Pandemics, while devastating for populations at large, deliver a disproportionate impact when they sweep through the dense informal settlements of developing countries with their narrow alleyways and broken dwellings. Death rates, high everywhere, soared through such places during the COVID-19 crisis. Until recently, however, no research had been conducted on the role of … [Read more...] about Policy Options for Combating Pandemics in Informal Settlements
Social Issues
The Challenges of Being a Single Mother in Latin America and the Caribbean
Single mothers may face significant economic handicaps, an issue of particular concern in Latin America and the Caribbean where 11% of households are headed by a single parent—the highest rate of any region in the world—and most of those households are led by single mothers. This already large share almost triples when taking into account mothers without a partner who live with … [Read more...] about The Challenges of Being a Single Mother in Latin America and the Caribbean
Can Latin America and the Caribbean Unlock AI’s Potential While Mitigating Its Perils?
This article is the first in a series dedicated to exploring the opportunities and risks of AI for Latin America and the Caribbean Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a disruptive force that promises to reshape economies across the globe. With its ability to process vast amounts of data, learn from patterns, and make intelligent decisions, AI holds immense potential … [Read more...] about Can Latin America and the Caribbean Unlock AI’s Potential While Mitigating Its Perils?
Disabilities, the Pandemic, and the Pursuit of Tertiary Education
Over the last two decades, Chile has made efforts to boost educational inclusion in schools among young people with disabilities, extending opportunities to this vulnerable group which tends to have lower labor force participation, employment and wages in part because of a significant educational gap. Today, around two-thirds of students with disabilities attend mainstream … [Read more...] about Disabilities, the Pandemic, and the Pursuit of Tertiary Education
Leveraging Technology to Reduce Student Dropout and Improve Learning
Latin America and the Caribbean is in the midst of an educational crisis. Though enrollment in primary school has grown and today is nearly universal, average completion rates for secondary school stand at 64 percent compared to an average of 79 percent for OECD countries. Moreover, only 35 percent of 15-year-old students in Latin America attain minimum competency in math, way … [Read more...] about Leveraging Technology to Reduce Student Dropout and Improve Learning