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Higher Education in Trinidad and Tobago

Higher Education in Trinidad and TobagoHigher education in Trinidad and Tobago stands at a critical crossroads, balancing its legacy of expanded access with the urgent need for reform. The role of universities and tertiary institutions has never been more pivotal in shaping the country’s future.

Overview of the Higher Education System

These institutions offer various programs in engineering, law, education, medicine and business, from associate degrees to doctoral studies. Many universities have also developed research initiatives to address local and regional challenges, including climate emergency, public health and economic diversification. Despite these positive developments, Trinidad and Tobago’s higher education sector struggles with issues related to outdated curricula and insufficient alignment with the evolving needs of industries.

For instance, while there has been a rise in demand for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)-related qualifications, other fields, such as the humanities, may not be adequately supported or emphasized in the curriculum. The government has historically supported access through initiatives like the Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses (GATE) program, which subsidizes tuition costs for citizens. This has led to higher enrollment rates and increased access, especially among underrepresented groups. However, there are still significant gaps in ensuring equitable access to all.

Current Challenges Facing the Sector

One of the most pressing issues facing higher education in Trinidad and Tobago is funding. In recent years, government budget hampering has led to reductions in the GATE program. This cornerstone policy once made higher education widely accessible to citizens. These cutbacks have particularly affected lower-income students, creating new barriers to entry and forcing many to either delay their education or seek other options.

This situation threatens to widen social inequality and reduce the country’s ability to develop a skilled and educated workforce. Additionally, institutions face increasing pressure to maintain high-quality education amid limited financial resources.

Future Directions for Strengthening Higher Education

The future of higher education in Trinidad and Tobago will depend on its ability to adapt to changing economic, technological and social conditions. Various experts suggest that ongoing reforms are essential to addressing current challenges, such as funding constraints, curriculum updates and the need for increased alignment between education and the labor market.

Several key strategies have been proposed for strengthening the sector. These include updating academic programs to incorporate more technical, vocational and entrepreneurial training to meet the demands of emerging industries. Moreover, experts highlight the importance of providing more targeted financial aid to ensure equitable access, especially for students from lower-income backgrounds.

Final Remarks

Higher education in Trinidad and Tobago remains a powerful tool for national progress. Yet, it has to evolve to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. While past efforts such as the GATE program have broadened access and improved enrollment, economic pressures, quality concerns and graduate employability issues now demand a strategic, forward-looking response.

– Glenn Brown III

Glenn is based in Smyrna, GA, USA and focuses on Business and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

How China and Australia are Shaping Poverty Reduction in Nauru

Poverty Reduction in NauruNauru is one of the most aid-dependent nations. It continually struggles with access to health care, education, basic necessities and resources, leading to an endless cycle of poverty and limited employment opportunities. To combat these challenges, the country receives aid from other countries, which makes up about 14% of its national income. Australia is Nauru’s primary aid partner, supplying 66% of the island’s development assistance.

However, in January 2024, Nauru severed its diplomatic ties with Taiwan, allowing China to seize more opportunities to support Nauru’s development. China’s expanded presence in Nauru has added complexity to regional geopolitics. However, despite possible tensions between Australia and China, this engagement has the potential to bring about meaningful change in Nauru.

Poverty in Nauru

Nauru has the worst human development indicators and the shortest life expectancy in the Pacific, with an average life expectancy at birth of 62 years. Furthermore, the under-5 mortality rate as of 2022 was 26.5 deaths per 1,000 births. The island also has the highest rate of food poverty in the region, and around one in four people lives below the poverty line. Nauru imports most of its food, as strip mining destroyed 80% of the island’s interior. These issues have drawn international attention, prompting varied responses from Nauru’s partners. Australia and China have taken very different approaches to poverty reduction in Nauru.

Australia’s Poverty Alleviation Strategy

Australia’s comprehensive development program to Nauru focuses on health, education, economic governance and natural disaster relief. Australia plans to allocate $50 million over the next decade toward the Raña Tsimorum (“Look After your Life”) Program, which will strengthen the health care system in Nauru by increasing efficiency and quality of services outlined in the National Health Strategy. Australia will contribute funding toward the training of healthcare professionals and the improvement of health infrastructure.

Likewise, Australia enacted the Nauruan Education Program. The initiative encourages school enrollment and attendance while supporting systems within Nauru’s Department of Education and Training.

Nauru’s economic development is covered by a $60 million program focused on financial management and economic diversification. Indeed, by promoting long-term budgetary self-reliance, contributing to the Intergenerational Trust Fund, Australia is helping Nauru build greater economic resilience in the face of future uncertainty.

China’s Role in Poverty Reduction in Nauru

China’s approach to poverty reduction in Nauru is based on China’s Global Development Initiative, which builds on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Global Development Initiative prioritizes poverty alleviation, food security, industrialization, development financing, the digital economy, connectivity and green development. China’s primary focus in Nauru is on large-scale infrastructure projects, consistent with its broader development approach seen in other countries where China has a presence.

In 2019, China Harbor Engineering Company began constructing a new port in Nauru’s largest harbor. This project expanded Nauru’s access to international markets and created job opportunities for locals to learn new skills, which enabled them to earn higher wages than in other local jobs.

China has also prioritized improvements in the energy sector. This has been achieved by constructing a new solar power plant, a battery energy storage system and an 11 kilovolt substation. More recently, China facilitated the transfer of ownership of a container vessel, which will enable the transport of goods from Australia directly to Nauru. Additionally, the ship will lower the cost of imported goods and reduce wait times, making life easier and more affordable for Nauruans.

China also sent medical experts to perform cataract surgeries in Nauru as part of its Brightness Action program, which seeks to deliver eye surgeries and surgical equipment to developing nations. Beyond deploying experts to meet local needs in Nauru, China offers Nauruan students the opportunity to study in China and receive various types of job training.

Poverty Reduction in Nauru

Australia and China both play a crucial role in poverty reduction in Nauru, despite taking different approaches. Australia’s focus on sustainable development, through health, education and economic initiatives, aims to create long-term resilience. Meanwhile, China’s large-scale infrastructure projects and targeted aid offer immediate improvements and opportunities. Together, Australia and China have a unique chance to meaningfully reduce poverty in Nauru by collaborating and aligning their development efforts with the island’s priorities and needs.

– Haley Parilla

Haley is based in Cape Coral, FL, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Initiatives to Improve Education in Brazil

brazil educationBrazil is the largest country in South America, with a population of around 211 million people. In 2022, 50.7% of the population completed high school, approximately 2.19 times more than in 2000. There have been many successful initiatives to improve the access and quality of education in Brazil, some of which this article explores further, such as Indique and the Salvador Assessment Program (PROSA), monitoring systems in Salvador, Brazil.

Indique, PROSA and Chegando Junto

Indique is a tool that allows parents, carers and other members of the Salvador community to voice their feedback and opinions about students’ education. This allows educators to see what initiatives are having a positive impact and what they could do to support students further.

Since 2022, Brazil has implemented PROSA in every primary school grade in Salvador. This test allows educators to see the extent of the majority of students’ knowledge and so helps indicate what areas are effectively being improved and what areas require more practice. It also tests the efficacy of government education programs. Due to the high number of students who take the exam, results are more generalisable and representative of students.

This initiative groups students who are two or more years behind their grade in terms of educational achievement together, according to the World Bank. This allows them to learn in an environment alongside learners who have a similar level of understanding, therefore allowing the teacher to focus more on helping them catch up. It also makes the learning environment more comfortable and less daunting for learners.

Technology

The Lemann Foundation has employed the help of technology to aid students in their learning. It supported the education ministry’s Programa Educação Conectada, a scheme that provided 6 million students with strong and secure internet connections. This would be vital as internet connections will allow pupils to complete homework, assignments and revision as well as access extra learning resources that can strengthen and deepen their understanding.

The Lemann Foundation has contributed to the provision of such resources by partnering with the Khan Academy to give approximately 600,000 students access to courses on maths, history, science and more, every month, helping improve education in Brazil. This allows students to go beyond the material they are learning at school, as well as enhancing their knowledge of the content in the curriculum.

Bolsa Familia and the Favela Foundation

This program creates incentives for families to send their children to school, providing approximately $35 to families living in poverty. It helps families send their children to school, and for health checkups, something that poverty prevents many children from accessing. It has benefited 50 million people in Brazil and is very beneficial for families living in poverty. The program has also inspired many other countries to develop their version of this, including countries like Indonesia, Mexico and South Africa.

The Favela Foundation funds educational and sports projects for children. For example, it has worked with the Alfazendo Ecorede organization to provide teacher training in the City of God favela in Rio de Janeiro. This training ensures that teachers know how to successfully support and teach students in favelas.

The Future

These programs and numerous others have grown and helped millions of people and inspired other countries. Statistics show that such initiatives are making a significant impact—the number of Brazilian graduates has tripled from 2000 to 2022. Hopefully, in the future, education in Brazil will continue to improve and prosper.

– Maryam Abdalla

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

Photo: Flickr

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Refugee Education: A Catalyst for Development

Refugee Education: A Catalyst for Development In a world marked by record levels of displacement, refugee education has emerged not only as a moral imperative but as a cornerstone of sustainable development and global stability. More than 114 million people have been forcibly displaced worldwide, including 14.8 million school-aged refugees, half of whom are out of school. The question is no longer whether to educate these children, but how and with what resources. While primary education often garners the spotlight in humanitarian efforts, post-primary education unlocks leadership potential, vocational skills and long-term empowerment. Yet access to secondary and tertiary education remains tragically limited for refugees.

According to the UNHCR 2024 Education Report, just 42% of refugee children make it to secondary school, compared to a global average of 77%. This number decreases even more dramatically in tertiary education, falling to 7% compared with a 42% global average. This disparity reflects a broader failure to provide refugee youth with the tools to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to society. However, it also presents a transformative opportunity: to reposition refugee education as a catalyst, not a cost, for development.

Secondary Education: A Critical Gap

Primary school enrollment for refugees has made modest gains in recent years. About 65% of refugee children attend primary school, according to the UNHCR’s 2024 Education Report. However, the transition to secondary school remains a significant challenge. Several key barriers block access:

  • Financial constraints, including tuition and ancillary costs.
  • Legal and documentation issues.
  • Language and curriculum barriers.
  • Gender-based obstacles, such as early marriage or caregiving roles.
  • Discrimination within host communities.

Financial challenges are particularly stark. Educating a refugee secondary student costs about 30% more than educating a national student. In low-income countries, the annual cost for a national student averages $181, compared to $244 for a refugee. Despite the higher costs, international funding models rarely account for this disparity. Refugee education remains tied to short-term humanitarian frameworks, often leaving adolescents stranded between basic literacy and real opportunity.

Higher Education: Breaking New Ground

If secondary education is the missing middle, higher education is the next frontier for refugee inclusion. In a webinar hosted by the University of Winchester, Daniel Mutanda, an academic and advocate for sanctuary initiatives, emphasized that access to higher education often depends on circumstances beyond refugees’ control. “in many places, too many places, restrictive regulations and limited resources prevent individuals from pursuing their educational aspirations, making access to higher education a matter of geographic luck rather than a guaranteed right,” Mutanda said.

Barriers include being categorized as international students, which makes tuition unaffordable and excludes them from public financial aid. Legal status also determines access to education and future stability.

Mutanda introduced the concept of the “higher education border,” a powerful framework that highlights how multiple layers of exclusion operate: from lack of recognized qualifications and language proficiency to bureaucratic barriers and systemic discrimination.

“for those seeking sanctuary, what would be a or what could be a smooth transition in their journey is riddled with complex barriers. So often, the experience people have is hope and ambition quickly turning into feelings of helplessness and despair,” he said, describing the experience of refugee youth denied access. “So common advice that we’ve heard, I’ve heard is just to wait until your immigration status changes, which effectively puts people’s lives on hold.”

Refugee-led advocacy movements are now shaping the future of higher education. Former Sanctuary Scholars are leading initiatives like the Universities of Sanctuary network and organizations such as the Tertiary Refugee Student Network, pushing for systemic reform on local, national and global stages. Their leadership aims to meet a bold target: achieving 15% enrollment of refugee youth in higher education by 2030.

Case Study: UNICEF’s Let Us Learn

Programs like UNICEF’s Let Us Learn offer successful models for scaling refugee education. Operating in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Liberia, Madagascar and Nepal, the program addresses barriers across early childhood, primary, secondary and vocational education. Accelerated education programs in Bangladesh achieved gains of up to 59 percentage points in core subject tests. In Nepal, more than 89% of girls enrolled in accelerated programs transitioned into formal secondary schools. The program emphasizes access, quality and retention, integrating community engagement, vocational skills training and flexible schooling models to support marginalized adolescents, particularly girls.

Toward a New Paradigm

To unlock the potential of refugees, the current education model must evolve. Key changes include:

  • Shift from short-term humanitarian funding to long-term development investment
  • Expand support beyond primary education, addressing secondary and tertiary levels
  • Institutionalize access rights, not just scholarships, for refugees
  • Center refugee voices in designing and evaluating education programs
  • Tailor solutions to national and community contexts

Moving Forward

Expanding access to education for displaced youth contributes to long-term resilience, workforce development and social inclusion. Supporting educational pathways, especially beyond the primary level, could enable individuals to participate meaningfully in rebuilding their communities and economies. As Daniel Mutanda said, “[Higher education] really provides an opportunity for them to flourish, whatever discipline they pursue, whatever sort of choice they make in terms of the subject area, it really gives them an opportunity to flourish.”

– Linnéa Matlack

Linnéa is based in Boston, MA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Things To Know About Higher Education in the Bahamas

Higher Education in the BahamasThe Bahamas, a nation known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture, faces unique challenges and opportunities in its higher education system. While poverty poses significant barriers, ongoing efforts and systemic strengths offer hope for a brighter future. 

Low Graduation Rates Pose Challenges

The Bahamas struggles with worryingly low graduation rates at the university level due to socioeconomic factors, academic challenges and other circumstances. Additionally, only 7% of students at the University of The Bahamas are studying science and technology-related courses. This lack of focus on key fields limits the country’s ability to diversify its economy, leaving the tourism sector the dominant growth driver.

Poverty as a Barrier to Access

Approximately 25% of households in The Bahamas experience poverty, especially those led by individuals with no formal education. Many families cannot afford the costs associated with university or college attendance, including fees, books and living expenses. 

Limited scholarship opportunities and financial aid programs mean students from disadvantaged backgrounds often do not pursue higher education entirely. Ultimately, this deepens social inequality and prevents talented individuals from underserved communities from reaching their full potential.

A Structured Education System With Potential

The Bahamian education system, modeled after the British framework, provides a structured pathway to higher education. Students complete The Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) before pursuing advanced studies at institutions like the University of The Bahamas.

However, The Bahamas has only one public university, making it highly competitive for students, especially those from low-income households, who cannot afford to study in private institutions or abroad.

Growing Educational Attainment Offers Hope

Despite challenges, the higher education system in the Bahamas is progressing. The percentage of Bahamians aged 25 and older with at least a bachelor’s degree has risen steadily, reaching 15% in 2010 from 0.3% in 2000.

While still low compared to global standards, this upward trend reflects increasing access to higher education and a growing recognition of its value. 

Future Opportunities Through Innovation and Investment

The future of higher education in The Bahamas is promising, with opportunities to overcome poverty-related barriers through innovation and investment. The government and private sector are exploring partnerships to fund scholarships, improve infrastructure and integrate technology into classrooms. 

These efforts aim to equip students with the skills needed for a more diversified economy beyond tourism.

A Path Forward

Higher education in The Bahamas faces significant hurdles, particularly for students experiencing poverty. Yet, the nation’s structured system, rising attainment rates and commitment to innovation provide a foundation for hope. 

– Sydney Carr

Sydney is in San Diego, CA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Higher Education in Honduras 

Higher Education in HondurasHonduras is a developing nation that has faced numerous challenges to developing higher education, including government corruption, a considerable lack of infrastructure and consistent political instability. Honduras is also one of the poorest countries in Latin America and ranks in the bottom third of human development scores internationally. A 2023 UNICEF report found that more than 60% of the population lives below the poverty line.

Honduran students experience significant challenges at the primary and secondary education levels that make it difficult to access higher education in Honduras, as many publicly funded schools do not have electricity, running water or qualified teachers.

Honduran students experience significant challenges at the primary and secondary education levels that make it difficult to access higher education, as many publicly funded schools do not have electricity, running water or qualified teachers.

Poor economic conditions in Honduras severely limit government spending on education. Dr. Dario Cruz, vice-rector of the Francisco Morazan University in Honduras stated, “what is left for investment, education and training or infrastructure of educational centers is scarce.” As of 2020, less than 7% of the eligible student population attended higher education institutions.

Current State of Higher Education in Honduras

Located in the capital of Tegucigalpa, the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras (UNAH) is the flagship public university of Honduras. Founded in 1847, UNAH is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the country, and its student body accounts for more than 40% of all enrolled university students in Honduras.

There are 13 higher education institutions in Honduras, all of which fall under the authority of UNAH. UNAH is both a large public university and the body responsible for overseeing higher education in Honduras. Private institutions must submit their curriculum and policies to UNAH’s administrative branch, the Dirección de Educación Superior (DES), for approval.

Higher education institutions in Honduras offer both academic and vocational degrees. The Instituto Nacional de Formación Profesional (INFOP) is a decentralized institution that connects prospective students with vocational training programs and has taught nearly 3,000 courses.

Honduras’ National Congress established INFOP in 1972 as the governing institution for vocational training policies and non-formal educational services.  INFOP offers a diverse range of vocational courses, including interpersonal relations, residential electrical installation and call center operation. INFOP has five regional training centers and offers more than 80 virtual courses. The institute’s principal goal is to “link the offer of technical and vocational training to the needs of the labor market and national sectoral policies.”

There is growing recognition of the need to align higher education programs with the Honduran economy, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing and agriculture. In 2024, North Carolina State University launched a partnership with UNITEC — a private technological university in Honduras — to boost economic development in the textile sector.

Hilando Oportunidades

The program called Hilando Oportunidades offers training and certification in textile manufacturing jobs for young adults in the northern region of Cortes. North Carolina State University expects more than 1,500 Honduran to take advantage of the program, which is free and open to anyone between the ages of 18 and 29. 

“This initiative serves to shine light on the importance of technical education for the sustainability and development of the textile industry in our region,” said Rosalpina Rodriguez, president and director of UNITEC, following the launch of the program.

Barriers To Higher Education

There are several factors that contribute to low levels of higher education enrollment, though the primary barrier to higher education in Honduras is extreme poverty. An estimated 3.2 million children had humanitarian needs as a result of extreme poverty in 2023.

More than a third of school age children in Honduras are not enrolled in primary or secondary school, and a formidable gang presence in the country has led to child homicide rates that are among the highest in the world. Gang violence routinely prevents Honduran students from accessing the classroom. A recent United Nations assessment reported that upwards of 200,000 children stopped going to school from 2014 to 2017 due to insecurity, as parents keep students home for their safety. According to estimates from the National Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DNIC), up to one in 10 Honduran students could be members of a gang.

One can associate low enrollment rates with students dropping out of school in exchange for employment to support their families. Despite the compulsory nature of primary and lower-secondary education, students in Honduras average 10 years of schooling. High absenteeism rates and a shortage of qualified teachers severely limit students’ opportunities to pursue higher education. 

According to a report from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), “The main challenges are low access to preschool and secondary education as well as weak learning outcomes across the education system, low number of trained teachers and insufficient learning materials.”

Another major challenge is physical access to institutions. Roughly half of Honduras’ population lives in rural areas, while most universities are located in urban centers such as Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba. Rural regions also experience significantly higher poverty rates. In fact, there are three areas in Honduras with no higher education institutions at all.

Hope for the Future

Following the destruction caused by Hurricane Mitch in 1998, Honduras began the process of reforming and modernizing its education system. In the decades that followed, the country enacted a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening higher education.

In 2010, the DES established the Honduran Higher Education Quality Accreditation System (SHACES) as the entity responsible for overseeing quality assessment and accreditation processes for higher education institutions and academic programs. 

Organizational Structure

A 2015 USAID project, the Advance program, originated to enhance technical training at the university level in Honduras. Five years later, the program resulted in new, modernized technical degree programs that better respond to the hiring needs of the private sector and give young people the skills to enter the Honduran economy.

Honduras also launched a specialized scholarship program in 2017 — the Presidential Scholarship Program Honduras 2020 — a financial aid initiative designed to support students’ professional development in key economic sectors such as tourism and manufacturing. The program also helps connect Honduran students with U.S. higher education institutions. 

Established in 2022, the National Secretariat of Science, Technology, and Innovation (SENACIT) and the Honduran Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation (IHCIETI) work to strengthen technological innovation and academic research at the higher education level. SENACIT partners with universities across the country to stage academic conventions,  promote technological research and develop relationships with the global academic community. 

Moving Forward

Despite declining poverty rates and an improving economy in recent years, Honduras remains a developing nation with limited resources for its higher education system. However, the Honduran government has recognized the critical role higher education plays in improving social and financial conditions, and significant progress has been made in both the public and private sectors to improve access, strengthen the curriculum and modernize the administration of higher education in Honduras.

– Willem Quigley

Willem is based in Tacoma, WA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Everything You Need To Know About Hunger in Senegal

Hunger in SenegalSenegal is known for its rich culture and improved democratic stability. The country made significant progress in improving its infrastructure, health, economy and access to clean water and sanitation. Despite its vibrant culture and strides in democratic governance, the nation faces a persistent challenge in hunger. Food insecurity continues to affect many, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Examining root causes, impacts and potential solutions are crucial to understanding this ongoing crisis. Hunger in Senegal originates from the climate, the economy and social factors. According to the Global Hunger Index (GHI), in 2024, Senegal ranks 72 out of 127 countries with a score of 15.3 in the category of “moderate,” an improvement from previous years, which saw the country in the “alarming” category.

About Hunger in Senegal

About 4.6% of the population is undernourished, 17.5% of children less than the age of five are stunted, 10.2% of children less than  five are wasted, and about 3.7% of children die before the age of five. Hunger is more pronounced in regions like Matam, Kolda, and Tambacounda, where poverty, limited infrastructure and poor agricultural yields intersect. 

Hunger in Senegal predominantly exists in rural areas, with women and children affected the most. More than 30% of Senegal’s workforce is involved in agriculture and is overly dependent on rainfed farming, according to the International Trade Administration (ITA). Due to changing weather patterns, Senegal experiences rapid-unpredictable rainfall and massive amounts of drought, leading to desertification in crop fields and a shortage of food availability. The World Food Program (WFP) reports that in 2023, about 1.26 million people will experience extreme hunger during the lean season. 

Hunger in Rural Areas and Women Farmers

Economic disparity contributes to the issue, especially in rural areas. In 2022, the World Bank estimated that 36.3% of the population lives below the poverty line. Additionally, the impact of food prices soaring  in 2022 contributes to hunger in Senegal. In 2022,  Senegal saw a record-breaking 21.40% in food inflation, with only a slight decrease in March 2025. 

Gender inequality and social and political norms contribute to the crisis by denying crucial employment and land ownership. Women are the backbone of agricultural production, making up 70% of the workforce and producing 80% of crops, but they have restricted access to land. Laure Tall, the research director at the Agricultural and Rural Prospect Initiative, claims that women farmers are invisible and work two to four hours longer than the average man. 

Nutritional Deficiencies

Diets often lack essential nutrients, leading to micronutrient deficiencies. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that anemia affects nearly 60% of children under five and about 50% of pregnant women. Vitamin A deficiency, low protein intake and iron deficiency are widespread. Malnourishment plagues children’s development because they are the most likely to struggle in school and face lifelong cognitive challenges. Adults, weakened by poor diets, are less productive and more vulnerable to illness, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and underdevelopment.

Initiatives Addressing Hunger in Senegal

Despite the grim picture, the Senegalese government and international partners launched several programs to combat hunger. In 2016, the Senegalese government adopted the National Program for Food Security, known as the Programme National d’Appui à la Sécurité Alimentaire et à la Résilience (PNASAR), aiming to sustainably improve food and nutritional security for households. The program emphasizes coordinated, multisectoral interventions that address both immediate needs and long-term development goals.

The World Food Program (WFP) has also been working to address hunger in Senegal. The WFP provides meals for schoolchildren in areas where food insecurity is high. In 2022, the WFP fed approximately 17% of primary schools. The WFP reached more than 71,000 pupils in 285 primary schools across three regions. The school feeding program, launched in March 2021, receives funding from the Global Partnership for Education. 

The We Are the Solution movement is another noteworthy initiative addressing food insecurity in Senegal. Mariama Sonko, a Senegalese farmer, started the We Are the Solution movement, which includes about 115,000 active women farmers. The goal is to train women to become community farmers and increase the workforce. As previously stated, women make up 70% of the agricultural workforce. Sonko’s movement is helping local efforts by increasing groups to sell vegetables from communal gardens, leading to the reinvestment of profits into nutrition programs for children and mothers. Educating families on dietary diversity and the importance of local produce helps reshape eating habits and generates awareness nationwide. 

Looking Ahead

Ultimately, the road to a hunger-free nation is long, but not impossible. With increased investment in climate-smart agriculture, nutrition education and gender equity, the fight will remain strong. 

– Sebastian Llerena

Sebastian is based in Edison, NJ, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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K-Pop in Kenya: Boosting Youth and Economic Opportunities

K-Pop in KenyaK-pop is a music genre from South Korea and since the early 2010s, it has been a global success. However, K-pop in Kenya has exploded as a cultural phenomenon in recent years. In 2022, Spotify reported a 93% annual growth in K-pop streams across the sub-Saharan Africa region, with K-pop in Kenya seeing a 140% increase. The data shows that the majority of these listeners are below the age of 30. Yet this exponential increase in listeners has had a more profound impact beyond just boosting K-pop’s listener base – it is having real-world impacts on Kenya’s youth and economy.

Cultural Enrichment in Education

The growth of K-pop in Kenya has given way to various education initiatives in the country. One example is the rise in the use of the King Sejong Institute. This online platform reaches worldwide and is supported by the South Korean government. As a result of their interest in K-pop, Kenyan students are using this platform to learn the Korean language and immerse themselves in Korean culture, including gaining further exposure to K-pop, Korean TV (K-dramas) and cuisine.

Kenyan university student Pe Arlkh shared on the K-pop fansite KCrush how learning Korean through K-pop-inspired programs created new opportunities. These experiences allowed them to study Korean cuisine in South Korea. This, in turn, opened doors to better educational and professional prospects, helping to break cycles of poverty.

Economic Impact

Beyond their experiences learning Korean and studying in South Korea, Pe Arlkh explained that they could return to Kenya. As a result of the growing love for K-pop in Kenya, they established a platform to share their experiences with K-pop and Korean culture. This led them to organize cultural events and teaching experiences. These opportunities help individuals to empower each other and to generate their income, increasing their chances of economic freedom.

Additionally, the growing popularity of K-pop in Kenya is boosting the country’s economy in several ways. The demand for K-pop music has led to an increase in vendors selling merchandise and organizing K-pop events. This trend has created new income opportunities for locals, allowing them to turn their passion into a sustainable livelihood and increase their economic participation.

K-Pop Fest KE: A Creative Platform

Events celebrating K-pop in Kenya and contributing to the economy are rising. For instance, the inaugural K-Pop Fest KE in 2024 was a landmark event showcasing the power of music and culture to inspire creativity among Kenyan youth. Hosted at Hillcrest International Schools in Nairobi, the festival featured live K-pop dance performances, interactive K-drama sessions and K-beauty demonstrations, attracting more than 300 attendees.

Events like this encourage young people to explore new creative outlets and foster a sense of belonging, helping to amplify their aspirations. The K-Pop Fest KE has bolstered this trend, with merchandise booths and vendor participation enhancing local economic activity.

Broader Social Impacts

The social impact of K-pop in Kenya goes beyond education and the economy. With increasing internet penetration and cultural divides shrinking through social media, Kenyan youth are more connected to global cultures than ever. The K-pop fandom in Kenya has a unique community-building power, making individuals feel part of something larger. This sense of belonging helps them encourage each other in their educational and professional pursuits while combating feelings of isolation.

The movement of K-pop in Kenya is a clear example of how the sharing of cultures can transcend entertainment to impact education, professional development and economic empowerment. Through creative programs, events like K-Pop Fest KE and entrepreneurial ventures, K-pop has opened pathways for young Kenyans to embrace confidence, pursue education and achieve sustainable livelihoods. Its ability to foster connection and inspire growth highlights the transformative power of cultural exchange.

– Amber Lennox

Amber is based in Suffolk, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Little-Known Facts About Child Poverty in Iraq

Child Poverty in IraqAccording to Humanium, around 3.5 million children are affected by poverty in Iraq. Child poverty in Iraq has caused several problems, as it denies children their most basic human rights. These children face multidimensional poverty as they are deprived of education, health care and safety. Here are little-known facts about child poverty in Iraq.

Health

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), one in five children in Iraq suffers from stunted growth due to chronic malnutrition, a serious issue with long-term impacts. Malnourishment not only threatens children’s survival and physical development but also poses lasting risks to their cognitive abilities and academic performance.

Postnatal breastfeeding practices are extremely low and stand at 19.6%, with most infants receiving additional milk and other liquids shortly after birth. Continuation of breastfeeding is poor, with only 22.7% of mothers reporting offering breast milk until the child reaches 24 months. In Iraq’s previous state of insecurity and population displacement, good child-feeding practices are in even more jeopardy.

Education

Education in Iraq is free and mandatory until the age of 12. However, inadequate facilities and overcrowded classrooms hinder children from receiving a quality education. Additionally, children with disabilities and those who are displaced often lack access to schooling altogether.

Ongoing instability in the country has further undermined the right to education, with several primary and secondary schools forced to shut down and more than 20 schools reportedly demolished. Furthermore, out-of-school children are more vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, including child labor, recruitment by armed actors and early marriage.

Technology

In partnership with the Government of Iraq (GoI) and UNICEF’s Office of Innovation, UNICEF Iraq is exploring innovative approaches to measure poverty beyond traditional methods. This includes analyzing alternative data sources such as mobile phone data and satellite imagery and incorporating high-frequency surveys.

The goal is to determine whether call detail records (CDRs) and satellite images can effectively predict poverty levels. Once a reliable model is developed, it can be used to monitor and update child poverty estimates across Iraq regularly.

COVID-19

A global consensus emerged recognizing the devastating socioeconomic impact of the COVID-19 crisis and Iraq was no exception. The country experienced widespread job losses and rising prices, which led to increasing poverty levels. In addition, disruptions to essential services further deepened household deprivation and vulnerability.

Children and adolescents, who accounted for more than half of Iraq’s population, were particularly affected. They bear the brunt of growing poverty, service interruptions and heightened family stress caused by the pandemic.

In response to the pandemic outbreak in Iraq, the World Bank approved more than $33 million to support the country’s effort in ” preventing, detecting and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.” Additionally, the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) launched new programs to support Iraq’s vulnerable population, especially women and children.

Conclusion

Child poverty in Iraq remains a significant and complex challenge, exacerbated by economic instability and disruptions to essential services. While efforts are being made to address these issues, such as innovative data collection methods and initiatives to improve education and health care, the road to meaningful progress is long. Nonetheless, step by step and in collaboration with international organizations such as the World Bank and WFP, Iraq can effectively tackle its child poverty challenge.

– Dania Kerim

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

Photo: Pexels

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International Charities Working To Fight Poverty in Ethiopia

Poverty in EthiopiaNearly 70% of people live in multidimensional poverty in Ethiopia, with rural areas the worst affected. Multidimensional poverty encompasses various aspects of life, from food and job insecurity to poor health and living conditions. As such, Ethiopians suffer a crisis of circular poverty, with generations experiencing the same lack of access to clean water, education and life-saving health care. Due to the complexity of poverty in Ethiopia, international support and humanitarian aid play a vital role. Here are three of the international organizations working to make lasting change.

Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps has supported communities across Ethiopia since 2004. Its mission is to provide immediate, long-lasting support that will impact this generation and all those to come. Within 20 years, the organization has helped more than four million people in Ethiopia. Mercy Corps focuses its support on vulnerable communities, particularly marginalized Ethiopians such as women and those living in conflict-affected areas.

For many, support comes in the form of business skills acquisition, help in fostering market relationships and professional mentorship. Training and support like this are given to aid the building of stable economic opportunities throughout the country, allowing individuals to secure reliable employment and income streams.

Immediate support also plays a key role in Mercy Corps’ support, particularly in ensuring access to food for many Ethiopians. While some of its programs deliver agricultural support and climate-resistant seeds to rural areas, others provide immediate relief to Ethiopia’s impoverished people. This includes food deliveries and cash aid to allow families to purchase household necessities and ensure they have access to food.

Tikkun Olam Ventures (TOV)

TOV started with a two-year pilot program in Ethiopia, building upon decades of existing humanitarian work done by The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) across the country. The initiative aims to provide innovative Israeli technology to those still reliant on traditional farming methods and break the cycle of poverty in communities. Since then, tomatoes, onions and hot peppers have been grown using drip irrigation systems, fertilizers and hybrid seeds using this vital technology.

It’s estimated that two-thirds of those living in extreme poverty worldwide make their livelihoods from farming. This global reality is particularly staggering in Ethiopia, where agriculture is the largest economic sector, contributing 43% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Despite its importance, many farmers, especially smallholder and family farmers, remain trapped in a cycle of poverty, relying heavily on their crops for both income and sustenance.

To ensure that farmers can continue improving crop yields and ensure food and income security, TOV has used funding from an Ethiopian bank to purchase technology, seeds and technical support. When loans are repaid, the money returns to the loan fund, allowing more farmers to receive the benefits of Israeli technology.

For-Ethiopia

For-Ethiopia aims to reduce poverty in Ethiopia through education and health services. It believes that real change begins with small developmental projects focused on the community and its residents. The organization’s support includes providing medical equipment and training to health centers and health posts to ensure that everyone has access to clean, sterile environments and experienced health care workers.

A key priority of its aid is responding directly to community needs. For example, when health care workers requested fridges, For-Ethiopia ensured they received them. For-Ethiopia believes ending poverty in Ethiopia begins with access to education and health care, including clean, sanitary water.

Just as it supports health care facilities with essential equipment, it also supplies schools with resources such as books, bathrooms with handwashing stations and more. It credits these efforts with a more than 20% increase in girls’ school enrollment.

For-Ethiopia is currently running the Women and Children First campaign, which focuses on reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in the country.

Conclusion

Organizations like Mercy Corps, TOV, and For-Ethiopia are making a significant impact in Ethiopia by addressing poverty through agriculture, education, and health care. Their work demonstrates that lasting change is achievable with global support and community-driven solutions.

– Macy Hall

Macy is based in Dover, Kent, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash