It’s the 21^st century and millions live on less than $2 a day. That’s why world leaders have come together to set a goal: eradicating poverty by 2030. Of course, there is no singular way on how to do it.

Today’s situation

Let’s start with some good news. The Correspondent reports that the percentage of those who live in poverty had fallen to 44% by 1891. It’s also gone down by 10% as of last year. By 2012, the absolute number of people living in extreme poverty has dipped from 1.95 billion to 896 million.

Things are looking up, and we are hopeful.

It’s an understatement to say that ending extreme poverty is challenging. However, it is definitely possible.

What can we do?

Another good news is we don’t have to be world leaders to be part of eradicating poverty. Our little efforts can make a huge difference.

We at Yuda Bands are going to let you in on ways that you can help. Below is our Yuda Bands’ guide to eradicating poverty.

1. Volunteer during your free time

Instead of going on a holiday this year, why not dedicate your time to volunteering abroad? You can take part in educating the poor, building homes for them, creating jobs as well as getting to know their situation. It is through the power of knowledge that you’ll be able to better understand what our current state really is.

2.Buy something that supports a cause

Our Yuda Bands project is one of the means you can support ending extreme poverty. By simply signing up your school club, you gain access to selling these bands in hopes of sending children to school and providing jobs for the people of Guatemala, Zimbabwe, and other poverty-stricken places.

3.Contact your congressional representatives

The Congress is your direct line to get things done. It is through these leaders that your voice will be heard and you can make a difference. Go ahead and make that call, telling them that you are a concerned citizen. With enough people doing the same, the Congress will take the best action plan in helping to eradicate extreme poverty.

4.Support small and local businesses

When you buy from local and small businesses, it creates jobs and opportunities for people who need it. So the next time you consider buying vegetables and fruits from large supermarkets or stores, try reaching out to local farmers instead.

5.Grant small loans

There are many individuals who don’t have access to traditional banking systems, thereby limiting opportunities for them. This further perpetuates the vicious cycle we all long to end. You can do something by granting small loans. It’s what you call micro financing.

Kiva is one of the best examples. The non-profit charity lend people a certain amount of money to help them achieve their goals. It could even be as little as $25. That may not be a lot. However, that’s enough to change a life.

6.Raise awareness

Raising awareness is a strong way to eradicate poverty. Educate people about our current situation, what we can do and what the possibility of a better future holds. You can organize talks in your school or give away flyers in your neighborhood. Every little effort counts.

What can public and private sectors do?

Our Yuda Bands guide to eradicating poverty also points out the role of public and private sectors in hopes of a better future.

Create more jobs

There are a lot of employment opportunities wherever you are in the world. However, a lot of them don’t generate enough profit. That’s why many countries are stuck in poverty.

The good news is sectors can invest on opportunities like infrastructure, health care, schools, and the like. This way, more people get employed and experience rightful benefits that come with a stable job.

Promote gender equality

To this day, women get paid a lot less than men. Moreover, many of them are treated unjustly, when they are equally skilled and at times, more.

UN has once said that when “women have equal access to education, and go on to participate fully in business and economic decision-making, they are a key driving force against poverty.” Moreover, it “translates into better prospects and greater well-being of children,” thereby assuring a better future for all.

Provide better healthcare services

One of the biggest challenges people living below the poverty line is lack of health care. We can all agree that good health is an impetus to success and happiness. When people are happy and successful, it breeds better perspectives in life. From here, people are more motivated to work and have a better future. It creates a much better cycle for a larger community.

Provide better access to safe water

Water is life. In fact, World Bank refers to clean water as “one of the most cost-effective development interventions, and is critical for reducing poverty.”

Without clean and safe drinking water, people get sick. When people get sick, they are not able to function, let alone dream of creating better lives for themselves and for their loved ones. What public and private sectors can do is to ensure that there is better access to safe water.

Strengthen accessible education

Whether it’s to teach more women about safe sex or increase free education services, it is truly one of the strongest forces to fight poverty. The good news is more and more are fighting for this cause. After all, the more educated people the world have the better our chances of ending this cycle once and for all.

Paid family and sick leave

Many employees in different countries, particularly the US do not have access to paid family and sick leave. This means that a single mother who needs to take care of her newborn child can easily fall into poverty. That’s simply her caring for a child who might also end up living in poverty.

We are already on the right track, and we can’t stop now. Let our Yuda Bands’ guide to eradicating poverty inspire you to start your own initiative.