Villa Esperanza, is a shantytown of unpaved streets and low-slung tin-roofed house, a place where the prospects for children would seem grim. Most adults in the town outside Lima work selling goods on the street or in other low-paying jobs. Many are illiterate, and the social problems, ranging from gangs to high levels of alcoholism, disease and domestic violence, might snuff … [Read more...] about When Poverty Is No Obstacle to Educational Success
China’s Dockless Biking Boom and the Lessons for Latin America
They have set off a surge in bike riding, sparked explosive investment, and helped cut air pollution and carbon emissions. But the "dockless" -- or stationless -- bikes that have transformed China's cities also have come with significant social and economic costs. As Latin America prepares to embrace them, it would do well to take heed. That day is coming sooner than later. … [Read more...] about China’s Dockless Biking Boom and the Lessons for Latin America
Financial Literacy Programs Can Benefit Both Children and Adults
To become an adult without knowing how to manage money is to risk financial instability, debt, and a meager retirement. Moreover, most evidence suggests it is extremely difficult to change the financial behavior of adults. They may not have time for financial literacy programs and, besides, may be too set in their ways. On the other hand, working with children and teenagers … [Read more...] about Financial Literacy Programs Can Benefit Both Children and Adults
A Unique Database Charts Latin America’s Deepening Democracy
This year's update to the Database of Political Institutions marks its 17th year of tracking institutional and electoral data for countries from around the world, and the second update at its new permanent home at the IDB. Researchers at the World Bank Development Research Group first compiled the database in 2000, coding institutional and electoral variables for 180 countries … [Read more...] about A Unique Database Charts Latin America’s Deepening Democracy
Latin America Needs Greater Investment and Productivity. This Is Why
As the global economy gains strength and Latin America and the Caribbean recovers from recession, the region is actually falling further behind, continuing to lose its share in global GDP and putting in jeopardy the aspirations of its growing middle class The reasons behind this are complex. But low investment and productivity are fundamental factors. They require significant … [Read more...] about Latin America Needs Greater Investment and Productivity. This Is Why