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Operation Smile in Panama: Changing Lives

Operation Smile in panamaPanama is a beautiful country that connects North and South America. Known for its tropical rainforests, beaches and home to the world-famous Panama Canal, linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Although these features bring in tourism and allow for global trade, this country’s economy is full of contradictions. However, Operation Smile is endeavoring to combat.

While Panama City is a bustling metropolis full of international trade, the wealth gap is desperately wide, with many Panamanians who live in rural areas living in extreme poverty. The rural and indigenous communities of Panama lack access to clean water, education and, most prevalently, health care. The Panama health crisis affects many, but one of the less addressed issues is the lack of available medical resources for those born with cleft palates.

Cleft Palates

A cleft palate is a condition where a gap in the roof of a baby’s mouth doesn’t fully close during fetal development. Affecting one in 700 children worldwide, children born with a cleft palate often experience severe difficulties eating. Without access to reconstructive surgery early on in life, this condition can swiftly leave a child more susceptible to infection, malnutrition and in some severe cases, starvation.

However, with 94% of children born with cleft palates coming from low-income backgrounds, this life-changing surgery is simply unobtainable due to the health care poverty that is widespread around Panama. Many families in rural Panama have little to no access to a doctor. They often cannot afford the surgery even if it were available.

How Operation Smile Is Helping

Since 1991, dedicated Operation Smile volunteers, including surgeons, nurses and speech therapists, have travelled across Panama to deliver free and life-changing surgeries to more than 3,000 children. Behind every operation is a network of professionals that aid in bridging the gap in health care within Panama’s most impoverished communities.

In addition to performing surgeries, the Operation Smile team provides a complete package of support, from dentistry and orthodontics to nutrition and speech therapy. These volunteers are vital in ensuring that these children have access to medical and emotional support, ensuring that patients go on to heal from their surgery and thrive into healthy adults.

The Story of Laura Alvarez

One of the most inspiring stories of an Operation Smile volunteer comes from Laura Alvarez. As a Panamanian woman, born with a cleft palate, she has made it her life’s ambition to help others born with the same condition. Although Alvarez could access surgery for her condition, she understood the importance of making medical care available across Panama, where her journey with Operation Smile began.

Alvarez recalls the struggles of growing up with a cleft palate, stating, “After I turned 10 years old, some classmates pointed out how I spoke strangely and looked different from them. ‘You look like a pig,’ they said. These cruel comments made me feel ashamed of myself.” With a first-hand understanding of the issue, Alvarez began working for the organization and soon traveled internationally to speak at the Latin America in Action (LEA) conference.

Conclusion

Operation Smile is bridging the health care gap in Panama by providing free, life-changing surgeries to needy children. The organization delivers critical care through dedicated volunteers and inspires long-term change in communities affected by health poverty.

– Abbey G Malin

Abbey is based in Oxford, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Strengthening Systems: Reaching Zero-Dose Children in Chad

Zero-Dose Children in ChadAccording to global location-based data from 2019, approximately 10.37% of children in Chad had not received the first dose of the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP1), routine vaccines. This placed Chad among those with the highest rates of zero-dose children aged less than 12 months.

Zero-Dose Children in Chad

In 2021, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) identified Chad as one of the top 20 countries where more than half of the world’s zero-dose children reside, with a 27% prevalence rate. In 2022, health data estimated that 188,500 children in Chad remained unvaccinated. The highest concentrations were found in the rural north, areas affected by conflict and within nomadic communities.

Around 80% of the population lives more than five kilometers from the nearest health facility, making access to routine vaccination especially difficult. Unqualified personnel and poor supervision during immunization efforts further widen this gap. These issues are compounded by ongoing challenges related to supply chain disruptions. The overall demand for routine immunization remains low and awareness-raising measures utilizing communication methods have not been effective.

Coordinated Responses and Interventions 

WHO, UNICEF and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, developed the Reaching Every District (RED) strategy to support the activities and interventions. The plan consists of five operational components: planning and managing resources, engaging with communities, conducting supportive supervision, monitoring and using data for action and reaching all eligible populations.

Chad is a vast country with a low population density, which presents a significant challenge in delivering immunization services. To address this, partner organizations supplied 32 vehicles and 250 motorcycles to health centers, improving access to remote and hard-to-reach areas. Similarly, in collaboration with UNICEF, the Ministry of Health allocated an immunization strategy tailored for major urban centers. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation supported the preparation of communication plans in seven provinces, including training 5,000 village chiefs and community health volunteers in the Lake region.

Furthermore, supported by Gavi, 235 new nurses and paramedics were recruited throughout regional hospitals in nine provinces to expand access to healthcare. WHO trained health workers in 40 districts and health teams in 28 districts. In 2021, the PEV Manager smartphone app was introduced to strengthen service delivery, enable feedback and improve supervision.

Despite various challenges, Gavi’s collaboration with the Ministry of Health enhanced funding by establishing a restructured project management unit. Disbursements were accelerated by implementing streamlined procedures and utilizing mobile money systems wherever feasible while maintaining strong financial accountability. Effective financial management was a key driver of these achievements.

Cold Chain Equipment Optimization Platform

A major barrier in Chad’s immunization efforts was the lack of reliable cold chain infrastructure to preserve vaccines. This issue was addressed through the Cold Chain Equipment Optimization Platform (CCEOP), a collaborative initiative designed and funded by Gavi. UNICEF manages procurement and logistics, WHO provides technical guidance and the Ministry of Public Health leads implementation. With support from partners, the Ministry of Health expanded cold chain capacity nationwide, achieving coverage of more than 90%.

As part of this effort, a health facility map was developed to identify regions with high population density and limited infrastructure, helping prioritize locations for solar-powered cold chain equipment. By 2022, 1,506 health care facilities previously identified as lacking sufficient cold chain coverage were distributed 1,527 units of cold chain equipment, including freezers, refrigerators, coolers, generators and solar panels. With an approximate 70% increase in cold chain coverage since 2017, these efforts significantly improved access, reaching around 96% by 2022.

Triple Vaccine Launch

Chad’s Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) marked a milestone by introducing three vital new malaria, pneumococcal and rotavirus diarrhea immunizations. Chad was one of the first countries to launch three essential vaccines simultaneously as part of its EPI. Chad took a comprehensive approach to roll out the new vaccines effectively. This included updating immunization policies, integrating vaccines into distribution plans and preparing detailed rollout strategies.

The country also trained health workers, strengthened cold chain infrastructure, engaged communities in raising awareness and established supervision and performance monitoring systems. Chad positioned itself as the 14th country to implement the malaria vaccine nationwide, aligning with the WHO’s goal of reducing malaria-related mortality by 90% by 2030.

Health experts estimate that the pneumococcal vaccine could prevent up to 5,000 deaths per year by safeguarding children from life-threatening bacterial diseases. Rotavirus caused more than 40% of pediatric diarrhea hospitalizations in Chad and contributed to infant mortality before its introduction. The rotavirus vaccine addresses this essential public health issue, advancing Chad’s national vaccination program to protect children from preventable and life-threatening diseases.

Between 2019 and 2022, coverage of the DTP1 dose increased from 89.63% to 98.84%. During the same period, completion of the full three-dose series (DTP3), a key indicator of immunization system performance, rose from 50% to 60%.

Conclusion

Chad is a compelling example of how effective collaboration and technical support through strong communication and coordination networks can drive meaningful change. These efforts significantly strengthened the Ministry of Health services at both national and local levels. As a result, many supervisors and health workers were revitalized and empowered to deliver more effective and responsive care to zero-dose children.

– Imge Tekniker

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

Photo: Pexels

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Child Soldiers in Vietnam: The Cost of War on Children

Child Soldiers in Vietnam: The Cost of War on ChildrenChildren have often been caught in the crossfire of war, witnessing their homes destroyed and their childhoods disrupted. An especially tragic reality is the recruitment and use of child soldiers during conflict. Children have historically been expected or obligated to work as cooks, spies and even combatants and the Vietnam War (1955 to 1975) was no exception.

The Vietnam War

The Vietnam War lasted more than two decades and divided North and South Vietnam. The United States backed the South, sending around 536,000 troops. After World War II, both regions sought reunification but envisioned different futures. The North, inspired by the Cold War and Soviet influence, aimed to establish a communist state, while the South opposed this ideology. The war caused extensive loss of life and economic damage. More than 3 million people died, including 2 million Vietnamese civilians. By the time the war ended in 1975, Vietnam’s economy ranked among the poorest in the world.

Child Soldiers in Vietnam

Vietnamese children experienced wartime hardships that forced them to grow up quickly. Many became homeless overnight and lost access to consistent education due to the constant threat of attack. Children as young as 13 joined the Vietnamese Communist Party’s military efforts. They were trained in guerrilla warfare and participated in attacks on South Vietnamese and American forces. Child soldiers in Vietnam were so prominent in the war that there were military awards specific to children such as “Iron Fort Children” or “Destroyer of the Yanks.” These child soldiers were also given the title of “Tiny Guerilla.” The Tiny Guerillas were not drafted; many volunteered due to social pressures and economic hardship. Interviews and academic accounts suggest that promises of national prosperity and purpose motivated them to join the Viet Cong.

Children’s Rights After the War

Following the war, Vietnam introduced legal protections for children through the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The 2013 Constitution and new laws outlined regulations regarding children’s participation in civic life, including the military. These laws aim to prevent the future use of child soldiers in Vietnam.

Postwar Economic Effects

The post-war toll on Vietnam was devastating. Bombings and landmines destroyed much of the infrastructure and toxic chemicals lingered in the atmosphere. Following the war, Vietnam’s economy ranked among the world’s poorest and the government’s five-year plans were ineffective. However, the introduction of “Đổi Mới” marked a turning point, helping Vietnam become one of the fastest-growing markets, with an economic growth rate of 6 to 7%. Additionally, this policy reduced the poverty rate from 60% to 14% within nine years.

Looking Ahead

Vietnam’s postwar development includes strengthening legal protections for children and preventing their involvement in armed conflict. As the country continues to implement policies aligned with international child rights frameworks, expanding access to education, mental health support and economic opportunities may help address the long-term impacts of war.

Ongoing investment in youth-focused programs, especially in rural and historically affected areas, could support more consistent development outcomes. Collaboration between government, community organizations and international partners can potentially reinforce prevention strategies and improve child welfare systems. While Vietnam has made notable economic progress, continued attention to child protection is relevant in ensuring recovery efforts extend to future generations.

– Sydney Carr

Sydney is based in San Diego, CA, USA and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Spotlight: The Peace Center

The Peace CenterThe Peace Center is a Ugandan-based organization that aims to provide shelter, education and safety for some of the country’s neediest and most vulnerable orphaned children. Since its inception in 2015, The Peace Center has helped dozens of children by providing them with a safe home, an education and, above all, a family.

Empowering Bukinda’s Children Through Education

The Peace Center is situated in Bukinda, a town in southwest Uganda, where limited access to education is one of the most pressing challenges residents face. Without proper schooling, many children struggle to escape the cycle of poverty that has affected their families for generations.

According to the CIA World Factbook, the actual fertility rate in the country at large is more than twice the desired rate, suggesting unmet contraceptive needs. This, in turn, contributes to ongoing poverty and educational barriers. The Peace Center’s core mission is to educate children in need, helping break this cycle.

The PEACE Program

To accommodate the children’s varying needs in its program, the organization has implemented two distinct programs. The PEACE (Providing Education and Community Empowerment) program focuses on orphaned children who may have relatives to live with but do not have the resources to provide for the children’s schooling.

The PEACE program provides these children with school attendance fees and a uniform to help them gain an education. In return, these children must maintain a minimum attendance record and grade score each semester.

1-To-1 Sponsorship

For children without immediate family who require full-time support and care, The Peace Center offers a 1-to-1 sponsorship program. The nonprofit provides children in this program with “housing, schooling, three meals a day, school uniform as well as basic health and sanitary care.”

Through this program, the organization encourages families in other countries to provide both financial and emotional support to the child. This sponsorship fosters a connection between the child and the sponsor’s family through letters, photos and other forms of correspondence.

Impact

In the past 10 years, The Peace Center has worked tirelessly to provide the neediest children in Uganda with stability, safety and a place to call home. Indeed, several current and former program students have provided testimonies, expressing their gratitude to the organization.

Some children have attributed their college success to The Peace Center, sharing how the organization helped them with leadership, communication and other essential life skills. Furthermore, The Peace Center provides these children with a lifelong sense of belonging, with many students saying they have kept in touch with the staff and other students years after leaving the program.

Summary

Since its founding, The Peace Center has offered holistic care to those in greatest need, supporting orphaned children in Uganda with nowhere else to turn. It has two programs oriented toward empowering children to break generational cycles of poverty and gaining education and emotional support throughout their lives.

The Peace Center is always looking for more opportunities to help children in need and is looking toward the future and more chances to provide this much-needed support.

– Lizzie Mazzola

Lizzie is based in Raleigh, NC, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Education Divide: Why Millions of Children Lack Education

The Education Divide: Why Millions of Children Lack EducationMillions of children worldwide remain out of school due to poverty, gender inequality, conflict and lack of resources, limiting their future opportunities and economic mobility. According to UNESCO, 244 million children globally do not have access to formal education, with sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia experiencing the highest rates of out-of-school children. Education serves as one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle of poverty, as research indicates that each additional year of schooling can increase a person’s income by up to 10%. Despite international efforts to promote universal education, many barriers persist. Addressing this crisis requires targeted policy action, increased education funding and community-driven solutions to ensure that all children have access to learning opportunities.

Economic Struggles and the Cost of Education

Education offers a proven pathway out of poverty, but for families living on less than $2 a day, school costs remain out of reach. In many low-income countries, even when tuition is free, the costs of uniforms, books and transportation prevent children from attending school. According to the World Bank, students from the wealthiest households are four times as likely to complete secondary school as students from the poorest households. Without financial assistance, children from disadvantaged backgrounds are forced to drop out and work to support their families.

In Nigeria, for example, an estimated 10.5 million children are out of school, with many forced into child labor to help their families survive. The economic divide continues to limit educational access, perpetuating cycles of hardship. Governments play a key role in expanding access to education by implementing free school meals, scholarships and subsidized learning materials to remove financial barriers and increase enrollment.

Gender Inequality and Cultural Barriers

Girls in many parts of the world face unique challenges in accessing education. Deep-rooted cultural beliefs, early marriage and safety concerns often prevent girls from continuing their education. The Malala Fund reports that 120 million girls worldwide remain out of school, with South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa experiencing the highest gender disparities.

In Afghanistan, the Taliban’s 2021 takeover led to a nationwide ban on secondary education for girls, forcing 1.4 million girls out of classrooms. Similarly, in rural India, families often prioritize their sons’ education over their daughters’, limiting girls’ opportunities for personal and economic growth. However, solutions exist. In countries like Malawi and Bangladesh, organizations have launched cash transfer programs that incentivize families to keep girls in school, significantly reducing dropout rates. Expanding such female-centered initiatives could help close the education gap for girls globally.

Lack of Infrastructure and Trained Teachers

Beyond financial challenges, many children cannot attend school simply because there are no schools nearby. In sub-Saharan Africa, more than 30% of children live more than five kilometers from the nearest school. For those who do attend, many classrooms suffer from overcrowding, a shortage of teachers and inadequate facilities.

A BBC photo essay documented the experience of Sylvia, an eight-year-old girl from Tanzania, who walks more than one and a half hours each morning to reach her classroom. While her determination is inspiring, no child should have to endure such hardships to receive an education.

Additionally, UNICEF reports that nearly 50% of schools in sub-Saharan Africa lack basic sanitation facilities, making learning especially difficult for girls once they reach puberty. Investing in infrastructure, teacher training and mobile classrooms could help bring education to underserved regions.

Conflict and Displacement: The War on Education

In war-torn areas, conflict disrupts schooling by destroying infrastructure, displacing families and creating unsafe environments for students. Schools often become targets of violence or are repurposed for military use, preventing millions of children from learning. Refugee children face even greater obstacles. According to the UNHCR, more than 15 million refugee children globally are out of school, with less than half of displaced children completing primary education. In Syria, South Sudan and Afghanistan, entire generations of children risk growing up without literacy or formal skills due to prolonged conflict. Governments and organizations could play a critical role in integrating refugee children into local school systems, establishing temporary learning centers and maintaining education continuity during emergencies.

Solutions: Bridging Education Gaps

  • Increasing Education Funding and Policy Reforms. Many governments allocate less than 4% of their GDP to education, which is far below recommended levels. Increased investment in school construction, teacher salaries and learning resources can significantly boost enrollment and learning outcomes. Additionally, policy reforms—such as removing school fees, subsidizing transportation and implementing cash transfer programs—can ensure that the poorest families have access to education.
  • Expanding Community-Based Learning Programs. NGOs play a crucial role in bridging education gaps in underserved regions. Organizations like Room to Read, UNICEF and Save the Children have developed mobile classrooms, after-school tutoring and community-run learning centers to reach children who would otherwise remain out of school. These programs provide literacy and vocational training, ensuring that even children in remote or conflict-affected areas receive some form of education.
  • Leveraging Technology for Remote Education. Technology can revolutionize education access. In countries with limited school infrastructure, digital learning programs and radio-based education initiatives have proven successful in keeping children engaged. For example, Kenya’s Tusome Initiative uses tablets and interactive software to improve literacy rates, while Bangladesh’s “TV Schools” provided distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Strengthening Protections for Refugee and Conflict-Affected Children. Allocating emergency funds for temporary classrooms, teacher training and psychological support can help displaced children continue their education despite crises. Expanding programs that integrate refugee children into local schools—as seen in Jordan and Lebanon’s education reforms for Syrian refugees—can also provide long-term solutions for displaced learners.

Looking Ahead

Bridging the global education gap requires sustained investment in resources, targeted policy reforms and innovative learning solutions. Efforts to improve school accessibility, enhance teacher training and integrate technology have already expanded opportunities for many children. Addressing the needs of students in conflict zones and underserved communities could be essential for breaking cycles of poverty and ensuring long-term development.

– Bailie Cross

Bailie is based in Pensacola, FL, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Grassroots Organizations Tackling Poverty

Grassroots Organizations Tackling PovertyGrassroots organizations are groups of civilians advocating for a cause with solutions from the bottom up. This could include teaching communities skills that help them economically or providing them with the equipment to create their own gardens and food resources. However, as opposed to traditional aid, grassroots organizations tend to focus on the community rather than the hardship, working with them to address their needs and create a sustainable way of tackling the issue. Here are five grassroots organizations tackling poverty from the ground up.

Stand By Me Lesvos

Founded in 2017, Stand By Me Lesvos (SBML) is dedicated to supporting refugee communities on the island through a variety of projects aimed at improving their quality of life. One of SBML’s key initiatives is its educational programs. By offering language courses and other skills training, SBML works with both refugees and local residents to bridge cultural gaps and provide those in need with the tools necessary to integrate into the community and find work on the island.

SBML works to help cultivate a community that helps those in poverty, with both the locals and the refugee communities receiving the skills they need to help tackle poverty themselves rather than rely on aid from governments or larger organizations.

British Ukrainian Aid

British Ukrainian Aid is dedicated to supporting those affected by health poverty in Ukraine, directly improving the health of Ukrainians by providing first aid kits and medical care to those in war zones. One of its recent initiatives involved using ambulances and evacuation vehicles to give people in these areas access to emergency transport, helping to save the lives of those injured.

The organization also ensures that medical professionals in Ukraine have access to life-saving machines like Ultrasound, anesthetic and C-arm machines, providing accessible emergency health care for Ukrainians. The British Ukrainian Aid proudly describes itself as a grassroots charity, emphasizing how important it is for communities to help other groups stand independently.

SOS Children’s Villages

SOS Children’s Villages is a global organization established in 1949 in the aftermath of the Second World War when many children were left orphaned, displaced and living in poverty. The organization is committed to helping children separated from their parents by integrating them into new families and protecting them from the hardships often faced by orphans and vulnerable youth. Whether through rehoming children or reuniting them with their families, SOS Children’s Villages works to ensure their safety and well-being. The organization provides a supportive community that functions as a family and helps to lift them out of poverty during their most vulnerable years.

Plan International

Plan International has helped more than 10,000 girls and boys from 10 countries affected by conflict, working to ensure that every child has a safe environment protected from violence and the impacts of poverty. The organization focuses on empowering those in vulnerable situations and helping to improve their social standing through initiatives like “Real Choices, Real Lives.” This program encourages open discussions about taboo topics, such as sexual and reproductive health, with girls in Benin, aiming to educate and normalize conversations about sexual well-being.

Save! Foundation

Save! Foundation works to improve the quality of life for vulnerable communities across Africa through a wide range of initiatives, including wildlife conservation, health care and education. The foundation focuses on empowering local populations by providing skills and resources to foster sustainable futures. Committed to tackling all aspects of poverty, Save! Foundation designs its projects to reduce dependency and help people break free from the cycle of poverty.

One notable initiative includes the creation of vegetable gardens. The initiative supports local soup kitchens that provide hot meals to those in need. Through these efforts, Save! Foundation emphasizes the importance of grassroots organizations tackling poverty. Indeed, the organization continues to enable communities to become self-sufficient and resilient.

– Caitlin Mulholland

Caitlin is based in Lymington, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Queentrepreneur Women’s Foundation: Empowering Women

Queentrepreneur Women's FoundationIn Africa, women face significant challenges, including high rates of poverty, limited economic participation and widespread illiteracy. According to the United Nations Women, 127 women aged 25 to 34 are experiencing extreme poverty compared to every 100 men in sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore, in sub-Saharan Africa, only 37% of women have a bank account, severely restricting their economic participation. In Nigeria, more than 60% of women are experiencing poverty and more than 10 million children are not in school, even though primary education is free and compulsory.

Furthermore, more than 37 million girls and women in Nigeria are affected by period poverty. Addressing these challenges could significantly reduce poverty rates among women, leading to an increase in economic growth. Estimates show that closing the gender gap in labor force participation could boost sub-Saharan Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) by up to 10%. Improved literacy and economic inclusion for women would also ensure better education, health and protection outcomes for children, breaking the cycle of poverty for future generations.

The Queentrepreneur Women’s Foundation

The Queentrepreneur Women’s Foundation (QWF), a nonprofit organization, is addressing these issues through skill acquisition programs, AI-powered business tools, health education, legal aid partnerships and mentorship. By empowering women with economic, educational and legal resources, QWF aims to transform these challenges into progress and resilience, offering hope and the tools for self-reliance. In return, the women advocate for and look out for children, ensuring they receive the necessary care and protection.

The foundation’s vision is clear and ambitious: to create a sustainable ecosystem where women uplift each other, educate and contribute to eliminating poverty. This vision is brought to life through a series of innovative programs and partnerships that address the multifaceted challenges faced by women and children in Nigeria.

Impacts

The Queentrepreneur Women’s Foundation doesn’t just talk about change; it creates it, one life at a time. Its programs align closely with several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), demonstrating its commitment to global sustainable development.

  • Skill Acquisition for Children: In response to the global fight against poverty, the organization conducts skill acquisition training for children, equipping them with tools for future economic independence. QWF has trained 50 children in entrepreneurship skills. The foundation is also implementing a volunteer program where business women from the network train a child. In return, they receive points that boost their chances for business grant opportunities. This creates a sustainable cycle of empowerment and knowledge transfer.
  • Sanitary Product Distribution: Working with local schools, the foundation distributes sanitary products and conducts sensitization programs for children, addressing crucial aspects of health and education. It has supported more than 1,000 children through sanitary pad distribution in 20 public schools.
  • COVID-19 Education Support: During the pandemic, the foundation connected out-of-school children with mentors worldwide, ensuring that learning continued even when traditional classrooms were inaccessible. Around 122 children were mentored by 20 global mentors.
  • Pro Bono Legal Services: Collaborating with Legal Aid Nigeria, the foundation provides pro bono legal services to women who cannot afford lawyers, ensuring that justice is not a privilege reserved for the wealthy.
  • Rescuing Twins: Beyond economic empowerment, the foundation is also addressing deep-rooted cultural issues. The foundation works with a rescue home in Kuje, Abuja, saving twins from cultural infanticide and donating essential resources for these vulnerable children. This initiative highlights the foundation’s commitment to addressing complex social issues that intersect with women’s empowerment and child welfare.

A Sustainable Model of Empowerment

The organization is distinguished by its sustainable model. Women who benefit from the foundation’s programs are encouraged to give back through advocacy and fundraising, creating a cycle of empowerment that continues to grow and strengthen the community. Indeed, QWF’s core values of empowerment through education, community support and advocacy, innovative solutions and sustainability through giving back are evident in every aspect of its work.

Looking Forward

In a world where the path to gender equality and women’s empowerment can often seem daunting, QWF offers hope and a practical roadmap for change. It reminds us that when we empower women and children, we truly do grow nations and in doing so, we make significant strides toward achieving the global goals for sustainable development.

As QWF continues to grow and expand its reach, it stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when women come together to support and uplift each other and their communities. Furthermore, by addressing immediate needs while also focusing on long-term empowerment and education, the foundation is not just changing individual lives – it’s helping to build a stronger, more equitable future for all.

– Staff Reports
Photo: QWF

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UNICEF’s Action Against Child Displacement in the DRC

Child Displacement in the DRCThe Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the largest country in sub-Saharan Africa, with a population of nearly 100 million. The DRC is rich in natural minerals, hydropower potential and extensive arable land. However, most of the population is unable to benefit from this wealth. The DRC faces political instability, autocratic leaders and long-term conflict. The country is in a humanitarian crisis, with much of the population, including children, experiencing displacement and extreme poverty. Many nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are providing aid to help people affected by displacement, such as UNICEF’s action against militia-induced child displacement in the DRC.

Militia-Induced Child Displacement in the DRC

Much of the DRC is controlled by militia rebel groups, with territories seized on a regular basis. Its east and north provinces experience the most unrest, with violent killings of adults and children, as well as the ransacking of homes, schools and health centers. Families are often separated and forced out of their villages into crowded settlements without safe water, health care and basic services. More than eight million people in the DRC are “acutely food insecure.” Alongside the internal displacement of its citizens, the DRC also hosts refugees from neighboring conflict-affected countries.

Children are being recruited as militia fighters and subjected to sexual assault, violence and separation from their families. Rebel forces have displaced three million children from their homes. The Rwandan-backed M23 rebels are causing mass displacement of civilians and humanitarian organizations in eastern DRC. Recently, militia forces shelled refugee camps in the region, killing 17 people, most of whom were children.

UNICEF’s Mission

Without urgent humanitarian aid, children will continue to suffer. Malnutrition, disease and displacement to unsafe areas are causing high child mortality rates. UNICEF faces challenges while delivering aid due to dangerous environments and weak transport infrastructure for delivering resources. However, UNICEF’s action against militia-induced displacement of children in the DRC, alongside other national partner NGOs, works to provide urgent basic services. These include tarpaulins for shelter, cooking utensils, clean water and sanitation. It also has three long-term initiatives:

  1. Safe Spaces: UNICEF collaborates with local governments and NGOs to provide safe spaces for children. It focuses on providing protective services for survivors of sexual violence, forced military recruitment and separation from their families. In addition to providing physical protection, UNICEF also provides mental health and psychosocial support.
  2. Health Care: Militia groups have invaded many health care centers. The rebels use the premises to set up bases, cutting off basic health services to the population. UNICEF provides support to primary health centers in conflict areas. In 2023, these centers reached more than 375,000 children younger than 5.
    Children are provided with health checkups, including routine and emergency immunizations, to prevent the outbreak of diseases such as polio. UNICEF is also responding to the latest cholera outbreak. The organization provides communities with safe drinking water and water treatment kits. The NGO has people on the ground providing decontamination services for homes, as well as prevention techniques such as awareness and surveillance.
  3. Education: Educational institutions have also been overrun by rebels forcing children out of education. In response, UNICEF has built temporary education units to allow displaced children the opportunity to continue their education safely. It provides school supplies, remedial classes, psychotherapy support and encourages peacebuilding activities.

The Future

In 2019, the DRC appointed a new president, Félix Tshisekedi. He promised major reforms in a bid to transform the country’s image of poverty and war into a growing economy and a favorable place for investment. With support, the Congolese government is attempting to overthrow militia groups and reassert authority in the country.

Similarly, in 2022, the World Bank Group set up the Country Partnership Framework (CPF). This four-year strategy promotes the stabilization and development of the DRC. A large focus of the CPF is on human development and improving essential services such as education, health and social welfare. In 2023, the DRC received more than $8.6 billion from the World Bank to fund 23 development initiatives.

The DRC still suffers from fragility and conflict. However, missions such as UNICEF’s action against militia-induced child displacement in the DRC and the Country Partnership Framework are having positive impacts on the country’s security, economy and the well-being of its people.

– Millie Trussler

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

Photo: Flickr

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Tiny Food Gardens for Children’s Homes in Suriname

Tiny Food GardensEconomic hardships due to inflation and the impacts of COVID-19 increased the need for initiatives to improve access to healthy food for children’s homes in Suriname. Ambassadors of Forest93 Suriname have established Tiny Food Gardens and First Food Forests to address this pressing issue.

Forest 93

Suriname is the smallest country in South America and simultaneously the world’s most forested country, according to CEOWORLD. Its forests, stewarded by the Indigenous and Maroon population, cover more than 93% of the country. Green Growth Suriname (GGS) established Forest93 as a national campaign to strengthen the public’s connection to nature and raise awareness of the need for nature legislation and novel approaches to data collection.

The name of this campaign serves as a reminder of the Surinamese government’s pledge made at COP-23 to maintain 93% forest cover. In 2021, successful fundraising by GGS enabled the launch of the Tiny Food Gardens initiative. In 2023, the Fernandes Bottling Company donated funds through a Christmas Caravan fundraising to GGS to expand the Tiny Food Gardens program.

Tiny Food Gardens

The Tiny Food Gardens program (TFG) launched during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, a time of increased hardship. Following the economic struggles caused by inflation and a plunge in gross domestic product per capita in 2016, Suriname faced further challenges due to the pandemic. According to the International Labor Organization’s Suriname Mid-term Market Labor Policy 2022-2025, unemployment rose and more businesses failed in 2021 compared to 2019. These circumstances heightened the need for initiatives to improve access to healthy food, particularly for the vulnerable inhabitants of children’s homes in Suriname.

The TFG initiative provides gardening training, educational booklets to monitor plant growth and informative sessions on sustainable solutions to single-use plastic, such as using plastic bottles for planting, in children’s homes. With this knowledge, the homes can grow their spices and vegetables. TFG ensured the homes could run their gardens as independently as possible by training youths in woodwork to craft gardening tables using a “train-the-trainer” approach. To ensure proper project implementation, part of the group monitored the gardening activities in children’s homes in Suriname for the first six months.

Impact

Children’s homes had tiny gardens in the form of gardening tables created as part of a social program for incarcerated people. Forest93 reports that at least two gardening tables were delivered to six children’s homes in Paramaribo, Wanica and Commewijne districts. More than 150 children participated in the TFG program. They helped cultivate 53 small gardens. Eleven young people completed the train-the-trainer course, four of whom gained valuable experience monitoring the project.

In addition to learning gardening as an essential life skill, studies have shown that gardening benefits mental and physical health. Additionally, Forest93 allocated a budget to install water tanks for rainwater storage for irrigation after it became apparent that homes participating in the project experienced increased water bills.

Conclusion

The TFG program has helped children’s homes cut costs while providing healthy meals. This initiative, initiated by ambassadors of Forest93 Suriname, plays a significant role in encouraging youth and the wider community to reimagine the possibilities of creating food security. TFG teaches young people to maintain a garden and enables them to experience the (mental) health benefits of connecting with nature.

– Tanisha Groeneveld

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

Photo: Pexels

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Child Marriages in Malaysia: Tradition, Law and Reform

Child Marriages in MalaysiaMalaysia, an up-and-coming developing country that has fought its way through Portuguese, Dutch and British colonization from 1511 to 1824. It is also recognized as one of the 17 megadiverse countries, rich in natural heritage and biodiversity. Despite its progress toward modernization, Malaysia has seen an alarming increase in child marriages.

Law

Countries like Iraq, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Malaysia all have one thing in common: the Shariah jurisdiction, which is a form of religious law that is based on Islamic scriptures. The Shariah jurisdictions are split into three different systems:

  1. Classic Shariah system: Sharia law serves as the national law and the judiciary is often overseen by a monarch, as seen in Saudi Arabia, Iran and Brunei.
  2. Secular system: Shariah courts handle only personal affairs and have no authority over the country’s legal system, as in Indonesia, India and Nigeria.
  3. Mixed system: The most common system, where the national legal system coexists with Shariah jurisdiction over specific areas such as marriage, divorce, child custody, dress code and alcohol consumption.

While the jurisdiction of religious laws may appear suitable in some contexts, certain practices may be seen as extreme. For example, in 2019, Brunei’s Sharia jurisdiction introduced a new penal code that mandates death by stoning for offenses such as blasphemy, apostasy, sodomy and insults to Islam.

Correlations

The correlation between child marriages and Sharia courts lies in the fact that Sharia jurisdictions often bypass the legal age requirement for marriage, putting many vulnerable children at risk. One of the most common reasons for child marriages is financial hardship, leading parents to arrange marriages for their children in hopes of securing their future. Unfortunately, this often results in children missing out on their childhood and education and possibly facing abusive relationships.

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), a total of 1,856 children were married in 2018, 1,372 of whom were female and 170 of whom were male, making 83% of such marriages under the Muslim faith. Unfortunately, according to data from the Shariah Judiciary Department of Malaysia, the approval rate for underage marriage during 2005–2015 was around 82%, with the Law Reform Act 1976 (LRA) unable to detest the Shariah court, allowing the lives of 1,856 children and many more in danger.

Reform

In response, Malaysia’s Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development has launched the National Strategy for Addressing the Causes of Child Marriages, which will run from 2020 to 2025. The plan includes six factors, such as low household income, lack of education and negligent laws. It aims to provide social protection for low-income households, improve access to sexual reproductive health and parenting education, increase school attendance and address stigma around child marriage in communities. The strategy also calls for stricter laws to prevent underage marriages and ensure accurate data on marital status.

This strategic plan has already shown positive results, reducing the number of child marriages in Malaysia from 1,856 in 2018 to 1,042 in 2021, a reduction of approximately 44%. Although there’s still much work to be done, more nongovernmental organizations are collaborating to put an end to child marriage ultimately.

– Rayden Lim Jun Ee

Rayden is based in Tropicana, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr