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Fighting Child Poverty with Universal Free School Meals

Universal Free School MealsMore than 40 million children worldwide suffer from severe hunger yearly. Child hunger is a barrier to learning. Hunger stints focus and affect behavior. But it is a barrier we can break down—a barrier that, with a simple solution, can be eradicated. Globally, different organizations and governments have adopted programs to feed hungry children. Universal Free School Meals programs (UFSM) can be vital in reducing the stigma associated with child poverty. From spaghetti bolognese to chicken curry, here are some of the ways that free school meal provision supports children and families facing poverty.

Estonia

The UFSM program in Estonia began in 2002 and is supported by government spending and international donors. The program aims to provide all children in primary and secondary education with a universal model. The Estonian food pyramid influences it and includes education in nutrition and physical health.

Additionally, Estonia has implemented a fruit, vegetables and milk scheme to support local farmers and provide children with these foods to take home. This program not only benefits children in the classroom but also provides long-term health benefits by offering nutritionally rich foods and imparting knowledge about healthy eating habits.

In 2021, Estonian feeding programs received $46,697,172 of funding. With this support, 221,479 children, representing the total number of students enrolled in primary and secondary education, received a free school meal. The universal component of this scheme reduces stigma, making school more enjoyable.

These programs also support parents, as students from lower-income backgrounds are identified as needing more resources. Schemes in Estonia have close ties with local food banks within the communities they operate in. Parents can receive extra support from food banks without the fear of shame that may be associated with seeking this service. These partnerships support all members, enabling families to be better supported and fed.

Sweden

Sweden, during WW2, demonstrated that promoting UFSM concerns more than just hunger. The lack of nutritional quality in some packed lunches negatively impacts the health and focus of children in schools. By 1969, all municipalities had implemented UFSM programs, a scheme that maintains its positive impact today.

The program is almost entirely government-funded, with a budget of $151,332,6795 in 2021. This year, out of the 2,333,942 students enrolled, 2,177,882 students received lunches in schools. This scheme focuses on ensuring that children have a pleasant experience with food, meaning they accumulate positive associations with healthy eating. This can keep children from missing school due to ill health or dental issues.

Accompanying this program, teachers eat with their students at lunchtime. This forges a positive bond between teachers and students, further contributing to children’s positive experiences of education and increasing the likelihood of them wanting to stay in education long term.

The lifelong impacts of Sweden’s UFSM programs demonstrate that such schemes are beneficial for reducing the risk of poverty in adulthood and in children. Recipients from lower-income families throughout their school years had higher earnings of up to 6% during their professional lives. This demonstrates the long-term economic benefits UFSM programs can have for children.

Australia

In Australia, an organization called Eat Up advocates for an approach to UFSM provision. The scheme was established in 2015, targeting children from low-income backgrounds in schools. In addition to feeding children in schools, Eat Up has strong community ties and helps both children and their families.

In 2021, the organization’s budget was $489,628, which was spent feeding children across the country. Through this budget, 85,000 children in schools received food. The most vulnerable children felt nourished and supported in their education, which enhanced their capacity to focus in the classroom.

The scheme allows children who may otherwise go without to have what could be their only meal in a day. This encourages children to go to school and relieves parental pressure.

Final Remark

Universal Free School Meals programs are highly beneficial and a great solution to child poverty. Schemes in Estonia and Sweden demonstrate that government-led schemes with a universal, targeted approach can positively impact education experiences. Australia’s advocacy through the Eat Up program presents an alternative that shows organizations can also play a crucial role in feeding children in schools.

Turning to the figures, in 2022, the European Union (EU) average for the risk of children falling into poverty was 24.7%. In Sweden, it was 19.9%, which is lower than the average. Lower still, Estonia’s rate was 16.6%. The success of these programs in terms of poverty alleviation is evident, as countries with established programs see rates below the average.

These programs can play a crucial role in solving child poverty. By helping families and children, their benefits inspire a reminder that there is a solution to poverty.

– Sarah Littleton

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

Photo: Pexels

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Solution in Sight for Drought in the Horn of Africa

Drought in AfricaThe Horn of Africa, encompassing Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, South Sudan and Uganda, has been experiencing the most severe drought in decades. This crisis has directly and indirectly impacted millions. The death toll in Somalia alone reached a staggering 43,000 in 2022. However, the accurate scale of the devastation caused by the drought in the Horn of Africa will only become clear once we have the total count of deaths from the other affected countries.

Current Situation

In the past three years, the region has been grappling with a severe lack of precipitation, with some areas receiving minimal to no rainfall. This prolonged drought has had devastating consequences, particularly for the communities whose livelihoods depend on livestock and the rain. Approximately 10 million animals have perished due to drought, resulting in displacement for millions of herders who are forced to flee their homes for areas where water is available and seek humanitarian assistance.

The drought-related food insecurity has pushed them to the brink, where they face hunger, malnutrition, starvation and even death. Furthermore, the drought has increased transportation costs and food prices, exacerbating the situation and plunging more individuals into poverty. These dire conditions have also heightened the risk of conflicts in the region.

Good News

Recurrent droughts have led to collaborative efforts between governments and aid agencies to explore long-term sustainable solutions. These efforts have yielded promising results, with numerous studies revealing substantial regional underground water reserves. This finding offers hope in this crisis, as these reserves have the potential to sustain millions of people for an extended period, reducing their dependency on rainwater and mitigating the effects of drought and other such phenomena.

Project – Africa Groundwater Access Facility

Implementing a cross-border initiative presents challenges and opportunities of paramount significance to the region. Essential to this project is the necessitated exchange of knowledge and comprehensive research across participating nations. The primary objectives of this strategic plan are as follows:

  1. Active engagement of local communities to instill a sense of ownership and commitment to the project.
  2. Rigorous identification of already known drought hotspots for targeted intervention.
  3. Execute well drilling and establish deep underground bores near these identified hotspots for long-term water scarcity mitigation.

Other Solutions – Land Restoration

Certain countries, like Burkina Faso, are implementing nature-based solutions to challenges such as drought and flooding. These strategies involve tree planting, utilizing innovative agricultural practices and integrating agriculture, farming, fruit crops and livestock pastors within a single area. This holistic approach, which is cost-effective and sustainable, has the potential to not only help millions of people but also save billions of hectares of land in low-income countries in the years to come.

Final Remark

Approximately 1.84 billion people worldwide are impacted by drought, with 85% residing in low-income countries. According to estimates, drought will displace 700 million in the next decade and affect one in every four children. Therefore, the urgency of finding sustainable solutions to reduce the effects of drought cannot be overstated. 

– Maria Waleed

Maria is based in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Sweet Potato Flour as a Solution to Food Insecurity

Solution to Food InsecurityPoverty and especially rural poverty, is becoming an increasing problem in South Africa, as well as in the whole of Africa. This is leading to urbanization, food insecurity and joblessness. An estimated 20% of the African population is undernourished. In 2022, around 868 million people in Africa experienced moderate to severe food insecurity, while the total population of Africa was approximately 1.42 billion in the same year. Food insecurity can be attributed to poverty, extreme weather and conflict.

One Solution to Food Insecurity

Root and tuber crops, such as sweet potatoes, are important for food security. As a drought-tolerant crop, sweet potatoes are resilient in warm climates like those in sub-Saharan Africa. They are a staple food globally, especially in developing countries, providing affordable and accessible nutrition. Sweet potatoes hold great economic value in South Africa. However, after harvest, there is a limited time to determine when they are good to eat. They are harvested once a year and are ripe for a limited period.

InnoFoodAfrica

InnoFoodAfrica is a cross-continental project that aims to enhance food and nutrition security in Africa. As part of this project, researchers at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, have found a way to make orange-fleshed sweet potato last longer by making flour out of it. A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Food Science candidate, Daddy Kgonothi, has been central in the development of this flour. The goal of the invention was to address micronutrient deficiencies among young children and pregnant women.

Sweet potato has a short shelf life of only two to three weeks. The flour, which is made from the same crop, has a shelf life of a whole year. Sweet potato contains beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A deficiency is one of the leading causes of micronutrient deficiencies in children younger than 6 and among pregnant women. Sweet potato also contains a high level of fiber and antioxidants. This protects the body from free radical damage and promotes a healthy gut and brain.

Flour is also a good source of iron, zinc and phosphorus. When sweet potato is made into flour, it lasts longer, which can lead to more people getting their hands on the product. It is also versatile and can be used in many recipes, such as bread. This way, the flour can be a solution to deficiencies.

The Impacts of the Sweet Potato Flour

The flour is one solution to food insecurity in not only South Africa but also large parts of Africa. The development of the flour was finalized in 2022. It allows people to enjoy the nutrients and benefits of the crop all year long. Not only is the flour helping enhance general food insecurity in South Africa and the rest of Africa, but it is especially helping pregnant women and children eat more nutritious food.

– Sigrid Nyhammer

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

Photo: Pixabay

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Child Poverty in Djibouti

Child Poverty in DjiboutiThe Republic of Djibouti is home to 1.1 million people. With a GDP growth of 6.7% in 2023, Djibouti has experienced a graceful economic incline due to port commerce and trade. Despite attaining low-middle income status, the poverty rate in Djibouti currently sits at 79%. Socio-economic pressure on Djiboutian families living on lower-income status or below the poverty line has caused widespread exposure to child labour and malnutrition. Children living in rural areas are more likely to be struggling with insufficient prenatal care and social services such as education and health care facilities. With the consideration of children representing a third of the country’s population, the alleviation of child poverty in Djibouti continues to be an essential step in governmental & international humanitarian relief.

A Debrief of Djibouti’s Malnutrition Crisis

Djibouti’s record of food insecurity traces back to its heavy dependence on foreign aid and struggles with “persistent droughts and food shortages.” The weather in Djibouti instigates consistent agricultural production with conditions of 130 mm of rainfall per year, according to the World Bank, and recurring droughts. As one of Africa’s smallest countries, Djibouti’s limitation in arable land impedes the ability to produce food, the World Bank reports. The insufficient production of food resources is disproportionate to the necessary nutritional needs of a human being, significantly impacting 42% of the population of Djibouti that is living in extreme poverty, according to the World Food Programme (WFP). As a result, the country imports 90% of food production through global markets instead.

The increment in pricing for commodities such as housing, electricity and water fuels financial pressure on lower to middle-income families. Household expenses in addition to the inflated international food import prices render it difficult for parents to protect children and adolescents from nutritional deficiency. Due to limited economic opportunity for lower-income Djiboutian families, the financial prioritization of basic household requirements leaves little room for imperative dietary coverage.

Djibouti holds one of the highest cases of child malnutrition compared to other countries within the Middle East and North Africa regions. Due to the exacerbated food shortages, weather conditions and economic setbacks, one in three Djiboutian children are severely malnourished, according to the SOS Children’s Villages. More than 10% of Djiboutian children aged between 6 and 59 months are living in households with food insecurity and are suffering from acute malnutrition, according to a 2011 report. The high occurrence of malnutrition due to limited feeding practices for Djibouti’s children comes with deterioration in physical development such as stunted growth and critically underweight.

Susceptibility to Child Labor

Due to the financial strain on families, children have to be a part of the workforce from an early age. Djiboutian children are more likely to work at the age of 5 than to be attending school or other childhood services, according to the World Bank report. Often, these children struggle with aggressive workplace conditions to attend school or contribute to their family income. From caring for livestock to street work such as polishing shoes or washing cars, Djiboutian children in the workforce partake in diverse roles. However, Djibouti’s children are also vulnerable to illicit activities such as human trafficking. Commercialized sexual exploitation occurs due to the absence of labor inspectors.

While Djibouti’s Ministry of Labor has enacted laws that provide standardized guidelines on child labor; there yet exists legal gaps in protection from sexual exploitation. The country proposed the national labor inspection Strategy in 2020, however, it has been ineffective in applying adequate protection against child labor. Children’s exploitation occurs due to the absence of labor inspectors, according to Humanium. The financial strain on Djibouti’s government prohibits further law enforcement protocol to protect vulnerable children from unethical forms of labor. Child labor tends to compromise a child’s engagement with education due to physically and psychologically demanding circumstances that they are subjected to.

Going Forward With International Effort

International organizations alongside the Djiboutian government are in motion to develop policies and services to secure food, proper housing and educational opportunities for children living in harsh conditions. For example, the SOS Children’s Villages has been providing support in Djibouti for children without parental care since 2011. SOS Children’s Villages have immensely supported 190 Djiboutian children and families living in poverty within the city of Tadjourah.

Additionally, UNICEF and the WFP are simultaneously strategizing to reduce acute malnutrition through policy advocacy. UNICEF has appealed for $2.5 million from the U.S. government where 36% would go to water, sanitation and hygiene, around 8% would be allocated for education, and around 17% for food security. UNICEF has also partnered with Djibouti’s government to provide accessible water and nutritional goods for more than 6,000 children.

In 2022, the World Bank approved a $30 million International Development Association (IDA) grant for Djibouti to provide financial means to protect families that are exposed to sudden economic disparities. Due to the recurrence of severe droughts, pricing in Djibouti has had a significant impact on lower-income households. The Social Protection Emergency Crisis Response Project is on a mission to generate social safety nets for households in Djibouti struggling with multiple crises.

A Secure Childhood

This form of financial protection could shield vulnerable families from national crises, and those that cannot be substantially supported by the government. By ameliorating the scarcity of resources for families living in poverty, children in Djibouti are pushed even further to attain a secure childhood as every child should. A safe environment for children in Djibouti begins with quality education, access to nutrition, and relief from labor exploitation. International focus has been a remarkable contributor to protecting the rights and freedom of the young generations of Djibouti and preventing further child poverty in Djibouti.

– Abigail Lobo

Abigail is based in Ontario, Canada and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Food Fortification: Using Staple Foods to Combat Malnutrition

Food Fortification: Using Staple Foods to Combat MalnutritionSince 2017, the prevalence of undernourishment has risen globally, with an estimated 735 million people affected according to the 2023 Global Hunger Index. Undernutrition is linked to nearly half of all deaths among children under 5, predominantly in low- and middle-income countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies micronutrient deficiencies as a significant health issue, particularly the lack of iron, iodine, vitamin A and zinc, which are crucial for growth and development. These deficiencies pose severe health risks, especially to children and pregnant women in developing nations. With inflating food costs, climate change and the growing threat of conflicts around the world,  the world is experiencing its worst global food crisis in decades. In response, food fortification presents a sustainable, innovative and cost-effective strategy to combat malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies worldwide.

Addressing Malnutrition

Malnutrition and chronic illnesses in the Global South pose significant obstacles to achieving the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Concern Worldwide U.S. indicates that, at the current rate of progress, the MDG of eradicating hunger by 2030 is unlikely. Micronutrient deficiencies impact more than two billion people worldwide, with severe repercussions for the health, social and economic well-being of nations, families and individuals, particularly affecting women and children.

Strategic Approaches to Combat Malnutrition

Food fortification involves deliberately enhancing the nutritional quality of food by adding vitamins and minerals. This practice helps prevent, reduce and control micronutrient deficiencies in the general population and specific groups, including children and pregnant women. Over recent decades, large-scale food fortification has emerged as a crucial strategy to combat malnutrition, reaching billions by making staple foods like flour, rice and edible oil more nutritious.

Globally, experts rank food fortification as one of the most cost-effective interventions in global development. Nutrition International (NI), an organization dedicated to providing nutrition interventions where they are most needed, collaborates with governments, industry stakeholders and other organizations. The organization works to supply fortified staple foods and condiments by promoting mandatory fortification and enhancing social safety net programs through these partnerships.

Fortified Rice: The Bangladeshi Experience

Rice serves as the primary nutrition source in many developing countries, including Bangladesh, where extensive malnutrition and chronic illnesses persist. It accounts for 67.5% of the daily caloric intake in Bangladesh, making it the third-largest rice market globally from 2020 to 2021. Approximately 40% of the rice produced in Bangladesh is for home consumption. For poorer populations, meals typically consist of rice accompanied only by vegetables and spices. Consequently, the Bangladeshi diet often lacks essential micronutrients, contributing to a significant national burden of micronutrient deficiencies. Despite notable reductions in malnutrition rates among children and women, these deficiencies remain widespread.

According to the 2019-2020 National Micronutrient Survey of Bangladesh, approximately 61% of surveyed women did not achieve the minimum requirements for healthy dietary diversity. With assistance from Nutrition International, Bangladesh has utilized large-scale food fortification within its social safety net programs to combat micronutrient deficiencies by providing fortified rice. Collaborative efforts involving the Bangladeshi government, the World Food Programme and Nutrition International have facilitated rice fortification with zinc, iron, folic acid, vitamin A and vitamins B1 and B12. This fortified rice is distributed across Bangladesh’s districts through various points. Since launching in 2013, the initiative has reached more than 15 million people via two major safety net programs. In 2021, the fortified rice initiative expanded into commercial markets on a pilot basis.

Flour and Oil: The Case of Pakistan

Pakistan loses about 3% of its GDP or approximately $7.6 billion, annually due to malnutrition. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that 37.5 million people in Pakistan are not receiving proper nutrition. In response, Nutrition International, funded by U.K. aid and collaborating with Mott MacDonald, initiated a project to institutionalize fortified edible oil and wheat flour across 56 districts in Pakistan. By 2019, these ongoing efforts had significantly increased the production of fortified goods, providing more than 65 million people across the country with essential micronutrients. The program now aims to expand its reach to 155 million people with fortified edible oil and 87 million people with fortified wheat flour by 2027.

Looking Ahead

The positive impact of food fortification programs in countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan illuminates a path toward mitigating global malnutrition. The ongoing initiatives demonstrate the tangible benefits of strategic collaborations that enhance the nutritional content of staple foods, offering hope for substantial improvements in public health. As these ongoing efforts expand, the potential to significantly reduce micronutrient deficiencies and improve life outcomes for millions globally continues to grow.

– Irene Suvillaga

Irene is based in Ontario, Canada and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The prevention of malnutrition and IDA in the Philippines

The prevention of malnutrition and IDA in the PhilippinesA significant proportion of the Philippines suffers from malnutrition, and more than 18% of the population lives below the poverty line. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is one of the most prominent micronutrient deficiencies among infants and young children in the Philippines, and it can be easily prevented via the consumption of fortified and iron-rich foods. IDA causes significant health care costs and can result in disability and loss of productivity.

The Impact of Cost

Fortification provides a better solution to IDA and other nutrient deficiencies than supplementation or treatment and would be effective in treating malnutrition in the Philippines. However, many individuals from lower-income backgrounds experience IDA or malnutrition because most nutrient-rich foods are not affordable.

Infants and Children

Infants aged 6-11 months have the highest prevalence of nutrient deficiency in the Philippines, with approximately 56.5% suffering from IDA. This is followed by approximately 41% of children aged 12-23 months also suffering from IDA. Increasing iron uptake would improve overall health and provide a positive impact on both physical and cognitive ability. As a result, these infants and children could grow up to have a more positive contribution to society, both socially and economically, a step toward ending malnutrition in the Philippines.

Women

An additional group of individuals who benefit from food fortification is women of reproductive age. IDA can be caused by an increased demand for iron in the body, as a result of menstruation or pregnancy. Consuming enough iron to prevent IDA is much easier than curing it during pregnancy. Iron needs to be readily available, alongside education that promotes the necessity of an iron-rich diet.

The Philippines Multisectoral Nutrition Project

In 2022, the government of the Philippines launched the Philippines Multisectoral Nutrition Project, “To increase the utilization of a package of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions and improve key behaviors and practices known to reduce stunting in targeted local government units.” Financed by the World Bank, the plan aims to significantly reduce malnutrition in the Philippines within four years, thereby increasing the number of the population able to contribute to the country’s financial success.

One goal is to increase the amount of pregnant women receiving prescribed antenatal care and iron-folic supplementation for IDA by 50%. It also aims to increase the number of infants aged 6-23 months who are consuming an age-appropriate adequate diet by more than 50%. It additionally aims to introduce nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions to help educate communities on the importance of a balanced diet and nutrients such as iron.

This program targets 235 towns in the Philippines, with the aim of providing children and pregnant women with nutritional support and essential health care. Strategies that are part of the plan include providing fortified food and access to clean sanitation to families with infants and young children, and providing supplements and health care support to pregnant women suffering from IDA and other nutrient deficiencies.

Looking Ahead

The Philippines is making great efforts toward reducing and preventing malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies among poorer communities. Using supplementation to provide support for those already suffering, especially vulnerable individuals such as pregnant women, alongside making fortified foods accessible to the poorer communities, provides great hope for a healthier, more productive country.

– Charlotte Campion
Photo: Flickr

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5 Things You Should Know About the SAFE Act

SAFE ActAccording to the World Health Organization, in 2021, 828 million people were impacted by global hunger. The Securing Allies Food in Emergencies (SAFE) Act — which is currently being voted on in the Senate — will work to address global hunger and food insecurity. Here are five things to know about the SAFE Act (S.436).

  1. The SAFE Act was created in response to the food crisis in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion. According to the New York Times, Russian attacks on Ukraine “cripple[d] the grain terminals where wheat and corn are loaded onto ships,” resulting in a Ukrainian food crisis. The SAFE Act was created to aid Ukraine as well as areas that rely upon Ukrainian and Russian goods. 
  2. The SAFE Act will also aid countries supported by the United Nations World Food Program. The United Nations World Food Program is “the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.” Unfortunately, this program greatly relies upon importing goods from Ukraine. The SAFE Act would provide support to the countries that rely upon this program to ensure that they are still able to receive the help they need. 
  3. It has bipartisan support. The SAFE Act currently has political support from both of the major American political parties. It was introduced in the Senate by Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) and Senator Jim Risch (R-ID). 
  4. The SAFE Act will provide assistance to the millions of people living in poverty who are impacted by global hunger and food insecurity. In the words of The Hunger Project, “poverty causes hunger.” While not all people living in poverty are hungry, nearly all people dealing with the impacts of global hunger live in poverty. This means that a piece of legislation such as the SAFE Act has the potential to greatly help those living in poverty. 
  5. Food insecurity negatively impacts children’s education. Many children in countries impacted by global hunger and food insecurity have a difficult time in school as hunger inhibits their ability to concentrate. Sometimes, hunger leaves students with no choice but to withdraw from school, which can negatively affect their life outcomes. 

Looking Ahead

Putting the SAFE Act into law is not the only step being taken to fight back against global hunger. Several nonprofit organizations have similar goals. Founded in 1979, Action Against Hunger is an organization dedicated to taking action to stop global hunger. 

They do this through detecting and treating undernutrition and malnutrition in a variety of countries, working with local health workers to teach parents and caregivers about breastfeeding and nutrition and providing mental health support to those suffering from the negative mental health effects of food insecurity. Some of Action Against Hunger’s key milestones include halving the world’s undernourished population over the last 30 years and expanding its outreach to over 50 countries. From legislation such as the SAFE Act to organizations such as Action Against Hunger, hopefully, global hunger will come to an end one day.

– Nicole Alexander
Photo: Flickr

Child Poverty in Yemen

child-poverty-in-yemenYemen is currently in the middle of the worst humanitarian crisis in the world. Yemen has been in conflict since 2015, a situation that has devastated its economy. COVID-19 also hit Yemen’s economy hard due to a fall in global prices, weak public infrastructure and a limited ability to cope with extreme climate events. Yemen’s death rate is currently five times the global average. Unfortunately, the crisis Yemen is experiencing most heavily impacts children and puts millions of kids at risk of starvation. Here is more information on child poverty in Yemen.

The Crisis in Yemen

There is an immense tragedy occurring in Yemen. Estimates have determined that Yemen’s overall poverty rate is 80% and the war has already set back the country’s development by 25 years. In addition to facing the enormous impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Yemen continues to battle mass outbreaks of preventable diseases such as cholera, diptheria, measles and dengue fever. On top of fighting these diseases, the conflict in Yemen is actively occurring. The war has resulted in the deaths of nearly a quarter of a million people from its start in 2015 to mid-2021. Unfortunately, Yemen’s children are the most vulnerable members of society and this crisis has caused child poverty in Yemen to be a critical issue.

Starvation and Malnutrition

According to UNICEF, 11 million children in Yemen urgently need humanitarian assistance. Child poverty in Yemen is continuing to rise, and more than 2.3 million children could starve by the end of 2021. This represents an unprecedented hunger crisis. Of these 2.3 million, expectations have stated that 400,000 will face acute malnutrition and could die without urgent treatment. Additionally, 1.2 million pregnant and breastfeeding mothers may experience malnourishment by the end of 2021, meaning that over 1 million children will be born in hunger. Between 2015 and 2020, over 3,000 children have been killed as a result of the war. As a result of facing so much trauma and conflict, an astonishing half of the children in Yemen are struggling with depression.

Impact on Education

Beyond the fact that the pandemic and conflict in Yemen are impacting children’s basic needs such as food, education is also under threat. Before the pandemic, 2 million children were out of school and 3.7 million more were at risk of leaving school altogether. Pandemic closures increased the number of kids at risk to 8 million, and teachers are not receiving pay. At least 4.7 million children are in need of educational assistance. Schools lack funds, resources and adequate sanitation, especially for girls. According to UNICEF, Yemen now owes $70 million in stipends to teachers. In addition to the pandemic preventing attendance, the conflict has destroyed about 2,000 schools.

Finding Hope

The Yemenis are resilient and are searching for solutions despite all of the turmoil. Communities are rebuilding their own schools and providing these schools with essential resources. The vast majority of schools in Yemen have no electricity. This means that kids have no access to clean water and sanitation services. The Yemen Emergency Electricity Access Project is working to install solar energy systems in schools. Solar energy can provide sanitary resources to students and the community. It also improves children’s experience in the classroom by providing light and a comfortable environment. This project should help at least 1.3 million people. Meanwhile, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) put up nine solar microgrids to improve energy access.

In order to combat the mental health crisis in Yemen, social workers are providing mobile counseling. In 2018, UNFPA established six psychological support centers. Since then, these centers provided mobile psychological support to about 18,000 people, and the demand for these services is rising due to both the pandemic and continuing conflict.

Spreading the Word

The crisis in Yemen is vast and will take a united effort to address. One important factor in working to end this crisis is awareness. Social media posts, conversations and contacting U.S. government representatives are all methods to spread the word. While the U.S. did suggest a ceasefire in Yemen, this request will likely go unheeded if it does not take sufficient action to halt military support to the Saudi and Emirati-led coalition. The resilience of the Yemenis and help from the rest of the world can fight child poverty in Yemen and aid in the overarching crisis.

– Jacqueline Zembek
Photo: Flickr

Min and Mon Supports Wayuu Artisans in Colombia

Wayuu Artisans in Colombia
La Guajira, an arid peninsula located on the northeastern border of Colombia and Venezuela, is home to an indigenous clan known as the Wayuu. This region is one of Colombia’s most impoverished and underdeveloped regions, and poverty in La Guajira remains incredibly high. With Venezuelan refugees and local coal mines depleting resources, the Wayuu rely on ancient weaving techniques to support their communities. Min and Mon is a company that empowers Wayuu artisans in Colombia to rise out of poverty by utilizing their craftsmanship skills and culture.

Who Are the Wayuu?

In the desert of La Guajira, the Wayuu reside in traditional housing structures called rancherias, or huts built from palm leaves, mud and dried cane. Indigenous to Colombia, these clans are typically matriarchal. In other words, women hold important political, spiritual and economic roles. As others typically expect women to preserve the traditions of their tribe, young girls prepare for this task as soon as they begin to menstruate. Over the course of several months to a year, girls go through a ritual known as confinement during which they may only contact their female family members or prominent women in the community. During this time, they inherit Waleker — the gift of weaving.

Wayuu, meaning “people of the sun, sand and wind,” communicate their ancestral roots through the act of weaving and trade handwoven goods in exchange for food or money. Due to drought and extreme poverty, the Wayuu tribe has had to transition from a self-sustaining agricultural economy to finding jobs in local factories or the service sector. The inequality present in rural areas of Colombia has deeply affected indigenous communities and ravaged their access to basic resources. With a poverty rate of roughly 84%, the Wayuu suffer from high infant mortality rates, child hunger, drought and a lack of opportunities to progress.

Hanging by a Thread

While rural areas across Colombia experience extreme poverty, the Wayuu remain disproportionally affected due to their proximity to the Venezuelan border. At the turn of the century, many Colombians flocked to Venezuela in search of promising economic opportunities. However, the current Venezuelan humanitarian crisis has prompted many to flee the country and return to Colombia. The presence of smugglers operating in the desert has created an influx of refugees settling in or around La Guajira, thus forcing the Wayuu to share already limited resources with a growing population.

The Cerrejón coal mine, which has been operating in the area since the 1980s, exacerbated this problem. As the world’s 10th largest mine, daily drilling operations, explosions and water demand have run La Guajira dry. Cerrejón uses nearly 4.2 million gallons of water per day, running an already tight supply very low and leaving the coal dust to contaminate what remains. In 2019, only 68.2% of people had a water connection and 96% lacked access to clean water as existing wells were either dried up or polluted.

Malnutrition in La Guajira

Limited resources have also led to an increase in malnutrition, making conditions especially difficult for child poverty in La Guajira. Human Rights Watch estimates that one out of every 10 Wayuu children under the age of 5 die of hunger; a rate that is six times higher than the national average. In 2019 alone, La Guajira accounted for 7% of the country’s deaths from malnutrition. Corpoguajira, an environmental agency in the area, reports that three-fourths of families face food insecurity with many children eating roughly one meal a day. While various organizations have attempted to work with the government to initiate change, the lack of a proper census withholds accurate case data on deaths from malnutrition and dirty water.

Weaving a Legacy

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, policy amendments have emerged to help regulate emergency sanitation concerns and provide access to necessities. Though this has helped indigenous communities to an extent, it has done more to isolate them from nearby cities that they relied on in the past to do business. Without an outlet to trade their handwoven goods, the Wayuu tribe has had to find other ways to make money.

One such way has been the partnership between Wayuu artisans in Colombia and company Min and Mon, which has allowed Wayuu artisans in Colombia to reach an international audience. Founded by a “husband and wife team,” Min and Mon is committed to preserving Colombian traditions of craftsmanship and is inspired by the ancient leathercraft native to the area. Min and Mon have newly partnered with Wayuu communities, commissioning them to produce unique designs crocheted by tribes in La Guajira. Not only has this project been able to support Wayuu artists but it has given them a crutch on which to grow their businesses and provide for their families.

In aiding poverty reduction in La Guajira, Min and Mon empower Wayuu bagmakers to continue a sacred tradition passed down for generations. Though the fight to end poverty in rural regions of Colombia wages on, giving communities a chance to help themselves is a step in the right direction.

– Nicole Yaroslavsky
Photo: Flickr

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Healthcare: Telemedicine Clinics in Guatemala

Telemedicine Clinics in GuatemalaNew telemedicine clinics in Guatemala are providing vital resources to women and children living in remote areas with limited access to healthcare specialists. This advancement in healthcare technology increases Guatemala’s healthcare accessibility and follows a trend of a worldwide increase in telemedicine services.

Guatemala’s New Telemedicine Clinics

Guatemala’s Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS), in conjunction with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization, launched four new telemedicine clinics in Guatemala in December 2020.

The clinics were designed to improve accessibility to doctors and specialists for citizens living in rural areas, where unstable or lengthy travel can deter patients from getting the care they need. Lack of staff is another barrier telemedicine hopes to overcome. Special attention will be given to issues of child malnutrition and maternal health.

The funding of the program was made possible through financial assistance from the Government of Sweden and the European Union. aimed at increasing healthcare access in rural areas across the world.

Guatemala’s State of Healthcare

Roughly 80% of Guatemala’s doctors are located within metropolitan areas, leaving scarce availability for those living in rural areas. Issues of nutrition and maternal healthcare are special targets for the new program due to the high rates of child malnutrition and maternal mortality in Guatemala.

Guatemala’s child malnutrition rates are some of the highest in all of Central America and disproportionately affect its indigenous communities. Throughout the country, 46.5% of children under 5 are stunted due to malnutrition.

Maternal death rates are high among women in Guatemala but the country has seen a slow and steady decline in maternal mortality over the last two decades. The most recently reported maternal death rate is 95 per 100,000 births.

Guatemala does have a promising antenatal care rate, with 86% of women receiving at least four antenatal care visits during their pregnancies. By increasing the access to doctors through telemedicine clinics, doctors can better diagnose issues arising during pregnancy and prepare for possible birth difficulties that could result in maternal death.

Guatemala’s COVID-19 rates have also impacted the ability of patients to seek healthcare. The threat of the virus makes it difficult for those traveling to seek medical treatment due to the risk of contracting COVID-19.

Trends in Worldwide Telemedicine

The world has seen a rise of telemedicine clinics as the pandemic creates safety concerns regarding in-person visits with doctors. Doctors are now reaching rural communities that previously had little opportunity to access specialized medicine. Telemedicine is an important advancement toward accessible healthcare in rural areas. While the telemedicine clinics in Guatemala are limited in numbers, they set an important example of how technology can be utilized to adapt during a health crisis and reach patients in inaccessible areas.

– June Noyes
Photo: Flickr