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5 Charities Operating in Mozambique

Charities Operating in MozambiqueRanking fifth among the world’s poorest nations by the World Bank’s GNI per capita data, the reality on the ground in Mozambique is especially challenging. To put it into perspective, in 2022, the United States sported a GNI per capita value of $76,370, while Mozambique leveled out at $1,410. Despite the state’s rich natural resources, arable land and numerous ports, it cannot harness this natural wealth. The result is that 96% of the population lives on less than $10/day. Charity in Mozambique is a necessity. To lessen the burden, here are five charities operating in Mozambique.

5 Charities Operating in Mozambique

  1. Aga Khan Foundation (AKND) – AKND has been operating in Mozambique since the signing of a cooperation agreement in 1998. Since then, over 500,000 people have benefited from their services, while they currently employ 1,180 people in the country. The scope of AKND is significant as they work in the development of human capacities, aid in economic growth and help to build resilient communities. Representing all three of these initiatives is the 2022 construction of the Aga Khan Academy Maputo, the third of four educational institutions provided for the country’s future workforce. It is a wonderful addition to a nation with a 58% literacy rate. These academies’ vision is to help students realize their full potential so they can bring up themselves, their families and their communities. The curriculum follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) system to ensure a global standard of excellence.
  2. CARE International – In 2023, Mozambique experienced an under-5 mortality rate of 69.6 and a fertility rate of 4.6. That is, of every 1,000 children, roughly 70 will die, and for every woman, there will be approximately five births. Ensuring the healthy development and survival of children under 5 would lessen the burden of excessive child rearing that weighs heavy on impoverished households and prevent malnourished children from developing disabilities. To ensure children can develop to their fullest potential, CARE International worked with the Flatley Foundation from 2018 to 2021 to provide food and nutritional aid to insecure households to ensure healthy development in the first thousand days of life. During this project, the under-5 mortality rates dropped from 76 to 70.
  3. AMURT – The AMURT charity, in Mozambique and abroad, takes a three-pronged approach. Initially, AMURT implemented relief assistance for natural disasters and man-made emergencies. Once situated, AMURT participates in rehabilitation and reconstruction to provide immediate and long-term development. AMURT landed in Mozambique just after Cyclone Eline in the year 2000. After the disaster, 950,000 required medical assistance and 250,000 were displaced. The relief organization was able to provide aid to 8,000 people and constructed 800 homes. In the years following, AMURT has provided expertise and materials for water and sanitation projects that continued through 2011. 
  4. Africare – There are an estimated 2.4 million persons living with HIV in Mozambique. It is no secret that without proper care, these cases will advance to AIDS. In the unfortunate scenario of young children becoming orphans due to losing loved ones to AIDS, Africare has launched the Community-based Orphan Care Protection and Empowerment Project (COPE) in Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. For these orphaned and vulnerable children who have to face adulthood sooner than most, COPE clubs allow healing through drawing and sharing experiences as well as providing various forms of support. COPE clubs assist these youths with food, education, shelter, and health care so that despite their losses, they can continue to learn, grow and best prevent their own contraction of this life-threatening disease.
  5. Handicap International – Affecting over 2.5 million people across 60 countries, Handicap International specializes in helping disabled persons find inclusive environments in conflict, natural disasters and poverty. Since 2017, over 670,000 people have fled northern Mozambique in response to conflict. Handicap International aids in transporting vulnerable populations such as those with pregnancies, those with disabilities or simply children. In addition, team members work with vulnerable persons to ensure they also get access to aid distributions, as it is difficult for them to navigate crowds or sometimes understand the systems available. Handicap International also provides specialized training so teachers can tailor learning exercises depending on the disability. Rahmat, a nine-year-old girl, was able to learn to write despite her motor disability. Shelicia, who couldn’t reach her desk due to her wheelchair, received a desk fitted to her chair. Hilario, a vision-impaired physical education teacher, was able to switch to digital formats he could read. Handicap International works every day to provide inclusive environments for those in need.

No matter the charity in Mozambique, the population receives the help they need. Despite figures of unemployment, literacy and poverty, they are, at the end of the day, people not statistics. These are only five of the numerous charities operating in Mozambique and have all made significant impacts. These, after all, are only summaries of their achievements. Until Mozambique can tap into its abundance of natural gasses, have its population escape sustenance farming and suppress internal conflicts, the aid will have to keep flowing. 

– Anthony Coletta
Photo: Unsplash

NGOs Help Women in Syria Tackle Period Poverty 

Period Poverty in SyriaWith more than 90% of Syria living in extreme poverty, it is no surprise that access to menstrual products is now deemed as a luxury in the country. 12 years ago,  incessant corruption, sectarian bias directed towards Alawites, bribery and bureaucracy among others threw Syria into war. The effect involves everything from hunger and anxiety to severe hardship. Additionally, many women experience period poverty, with limited access to menstrual products.

The Crux

Period poverty, according to Medical News Today, is the lack of access to menstrual products, education, hygiene facilities, waste management or a combination of these. It impacts approximately 500 million people worldwide. With part of the country still under siege and other parts submerged by an earthquake, women in Syria are facing period poverty and at an alarming rate.

Amid the ongoing war, prices of food and other necessities in Syria have skyrocketed leading to a high cost of living. Pads that were sold for between 15 and 25 Syrian pounds now cost 2,500 to 4,000 pounds.

Relief items sent by donors, rarely however, contain products for menstruation. These gender-blind responses discriminate against women as other items including food, clothing and shelter are deemed more important than menstrual products. These and other factors have led to period poverty in Syria.

A Helping Hand

Utopia, an NGO made up of women started making hand-sewn pads to cater for the gap in the market as a result of the war. Within the one hour of constant electricity supplied by the government as a result of the country’s war-ravaged power plants followed by a five hour power cut, the small team makes a little over 20 reusable, economical and eco-friendly pads. The organization has been able to sell/donate around 370 pads and 900 diapers for the aged and babies.

To combat period poverty in Syria, Utopia sells the pads at the manufacturing cost of 1,000 pounds per pad. The NGO used to provide food, drugs and financial assistance to needy students but had to include pad production as a result of the changing times and its impact on Syrian women.

Local NGO, Arab Women’s Society, has partnered with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent and the Syria Trust for Development to provide hygiene kits, including menstrual pads, to families in the vicinity. The society and its partners distribute period products and hygiene kits to 1,200 women in rural parts of Deir Ezzor, three times a month.

Founded by Evelina Llewelly, the period poverty-fighting organization, Jeyetna, based in Lebanon collects donations in cash and in-kind and gives them out to individuals on the ground.

The organization, which makes combatting period poverty in Syria and eliminating the stigma around periods their aim said in an interview with Alarabiya News, “In the case of natural disasters, period poverty worsens due to the gender-blind prioritization of other needs perceived as more essential like shelter, food, and water.”

A Look Ahead

Periods do not stop during war or earthquakes. It is commendable that these local NGOs are doing all within their power to help eliminate period poverty in Syria with scanty resources during these trying times. In the words of Martin Luther King Jr, “Somewhere along the way, we must learn that there is nothing greater than to do something for others.

Yet, it goes without saying that more could be done to alleviate this situation bedeviling Syrian women. 

– Angela A. Darkwah
Photo: Flickr

Artists Raise Money for Moroccan Earthquake Relief

Moroccan EarthquakeIn a devastating event, the Marrakesh-Safi region was struck by a powerful earthquake on September 8, registering a magnitude between 6.8 and 6.9, with a depth of 11.5 miles. This disaster had far-reaching consequences as its path was left a wake of devastation.

The Earthquake and Its Consequences

The earthquake’s epicenter emerged amidst the High Atlas mountain range, 72 miles southwest of Marrakech, Morocco. This region had remained untouched by such a magnitude of an earthquake event for many years.

The human toll was staggering, with a death toll surpassing 2,900 and over 5,000 individuals suffering injuries. Al Haouz province took the brunt, witnessing approximately 60% of confirmed deaths. UNICEF reported that around 100,000 children were directly affected by the earthquake’s aftermath.

Within 20 minutes of the initial quake, an aftershock measuring 4.9 on the Richter scale worsened the distress and inflicted additional damage throughout the region.

The infrastructure bore the brunt of this seismic activity, as the quake tore at thousands of buildings and homes. Families were displaced and exposed to the harsh temperatures at night due to the time of year. Furthermore, the Moroccan earthquake wreaked havoc on educational institutions, medical facilities and schools, exacerbating the injured and displaced Moroccans.

Beyond the borders, neighboring countries such as Spain, Portugal, and Algeria felt tremors, the far-reaching impact of this catastrophe. The global community rallied in solidarity, offering aid and assistance to the earthquake’s victims and their families.

NGO JOOD

Notably, NGO JOOD, renowned for its continuous efforts in aiding the homeless and the less fortunate since 2015, stepped up. With a dedicated volunteer force of 5,000 individuals, JOOD had already aided the lives of over 60,000 people in Morocco before the earthquake.

In a heartening display of support, Youssef Bennani, an art collector specializing in renewable energy, took a proactive role. He orchestrated a special art auction in September 2023 to raise funds for the Moroccan earthquake victims. Recognizing the financial challenges often faced by NGOs, Bennani, alongside numerous Moroccan artists, generously contributed their artwork to this noble cause. The artists funneled every cent earned from the auction directly toward aiding the earthquake victims through JOOD.

While the earthquake inflicted severe suffering on the Marrakesh-Safi region, leading to loss of life, widespread injuries, and extensive infrastructure damage, the response from local and international communities has been beyond fruitful. Initiatives like Youssef Bennani’s art auction are beacons of hope for those affected.

Earthquake relief has been united in the region as many other NGOs and programs have had creative forms of raising awareness and funds. JOOD has served the Moroccan community for almost ten years and continues to do so in Morocco’s time of need.

– Ariana Wauer
Photo: Flickr

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How Collaborative Efforts Can Address Global Poverty

Collaborative EffortsGlobal poverty remains one of the most pressing challenges humanity is facing. Despite significant advancements in technology, economics and social systems, a considerable portion of the world’s population still lives in extreme poverty. Addressing this complex issue requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond traditional methods. One promising approach is the power of collaborative efforts. By bringing together governments, NGOs, businesses and individuals, there is a good chance of working out a comprehensive fabric of solutions to resolve global poverty.

The Interwoven Nature of Global Poverty

Global poverty is a multi-dimensional challenge that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. It encompasses economic hardship and social, political and environmental factors. The intricate interplay of these elements calls for a coordinated response and collaborative efforts that can address the root causes rather than just the symptoms.

The Role of Collaborative Efforts

Collaboration offers a unique advantage in tackling global poverty. It leverages the diverse strengths of different stakeholders and encourages holistic solutions. Governments can provide policy frameworks, resources and infrastructure. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can bring grassroots knowledge, community engagement and targeted interventions. Businesses can contribute by investing in sustainable development, job creation and responsible practices. Lastly, individuals can also play a vital role through activism, philanthropy and consumer choices.

Case Studies in Collaborative Success

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A prime example of global collaboration, the SDGs outline 17 goals aimed at addressing various aspects of poverty, including education, health, gender equality and clean water. Governments, NGOs, businesses and individuals worldwide are working collectively to achieve these goals by 2030.

  • Microfinance and Social Enterprises – Collaborative efforts between financial institutions, NGOs and local communities have led to the development of microfinance initiatives and social enterprises. These empower individuals in poverty by providing access to credit, training and resources to start small businesses and improve their livelihoods.
  • Public-Private Partnerships – Collaborations between governments and businesses have been successful in developing essential infrastructure in underserved regions. This includes initiatives for clean energy, health care and education, which directly impact poverty reduction.
  • Challenges and Considerations – Collaborative efforts are not without challenges. Differences in priorities, communication barriers and unequal power dynamics can hinder progress. It is crucial to establish transparent communication channels, clear objectives and equitable distribution of resources to ensure that collaborative initiatives yield meaningful results.

Looking Ahead

Global poverty is a serious challenge, but it is not insurmountable. Collaborative efforts hold the potential to work out the required solutions. By harnessing the collective strength of governments, NGOs, businesses and individuals, there is hope for mending the gaps in the social fabric, uplifting disadvantaged communities and creating a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

– Sudipta Barua Munmun
Photo: Pexels

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Top 5 Charities Operating in Iraq

Charities in IraqIraq has faced economic devastation, political corruption and violent conflicts for more than two decades. With more than 1 million displaced Iraqis, the country is in desperate need of support. Here are the top 5 charities operating in Iraq.

Top 5 Charities Operating in Iraq

  1. Save the Children: Since 1991, Save the Children has been a prominent nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting displaced children and families in Iraq. Their child protection programs have played a pivotal role in safeguarding and rehabilitating Iraqi children. Over 337,000 children facing perilous circumstances have benefited from their efforts, which include enhancing water supply, training educators and providing crucial psychosocial support.
  2. Caritas Iraq: Also known as the Brotherhood of Charities, Caritas provides food aid to the underprivileged in Iraq. The organization maintains social centers that offer medical care and food assistance to disadvantaged families. Since the ISIS attacks in 2014, it has helped nearly 400,000 Iraqis cope with hardships. Caritas currently provides more than 5,000 families monthly with psychological and social programs to support them through war trauma and displacement.
  3. Iraqi Children Foundation: The Iraq war and occupation by ISIS have had devastating consequences, especially for Iraqi children. Charities like the Iraqi Children Foundation focus on their well-being, particularly those who have endured abuse, neglect and exploitation. Through impactful programs like Hope Buses, medical care and social services, the foundation collaborates with trusted partners to provide immediate support and valuable mentorship. By 2021, it had helped and protected thousands of vulnerable children in poverty-ridden neighborhoods in Baghdad.
  4. Free Yezidi Foundation: After the Yezidi genocide in 2014, the Free Yezidi Foundation (FYF) emerged as a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting and assisting the Yezidi community. It empowers women to assume leadership roles, facilitate trauma healing and aid survivors in applying for reparations. Their commitment has provided invaluable support and resources to the Yezidi community on the path to recovery and empowerment.
  5. MADRE: MADRE is an international women’s rights organization that protects and empowers women facing threats from fundamentalist forces. MADRE supports women who have experienced abuse and terror through safety shelters and advocacy campaigns. It nurtures and empowers women, enabling them to assume leadership positions and contribute to shaping a world where marginalized women have a voice in policy and decision-making.

One Step at a Time

Despite the challenges, nonprofit organizations are making a tangible difference in Iraq. While eradicating poverty takes time, the collective efforts of these five charities are advancing the journey toward a brighter future for Iraqi citizens. The lasting effects of the war necessitate dedicated individuals committed to making a difference in the livelihoods of poverty-stricken communities in Iraq.

– Dunia Matta
Photo: Flickr

3 Facts About Elderly Poverty in North Korea

Elderly Poverty in North KoreaNorth Korea, a highly centralized totalitarian state with a population of nearly 25 million people, is a country that constitutes the northern half of the Korean Peninsula in East Asia. Over the past few decades, the country’s economy has faced significant challenges, including a scarcity of resources, international sanctions and self-imposed isolation. From 2012 to 2018, the country had an estimated poverty rate of 60% with significant fluctuations at the national level. Consequently, the country faces an aging population and a decline in the younger population caused by low birth rates. Despite its centrally planned economy, job stability in the workforce does not provide enough income, resulting in elderly poverty in North Korea.

3 Facts About Elderly Poverty in North Korea

  1. Increasing Rate of Poverty Risk Among the Elderly Population: North Korea’s elderly population, aged above 65 years, is rapidly rising. In 2008, the aging population increased from 5.3% to 8.5%, predicting a growth of 14% by 2033. Increasing demand to assist the elderly population in a country with low economic growth and sustained workforce opportunities brings income and health concerns.

  2. Limited Pension System: North Korea has a limited pension system. It provides minimal support in providing financial assistance to the elderly. Reports from Radio Free Asia (RFA) indicate that the social security pension offers about 1,000 won per month. This is around $0.12. Many elderly citizens are unable to cover basic living expenses with limited income, leading them to remain in poverty and hindering their retirement plans.

  3. Housing Conditions: Many elderly individuals live in poor housing conditions due to a lack of proper infrastructure. This leads to inadequate heating and structural issues. Roughly 90% of North Korea’s housing environment was constructed between the 1950s and 1990s. This was to solve the resulting housing crisis after the damage of numerous facilities and buildings during the Korean War in 1953.

Efforts of North Korean Authorities to Address Elderly Poverty

According to sources from Daily NK, an initiative was implemented by the Propaganda and Agitation Department of the North Korean communist party’s Central Committee to identify and register the homeless elderly population aged 60 years and above. It strived to build new facilities for nursing homes, aiming to provide care and support for abandoned or neglected elderly individuals. Nevertheless, North Korean citizens expressed concern regarding the initiative, with the possibility of elderly residents feeling compelled to return to their families despite the lack of resources to ensure proper caregiving. Additionally, there are speculations of potential mistreatment or neglect in the absence of familial support.

Efforts by NGOs in Alleviating Poverty

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) strive to mitigate the struggles endured by the elderly population in North Korea. Although the government gives limited information on solutions, these NGOs endeavor to improve the quality of life for the elderly by providing assistance through their food aid program and awareness-raising initiatives.

Helping Hands Korea (HHK) is a Christian NGO that was founded by Tim and Sunmi Peters in Seoul. Since 1996, it has addressed the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of North Koreans in crisis. One of its projects aims to provide food, medicine and clothing to the most vulnerable in society, especially the elderly.

Other initiatives focus on promoting elderly poverty awareness to encourage governmental priorities and bring elicit action on the potential policies. In 2020, the United Nations released the “Needs and Priorities Plan.” It targeted the provision of humanitarian assistance while implementing sustainable development goals. It aims to give food and nutritional support to 3.3 million people in North Korea. The plan also will give health services to 5.5 million people and clean water and sanitation to 300,000 people.

Looking Ahead

North Korea is making efforts to overcome its challenges to improve its economy. While it may not be in the government’s best interest, collaboration with international organizations supports the funding of elderly poverty. With continued effort, North Korea could achieve a future that is free of elderly poverty. And this can potentially improve living conditions and reduce the burden on younger generations.

– Cherine Jang
Photo: Flickr

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The War On Hunger – The World is Winning It

The War On HungerFor centuries, famine has been at the forefront of poverty and global health issues in the poorer regions of the world. Around 660 million people may still face hunger in 2030, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), with the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on global food security contributing to this figure. Maintaining a diet that provides sufficient energy (caloric) and a diverse range of nutrients is crucial for optimal health. Undernourishment, particularly among children and mothers, poses a significant risk factor for mortality and other health-related consequences.

What Is Famine?

Famines are classified through the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). The IPC helps determine when a crisis becomes a famine. There are three conditions to meet this classification:

  • “one in five households faces an extreme food shortage”
  • more than 30% of people struggle with acute malnourishment
  • “death rates exceed two deaths for every 10,000 people per day.”

There are also means to classify “great” (100,000 deaths)  and “catastrophic” famines (1 million deaths). Unfortunately, this target used to be constantly met throughout time, until the 1990s (when everything changed). Between 1870 and 1880, the death toll from famines stood at 15 million. This would rise and fall but would remain around the 10 million mark until the 1930s when the figure reached 20 million. During the mid-century, this figure remained persistently high.

From the 1940s right up to the 1980s, the figure flatlined at just below 15 million. By the 1980s, there was a shear drop, despite the shocking famine in Ethiopia that claimed more than 1 million lives alone. The 1990s had a similar toll. While these figures are far from positive, the entire world has been making progress in winning the war on hunger in recent times

The Causes of Famine

Professor Alex De Waal specializes in the study of famines. As the Executive Director of the World Peace Foundation (WPF), De Waal has an intimate relationship with its various causes and solutions. The WPF makes the case that the reason famines have receded is mainly due to democracy and political freedoms.

When famines have taken place, many argue that the forces behind such events were man-made and deliberate, rather than environmental and uncontrolled. The WPF claims that the connective tissue between famines in Yemen, Cambodia and Ethiopia, is the existence of dictators and conflict. Armed conflict and dictators disrupt food systems and uproot communities and livelihoods through arbitrary seizure and forced removal. When this happens, infrastructure left behind is of no use and communities become reliant on effective aid.

Foreign Aid and Famine

Famine continues to affect many communities, including Yemen, Somalia and South Sudan, and when it does strike, the swiftness of aid delivery becomes crucial. The World Food Programme (WFP) is one of the known organizations that make efforts to deliver aid during famines. The WFP is the world’s largest NGO catering to the needs of those in desperate need of food. It has had great success in preventing the maturity of food scarcity problems into famine in Afghanistan, helping 15 million people access nourishment and safety.

Oxfam is another organization involved in preventative and reactive measures. Distributing food, providing clean water and encouraging proper sanitation are all part of the organization’s efforts in the war against hunger. The Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED) shares optimism about lower death rates and the humanitarian efforts involved in securing such results.

Famines have adverse long-term health effects. Studies have shown that survivors are “hungrier, sicker and less well” off for longer than the period of famine, according to Global Hunger Index. Malnutrition trends have not been as positive as famine trends, and global levels of acute malnutrition have been rising since 2008.

Signs of Hope

Efforts to combat famine and improve global food security have shown progress in recent years, with organizations like the World Food Programme and Oxfam playing a vital role in delivering aid to those in need. So far, the aforementioned “catastrophic” famines have been eliminated and “great” famines have near vanished. If projections are correct, then the world could be free of all famines by 2030. However, challenges remain in addressing malnutrition trends and ensuring long-term health and well-being for affected populations. Continued support and collaborative actions are crucial to sustaining positive advancements in the fight against hunger.

– James Durbin
Photo: Flickr

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Fragility and Rule of Law in Belarus

Fragility and Rule of Law in BelarusWhen the Soviet Union collapsed, Belarus’ neighbors, such as Poland, seemed to continue on the path of modernization and prosper over the years, having managed to grow strong ties with organizations such as the European Union (EU) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Belarus on the other hand saw rampant inflation, organized crime and corruption under its first and only president since gaining independence from Russia. This has drawn attention to addressing the fragility and rule of law in Belarus.

Often referred to as Europe’s last dictator, Alexander Lukashenko has served as Belarus’ president since 1994. During Lukashenko’s election and subsequent early years in power, many in Belarus believed he was the man to return the nation to normality and prosperity. However, many of his pledges did not come to fruition after nearly three decades in charge and several suspected human rights violations, rigged elections and suppression of free speech.

Human Rights

According to Amnesty International, regarding Belarus in 2021: “the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly remained severely restricted.” The justice system in Belarus seems to continually suppress dissent, with protests in the nation often resulting in the arrest and torture of key dissenters.

Major critics of the Belarussian regime often end up prosecuted and imprisoned. Major websites and national and international media outlets often face bans due to ‘extremist’ views. Trends like this suggest that there is little room for freedom of expression in Belarus.

Limited freedom of association appears to be another issue in Belarus. People’s Embassies of Belarus suggest that there has been an escalation of measures that serve to repress independent trade union activities. The measures often involve intimidation and outright violence. There has been an effective ban on Freedom of assembly in Belarus. Protest participants usually have to pay hefty fines and face detention of up to 15 days.

The Right of Peaceful Assembly indicates that whereas there has been a change in the law toward a process for assemblies, law enforcement in Belarus still systematically prevents peaceful protests concerning the fragility and rule of law in Belarus with excessive force.

Torture and ill-treatment remain widely used measures to limit dissent in Belarus. Those who commit such dissent-related crimes have been on the receiving end of total impunity by Lukashenko’s government. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), Belarussian security forces have methodically imperiled hundreds to torture. HRW reported on the brutality of the Belarussian police force.

The state of refugees’ and migrants’ rights in Belarus has attracted condemnation from critics. The European Commission has accused Belarus of luring migrants to the nation with a false promise that they would have entry to the EU. As a result, thousands of migrants became stranded along the border between Poland and Belarus. The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) suggested that some migrants received clearance from Belarusian soldiers to move into neighboring country Poland. These soldiers cut through border fencing at night to allow migrants to cross.

Rigged Elections

In Belarus’ last election, Alexander Lukashenko appeared to win 80% of the vote. However, due to a lack of observers present and a landslide victory for Lukashenko, many claim the elections were rigged.

Considering “the election was held amid growing frustration at Lukashenko’s leadership” and questions regarding the fragility and rule of law in Belarus with rallies for opposition parties attracting large audiences around Belarus, it may have surprised some to see an overwhelming majority vote for the current government.

Miss Svetlana Tikhanovskaya (Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya), the main opposition to Lukashenko, actually entered the election in place of her husband who had been previously jailed. The election has been heavily criticized by much of the West, however, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent in congratulatory messages. Ties between Belarus and Russia have grown considerably due to the isolation of Belarus by Western Europe.

Looking Ahead

When the USSR collapsed, Belarus was one of the poorest countries in Europe. Around half of the population lived below the poverty line during this period. However, in 2013, less than 1% of people lived in poverty, representing a 60% drop from 2000.

Belarus went through a period of significant economic growth from 2005 to 2011, outpacing many in Europe. This time happened to be during the financial crisis when many other nations suffered hardship. This progress suggested that Belarus can be resilient during tough global economic times. Unemployment has also significantly dropped since the 90s.  Belarus’ unemployment sat at 4.7% in 2021 compared to 24.4% in 1996.

Poverty still exists in Belarus. However, the situation seems to have steadily improved in comparison to when Belarus first gained independence. While it appears there may not be a clear end in sight to the present regime in Belarus, NGO Explorer states that there are still up to 152 NGOs working in the nation.

– Josef Whitehead
Photo: Flickr

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Rural-Urban Migration and the Developing World

Rural-urban migrationWhen thinking of rural-urban migration, experts tend to focus on the positive aspects for migrants. New economic opportunities, access to public services and greater social tolerance define the experience of newly-urban migrants in the conversation around rural-urban migration. When discussing flaws, the conversation gravitates toward the slum conditions and informal labor in large developing-world cities. However, the developing world’s rapid amount of rural to urban migration leaves many villages with less human capital and resources. What does this rural-urban migration mean for the rural developing world?

Urban Transition

Rural-urban migration has swept the developing world since the late 20th century. This transformation, known as “urban transition,” brings the economies of countries from rural-driven to urban-driven. Seeing this trend, many countries have supported larger development projects in urban areas, looking to get ahead of the curb. While an admirable strategy, it leaves out the rural populations who tend to be more isolated. This creates a vicious cycle, where people move where the government invests, and the government invests where people move.

This lack of investment creates a problem for rural areas. Unable to increase productivity and suffering from a lack of investment, impoverished rural areas are stuck in a loop, using the same basic techniques for subsistence farming utilized in the 20th century. Rural families have many children, hoping some will move to the city to send back money and some will work on their local subsistence farm. By sending the educated children to the city, families create a gap in living standards, with those with opportunity leaving while those without stay behind.

Migration in Trade for Remittances

However, this rural-urban migration also brings benefits to the rural areas. Many families send their young adult children into the cities, investing in their future in the city. Remittances, money sent back by those moving to urban areas, keep rural finances diverse and pay for many essential services for rural people. Without this income source, rural families would be completely dependent on the whims of nature, with no sense of security that a separate income gives. Studies show that these remittances increase life expectancy and happiness, two factors increased with security.

How to Help Rural Areas

One of the rural areas’ biggest difficulties is low productivity which hinders economic growth. Many Africans living in rural areas are subsistence farmers, meeting their own food needs but creating little surplus which drives economic growth. For this reason, young people commonly move to higher productivity urban areas. To prime rural areas for development, scholars have identified several factors which developing-world governments should attack. For instance, poor rural infrastructure, illiteracy and low social interaction all hinder rural growth, which drives rural-urban migration.

By attacking these problems, governments can increase rural development, attack poverty at its heart and protect rural communities in the long run. Severe “brain drain,” where educated people move to more productive areas, especially impacts rural communities. Lowering populations will lead to less monetary and representative allotments, decreasing the voice of rural residents. Additionally, men make up the majority of rural-urban migrants, leaving women in a vulnerable position both in caring for children and running subsistence farms.

Rural development projects which take into account community leaders at all levels of planning and execution can greatly increase their effectiveness. Improving the governance of these projects, especially reducing corruption, is essential in assuring rural development. The integration of system-wide rural development projects serves as an opportunity to increase rural development. Currently, thousands of NGOs operate rurally around Africa, with many separate governmental programs overlapping. By increasing cooperation, systematic development of rural areas can occur rather than a patchwork of unrelated development projects.

– Justin Morgan
Photo: Flickr

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Addressing Child Poverty in Greece

Child poverty in Greece
Child poverty in Greece is a prominent issue. About 40% of children under the age of 17 are at risk. According to Eurostat, Greece ranks at the top of the child poverty scale. Furthermore, Greece’s poverty rate is the third-highest within the European Union. This article will explore the state of child poverty in Greece and efforts to address it.

Education

The economic crisis in Greece is one of many reasons for the rising child poverty rate. Access to education has decreased as well. As a result, many children are unable to attend school and unemployment rates have skyrocketed.

State education is free until university in Greece and education is compulsory between the ages of 6 and 15. In spite of this, approximately 11.4% of students dropped out of school in 2010. Moreover, an average of 30,000 students never enter high school. The highest high school dropout rate is in the Dodecanese islands and Rhodope.

Child Abuse

Giorgio Nikolaidis is a child psychiatrist and head of the Mental Health Department of the Institute of Child Health. He stated that inadequate child protection services were further undercut long before the economic crisis. Authorities are often aware of domestic, sexual abuse against children; however, they do not take the correct measures to protect children.

“I have seen cases where four-year-old kids were treated for sexually transmitted rectal HPV for over a year and no investigation had been undertaken to determine how they got it,” Nikolaidis said. The reality is that there is no coherent system to effectively protect victims.

The Greek constitution prohibits forced labor, but the minimum age for work is as low as 12 for people working in a family business. Thus, families often send their children to the streets to beg for money. Although Greece ratified the Worst Forms of Child Labor Convention, these activities remain unpunishable by law. Children who spend more time on the streets are also at an increased risk of child trafficking.

Together for Children

Together for Children is an NGO that provides assistance to young people and their families. The organization is comprised of nine member organizations that work in child welfare. Its mission is to provide immediate support for children, families and individuals with disabilities.

The organization established a child helpline that provides free counseling services and emotional support for children and their families. Together for Children strives to tackle child poverty in Greece and create sustainable living conditions. Additionally, the organization ensures access to free education through various programs such as a nursery school for children with cerebral palsy, a development playgroup for children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, a special primary school for children with cerebral palsy and productive workshops for adults with cerebral palsy. Together for Children also has activities and programs to support unaccompanied minors who are refugees.

Assisting more than 30,000 children every year, Together for Children has received the Silver Medal of the Academy of Athens for its social contribution. In 2019, it also received a BRAVO Award for engaging with thousands of citizens in support of its initiative: Equal Opportunities for Children: Actions for Health and Education in Remote Areas of Greece.

Looking Forward

Organizations like Together for Children help create a better society for children to flourish. It focuses on improving the health and well-being of impoverished children, creating opportunities for quality education and supporting refugees. This organization has taken great strides in alleviating child poverty in Greece.

Poverty in Greece remains high due to the lack of education, child abuse and labor exploitation. Sexual and labor exploitation impoverishes children mentally and physically. Although the Greek financial crisis is often blamed for inadequate social services, there is much more that the country should be doing to protect children. Moving foward, it is essential that the government and other humanitarian organizations prioritize addressing child poverty in Greece.

– Marielle Marlys
Photo: Flickr