and a commitment to sustainability and community empowerment, the initiative transforms lives in rural Nepal. 

Founding

Possible Health traces its roots back to 2008, when Maru, Dr. Sanjay Basu, Dr. Jason Andrews and public health expert Bibhav Acharya realized the dire need for accessible and affordable health care in rural Nepal. When confronted by the limitations of traditional aid models, these men envisioned a more holistic approach to health care delivery. 

This approach would address immediate medical needs and the underlying factors contributing to poor health outcomes and poverty in rural Nepal. Therefore, Possible Health was created with the fundamental vision that health care is a human right, regardless of one’s socioeconomic status or geographic location.  

Health Care For All

In remote rural Nepal, the initiative’s operations are strategically placed clinics managed by a dedicated team of local healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses and community health workers. These clinics serve as essential centers of health and healing, offering specialized medical care that meets the unique healthcare needs of the local population. In addition, these clinics also contribute to reducing poverty by improving the overall health and productivity of the community.

One fundamental aspect of Possible Health’s approach lies in its commitment to harnessing technology to overcome geographical barriers and enhance healthcare accessibility in rural Nepal. Through the implementation of mobile health solutions, for example, healthcare workers can easily communicate, gather data and coordinate patient care, even in the most isolated regions. This innovative use of technology increases the efficiency of health care delivery and ensures that every individual in rural Nepal, regardless of their remoteness, receives the care they urgently need.  

Empowering Communities for Sustainable Change 

Beyond providing these healthcare services, Possible Health is deeply committed to fostering sustainable change and empowering communities to take charge of their own health and well-being. By training and employing local healthcare workers, for example, Possible Health creates opportunities for economic prosperity and self-reliance to help individuals and families out of poverty. 

In addition, the foundation actively involves community members in decision-making processes, ensuring that all programs are responsive to local needs in rural Nepal. Possible Health’s efforts in reducing poverty in rural Nepal have had a significant impact beyond its clinics’ walls. The organization has initiated programs focused on education and community development, building a foundation for long-term prosperity and resilience. By addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality, Possible Health is improving health outcomes and creating opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive. 

Poverty Reduction 

By prioritizing preventive health care through services such as maternal and child health check-ups and immunizations, Possible Health empowers individuals with the knowledge and tools to maintain good health. This approach reduces the financial burden of preventable illnesses and helps lift households out of poverty. 

Additionally, by training and employing local healthcare workers and involving community members in decision-making processes, Possible Health creates economic opportunities and fosters self-reliance, contributing to long-term prosperity and reducing poverty in rural Nepal.

The Path Forward 

As Possible Health continues to expand its reach and impact, the organization remains committed to its founding principles. With a visionary team guiding the organization and a network of dedicated supporters, Possible Health can make even more significant steps toward reducing rural Nepal’s poverty. By utilizing the power of health care as a force for change, the program is paving the way for a brighter and healthier future for individuals in rural Nepal. 

– Olivia Pitrof 
Photo: Flickr

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How a USAID Program Is Protecting Fisheries in Ghana

Fisheries in GhanaIn Ghana, sustainable management of fisheries plays a crucial role not only in preserving the Ghanaian environment but also in reducing poverty. Ghana is situated in West Africa along the Atlantic coast and has significant poverty levels. As of 2023, 27% of Ghanaians live below the international poverty line and anticipated projections suggest that this figure may increase due to the economic crisis that began in 2022. Consequently, coastal communities have an escalating reliance on Ghanaian fisheries as fishing becomes a primary source of sustenance and employment.

Given this scenario, initiatives like the Feed the Future Ghana Fisheries Recovery Activity (GFRA) are instrumental in sustainably combating poverty in Ghana while safeguarding the fisheries crucial to the livelihoods of many.

Sustainable Fisheries Management for Poverty Alleviation

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funds GFRA in partnership with the Ghanaian government. A five-year program launched in 2021 aims to mitigate the near collapse of Ghana’s small pelagic fisheries like sardines, mackerel and anchovies by establishing a foundation for their ecological recovery. Sustainably managing these fisheries and preventing overfishing is crucial for protecting marine ecosystem biodiversity. Similarly, maintaining a source of employment and food for coastal Ghanaian communities alleviates poverty.

Approach To Sustainable Fisheries Management

The USAID-funded program employs a diverse approach to sustainable fisheries management. Tetra Tech, an engineering and consulting firm, administers the program, which focuses on water, environmental conservation, sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy and international development. It adopts a multifaceted strategy in eco-friendly fishing management.

Since the program’s inception, one measure implemented has supported establishing a Marine Protected Zone (MPA) in Ghanaian waters. This zone restricts fishing activities within its boundaries and is slated for establishment by the Ghanaian government by 2025. Additionally, the Government of Ghana has committed to mandating the monitoring of all fishing vessels. They ensure compliance with regulations and preserve the health and sustainability of these fisheries.

USAID Bolsters Funding for Ghana Fisheries Program

Amid the declining state of Ghana’s economy since the initiation of GFRA, USAID has taken proactive measures by injecting an additional $6 million in 2023 into the program. This initiative indicates a significant 33% increase, elevating the program’s budget from $17.8 million to $23.8 million. The increased financing has gone toward joint projects with the Ghanaian government and projects meant to diversify the economies of coastal communities away from fishing.

These programs aim to lessen Ghanaians’ excessive reliance on coastal fishing for subsistence, focusing on empowering women and youth. This strategic shift aims to enhance fisheries’ health and bolsters these communities’ economic resilience in adversity.

Moreover, GFRA funding extends to bolstering Ghanaian partners involved in the project. It includes support for organizations like Hεn Mpoano, a Ghanaian nonprofit dedicated to coastal regulation. The Centre for Coastal Management – Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience (CCM-ACECoR) established a partnership to support ecological recovery at the University of Cape Coast. These partners will be pivotal in spearheading training programs and conducting research essential to the project’s success.

Conclusion

Collaborating organizations from the United States (U.S.) and Ghana are actively pursuing the GFRA’s mission to safeguard Ghana’s fisheries. They are focused on sustaining local communities nutritionally and economically in the long term. As this program persists amid Ghana’s enduring economic challenges, anticipation builds regarding its transformative impact on its economy, poverty rates and environmental well-being.

– Lyle Seeligson
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Human Trafficking: 5 Companies Fighting It

Human TraffickingThe fight against human trafficking stands as one of the most important causes in the modern world. Every year, it is estimated that some form of international slave trade traffics 600,000 to 800,000 people. Therefore, the fight is essential because it champions providing basic human rights to everyone and aids impoverished countries in improving. 

While not every single person has the capacity to stop slave labor physically, everyone can contribute in many ways, even by simply purchasing useful or pretty products. Here, we list five interesting products and companies that help stop human trafficking.

Purpose Jewelry

Purpose Jewelry is a company that sells handmade jewelry made by survivors of human trafficking. The company rescues the girls from brothels and sends them to live in its trademarked “Sanctuaries,” where it trains them to make jewelry. It also provides them with health care, mental care and education. The girls also earn full salaries for their work. The company invests 100% of its profit back into helping the victims. Currently, the company assists victims from Mumbai, Cebu, Kampala and Tijuana. 

Elegantees

Elegantees creates casual but stylish clothes that any woman can wear. Its priority is sustainability, using cotton and deadstock materials. Most importantly, the employees are primarily girls who are survivors or at risk for human trafficking from Nepal or India. “The Nepal-India border is one of the busiest human trafficking gateways in the world,” with a report showcasing that around 50 women are illegally transported from Nepal to India daily.

The company explains very simply that poor girls often get tricked into brothels because they are looking for jobs. If companies quickly provide safe jobs, human trafficking intermediaries are cut out. All workers are adults, earn a livable wage and receive overtime, vacation and any other benefits you would expect from normal working conditions.

Dignity Coconuts

Dignity Coconuts is a company tackling a unique poverty-related problem in the Philippines. Coconuts are the country’s largest crops grown, with both large plantations and small-scale farmers involved in their production. However, this has resulted in a serious issue known as “copra slavery.” Many companies and countries prefer to purchase products from large-scale farmers, which often drives smaller farmers into poverty. This leaves them vulnerable to human trafficking and at the mercy of larger farms. 

As a result, they are usually forced to beg for loans that they will never be able to repay. Dignity Coconuts changes this dynamic by enabling customers to purchase coconut oil directly from the farmers in the Philippines. The organization has more than 150 farmers on board, which means 150 farms providing jobs for people, protecting them from poverty and desperation that might lead them to trafficking jobs, including running the slave trade.

The Starfish Project

The Starfish Project is an organization that rescues girls from brothels and provides them with training in making jewelry and crafts. Additionally, the girls can continue their education while working there. They can move up in the company hierarchy from crafting to having full careers in fields such as accounting and photography. It is worth noting that the Starfish Project focuses on rescuing rather than prevention. More than 180 women have been able to escape human trafficking situations and turn their lives around thanks to the Starfish Project’s efforts.

Good Paper

Good Paper is a company that creates handcrafted cards for various occasions. The cards are produced in two locations: one in the Philippines, which supports victims of sex trafficking and the other in Rwanda, which helps victims of genocide. 

The Philippines is one of the highest-risk countries for trafficking, with 60,000 to 100,000 children being the victims of sex trafficking. You can make a difference in someone’s life by purchasing a card from Good Paper. Each card is signed by the person whose life you have helped change by supporting this company.

The above products are available for purchase by the average consumer. By buying them, you can help support victims of human trafficking and prevent more people from falling into this terrible crime. Furthermore, improving the economic situation of the victims can help reduce poverty overall.

– Varsha Pai
Photo: Pixabay

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Đổi Mới: Vietnam’s Rapidly Evolving Healthcare System

Đổi MớiFollowing the economic development precipitated by the launch of Đổi Mới in 1986, Vietnam has achieved status as a “middle-income economy in one generation.” The heightened demand for improved health care services has prompted a rapidly developing health care system transforming lives in Vietnam.  

How the Health Care System Has Developed

The Vietnamese Ministry of Health provides services at three levels: the district and commune levels, the provincial level and national institutions under central government control. This hierarchical system is employed to efficiently distribute services, extending them effectively from the grassroots level. As a result of such comprehensive progressions, there are many notable successes of the rapidly developing health care system transforming lives in Vietnam:

  • Hospital Infrastructure: The modernization and renovation of facilities in both public and private hospitals have created a myriad of opportunities for the establishment of new departments specializing in advanced treatments. This progress has not only led to improvements in addressing fundamental health issues like nutrition, immunization and hygiene but has also extended to more advanced areas of research. Consequently, Vietnam has successfully developed its vaccines for COVID-19, which have undergone clinical trials.
  • Medical Equipment: The rapidly developing health care system transforms lives in Vietnam through life-changing technologies, allowing for “breakthroughs in diagnostics, medical devices, medicines and nutrition.” By implementing “Alinity,” a system designed for simplifying diagnoses, in 18 hospitals, the Chicago-based company Abbott has made high level treatment accessible to the entire population.
  • Universal Health Coverage (UHC):UHC aims to provide affordable, high-quality services to all levels of society. Offering a “spectrum of services,” UHC goes beyond health promotion through education, treatment and rehabilitation, incorporating a “legal framework” and other interdisciplinary approaches. Through these comprehensive measures, the rapidly advancing health care system in Vietnam continues to bring about transformative changes in people’s lives.
  • Education: Vietnam’s commitment to health care development extends beyond providing treatment. It has also led to the establishment of a new medical school. Founded in 2018, VinUniversity achieved a “5-star QS rating in seven categories” within two years of operation, making it the “youngest university in the Asia-Pacific region” to accomplish this feat. Entering into a “formal alliance with the University of Pennsylvania in 2018,” VinUniversity is evidence of Vietnam’s efforts to utilize globalization and international support to bolster its health care services.

How Health Care Developments Help To Overcome Poverty in Vietnam

Health care is one of the most significant factors that affects poverty rates in any country. Given that “poor health is disproportionately concentrated among the poor,” Vietnam can seldom achieve poverty reduction without improved health care. Through its efforts to revolutionize the health care system, Vietnam has expanded high-quality services to those most impacted by poor health nationwide. This initiative not only improves the overall health of the population but also enhances economic opportunities for those severely affected by poverty, increasing their “ability to work” and potential for “educational attainment.”

Vietnam, significantly assisted by its rapidly developing health care system, has “attained its Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of halving its poverty rate 10 years before the deadline set by the U.N.” Poverty reduction has occurred so rapidly that, whereas in 2021, 4.4% of the population lived below the national poverty line, by 2023, this figure has dropped to 2.93%.

Challenges Facing Vietnam’s Health Care 

Although the rapidly developing health care system is transforming lives in Vietnam, many areas require further attention, evidencing the need for continued funding and support from both within the country and outside.

Vietnam’s health care system continues to operate through “manual, paper-based reporting systems.” Consequently, data integration and distribution are currently inefficient processes. 

Despite a significant increase in the number of health care workers, rising from 15,000 in 1986 to 109,500 by 2021, the distribution of workers is not “relative to population density,” resulting in the neglect of more rural populations by the rapidly developing system.

However, strategies are in place to tackle this issue, including the increased implementation of “telemedicine,” offering consultation and diagnosis online. This, however, requires technological improvements in the rural communities themselves, demanding increased funding and subsequent international support. 

Underfunding

The Vietnamese health care system faces challenges in sustainability and further development without an augmentation of funding. “In particular, insufficient resources are allocated to health care infrastructure, equipment and staff training.” Therefore, many patients have no choice but to resort to “out-of-pocket payments,” which can be a “significant financial burden for low-income families.” Increased international aid is necessary to support the health care system, supporting the Vietnamese government in achieving UHC and reducing the need for low-income patients to subsidize their own medical demands.

Conclusion

The rapidly developing health care system transforms lives in Vietnam by providing innovative, highly advanced treatments and financing research into preventative methods. Largely government-funded, Vietnamese health care is now accessible to all demographics and can tackle both basic health needs and more complex issues.

– Chloe Thomas
Photo: Flickr

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Crime and Poverty in the Dominican Republic

Poverty in the Dominican RepublicThe Caribbean is visited by almost 28.3 million tourists. However, in the last four years, the Dominican Republic has faced an increase in crimes committed, with poverty increasing by more than 20% from 2019 to 2021. The most vulnerable populations are women and children, who do not have the economic income to create stability within the household.

The complex relationship between crime and poverty requires solutions that address the underlying issues. The Peace Corps, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Crime Stoppers and the Pact are groups working to reduce poverty in the Dominican Republic.

How Crime and Poverty Are Interlinked

The World Bank, in its report “Conflict and Poverty,” sheds light on four critical issues that underscore the cyclical nature of the relationship. Delving into the consequences of conflict, it becomes evident that a child’s schooling will be reduced by nearly one-third if they encounter conflict and subsequent health issues, including addiction, diabetes, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

USAID Supports Education in the Dominican Republic

In the Dominican Republic, impoverished children will drop out of primary school to earn income for their families. Recognizing the need to break this cycle, USAID has partnered with the Ministry of Education of the Dominican Republic to ensure children receive proper education and opportunities to reduce the risk of criminal involvement. To address the multifaceted challenges faced by these vulnerable children, USAID has outlined three specific goals within its collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Education:

  • Assist children with disabilities and children staying in school or reintegrating those who dropped out.
  • Provide technical-vocational training for young people to increase employment opportunities.
  • Support health services for adolescents or help young people get identity documentation.

Crime Stoppers and Their Anonymous Services

Crimes committed in the Dominican Republic could go unreported to the authorities due to apathy or fear of repercussions. Estimates suggest that around 70% of observable crimes go unreported.

On September (2023). Crime Stoppers discussed opening an office within D.R. as an anonymous hotline to serve the people. The previous record from Crime Stoppers suggests a high success rate, with other offices already located within Latin America.

Peace Corps Projects Within the Dominican Republic

The Peace Corps is leading other nonprofit organizations in addressing the education gap within the Dominican Republic. The volunteers work with community leaders to provide a needed set of skills. In partnership with other nonprofits, the organization has established three projects in the Dominican Republic. The projects aim to help vulnerable children with low literacy.

  • The Spanish Primary Literacy Program allows volunteers to work within primary institutions to support children’s literacy and educate their families.
  • Volunteers working under the Youth Project produce a variety of skills essential to life and employability. Modeling healthy behaviors in front of children and adolescents encourages replicating these behaviors to reduce poverty in the Dominican Republic.
  • The Community Economic Development (CED) project assigns volunteers to work with people to secure employment. By providing strong leaders within the community, developmental changes are more attuned to the needs of the people.

The Pact’s Work Within the Dominican Republic

The Pact, an international nonprofit working for human development, recognizes the need for civil actors to seek change at a societal level. Using their research in human development, the Pact, in conjunction with USAID, set up the Civil Society Strengthening Activity program. The Dominican Republic’s poverty rate will drop because of this $12.5 million initiative that emphasizes the abilities of community leaders and how to use them to enact legal policies focused on women and children.

Conclusion

Crime and poverty in the Dominican Republic are interlinked. While this creates a complex phenomenon, the resolution to reducing crime is reducing poverty. International nonprofits, governments and programs aid developing nations to discover solutions that suit the country’s needs. As the World Bank states, “poverty alleviation in fragile states recognizes the need for organizations such as the U.N. and IMF to coordinate state capacity.”

– Luis Lujano-Garcia
Photo: Flickr

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Understanding Poverty in Estonia

Poverty in EstoniaEstonia has faced significant challenges in the struggle against poverty over the last few years. Poverty in Estonia has risen in recent times. The Eastern European nation has a population of roughly 1.3 million, with the most recent statistics establishing that around 22.8% of the population is at risk of living in poverty. While these numbers are daunting, solutions are being worked on by various parties, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), that will help ensure long-term recovery for the population.

Issues Being Faced

The high poverty levels in Estonia cannot be attributed to just one key factor. Several issues are contributing to the current crisis. However, one significant issue is the political divide facing the nation. Estonia’s rural and urban sectors are experiencing a high level of division as the Centre Party (representing the majority of the rural areas) lost more than half of its seats in parliament. At the same time, the Reform Party has seen electoral victories resulting in increased power and influence.

According to the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, roughly half of the Estonian population lives in the underrepresented rural regions, which also contain around two-thirds of municipalities. These rural communities lack many of the social and welfare services available to the urban areas of Estonia. Rural communities lack social programs and need to catch up in basic modern amenities. According to a survey by EUROSTAT, only 89% of rural Estonian households have access to the internet.

Urban Areas

While the division between resources available to rural and urban sectors contributes to Estonia’s struggles, this divide does not mean that urban areas are not also struggling. The amount of people living in relative poverty in Estonia has grown dramatically in the last few years. According to the most recent statistics, 48,000 Estonians live in absolute poverty, a rise from 18,000 in 2021. Additionally, the data indicates that nearly 303,900 Estonians now experience relative poverty, an increase of about 3,000 compared to the figures reported in 2021.

Another factor contributing to Estonia’s economic situation is the influx of immigrants arriving in the country. Low birth rates and declining quality of life have affected Estonia’s population. While immigration has positively impacted maintaining a healthy population count, the influx of immigrants has strained resources and heightened regional disparities. According to the Centre for Eastern Studies, around 49,400 immigrants arrived in Estonia in 2022. Immigrants tend to stick to Urban areas, which could further exacerbate the growing disparities between urban and rural communities already struggling to share social resources, potentially worsening poverty in Estonia.

Possible Solutions

Despite Estonia’s struggles, solutions are being proposed to right the ship and alleviate economic pressures on citizens. WHO has proposed several adjustments that could lead to more affordable health care for the most disadvantaged members of Estonian society. In summary, WHO suggests that the Estonian government adjust the Estonian Health Insurance Fund (EHIF) in the following ways:

  • Close the gap in population coverage by changing the basis for entitlement to EHIF benefits to residents
  • Increase and fine-tune benefits to better serve the people in most need
  • Increase protection from all copayments, especially for households with low incomes
  • Abolish balance billing for primary-care services to ensure that access does not depend on the ability to pay
  • Reduce out-of-pocket payments in long-term health care
  • Reduce out-of-pocket payments for outpatient medicines through incentives to prescribe and dispense the cheapest alternatives, price regulation and improvements to how over-the-counter medicines are sold and used

These suggestions from WHO are based on data gathered from various surveys conducted in Estonia from 2015 – 2023.

Wrap Up

Estonia is facing a period of hardship and uncertainty. Political unrest, a struggling population and regional divides are putting intense stress on the country’s economy and people. Yet, solutions are being presented to achieve lasting improvements in the struggle against poverty. As time marches, hope for Estonia’s recovery remains with assistance from guiding forces outside the country, such as WHO, working to solve poverty in Estonia.

– Beau Sansom
Photo: Flickr

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Witchcraft in the Central African Republic

Witchcraft in the Central African RepublicIn the Central African Republic (CAR), up to 50% of prosecutions are for allegations of witchcraft, based on a law which, of course, can not be proven and therefore not challenged. This law targets the most vulnerable of the population- impoverished women, children and the elderly. With an ongoing civil war, the legislation’s role in shaping society and power is instrumental in identifying how culture, tradition, government and conflict work to create an impoverished society.

However, with greater international awareness being brought to the issue in recent years, many organizations are doing their part to help. Here is everything you need to know about witchcraft in the Central African Republic.

The CAR Is in the Midst of a Brutal Civil War

Since its inception in 1960, the CAR has suffered from decades of instability and violence. In 2020, the Patriots for Change (CPC) was formed to disrupt the 2020-2021 CAR election. Most recently, the CPC renewed its attacks on the government in early 2023, equipped with better weaponry. As the CAR delves deeper into intraregional conflict, the humanitarian crisis worsens, contributing to poverty and poor living conditions.

Witchcraft and Vulnerable Groups

In the CAR, the law specifies that suspected witchcraft in and of itself is not a crime but rather its “harmful use.” This applies explicitly to accusations of witchcraft, which refer to intentions to do harm to people, damage property and disrupt the public.

Accusations of witchcraft are intrinsically tied to social marginalization and contribute to the filtering out of unwanted people, most especially elderly women. Most of the people who are accused of witchcraft are around the age of 55, with an increased emphasis on isolated women who may be divorced, widowed, childless or otherwise alone. From January 2020 to June 2021, almost 60% of the defendants held in the women’s remand prison in Bangui could be classified into one of these categories.

The CAR’s Rule of Law Is Difficult To Enforce

Prosecutions are almost entirely sourced from the confessions of the accused. Accused people who refuse to confess face an increased risk of vigilante justice and mob violence. At the same time, within the judicial system, refusing to confess may be the only way to avoid conviction. Cases of witchcraft are considered carefully due to their sensitive nature, which causes judges to search for a conviction by whatever means necessary. Accusations of witchcraft are significantly more common in rural areas where law enforcement and the judicial system have limited power.

Communities Rely on Support From Local NGOs

Caritas CAR is one such NGO providing services since CAR’s inception in 1960. Among its primary goals of alleviating the pressures of poverty in the CAR, Caritas CAR also focuses on building a stronger society. Most accusations of witchcraft come from somebody the accused knows and by providing social resources, Centralis CAR targets this problem at its root.

The CAR still has a long way to go with some of the highest rates of remand detention in the world, unparalleled conflict and levels of poverty and a targeted system of persecution of the most vulnerable people in society. However, the CAR and its people continue to work toward a better, more connected society through NGOs like Caritas CAR.

– Anjum Alam
Photo: Flickr