Archive for category: Technology

Information and stories about technology news.

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Solar Power and Education in Rwanda

Rwandan landscape with solar panels installed on a rural building's roof. Education in rwandaOne of the most densely populated countries in Africa, Rwanda is home to nearly 5.8 million children under the age of 18. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), nearly 98% of children attend primary education, representing a drastic growth in education rates for the developing nation. Rwanda’s university rates soar with nearly 136,000 students pursuing higher education, drastically improving their rates since 2000.

Education is an imperative method to alleviate poverty. Providing students with knowledge to enter the workforce, Rwanda has expanded its school system to rural communities over the last two decades. A major reason behind this growth is the expansive usage of solar power in Rwanda to empower schools. Partnering with the company Ignite Power, the nation’s work helps millions access education. Teaching needed digital literacy, basic reading and math, this initiative alleviates poverty through strategic growth in the classrooms. This partnership helps Rwandan children grow and learn through the use of solar power.

Using Solar Power in Rwanda

Rwanda’s educational enrollment rates are at a historic high. Yet, this was not always the case. Tackling low youth development initiatives, the Rwandan government partners with Ignite Power to bring clean energy to every corner of the nation. Ignite Power is a leading solar company operating in Africa, helping other countries brighten homes and classrooms. The organization has already connected more than 2 million people across Sub-Saharan Africa to clean energy since 2014.

The terrain and lifestyle of Rwandan people make traditional electricity grids impractical. A total of 83% of families live in rural communities and lack existing infrastructure that could illuminate classrooms. This detailed expansion aims to solar-electrify 955 off-grid, rural schools, ensuring equal opportunity for the majority of impoverished students. Solar power bypasses infrastructure delays and high costs. Ignite Power utilizes solar kits to provide immediate and affordable solutions. These sustainable systems bring reliable electricity directly to rural classrooms, ushering in new modern learning.

Expanding Education in Rwanda

The new use of solar power in Rwanda elevates the abilities of rural education. By brightening classrooms, students thrive through centralized community locations in regional villages. This nationwide initiative helps nearly 400,000 students by providing them with access to modern digital literacy. Schools teach high-demand skills. Focusing on technology and daily business skills, Rwanda focuses its education priorities on applicable skills for a sustainable life.

Reliable solar power revamps education. Schools operate computers and thrive upon digital literacy programs. These programs are expected to rise from 41.1% to 65% by 2029. Ignite Power is not the only company helping to illuminate classrooms. International organizations like Little Sun and local partners like Safer Rwanda also provide solar chargers and tools, successfully reaching over 35,000 children and 800 teachers in Rwandan schools. Teachers now stay connected and can download ebooks to help increase literacy rates among children.

Connection Between Poverty and Education

Every solar panel helps bridge the opportunity gap. Each one fosters Rwanda’s emergence into the global economy. Rural students now thrive alongside their urban peers. With clean and sustainable energy, rural schools build strong connections through digital access. Solar power empowers these communities economically, teaching students to learn competitive techniques to lead the modern workforce. Furthermore, providing universal power and internet access through solar satellite terminals allows rural institutions to eliminate the digital divide, allowing impoverished students to study on an equal playing field. According to the World Bank, each additional year of schooling increases individual hourly earnings by an average of 12.4%, a finding echoed by research on solar electrification’s classroom impact.

Alleviating Poverty

Solar power in Rwanda is paving the way for a stronger education system. The benefits of renewable energy shine far beyond the final school bell. With Ignite Power’s solar power lamps, millions of new Rwandan students gain study materials and a bright environment in their homes. With millions of cumulative study hours, these students excel in their lessons. Ignite Power’s solar lamps and other local initiatives increase evening study hours for children by 28%, ultimately reducing dropout rates and improving grades. Solar energy fosters higher retention rates, better digital understanding and increases academic success. By bringing sunlight to schools across the nation, students shine the brightest and communities build long-term hope. Providing a strong path toward education through solar power, Rwandans uplift their economy and slowly break the cycle of poverty, one child at a time.

– Maya Tung

Maya is based in Summit, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Telehealth in Uganda: Redefining Health Services

Telehealth in UgandaRural Uganda is home to nearly 68% of the country’s population, leaving many communities without nearby health care facilities. Although Uganda’s Ministry of Health has expanded the number of centers, a significant divide between the amount of care in urban and rural settings remains. Rural Uganda is home to communities where telehealth is driving improvements in medical services for people living in the country’s more vulnerable environments.

About 20% of the country’s citizens live in poverty. Children make up roughly half of Uganda’s population, meaning many of those living in poverty are minors. Seven out of 10 households rely on agriculture for income, while one in three depend on their own production for food. With rising inflation, food insecurity has increased, while the affordability of health care has not changed. As many villages are far from facilities, many communities opt for more holistic medicinal approaches.

The Rise of Telehealth

Telehealth is the use of technology in health care that allows for care delivery, information and education to be completed remotely. Advances in telecommunication health applications have expanded access to health care for people living in rural and underserved areas, creating better quality and reach of care.

Like many other countries, Uganda adopted telehealth during COVID-19 to educate health care workers and communities on prevention, symptom identification and treatment. These digital platforms provided Community Health Workers (CHW) support in diagnosing patients, while also supplying medicine and other necessary materials needed during the pandemic.

The Importance of Kaaro Health

As telehealth reaches more parts of Uganda, Kaaro Health has been financing health care groups by providing infrastructure changes and medical equipment. According to Kaaro Health, “[They] are committed to ensuring that regardless of whether people live in rural or urban areas, they should be able to access high-quality secondary and tertiary medical care.”

Kaaro Health uses “simple mobile technologies” to combat the challenges of limited access to electricity. The organization has funded and engineered renewable energy solutions like solar-powered lights, generators and incinerators. These resources have allowed Kaaro Health to deploy telehealth clinics to rural and peri-urban villages. Many of these communities are located more than 25 kilometers from medical sites.

To continue its support for sustainable medical care, Kaaro Health has collaborated with local groups to identify those most in need of services, while also working with international partners like GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) to improve quality within the country. Although the organization has driven expansion, it attributes much of its success to the communities and workers who have started and operated Kaaro’s services.

By 2020, Kaaro Health had trained 200 rural nurses and health care workers in mental health services to address challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The company has established 71 clinics, decreasing the distance these communities have to travel to their nearest medical center.

The Future of Telehealth in Uganda

The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies three objectives for advancing online health: providing digital solutions and standards, enhancing medical knowledge, and supplying countries with solutions specific to their needs. WHO has said, “Digital health can help make health systems more efficient and sustainable, enabling them to deliver good quality, affordable and equitable care.”

As Uganda continues to expand online health care, telehealth providers are funding new technologies that will improve health care and create better efficiency to serve larger numbers of patients. Telehealth in Uganda is an emerging field, and with continued investments, expansion throughout the country will increase affordability and availability of online consultations.

– Jacquelyn Orr

Jacquelyn is based in Philadelphia, PA, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Solar Mamas Reduce Poverty in Zanzibar

Women assembling solar panels, showcasing Solar Mamas empowerment in Zanzibar. Poverty in ZanzibarAccess to electricity remains a challenge for many families in Zanzibar. According to Power Africa, only half of Zanzibar’s 1.6 million residents have access to electricity. Limited access to reliable energy affects education, health care and economic opportunities, particularly in rural communities. Poverty also remains a significant challenge in Zanzibar. According to the World Bank, about 43% of the population in Tanzania lives below the international poverty line for lower-middle-income countries, making access to affordable energy and stable sources of income especially important. The Solar Mamas program is helping address these challenges by training women as solar engineers who bring renewable energy to underserved villages throughout the archipelago.

What Is the Solar Mamas Program?

The Solar Mamas initiative is part of Barefoot College International, an organization that trains women from rural communities as solar engineers regardless of their age or formal education. Participants complete several months of hands-on training before returning home with the skills needed to install, repair and maintain solar energy systems in their villages. The program focuses on women because they often play central roles in supporting their families and sharing knowledge throughout their communities.

Many rural communities in Zanzibar remain beyond the reach of reliable power infrastructure. Solar Mamas help close this gap by installing solar home systems that provide clean and dependable electricity. Access to electricity allows children to study after sunset, improves household safety and enables health care facilities to provide more reliable services.

The program also reduces families’ dependence on kerosene. Barefoot College reports that some rural households burn as much as 60 liters of kerosene each year for lighting. Replacing kerosene lamps with solar power lowers household energy costs while reducing indoor air pollution, creating both economic and health benefits for families.

Creating Economic Opportunities for Women

Beyond expanding access to electricity, the Solar Mamas program creates new economic opportunities for women. Graduates use their technical skills to install and maintain solar systems while earning an income and strengthening their financial independence. Many participants also train other community members, helping expand local expertise and creating additional employment opportunities.

Reliable electricity also supports local economic growth. Small businesses can stay open later, students have more time to complete schoolwork and health clinics can safely refrigerate medicines and vaccines. Together, these improvements strengthen communities and help create conditions that support long-term poverty reduction in Zanzibar.

Looking Ahead

Barefoot College Zanzibar has demonstrated measurable success since opening its regional training center in 2015. The organization has trained 65 women from Zanzibar as solar engineers. Those graduates have helped bring electricity to 1,858 households across 29 villages, expanding access to clean energy while creating new leadership and employment opportunities for women.

As Barefoot College continues to expand its programs across East Africa, the Solar Mamas initiative demonstrates how renewable energy can do more than provide electricity. By equipping women with technical skills and helping communities transition to sustainable energy, the program is improving education, supporting health care and creating lasting economic opportunities. Its success shows that investing in women and clean energy can play an important role in reducing poverty.

– Violette Bardouil

Violette is based in Paris, France and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Indigenous Communities and the Digital Divide in Guyana

Digital Divide in GuyanaGuyana, beautiful and diverse, reflects disparities that coexist with economic growth and wealth expansion. In recent years, Guyana’s economy has progressed, but its Indigenous communities, particularly those in the hinterlands, continue to experience high poverty due to insufficient resources and inadequate internet services. Despite the nation’s progress, the persistent digital divide remains a key barrier for those in the hinterland regions. According to the World Bank, as of 2019, approximately 48% of households in Guyana are experiencing poverty, with higher social exclusion and limited access in the hinterlands. These statistics underscore that although Guyana has experienced extraordinary economic growth since commercial oil production began in 2019, growth is often not equally distributed. This can be due to geographic challenges and technological disadvantages.

Geographic Isolation and the Digital Divide in Guyana

Historically, Indigenous communities are disproportionately represented among those living in poverty due to geographic isolation, limited infrastructure, and reduced access to education, health care and digital services. Guyana’s persistent digital divide is one of many barriers preventing the hinterland regions from fully participating in the country’s economic progress. Approximately 10% of Guyana’s population identifies as Indigenous, with Amerindian communities residing in regions 1, 7, 8 and 9. These regions are characterized by dense rainforests, rivers and mountainous terrain that make transportation and infrastructure development particularly difficult. As a result, many villages remain isolated from technological resources essential to modern life.

Geographic isolation perpetuates poverty by restricting access to economic opportunities more readily available in urban areas with better connectivity. To bridge the digital divide, Guyana’s government launched Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hubs. These hubs provide internet access, computers and digital skills training to thousands of residents across the hinterland regions. They enable community members to complete online training, search for employment, communicate with government agencies and develop small businesses that reach customers beyond their villages.

Expanding Digital Infrastructure Across the Hinterland

Several organizations are working together to close Guyana’s digital divide. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) partners with the Government of Guyana, the National Data Management Authority and the office of the Prime Minister to expand broadband access in Indigenous communities. Through these partnerships, more than 250 ICT hubs have been established in Amerindian villages, providing internet access, computers, digital literacy training and public services. These hubs also support entrepreneurs, students and local leaders by improving access to education, financial services and government programs.

According to the Government of Guyana, internet connectivity has now reached 253 Amerindian communities, marking one of the country’s largest investments in digital inclusion to date. As additional satellite technology and renewable-energy-powered infrastructure are deployed, more remote villages are expected to gain reliable internet access.

Digital Inclusion Can Reduce Poverty

Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) acknowledges digital infrastructure as a fundamental element of sustainable development. Reducing the digital divide in Guyana generates opportunities that extend beyond communication. Enhanced connectivity enables students to pursue online education, entrepreneurs to access broader markets, health care providers to expand medical services, and governments to deliver public resources more efficiently. Digital literacy prepares future generations to join a workforce increasingly reliant on technology. As Guyana invests oil revenues in national development, ensuring that Indigenous communities have equitable access to digital resources is essential for reducing long-term poverty and fostering inclusive growth.

Guyana’s economic success presents a historic opportunity to ensure prosperity reaches every community. Continued investment in broadband infrastructure, digital literacy and community technology centers can help reduce long-standing inequalities experienced by many Indigenous populations. Partnership between the Government of Guyana, UNDP and additional community agencies is already demonstrating that expanding digital access creates meaningful opportunities in both education and economic participation.

Looking Ahead

As internet connectivity continues to expand across the hinterland, more families will gain the tools needed to improve their livelihoods, strengthen local businesses and participate fully in Guyana’s rapidly growing economy. Bridging the digital divide is not simply about technology; it is an investment in sustainable poverty reduction and a more inclusive future for all Guyanese.

– Rayonna M. Sanders

Rayonna is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Benefits of Expanding Solar Power in Nigeria

Solar power in NigeriaNigeria has one of the largest economies in Africa, yet millions of people still lack reliable access to electricity. According to the World Bank, approximately 129 million Nigerians, about 56% of the population, live below the national poverty line, making poverty one of the country’s greatest development challenges. Limited access to electricity exacerbates these challenges by restricting access to education, health care and economic opportunities, particularly in rural communities. To address this issue, the Nigerian government and its partners have increasingly turned to solar energy as a practical solution. Through off-grid solar systems and mini-grids, renewable energy is expanding electricity access while supporting businesses, schools and health facilities across the country.

Bringing Electricity to Underserved Communities

Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA) leads many of the country’s renewable energy initiatives. Established to increase electricity access in underserved communities, the agency works with private companies to develop solar mini-grids, standalone solar home systems and other renewable energy projects. Rather than relying solely on expanding the national power grid, the REA focuses on decentralized energy systems that can provide reliable electricity to remote communities more quickly. The agency states that its mission is to improve quality of life and create economic opportunities by expanding access to affordable and sustainable electricity. Its work also encourages private-sector investment in renewable energy, helping to make projects financially sustainable.

The Nigeria Electrification Programme

One of Nigeria’s largest renewable energy initiatives is the Nigeria Electrification Programme (NEP). Launched in 2018 with support from the World Bank and the African Development Bank, the program seeks to increase electricity access for households, small businesses, schools and health facilities through renewable energy technologies. According to the program, it supports solar home systems, mini-grids and productive-use appliances while encouraging private-sector participation.

Since its launch, the NEP has provided electricity access to more than 7.8 million Nigerians, including 1.1 million households and approximately 470,000 female-headed households. The program has also supported more than 11,400 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and installed 94 megawatts of solar capacity. These projects help businesses remain open longer, reduce dependence on expensive diesel generators and improve access to essential services.

Supporting Education and Economic Growth

The use of solar power in Nigeria has benefits that extend beyond powering homes. Schools with dependable electricity can improve classroom learning through lighting, computers and internet access. Health clinics can refrigerate vaccines, operate medical equipment and provide care after sunset.

Solar energy also supports local economies. Small businesses can keep shops open later, power equipment and reduce operating costs associated with fuel-powered generators. According to the Rural Electrification Agency, many of its programs are designed specifically to improve productivity in sectors such as education, agriculture and small business development while creating an environment that encourages private investment.

Expanding Opportunities Through Partnerships

Public-private partnerships have played a major role in Nigeria’s solar expansion. Through the NEP, the government works with private developers to install solar home systems and mini-grids in communities that previously lacked reliable electricity. The REA also administers programs such as the Rural Electrification Fund and Solar Power Naija, which support companies that expand renewable energy access throughout the country.

Organizations such as Solar Sister have complemented these efforts by training women entrepreneurs to distribute clean energy products in underserved communities. These initiatives not only improve access to electricity but also create income-generating opportunities for local business owners.

Looking Ahead

Although challenges remain, including the need to expand electricity access to millions more Nigerians, solar power in Nigeria has become an increasingly important part of the country’s energy strategy. Government initiatives, international partnerships and private-sector investment continue to increase access to reliable electricity while supporting education, health care and economic development.

As Nigeria expands renewable energy infrastructure, solar technology is helping communities overcome longstanding barriers to electricity access. By powering homes, businesses, schools and health facilities, these investments demonstrate how renewable energy can contribute to poverty reduction and create new opportunities for long-term development.

– Camille Utter

Camille is based in Bellevue, WA, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Digital Classrooms Are Expanding Education in Rwanda

Education in RwandaOver the past two decades, education has become a national priority in Rwanda, with investments in technology and the expansion of access to digital learning platforms. Through government-led reforms to increase classroom enrollment and prepare students for a progressively technology-driven world, Rwanda aims to reduce barriers to education and equip students with the necessary skills for future employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth.

According to the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) 2024 Human Development Index, over 38% of Rwandans live below the national poverty line, and only 11.4 years of schooling are expected for them. Although challenges remain, including limited internet access and training for teachers, digital classrooms are facilitating modernized instruction in schools and creating new opportunities for students. As Rwanda continues to embrace educational innovation, these investments demonstrate how technology can support long-term poverty reduction and sustainable development.

The Amelioration of Education in Rwanda

Following the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, an ethnic minority group in Rwanda and Burundi, Rwanda rebuilt many of its public institutions, including its education system. Over the past three decades, education has become a cornerstone of the country’s recovery and long-term development strategy.

Since then, the government has introduced policies to increase school enrollment, improve teaching quality and expand access to learning opportunities across the country. According to the Ministry of Education, Rwanda’s Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP) prioritizes equitable access to quality education to prepare students for the country’s long-term economic development.

The Smart Rwanda Master Plan identifies technology as a crucial component, with the government’s objective of transforming Rwanda into a knowledge-based economy by expanding information and communication technology (ICT) across public services, including education. Officials recognize digital literacy as an essential skill for higher education and the contemporary workforce, while simultaneously supporting the country’s primary poverty reduction objectives.

Digital Classrooms

Digital classrooms are helping improve education in Rwanda by giving students greater access to interactive learning resources. Rwanda’s commitment to digital learning gained international attention through the One Laptop per Child (OLPC) initiative, which launched in 2009 and has distributed more than 274,000 low-cost laptops to 1,618 primary schools. The program introduced students to interactive digital learning and coding. Although the country’s digital education strategy has since expanded beyond OLPC, the initiative laid the foundation for broader investments in educational technology. The program now reaches approximately 67% of Rwanda’s primary schools as they continue to integrate computers, tablets and internet-connected learning platforms into classrooms, helping students develop the digital and STEM skills needed for higher education and an increasingly technology-driven workforce.

The government has partnered with UNICEF, the World Bank and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) to strengthen digital infrastructure, expand internet connectivity and train more than 30,000 pre-primary through Grade 3 teachers in digital literacy and technology-based instruction. According to Rwanda’s Education Sector Strategic Plan, these partnerships support the country’s long-term vision of building an inclusive, high-quality education system that equips students with the knowledge and digital skills needed for future employment, economic opportunity and sustainable national development. Greater access to digital education gives students from rural communities and low-income households greater opportunities to pursue higher education, helping break cycles of intergenerational poverty.

New Opportunities

Although challenges remain, including inconsistent internet access in some rural areas and the continued need for teacher training, Rwanda continues to expand digital learning through sustained public investment and international partnerships. These efforts demonstrate how technology can improve educational outcomes while creating new opportunities for young people to participate in the country’s growing digital economy.

Rwanda’s economy has experienced steady growth, with the World Bank projecting GDP growth of 9.4% in 2025, up from 7.4% in 2024. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), Rwanda has emerged as one of Africa’s leading digital economies by embracing digitalization to expand employment opportunities, improve public services and drive economic growth. Demand for skilled workers continues to increase across finance, health care, agriculture, construction and ICT, creating career opportunities ranging from software engineering to risk management.

Global Partnerships

Rwanda’s digital transformation in education is largely driven by collaborations between the government and international partners. The Ministry of Education has collaborated with various organizations to enhance internet connectivity, improve school infrastructure and strengthen teacher training. These efforts aim to seamlessly integrate technology into daily learning while ensuring educators are proficient in effectively utilizing digital tools.

In 2024, the GPE approved a $31.29 million System Transformation Grant to strengthen foundational learning for the next four years. From 2022 to 2027, the World Bank is cofinancing a $30 million Multiplier Grant with GPE to improve digital infrastructure, teacher training and increase student retention. UNICEF also continues to expand digital learning opportunities and promote inclusive education for children nationwide. Together, these investments have helped Rwanda build one of Africa’s most robust education systems, contributing to a 95.8% primary enrollment rate.

The Future of Education in Rwanda

Education in Rwanda continues to evolve alongside the country’s broader vision for economic development and digital innovation. Over the past decade, Rwanda has built more than 1,100 schools and more than 22,000 classrooms. The number of smart classrooms has also increased from 726 in 2017 to more than 1,300 in 2026.

According to the International Trade Administration, Rwanda’s economy has grown significantly since 2016, with an estimated Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $14.3 billion, making it one of Africa’s fastest-growing markets.

Maintaining progress in education and the economy requires continued investments in equitable access to digital learning and occupational advancements. By continuing to prioritize innovation and inclusive education, Rwanda can further strengthen its workforce, promote sustainable economic growth and create lasting pathways out of poverty for future generations.

– Ashley Belling

Ashley is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Good News, Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Tafenoquine Malaria Treatment in Brazil

Malaria Treatment in BrazilAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were an estimated 282 million cases of malaria with 610,000 deaths in 80 countries worldwide in 2024. Malaria remains a life-threatening disease affecting mostly countries with tropical climates. Among low- and middle-income countries, nearly half of households spend more than 40% on health care. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) stated that 1.9 billion people who live in areas with malaria face the threat of being pushed into poverty.

Malaria in Brazil

In Brazil, malaria has a disproportionate impact on the poorest and most vulnerable communities, predominantly concentrated in the Amazon regions. When malaria is contracted, symptoms can be overbearing, affecting the person’s ability to work. As these regions are relatively remote, accessing health care requires time and travel costs, further adding to the economic burden.

Between 2016 and 2022, large-scale deforestation from illegal mining worsened the situation. Miners who come to these regions are potential parasite carriers and may increase transmission. Mining, which involves deforestation and river dredging, also creates breeding grounds for mosquito species that carry malaria. Researchers have described communities in Brazil’s Amazon regions as trapped in a cycle in which deforestation drives poverty, and poverty in turn drives further deforestation.

In 2023, Brazil declared malaria a public health emergency in the Yanomami Indigenous Territory in the Amazon rainforest bordering Venezuela. Nearly every person tested by a team of doctors sent to the region had malaria.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Early diagnosis and treatment are key to successful recovery and reducing disease transmission. Some people have higher risks of developing and experiencing severe symptoms, including infants and children under 5 years of age, pregnant women and individuals with immunocompromised conditions.

Common treatment involves oral medication, though some cases may require injections. Standard therapies include a combination drug regimen based on artemisinin, considered the most effective option against the P. falciparum parasite; chloroquine, used against the P. vivax parasite in regions where it remains effective; and primaquine, often added to prevent relapses caused by the P. vivax and P. ovale parasites.

A Single-Dose Treatment Emerges

The challenge with these treatments is poor patient adherence. They involve multiple stages, and the full treatment course takes 14 days. Many people must travel far and miss work just to access treatment, and when a course goes uncompleted, the risk of relapse and continued spread of malaria increases.

To address this issue, Brazil started a rollout of pediatric tafenoquine, a single-dose treatment that has proven effective against relapsing malaria. Tafenoquine kills P. vivax parasites, which often hide and remain dormant in the body for years before symptoms appear.

P. vivax has the widest geographical reach of any malaria species and predominates across Latin America. While most malaria deaths in Africa are caused by P. falciparum, tafenoquine is a promising treatment and a potential path toward eliminating malaria in regions where P. vivax is dominant.

Thailand recently became the second country to adopt this single-dose treatment, approving pediatric tafenoquine in a step toward its own malaria elimination goals.

Since its first rollout, Brazil has also adopted tafenoquine for adults within its health system. More than 7,000 adults across different municipalities were treated between June 2024 and April 2025, and the country reported a 26.8% drop in malaria cases by the first quarter of 2025.

Global Efforts and Research

Eliminating malaria is a collective effort. In the United Kingdom, reports show that investment in treatment research boosts the country’s economy and creates jobs while saving lives. Brazil is still a long way from its goal of eliminating malaria by 2035, but continuous research, treatment and testing of tafenoquine represent a step closer to that goal, and to strengthening global health security overall.

– Marine Baume

Marine is based in London, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Digital Education in Developing Countries

Digital Education in Developing CountriesAccording to the Global Education Monitoring Report, developing countries are home to some 200 million young people ages 15 to 24 who have not completed primary school and need alternative pathways to gain basic skills for employment and prosperity. Low levels of education leave one in eight living below the poverty line, creating a need for digital education in developing countries.

Developing countries often have less diversified economies that rely on agriculture or raw materials such as timber, coal and oil. A country’s level of development is not determined by one singular test, but does look at the total value of goods and services a country provides. Underdeveloped and developing countries have lower Gross National Income (GNI), lower life expectancy and higher unemployment.

Digital Education in Developing Countries

Education develops skills at both intellectual and social levels. It promotes progress in health, climate resilience, sustainability and gender equality. Without these skills, people are less able to avoid poverty and pursue ecological development.

In lower- and middle-income countries, more than half of all 10-year-olds are unable to read and understand text. In 2024, there were 251 million children out of school, limiting the skills needed for labor markets. By increasing funds and resources, digital education in developing countries can help promote learning and provide children with greater chances of acquiring the skills they need.

South Africa has seen similar trends, with children under age 17, who make up 43.1% of the country’s population, among the groups most affected by poverty. According to Statistics South Africa, children remained the most vulnerable group in the country, with nearly half still living below the poverty line in 2023. Children living in rural areas face even greater challenges, as they often lack internet access and other essential educational resources.

Education remains one of the strongest investments a country can make. Research shows that in developing countries, every dollar invested in education generates $10 to $15 in economic growth. Investing in education can drive a country’s growth, increasing earning potential and decreasing poverty. Protecting children’s right to education aids local communities, creating more opportunities to thrive while promoting an equal chance at success.

Digital education supports teaching and learning through online courses, virtual classrooms and applications. Not only does this provide basic education, but it also helps improve digital skills that have become necessary amid the world’s digitalization. Online learning platforms create flexibility, making education more accessible around the world.

Current Developing Countries’ Initiatives

In 2020, Malaysia introduced its Digital Educational Learning Initiative (DELIMa), an online platform students can use to access applications, communication tools and learning resources. Malaysia’s Ministry of Education created the initiative to make learning more accessible while supporting the country’s move toward a more technology-influenced society.

DELIMa provides two programs: Future Skills For All (FS4A) and Global Citizenship Education (GCED). FS4A promotes digital development and reduces education inequalities by engaging learners through social media. GCED strengthens and grows a 21st-century mindset, encouraging learners to engage with communities on a local and global level.

South Africa has also embraced online education, increasing enrollment by more than 50% from 2020 to 2022. One of the country’s leading online learning platforms, CambriLearn, is now an Independent Examinations Board (IEB)-registered online school whose accredited courses meet benchmarks accepted by other schools worldwide.

Koa Academy has also contributed to the rise in South African education enrollment. The Koa Foundation’s initiative aims to expand high-quality education for communities facing education inequality. The foundation works to close the gap in educational opportunity by providing personalized learning that supports each student’s individual needs, easing challenges in performance and future opportunities. Current programs have supported 932 learners in strengthening their skills in mathematics and science.

In the Philippines, education is widely seen as a foundation for improving socioeconomic status, with many families believing that finishing school widens future opportunities. However, challenges include rising tuition costs and declining performance. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), more than a third of Filipino students fall into the bottom international quintile of the socioeconomic scale, the largest such share among the groups measured.

Online schooling in the Philippines has become one of the most convenient and accessible forms of education, tailoring learning to individual students. Another challenge facing education in the country is low student retention. There is a dramatic decrease from 56.7% of children ages 10 to 14 finishing primary school to only 42.5% reaching junior high school and just 31.5% completing senior high school.

The Rise of Education Enrollment

As digital education in developing countries becomes more widely embraced, population growth and demand for education have both increased. By improving accessibility and affordability, online education now plays a crucial role in students’ schooling. Countries such as India, Iran and Pakistan have seen 7 million students enroll in online learning programs.

India alone has approximately 35% of its population enrolled in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), ranking behind only the United States in enrollment. E-schools provide greater opportunities for those seeking education and employment, expanding access and improving employment prospects for millions.

With 32% of the global population lacking internet connection, expanding digital access will allow more citizens to receive quality education. Regardless of country, online education can serve as a tool for giving students an equal chance at learning and success.

– Jacquelyn Orr

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

Photo: Flickr

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Social Contract Program and Poverty Reduction in Kyrgyzstan

Poverty Reduction in KyrgyzstanDespite recent economic growth, poverty remains a challenge in Kyrgyzstan, with 25.7% of the population living below the national poverty line.

To help vulnerable households achieve greater financial stability, the government initiated the Social Contract Program, which supports the creation of microbusinesses, small businesses that are usually operated by individuals or families and require relatively low startup costs. This article explores how the Social Contract Program is helping families launch microbusinesses, increase household incomes and support poverty reduction in Kyrgyzstan.

Social Contract Program

Established in 2022, the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Migration launched Kyrgyzstan’s Social Contract Program. The program targets struggling households with viable business ideas. It provides benefits such as cash grants and a support package that includes agricultural training, financial literacy training, business plan development, social services and mentoring. Participants have used the grants to launch a variety of microbusinesses, including livestock breeding, dairy production, sewing services, beekeeping and greenhouse farming.

The Social Contract Program has significantly impacted the growth of microbusinesses. More than 35,226 families received a total of 3.5 billion KGS to start microbusinesses since its launch in 2022. The program’s continued expansion demonstrates its potential to create sustainable sources of income for vulnerable households across Kyrgyzstan.

Impact on Poverty Reduction

The Social Contract Program has expanded significantly since its launch, helping thousands of low-income households create sustainable sources of income. Before the program was implemented nationwide, the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Migration piloted the initiative in two districts. The pilot supported 100 families, each receiving a grant of 100,000 KGS (approximately $1,200) to start a business (p. 6). By May 2022, 62 of the participating families had already begun generating income from their enterprises.

Following the success of the pilot program, the government expanded the initiative to 2,800 families in 2022 and 10,000 families in 2023 (p. 7-8). The program has continued to grow, reaching more than 35,226 families and distributing a total of 3.5 billion KGS to support the creation of microbusinesses.

The Social Contract Program has also expanded economic opportunities for women in Kyrgyzstan. In 2025, 10,902 of the program’s participants were women. Many of them have used grants to launch businesses in agriculture, manufacturing, trade and services, showing how the program helps women generate independent incomes and contribute to their households’ financial stability.

By providing vulnerable households with the resources needed to start businesses, the Social Contract Program is creating new opportunities for long-term economic growth and poverty reduction in Kyrgyzstan.

Looking Ahead

To fight economic instability, the Social Contract Program is helping vulnerable households across Kyrgyzstan build more stable futures through entrepreneurship. By providing grants, business training and mentorship, the program allows participants to establish microbusinesses and generate sustainable sources of income. Its rapid expansion and strong participation rates demonstrate its potential to improve livelihoods and create new economic opportunities. As the program continues to grow, it plays an increasingly important role in poverty reduction in Kyrgyzstan by helping families achieve greater financial independence and long-term stability.

– Michelle Kurniali

Michelle is based in Dallas, TX, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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GCC Humanitarian Aid: Gulf Nations Become Top 5 Global Donors

A group of young boys standing together, smiling outdoors. GCC Humanitarian AidThe Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries now rank first as humanitarian nations among the Global South. Between 2019 and 2022, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait contributed more than $28 billion in official development assistance. According to Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, the Secretary-General of the GCC, member states provided nearly $14 billion in official humanitarian aid globally between 2020 and 2025. Increasing regional giving and a general shift in the desire to help have made the council countries the world’s fourth-largest humanitarian donor.

Member states have consistently ranked among the world’s top five donors for several years. Although regional giving was historically informal and discrete, the Gulf’s young generation of leaders now takes control of the countries’ philanthropic activities with a different approach. Rather than focusing on the symptoms of poverty, they prioritize systematic aid that addresses the root causes. The following initiatives highlight how this shift creates lasting advancements in developing nations.

Rebuilding Education in Yemen

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), based in Saudi Arabia, has delivered more than $13.3 billion in GCC humanitarian aid to 170 countries since 1996. One of its most impactful efforts focuses on schooling in Yemen through a long-standing partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Together, they rehabilitated 12 schools across the Aden, Lahj and Ta’iz governorates. This work is critical because the conflict in Yemen has destroyed nearly 2,800 schools, leaving 4.5 million children without access to education.

This project created a safe learning environment for more than 18,000 students and teachers across the three governorates. By prioritizing critical infrastructure, KSrelief and IOM provided the students with necessities such as clean water and hygiene services. Workers also installed solar energy systems to ensure uninterrupted learning in areas with electricity shortages. This focused aid builds on previous efforts that improved access for more than 17,500 students in the region.

Food Aid and Technology

In the UAE, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) serves as an umbrella organization for over 30 initiatives. Established in 2015, MBRGI concentrates its work in sectors including health care, food security and education. The organization recently contributed 43 million AED to the World Food Programme (WFP) to support direct food aid for more than one million people affected by the crisis in Gaza. Since 2021, MBRGI has contributed a total of 230 million AED in humanitarian aid through its partnership with WFP. Through these projects, the organization provides life-saving food assistance and supports sustainable projects that address global hunger.

The region also uses technology to modernize relief efforts. The UAE recently partnered with the WFP to accelerate a digital school initiative in Southern Africa. This program has already successfully enrolled 60,000 students across eight countries. Meanwhile, the UAE-based Kalimat Foundation’s Ara Initiative provides GCC humanitarian aid by making Arabic literary content accessible to children with visual impairments. The program helps publishers with the technology to create interactive features including built-in bookmarks and navigation tools.

Healing Trauma Through Drama Therapy

Kuwait has also taken a lead in specialized humanitarian efforts through the Intisar Foundation. Princess Intisar Al Sabah founded the organization in 2017 to support Arab women affected by war and trauma. By using drama therapy to alleviate trauma, the foundation aims to heal one million Arab women by 2050.

From solar-powered classrooms in Yemen to Arab women healing through drama therapy, GCC humanitarian aid is reaching people across the region in effective ways. The combined efforts of these nations show a clear commitment to peace through development. By adopting strategic and collaborative models, member states ensure that aid helps communities thrive long-term. As these nations continue to expand their global reach, their solution-driven approach positions them as a leading partner in the fight against poverty.

– Nikki Rasoulian

Nikki is based in Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash