What is poverty and how can we alleviate it?

What is poverty?

Poverty is complex and can be defined and described in many ways. For example, the US defines poverty as a household that earns less than an annual threshold set by the US Census Bureau, while Mexico defines poverty as when a resident makes less than $111/month in rural areas and $170/month in urban areas. One definition that is generally accepted is the World Bank’s, which defines international extreme poverty as anyone living under $2.15/day—about 659 million people. All three of these definitions describe material poverty, which is what we’ll explore throughout the remainder of this blog; however, there are other forms of poverty experienced around the globe that are important to learn about as well. 

Someone living in material poverty doesn’t necessarily just need money or food—they often lack access to other basic resources such as healthcare, clean water, safe living conditions and clothing. Kids are at the heart of Because International’s founding story, and children alone represent half of the 659 million people living on less than $2.15/day, according to research completed by UNICEF. 

Children in impoverished areas often remain in a cycle of poverty throughout their life and their future family’s life, as they are less likely to receive education, aren’t well protected from abuse or violence, and may find it more difficult to earn income as an adult. Research from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) shows that children born into impoverished families take four to five generations to reach the average level of income. 

At Because International, we focus our efforts on alleviating absolute poverty, which can be broadly defined as a household whose income is too low to afford basic necessities—such as shoes.

How can we alleviate poverty?

Like the definition, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach on how to alleviate poverty. Thankfully, there are thousands of organizations across the world who specialize in relief efforts across different needs and geographic locations. While one nonprofit may specialize in bringing clean water to communities across the globe, another may work towards providing sanitary products to women specifically in the US.

First and foremost, Because International seeks to honor every individual’s dignity, regardless of race, culture, creed or socioeconomic level–this is rooted in our belief that every person has inherent value and deserves equality of opportunity. So, rather than simply providing charity, we create opportunities for individuals and communities to empower themselves, then we get out of the way. 

We also understand that there are people in crisis situations that are in need of immediate relief, such as food, shelter and clothing. We think that innovative products, like The Shoe That Grows, meet these needs in more effective ways than traditional products–while also addressing the conditions that cause it in the first place. That’s why at Because International, we follow a two-fold approach in our work of poverty alleviation: meeting immediate needs and creating opportunities for empowerment. 

Meeting immediate needs

Our first method of poverty alleviation is meeting the basic, immediate needs of families facing crisis situations or who are in scenarios where they don’t have access to basic resources—such as in the aftermath of a natural disaster, displacement from war and conflict, or the devastation after disease outbreak. 

The primary way that we provide immediate relief is by distributing pairs of The Shoe That Grows, a durable shoe that expands five sizes. Since launching The Shoe, we’ve been able to distribute pairs to children at risk of jiggers in East Africa, families displaced by conflict in Syria, and to orphaned children after the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone. 

Creating opportunities for empowerment

Our second method of poverty alleviation is creating opportunities for empowerment, primarily through the opportunity to work. We believe that the creation of jobs and small- and mid-level enterprises is one of the best ways to move the needle on extreme poverty. A source of income creates space for individuals and communities to set goals, envision change and become self-sufficient. 

Since 2019, we’ve partnered with a factory in Kenya to manufacture The Shoe That Grows, creating jobs in an area where The Shoe is commonly distributed. Additionally, we believe that the distribution of The Shoe creates opportunities for empowerment, as it allows children to remain healthy and attend school—providing them with opportunities to become future change agents and break the cycle of poverty. 

After years of trial and error developing and distributing The Shoe, we realized that Because International has the opportunity to use our product-related knowledge to turn others’ ideas into a reality–particularly entrepreneurs who are impacted by poverty. Individuals who live in impoverished communities have their own innovative ideas for products and solutions that will meet immediate needs and stimulate the local economy. We seek to partner with these entrepreneurs and help them overcome the challenges of getting their products to market through the Because Accelerator. 

The Because Accelerator, a 16-week virtual training program, works to empower entrepreneurs by teaching them everything we learned from The Shoe That Grows. Through our own expertise and by lending the knowledge of a network of volunteer advisors to train, mentor and support each cohort, often beyond the 10-week program, we help them get to the next stage of their business. New solutions are brought to market, dreams are realized, products are manufactured and businesses are built—generating even more jobs along the way. 

Through the Because Accelerator and The Shoe That Grows’ factory in Kenya, we’re on our way to having created 25,000 jobs in communities around the world, especially those in areas impacted by poverty, by 2030. 

Ways to get involved

A great first step is to continue learning about poverty and ways you can help based on your own interests, skills, schedule and financial circumstances. For someone who doesn’t have much time but has financial freedom, recurring online donations (like The Sole, explained below) are a great option and will certainly go a long way for whatever organization is getting the support. For another, donating gently-used toys to a local church may be the most feasible step, and is also a meaningful option. The most important thing is that we’re learning how to help and taking action together. 

Support kids with The Shoe That Grows 

If you’re passionate about helping kids, partnering with Because International to get pairs of The Shoe That Grows to families is a great and easy option. There are several routes you can take to help. 

Each of these options helps families around the world who are impacted by poverty. Whatever you choose—thank you!

Support job creation with the Because Accelerator 

If you feel strongly about supporting entrepreneurs, creating jobs in communities or funding social impact products, the Because Accelerator is a great option for you. Here’s how you can step in. 

No matter how you choose to step in and help alleviate poverty, whether that be with Because International or another organization working towards a cause you feel passionately about, we’re so grateful that you’re taking the time to learn more.

ImpactHannah BralyThe Shoe That Grows, Accelerator