Throughout the world, efforts are being made to eliminate extreme poverty. The World Bank has identified that between 1981 and 1990, extreme poverty fell from 1.9 billion to 1.8 billion, and then from 1990 to 2005, poverty fell again, to 1.4 billion.

But this significant reduction in poverty disguises large regional differences. Extreme poverty is not spread evenly throughout the world - most of those who remain trapped in poverty do so in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

Furthermore, the World Bank estimates that in 2009 alone the global economic crisis will trap an extra 53 million people below the extreme poverty line of US$1.25 per day.

And that from 2009 to 2015, an average of 200,000-400,000 more children may die if the crisis persists.

These confronting figures should be kept in mind. Because behind all the statistics about global poverty are the heartbreaking human stories of the men, women and children who, despite their tenacity, courage and perseverance, continue to experience the powerlessness of everyday poverty.

People who desperately need the opportunity to improve their incomes to help better provide for their families.

And across counties and continents there are various people who can play a role to address this situation.

Local government, the private sector, the not-for-profit sectors and the local community can join forces. By collaborating effectively, they can implement initiatives that will stimulate economic growth, and help improve the incomes of those living in poverty.

These initiatives need to be tailored to each community’s specific needs and requirements. There is no blueprint for success. What works in one context may not automatically transfer to another.

Ultimately, poor families and communities must be empowered to solve their own problems.

When individuals and communities are assisted to help themselves – when they are given a hand-up, rather than a hand-out – poverty can be reduced and lives can be transformed.

Through supporting programs such as World Vision’s SEE Solutions, you can be part of the transformation of people’s lives. Visit out SEE Solutions page for more information.