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Training Centers and Vocational Education in Kenya

Vocational Education in KenyaVocational education and training centers in Kenya play a vital role in alleviating poverty. They are the backbone the country relies on to move towards becoming a middle-income country. The importance of technical and vocational education and training centers (TVET) is development and economic growth by producing a highly skilled workforce capable of implementing the goals outlined in Vision 2030. Vision 2030 is a strategic plan meant to transform Kenya from a developing country to a middle-income economy by improving the quality of life for everyone.

The Importance of TVET’s in Kenya

For a country like Kenya, economic development is dependent on the growth of the manufacturing industry through production of goods and services that can be imported to generate income. However, for this goal to be realized, technological innovation is important. Therefore, TVET’s come in to address the skills gap by producing a human resource fit for the job market or self employment.

According to The Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA, 2025), Kenya has 12 accredited national polytechnics, 1,232 accredited technical and vocational colleges and 1,086 accredited vocational training centers. Furthermore, vocational education training centers have evolved from providing semi-skilled labor for white settlers to equipping students with skills that meet the needs of the local industries.

Curricula Transformation

Kenya passed the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Act to modernize the TVET sector. The key focus was incorporating information and communication technology to increase access, enhance training capacity, improve delivery methods and support the long-term employability of graduates. Additionally, the act established the Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (CDACC) tasked with developing the curriculum and assessment standards.

The Outcome

The digitalization of vocational education and training centers in Kenya has benefitted from partnerships with institutions like the World Bank, the German government and organizations like Colleges and Institutes Canada.

With support from the German government, schools like St. Kizito, carried out an assessment of the automotive industry to update their curriculum for automotive courses to ensure the training is aligned with the requirements of the labor market. This partnership led to a revamped curriculum and on job training opportunities for students allowing them to gain practical experience.

Colleges and Institutions Canada conducted research to explore how innovation hubs could address community problems. This initiative has led to various innovations, such as energy-saving stoves and the development of flour using underutilized crops to address food insecurity and nutritional deficiency among vulnerable groups.

Commercialization of innovations has also been a key focus. The TVET curriculum is designed to equip students with skills relevant to the current labor market demands that technological advancement characterizes. To ensure the students are contributing to the manufacturing industries, vocational education and training centers are maximizing their potential for economic growth by commercializing their innovations.

Effect on Economy and Poverty Reduction

Sub-Saharan Africa ranks as one of the regions with the highest school drop out rates of children between the ages of 15 to 17. However, many often see education as a powerful tool in breaking the poverty cycle through empowerment, reducing child labor and providing people with the skills necessary to seek employment. One of the ways to increase access to education is making it affordable and accessible to everyone by promoting non-formal education pathways like vocational training and education.

According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) employment in the informal sector grew by 4.5% compared to a 4.2% growth in the formal sector.  

These statistics highlight the impact of TVET in alleviating poverty. Often overlooked as a viable academic option, their ability to transform lives at the community level by providing people with skills that help them to improve their lives is indisputable. Indeed, by focusing on skills such as electrical engineering, agriculture, building and construction they offer local industries with ready skills while meeting the needs of local communities. This also creates a pathway to economic independence through self employment.  Vocational education training centers are a powerful long term investment in the journey of transforming Kenya’s economy.

– Grace Ruria

Grace is based in Nairobi, Kenya and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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SDG 1 in Haiti: Progress and Challenges in Eradicating Poverty

SDG 1 in HaitiSustainable Development Goal 1 (SDG 1), which sets benchmarks and measures the progress of the fight to eradicate poverty, remains a critical focus for Haiti. According to the Sustainable Development Report 2024, Haiti ranks 151st out of 166 countries on the SDG Index, with a score of 52.68. Despite significant obstacles, including political instability and natural disasters, Haiti has made some progress toward achieving SDG 1 in Haiti.

The World Bank reports that as of 2024, approximately 36.6% of Haitians live in extreme poverty, which is defined as living on less than $2.15 per day. This marks an increase from 29.9% in 2020, reflecting worsening living conditions due to economic hardship, political instability and frequent natural disasters hindering progress on SDG 1 in Haiti.

Haiti’s Economic Decline and Poverty Rates

Haiti’s economy has experienced a prolonged and severe decline due to ongoing crises. The country’s gross domestic product (GDP) contracted by 4.2% in 2023, following a 1.9% decline in 2022. Political instability, gang violence and frequent natural disasters have deterred foreign investments and severely disrupted economic activity.

The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), which measures poverty beyond income, indicates that 41.3% of Haiti’s population, approximately 4.7 million people, experience multidimensional poverty, while 21.8% remain vulnerable to falling into multidimensional  poverty.

How Multidimensional Poverty Impacts Life in Haiti

The effects of multidimensional poverty in Haiti extend beyond just income, influencing education, health care and food security. The high cost of education services, averaging $140 per child per year, forces many families to keep their children out of school. More than 250,000 children (ages 6–11) and 65,000 youth (ages 12–14) are not enrolled in school. Although most students attend school for 11.4 years, this equates to only 6.3 years of effective education due to low-quality learning outcomes.

Haiti is also facing one of the worst hunger crises in the Western Hemisphere. More than 4.9 million Haitians, nearly half the population, are in urgent need of food assistance due to economic hardship and supply chain disruptions due to gang violence and political instability.

Despite these immense challenges, there are a variety of initiatives sponsored by organizations and programs which are actively working towards poverty reduction in Haiti. These initiatives range from international aid efforts to locally driven solutions aimed at improving economic stability, food security and education access for thousands of Haitians 

Local Organizations and Agricultural Programs

The Peasant Movement of Papaye (MPP) in Haiti along with organizations like Grassroots International, empower Haitian farmers by promoting agroecology, sustainable farming practices and land rights advocacy. Through initiatives such as reforestation efforts, cooperative farming and education programs, the movement has helped thousands of peasants gain independence and escape poverty that exploitative agricultural systems caused.  

Fonkoze, Haiti’s largest microfinance institution, plays a crucial role in empowering local entrepreneurs, particularly women, through a combination of financial services and education. By providing small loans, financial literacy training and business development programs, Fonkoze helps Haitians build sustainable livelihoods and break the cycle of extreme poverty. In 2021 alone, Fonkoze disbursed $5 million in micro-loans, empowering thousands of entrepreneurs to expand their operations and increase their income. The organization served 158,080 Hatians by providing financial education and encouraging a culture of saving and financial planning among Haiti’s most vulnerable populations. Additionally, it disbursed 10,807 loans to support small business growth, while the total number of Empowered Lending clients reached an impressive 58,000. These initiatives not only contribute to individual financial independence but continue to contribute to the future success of SDG 1 in Haiti.

International Aid and Food Security Programs

The World Food Programme (WFP) plays a vital role in addressing SDG 1 in Haiti. Through emergency food assistance, school meal programs and community-based nutrition projects, WFP combats malnutrition and strengthens resilience against food insecurity.

The World Bank also funds many projects and initiatives in order to provide relief to thousands of Haitians through infrastructure development, educational and employment opportunities. Currently, the World Bank has or is in the process of funding 181 Haitian projects.

Additionally, the World Bank has approved $20 million of additional financing which is slated to up-scale renewable energy investments providing solar grids, micro grids, energy storage systems and stand alone systems providing an expected 5-12 megawatts of renewable energy. 

The Future of SDG 1 in Haiti

SDG 1 in Haiti remains hindered by economic instability, political unrest, and frequent natural disasters. However, with sustained efforts from the Haitian government, international organizations, and local communities, meaningful and lasting change is possible.

Long-term investments in education, economic growth, and food security are essential to breaking the cycle of poverty in Haiti. By expanding access to quality education, health care and job opportunities, Haiti can move closer to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 1 and ensuring a more stable future for its people.

– Gregory Brychta

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

Photo: Pixabay

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Politicized Infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa

Politicized Infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa and Poverty AlleviationInfrastructure plays a central role in shaping economic, social and cultural landscapes. While often perceived as neutral, infrastructure decisions frequently serve political interests rather than humanitarian needs. Equitable and transparent investments can transform lives by expanding access to education, health care and economic opportunities. In sub-Saharan Africa, targeted infrastructure projects have helped alleviate poverty while also serving as political tools for influence and development strategies.

Transforming Rural Access: The Role of Roads

Transportation infrastructure facilitates access to essential services including health care, markets and education. The World Bank’s Sub-Saharan Africa Transport Policy Program, while aiming to lower transportation costs and improve market access, often navigates complex political landscapes.

In 2008, the World Bank introduced a mass bus transit system in Lagos, Nigeria, offering affordable and reliable public transport. This project exceeded expected usage by 100% the following year, demonstrating its success. It also functioned as a political statement, showcasing the government’s commitment to urban development.

A more recent initiative, announced in March 2024, focuses on enhancing connectivity in Ethiopia by providing and strengthening all-weather road access to improve climate resilience and food insecurity in rural communities. The strategic placement of this project enables the political leaders to align with political priorities and development goals. While politicized infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa may distort resource allocation, strategic investments that boost rural connectivity have demonstrated significant poverty reduction by improving access to services. The World Bank’s approach ensures that projects are strategically placed to boost regional trade and economic integration.

Water and Sanitation: A Foundation for Development

More than 2 billion people worldwide still lack access to clean water and sanitation, with sub-Saharan Africa disproportionately affected. Decisions about water infrastructure allocation often carry political weight. However, organizations in collaboration with the World Bank have significantly improved access by supporting community-driven efforts to build and maintain water wells and filtration systems.

The United States (U.S.) Development Finance Corporation supports local entrepreneurs’ programs across sub-Saharan Africa to empower communities to maintain and expand water infrastructure and purification services. These ongoing efforts act as soft power tools, extending political influence through development assistance. While perhaps politically motivated, projects not only reduce the time spent collecting water but have improved health and enabled children, particularly girls, to attend school, breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering communities.

Education Infrastructure: Building Futures

Organizations such as UNICEF and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have worked to improve access to education and build schools. Over the past two decades, the out-of-school population in the region has dropped from 44% in 2000 to 29% in 2020. However, the politicization of infrastructure requires navigating competing priorities and political agendas to provide education to the 98 million children in sub-Saharan Africa who still lack access to formal, quality education.

Education infrastructure projects are sometimes influenced by soft power strategies, such as initiatives by the French Government and the British Commonwealth Grants Programme in their former colonies, with projects established in attempts to maintain influence. Despite the politicization of infrastructure, aligning investments with local needs has far-reaching effects, improving school attendance and increasing employment opportunities for graduates, acting as a catalyst for long-term poverty alleviation.

Mobile Health Care and Rwanda’s Transformation

Investments in sustainable health care infrastructure can be transformative for improving quality of life and alleviating poverty in sub-Saharan Africa, where accessing health care and medical services remains a major challenge for many communities. Rwanda’s health care transformation is a visible advantage of how politicized infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa can have positive outcomes when strategic investments are aligned with national development needs. After the 1994 genocide, the country faced serious health problems, with the life expectancy dropping to 29 years. Through targeted policies to improve health care, the life expectancy reached 67 years in 2024, more than double the 1994 average. By addressing geographic and economic barriers to health care access, investments in health care support broader development goals of reducing poverty and improving education outcomes.

Infrastructure as a Catalyst for Change

Politicized infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa presents both challenges and opportunities. While infrastructure investments fuel economic growth, political agendas can potentially distort priorities and deepen inequalities. However, aligning projects with local needs, transparency and sustainable development goals can transform infrastructure into a catalyst for long-term poverty alleviation. By investing in strategic transportation, water, education and health care systems, nations in the region can break cycles of poverty, improve resilience and foster economic stability.

– Isobel Hurst

Isobel is based in Berlin, Germany and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Examining the Gender Wage Gap in El Salvador

Gender Wage Gap in El SalvadorEl Salvador is a Central American country that lies between Guatemala and Honduras. The gender wage gap in El Salvador is a prevalent issue, as it prevents many women from earning the same wage as men. According to Fusades, women in El Salvador receive $0.89 for every dollar men receive for labor. Having equal wages is essential in every country in order to make sure that everyone is afforded the same opportunities regardless of their gender. ​

Men’s and Women’s Wages

The World Bank conducted research that shows that El Salvador scores higher than the regional average in Latin America in an index regarding the life cycle of working women, scoring an 88.8 in 2022 compared to the average of 80.4 out of 100. While a higher score shows progress, there is still room for improvement regarding the gender wage gap in El Salvador. Women in El Salvador are less likely to own or control their own assets, and only 29% of Salvadoran women have bank accounts, compared to 45% of Salvadoran men.

Women in El Salvador also spend roughly 20% of their day doing unpaid household or domestic work, which is significantly more time than men in El Salvador spend on domestic work. Men only spend 7% of their day on domestic work, which means they have more time in their day for paid labor, which puts women at an additional disadvantage. On average, employers pay women around 10 cents less than men on the dollar for their work, which means they have to work more to receive the same pay as men.

Legal Challenges

Certain legal roadblocks also impact the gender wage gap in El Salvador. As of 2022, lawmakers failed to pass any recent reforms to assist gender wage equality. Similarly, men’s and women’s retirement ages are different in El Salvador. Women in El Salvador are able to retire at the age of 55, while men must wait until age 60. While this is not an example of gender wage equality because there are different standards for men and women, there is another retirement requirement of 30 years of work that is universal for both men and women. A universal retirement age regardless of gender is a step in the right direction for equalizing the gender wage gap.

While legal issues contribute to the lack of closure of the gender wage gap in El Salvador, there are also social norms and expectations that make it more difficult for women to receive the same wage as men. Women in El Salvador experience higher rates of poverty, because they do not have equal access to economic resources. There are no laws preventing women from having equal access to these resources, but men in El Salvador are more privileged in regards to the right to land due to social norms that believe women belong in the home.

Solutions

El Salvador still has a long way to go in closing the gender wage gap, but the country has been making strides towards wage equality. In 2011, El Salvador passed a law that prohibits discrimination in the workplace based on gender, positively impacting women in the workplace. 

Although laws forbid gender discrimination, they do not fully close the gender wage gap in El Salvador. While the government has not enacted the necessary changes, several organizations, including Women and Girls Empowered (WAGE), are working towards closing the gender wage gap. WAGE works with several other organizations to fight societal restrictions on wage equality, in addition to legal restrictions. It began in 2018 with a goal to aid women who are looking to grow their agency, and have done substantial research in addition to providing assistance to women in poverty in several different countries, including El Salvador. The Grameen Foundation, which is a lead partner in WAGE, accepts donations and helps to provide more information about the organization and their goals.

Looking Ahead

El Salvador is a diverse country located in South America that is working towards gender wage equality. While it has had some setbacks, including gendered retirement ages and social norms that prevent the gender wage gap from being closed, many organizations such as WAGE and The Grameen Foundation are working towards closing that gap by empowering women throughout the country.

– Lizzie Mazzola

Lizzie is based in Raleigh, NC, USA and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Poverty in Jamaica: The World Bank Renovates Kingston’s Waterfront

Poverty in jamaicaOn October 18, 2024, Jamaica’s government and the World Bank announced a $12 million investment to renovate Kingston’s Waterfront. The project aims to boost tourism, improve job accessibility and reduce poverty in Jamaica. This development is promising for Jamaica, where poverty in the area has made it challenging for many residents to sustain themselves.

The revitalized Waterfront has the potential to invigorate the local economy. Nigel Clarke, former Jamaica’s Minister of Finance and Public Service, commented: “This government is creating public spaces to serve the Jamaican people. This will revitalize downtown Kingston.”

The Timeline for Waterfront Renovations

Phases one and two of the Kingston Waterfront Improvement Project, known as KIWI, will run from 2024 to 2030. The project’s first phase will fund the creation of a multi-use park along Kingston’s waterfront. It will feature recreational amenities like bike paths, playgrounds, sports fields, street furniture and landscaped areas.

The second phase will “focus on the park’s construction, small-scale infrastructure works and urban upgrading.” The total amount that the budget covers for both phases is approximately $40 million. This large sum will work to reestablish Jamaica’s economy by its inherent benefit to the community. This could benefit around 700,000 Jamaicans by providing them with new job opportunities in the tourism sector, retail or small business booths in downtown Jamaica.

Kingston’s Waterfront Statistics and Employment Rate

In September 2022, Jamaica’s economic enrichment statistics from tourism indicate how urbanization of Kingston’s waterfront has the potential to further fortify its economy. Tourism keeps Jamaica involved in foreign commerce, building its independent value. Statistically, tourism in Jamaica directly employs 175,000 Jamaicans and indirectly employs around 354,000.

Professor Lloyd Webber highlighted tourism’s necessity in Jamaica by saying that consistent efforts must be made toward the Jamaican economy to maintain Jamaica’s status as a tourism hotspot. The Kingston Waterfront would do just that, building jobs, a more bustling economy and community cohesion, which would mitigate crime rates inherently.

Long-Term Jobs Create Long-Term Solutions for Islanders

While Jamaica is known as a bustling island nation, it faces significant socioeconomic challenges, including poverty and crime. According to the World Bank, approximately 17% of Jamaica’s population lives in poverty, with low-quality jobs leaving many Jamaicans vulnerable to economic shocks.

According to Graeme Young, “a Research Fellow at the University of Glasgow,” the lack of sustainable jobs makes it difficult for Jamaicans to afford nutritious food. Young argued that government policies fail to address the root issue: supply and demand. Young also highlighted Kingston’s primary challenges: low sales and insufficient customers.

Therefore, the renovation of Kingston’s Waterfront presents an opportunity to rebuild the economy, creating a vibrant, safe environment that benefits tourists and locals alike, whilst reducing poverty in Jamaica.

– Madeline Star Heintz

Madeline is based in Los Angeles, CA, USA and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Tackling Learning Poverty in Lesotho

Tackling Learning Poverty in Lesotho In Lesotho, 97% of children struggle with learning poverty, which the World Bank defines as the inability to read and understand simple texts by age 10. Despite efforts to increase access to basic education, the learning poverty rate remains alarmingly high, driven by systemic challenges in education and socio-economic disparities.

Causes of Learning Poverty

While primary education (grades 1-7) is free in Lesotho, many students fail to complete their studies and even fewer transition to secondary education (grades 8-10). There are two leading causes of large declines in students:

  1. Poverty. Many families often cannot afford indirect school costs such as transportation and uniforms. Many children leave school to work and support their families or drop out due to teenage pregnancy—both of which have a high correlation with poverty.
  2. Orphanhood. Lesotho has a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS and in 2021 alone, 110,000 children were orphaned due to the disease. This loss of parental support forces many children out of school to care for siblings or find work.

Few primary schools in Lesotho offer pre-primary education, limiting access. Students in pre-primary education face the same challenges as older students, such as being unable to afford books or transportation. The shortage of schools across all grade levels caused significant overcrowding, a problem that began in 2009 after free primary education was implemented. The government failed to allocate enough funding to prepare school infrastructure for the influx of students. Overcrowding has also caused a shortage of qualified teachers. While many teachers work in schools, they are not enough to adequately educate all students. Additionally, many teachers lack the literacy and mathematical skills necessary for effective instruction, compromising the quality of education. The lack of training opportunities worsens the issue, leaving many educators without proper qualifications.

Initiatives Tackling Learning Poverty

  • Basic Education Strengthening Project. This initiative focuses on improving student retention and teaching quality in junior secondary schools across Lesotho. It also supports the introduction of a new curriculum in Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) to strengthen early education delivery. Funded by a $7.1 million grant from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), the project aims to address foundational issues in the education system. While the GPE’s funding concludes in February 2025, ongoing efforts will be supported by the Lesotho Education Improvement Project.
  • Lesotho Education Improvement Project. Approved in July 2024, this project builds on previous initiatives led by the Ministry of Education and Training. It seeks to improve the quality of education and enhance learning conditions for high-priority students. The project intends to support the construction of infrastructure that will be able to support a growing student population. Construction will consist of 189 classrooms, 1,140 restrooms, 48 laboratories and 10 workshops. These facilities are expected to benefit more than 100,000 students in primary and secondary schools across the country. The project is primarily financed by $20 million from the World Bank Group’s International Development Association (IDA). 

The Ministry of Education and Training also provides the Orphans and Vulnerable Children Education Grant, which covers costs for uniforms, books, transportation and secondary education fees for children in need. This program ensures that financial barriers do not prevent access to education for the most disadvantaged students.

Moving Forward

Efforts to combat learning poverty in Lesotho extend beyond education, incorporating proposals to address the health and well-being of children. By combining infrastructure projects, curriculum reform and targeted support for vulnerable students, Lesotho aims to tackle learning poverty at its roots. These initiatives reflect the country’s commitment to providing a brighter future for its children.

– Nivea Walker

Nivea is based in Elon, NC, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Addressing Challenges in Higher Education in Nepal

Higher Education in Nepal
Higher education is crucial for the overall development of Nepal as it cultivates human resources essential for managing the country’s remaining resources. Yet, Nepalese educational institutions face several significant challenges that drive students to seek opportunities abroad rather than studying at local universities. The university education system in Nepal is engendering deep distrust in academics and thus prompting a critical examination of its effectiveness. This essay is going to introduce five critical issues that hinder the effectiveness of higher education in Nepal.

Over Rapid Expansion of Enrolment

The rapid increase in student enrollment has outpaced the capacity of educational institutions, leading to overcrowded classrooms and strained resources. Many Nepalese educational institutions suffer from inadequate physical and educational facilities, including a lack of well-equipped libraries, classrooms and even basic amenities like toilets.

This exacerbates the challenges that educators face, as high student-to-teacher ratios make it difficult for teachers to tailor their methods to meet individual student needs. As a result, insufficient resources limit students’ opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research and apply their knowledge practically.

Under-Funding and Outdated Courses

Financial constraints significantly impact the quality of higher education in Nepal. Nepal spends only about 3.5% of its GDP on education, with a mere fraction allocated to higher education in Nepal. The majority of funding goes to a single institution, Tribhuvan University, leaving many other institutions under-resourced and unable to provide quality education.

This chronic underfunding affects the availability of modern teaching materials, research facilities and even the maintenance of existing infrastructure. As a result, students often find themselves in environments that do not support their academic and professional development, prompting them to seek education abroad where funding and resources are more robust.

The educational landscape often features outdated courses that do not align with the global job market’s demands. A lack of specialized programs, particularly in the field of technology and science, hampers students’ specific career aspirations. Additionally, administrative challenges lead to delays in conducting examinations and publishing results, further complicating the educational experience. These inefficiencies create an environment of uncertainty for students, who may find it difficult to plan their academic and career paths. The need for effective management and timely administrative processes is critical in ensuring that students receive the education they deserve.

Irrational Structure of the System

The design of courses and curricula often lacks coherence and modern relevance. Higher education in Nepal exhibits a notable emphasis on theoretical instruction at the expense of practical knowledge. Graduates may find themselves lacking hands-on experience and practical skills that are crucial in the professional realm. This disconnection between education and the job market likely further exacerbates the challenges that the graduates may have when they are seeking employment.

Quality Erosion

The expansion of educational institutions following the restoration of democracy has not been matched by a corresponding increase in quality. This decline in standards leads to a lack of trust in the academic system. Many prospective students are now questioning the value of a local degree, prompting them to explore educational opportunities abroad. The erosion of quality in higher education in Nepal not only affects individual students but also has broader implications for the country’s development, as it undermines the very foundation of human resource cultivation.

Impact of Poverty on Access of Higher Education

Low income remains a significant barrier to accessing higher education in Nepal. Many families cannot afford tuition fees, textbooks and other educational expenses, and this forces the students to abandon their academic dreams. The financial strain often compels students from low-income backgrounds to prioritize immediate employment over education and thus perpetuating a cycle of poverty.

Additionally, rural students face even greater challenges, including the costs associated with travel and accommodation in urban centers where most universities are located.

The government of Nepal with the assistance from the International Development Association (IDA)/World Bank, initiated the Second Higher Education Project (SHEP) in 2015 to tackle these challenges:

  • Increase Funding: the government could allocate a larger percentage of its GDP to education, ensuring more equitable distribution of resources across institutions.
  • Scholarship Programs: establishing scholarship programs aimed at low-income students could help alleviate some financial burdens, enabling more individuals, especially the under-privileged ones, to pursue higher education.
  • Curriculum Reforms: updating curricula to meet current job market meds and emphasizing practical skills can enhance employability for graduates.
  • Managerial Training: providing training for education administrators can improve the efficiency of processes within the institutions and enhance the overall management effectiveness.

Transformative Government Initiatives to Elevate Education Quality

The Nepalese government has actively tackled the challenges in its education system by launching several targeted initiatives. These don’t all relate to higher education in Nepal specifically but improvements on Nepal’s overall education system may be a good starting point for Nepal to improve its higher education system as well.

  • Community School Programs: The Community School Program is a fundamental aspect of the strategy of the Nepal government to provide free education to disadvantaged students. The Community School Program is a fundamental aspect of the strategy of the Nepal government to provide free education to disadvantaged students. It has enrolled more than 50,000 students from underprivileged backgrounds. This program offers free education alongside essential resources such as textbooks, uniforms, and meals, to the students in rural areas. Therefore, this program has successfully raised enrolment an reduced dropout rates.
  • Digital Classrooms: To modernize education and close the digital divide, the government has introduced digital classroom initiatives in select schools, primarily in urban locations. These classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards, projectors, and e-learning tools.  These advances allow teachers to enhance their lesson delivery and reduce administrative tasks. While this initiative shows promise, broader implementation in rural areas is necessary for a nationwide impact.
  • Teacher Training Programs: Many rural schools struggle with a shortage of qualified teachers, resulting in poor quality education and elevated dropout rates. Therefore, the Nepalese government has launched several training programs for teachers aimed at enhancing the teaching quality. These programs emphasize pedagogical skills, curriculum delivery and the utilization of digital resources. Also, incentives are offered to motivate teachers to work in remote and underserved areas.
  • The Bank’s Program for Results (PforR): The reforms supported by the PforR have been integrated into the Nepalese higher education program. Measures include targeted scholarships for the poor, examination standardization, curriculum reforms, a single subject certification policy, strengthened assessment systems and encouragement for teachers to dedicate more time to teaching. In March 2023, the World Bank endorsed the School Sector Transformation Program Operation to assist the Government’s School Education Sector Plan (2023-27). The program’s successful implementation and its reforms highlight the importance and effectiveness of collaboration and co-financing between the World Bank and its partner organizations.

Looking Ahead

Addressing these challenges is crucial for enhancing the quality and competitiveness of Nepalese higher education. By investing in infrastructure, updating curricula, and ensuring quality faculty, Nepal may be able to create an educational ecosystem that retains local talent. Furthermore, there is the potential to attract international students, ultimately contributing to the nation’s growth and development.

– Hoi Ieng Chao

Hoi is based in Macau and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

Global Poverty Reduction: A Century-Long Challenge

Global Poverty ReductionThe World Bank’s 2024 report, “Poverty, Prosperity and Planet,” presents a sobering forecast for global poverty reduction efforts. At the current rate, lifting half of the world’s population out of poverty could take over a century. This projection underscores the urgent need for effective international development strategies to address global poverty reduction challenges.

The report reveals that nearly 40% of the global population lives below $6.85 a day, with recent economic setbacks worsening this outlook. Limited access to education, job opportunities and resources creates significant barriers to economic advancement for many individuals, hindering global poverty reduction progress.

Global Poverty Reduction: Challenges

Recent economic challenges have disproportionately affected low-income countries, impacting global poverty reduction efforts. Inflation and rising public debt have limited essential investments in social services. The World Bank reports that 26 of the poorest countries are in their worst financial shape since 2006.

Conflict-prone regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, face persistent disruptions that prevent consistent social services and undermine economic resilience. These challenges make it difficult for affected populations to achieve stability and progress, hampering global poverty reduction efforts.

Debt Relief Efforts and Direct Support Programs

The World Bank, in partnership with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), continues to implement the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative and the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI). These programs have provided around $99 billion in debt relief to 37 countries since their inception. In December 2023, Somalia reached the HIPC Initiative Completion Point, receiving $4.5 billion in debt relief.

The World Bank supports various cash transfer and social safety net programs. For example, the Debt Management Facility (DMF) is a multi-donor trust fund that assists low-income countries in developing sustainable debt management frameworks.

Education, Workforce and International Collaboration

The World Bank invests in human capital development through various education projects. While specific examples aren’t provided in the search results, the World Bank emphasizes the importance of education and skill development in breaking the cycle of poverty.

It also works closely with other international organizations to address poverty. For instance, the Common Framework, endorsed by the G20 and Paris Club in November 2020, aims to deliver long-term, sustainable solutions to lower-income country debt vulnerabilities.

Positive Developments

While the overall projection is concerning, there have been notable successes in poverty reduction efforts:

Between 2015 and 2018, the number of people living in extreme poverty globally fell from 741 million to 689 million. Several countries, including Bangladesh and Kenya, have made significant progress in reducing poverty rates through targeted interventions and economic reforms.

Innovative technologies and digital solutions are emerging to address various aspects of poverty, from mobile banking to agricultural improvements.

Global Poverty Reduction: The Future

The World Bank’s findings highlight the need for significant, coordinated global action to address poverty. While the challenge of global poverty reduction is immense, there are reasons for optimism. With targeted investments, strategic policy shifts, and international cooperation, progress can be accelerated. Organizations worldwide are committed to ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to rise out of poverty, working towards a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

– Isabel Gallagher

Isabel is based in Dorset, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Disability and Poverty in Jamaica

Disability and Poverty in Jamaica Disability and poverty in Jamaica are intertwined, perpetuating a cycle of hardship. Despite the enactment of the 2014 Disabilities Act, which aims to eliminate discrimination and ensure equal rights for persons with disabilities, many still struggle with maintaining a decent quality of life due to systemic barriers and economic instability. Approximately 200,000 Jamaicans live with a disability and they disproportionately suffer from poverty and unemployment. Census data from 2001 revealed that just over 6% of Jamaica’s population or about 160,000 people, identified as living with a disability. Yet, fewer than 1% of these individuals are in paid employment, highlighting the extreme vulnerability of the disabled community in Jamaica.

Challenges for People with Disabilities in Jamaica

Surviving in Jamaica is particularly challenging for people with disabilities who live in poverty. About 15% of the Jamaican population lives with a disability, yet many lack access to high-quality education and employment opportunities. In 2019, the unemployment rate among disabled individuals in Jamaica reached 90%, severely limiting their ability to maintain a satisfactory standard of living. This high unemployment rate restricts their financial ability to afford food and essential items, trapping them in a cycle of poverty. Consequently, many people with disabilities struggle to achieve independence due to insufficient income and barriers to securing housing. Additionally, accessing many public places remains physically challenging for disabled people.

Globally, half of the people living with disabilities cannot afford health care and among those who can access practitioners, more than double report finding their medic’s skills inadequate for their needs. In Jamaica, access to health care, like many other public services, varies widely based on the individual’s location, the nature of their disability, their mobility and ability to communicate with health care professionals. Consequently, certain groups do not receive the necessary level of treatment and fall through the cracks.

Disability Support Initiatives in Jamaica

  • Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD). JCPD advocates for disabled rights and promotes participatory policies, providing vocational training for persons with disabilities (PWDs). Its programs create pathways out of poverty by improving employability for PWDs.
  • Mustard Seed Communities. The organization provides accommodation, care and vocational training to persons with disabilities, helping them gain independence and learn marketable skills. Its projects focus on engaging participants through practical training in agriculture and construction. Currently, the organization supports more than 440 Jamaicans, including children affected by HIV and teen mothers with their infants.
  • The World Bank. The World Bank has collaborated with Jamaica to enhance the economic inclusion of persons with disabilities through social protection programs. This effort involves collecting data on disabilities to better tailor responses.

Looking Forward

Breaking systemic barriers remains crucial to improving the lives of people with disabilities in Jamaica. Efforts to enhance vocational training, expand employment opportunities and strengthen social protection systems are essential to reducing the socioeconomic disparities they face. By fostering inclusion and accessibility, these ongoing initiatives aim to address the root causes of inequality, offering individuals the chance to lead independent and dignified lives.

– Georgia de Gidlow

Georgia is based in Watford. UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Mental Health in Benin: Challenges and Progress

Mental Health in Benin
Poverty and mental health are deeply intertwined in Benin, where nearly 38.5% of the population lives below the poverty line. Poverty exacerbates mental health issues, creating barriers to accessing necessary care. Mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression disproportionately affect individuals in low-income settings due to stress, lack of support, and stigma. These findings echo broader trends seen in other low- and middle-income countries, as outlined by the World Bank, which identifies the lack of infrastructure as a key impediment to effective mental health interventions.

Challenges in Mental Health Accessibility

Access to mental health services in Benin is limited, with the majority of specialized care facilities located in urban centers like Cotonou and Porto-Novo, leaving rural populations underserved. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the country faces critical shortages in mental health professionals, with fewer than one psychiatrist per 100,000 people. Additionally, there are only a handful of psychiatric hospitals, and mental health care is often integrated into general hospitals, which lack the necessary resources and trained personnel. This imbalance between urban and rural health care access is further exacerbated by societal stigma, which discourages individuals from seeking treatment, and the absence of a comprehensive national mental health strategy.

Role of Poverty in Amplifying Mental Health Issues

From a human rights and social justice perspective, this cycle of poverty and poor mental health represents a critical ethical issue. According to the International Covenant of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, “everyone has a right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health”. However, as Paul Farmer notes, the needs of the world’s poor are often overlooked, and the structural inequalities that perpetuate mental health disparities are frequently neglected by global health and foreign policy communities. Addressing these inequalities requires integrating human rights frameworks into public health strategies, emphasizing beneficence, autonomy, and resource equity to empower marginalized populations and break the cycle of poverty and mental illness.

Progress Through Community-Based Interventions

Efforts in Benin such as the “Saint Camille Solution” have made strides in addressing mental health challenges through community-based interventions. These include awareness campaigns, support groups and partnerships with international NGOs for resource mobilization. Such programs highlight the importance of addressing both societal stigma and resource allocation.

Moving Forward: Policy and Investment Needs

While some progress has been made, significant work remains to fully integrate mental health into Benin’s healthcare system. Strengthening the system requires a multifaceted approach, beginning with the training and deployment of specialized mental health professionals across the country, particularly in underserved areas. Existing professionals will need to receive continuous training, supervision, and evaluation to enhance their effectiveness. 

– Olivia Barker

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

Photo: Flickr