Introduction

  The University of El Oued is committed to eradicating poverty as part of its contributions to Sustainable Development Goal 1 (SDG1). Through a holistic approach involving research, education, student support, community service, and policy engagement, the university actively addresses poverty challenges locally and internationally.

Research:

Research at El Oued University is instrumental in understanding and addressing poverty, particularly through faculty-led studies that explore poverty’s impact on Algerian society and its connections with public policy. Faculties and research hubs such as the Laboratory of Islamic Sciences contribute by researching Islamic charity and donation practices, aligning cultural and academic insights to alleviate poverty. Key research topics include:

• Impact of Endowments: The faculty of Islamic sciences at the university of El Oued explored extensively how endowments as a means of fostering collective contributions toward knowledge and societal development and help in generating sustainable resources independent of traditional state funding. By leveraging these funds for education, healthcare, and other community services, such mechanisms reduce financial burdens on vulnerable populations and help alleviate poverty.

• Education and Poverty: Research addresses how education policies can break intergenerational poverty, focusing on education access and outcomes in low-income groups. Our collaboration for inclusive solutions with the High Council for the Arabic Language and the Ministry of National Education demonstrates a collaborative effort to address systemic issues in education. This collaboration reflects a commitment to implementing policies and programs that reduce educational inequalities, which are often closely tied to economic disparities.

University of El Oued Rector Inaugurates Southern Seminar on “Learning Poverty”

• Social Protection Programs: Our researchers conducted a critical review by evaluating the Zakat Fund’s role in El Oued as a social protection program to combat poverty. It highlights the fund’s initial success in reducing poverty rates but identifies challenges in recent years due to declining collections. The study emphasizes the importance of strengthening such community-driven social protection mechanisms to ensure sustainability and equitable distribution. It provides valuable insights into enhancing local poverty alleviation efforts, aligning with SDG 1.3’s focus on sustainable social protection systems. By offering recommendations to optimize Zakat contributions and their management, the research supports innovative and localized solutions to address poverty effectively. analyse the effectiveness of cash transfers and food aid to reduce poverty among vulnerable populations.

The university actively disseminates these findings through publications and conferences, fostering knowledge-sharing on poverty alleviation strategies.

Inclusive Education and Student Support:

 El Oued University prioritizes equal access to education for students from low-income backgrounds, reinforcing its mission to foster inclusivity. The following services are provided through our directorate of university services.

• Bursaries and Financial Aid: The university provide financial assistance and bursaries that enable students to focus on their studies without financial stress.
• Basic Necessities: Free meals, transportation, and housing services are provided for students living in university accommodations and students from low-income backgrounds, addressing immediate needs and supporting well-being.
• Global Access: In line with SDG1’s global outlook, international students from low- and middle-income countries such as Yemen, Palestine, Niger and Mauritania benefit from full scholarships, healthcare, and housing.

These initiatives create an environment that enables students, regardless of economic status, to succeed academically and socially.

  Community Engagement and Skill Development:

 El Oued University involves students and faculty in community-based projects designed to address poverty in local communities. Through various programs, the university contributes to societal well-being:

• Service Learning and Volunteering: Programs integrate community service into the curriculum, where students engage in projects addressing food security, healthcare access, and housing needs in impoverished areas.
• Entrepreneurship and Microfinance Training: The university’s incubator program encourages entrepreneurship by providing resources and training on microfinance, digital literacy, and business planning for all students and staff, promoting economic empowerment.
• Sustainable Agriculture Initiatives: Training in sustainable farming practices aims to enhance food security and reduce rural poverty.

These programs not only provide hands-on experience for students but also make a tangible difference in the quality of life within the surrounding communities.

 Policy and Advocacy:

The university actively participates in poverty-related policymaking at various levels, focusing on both advocacy and research-led solutions:

• Public Policy Engagement: Faculty members contribute as policy experts, shaping effective strategies to combat poverty at the regional and national levels.
• Collaboration with NGOs and Governments: Partnerships with local organizations and government agencies ensure that research findings are implemented, creating a positive impact on local communities.

Through active involvement in policy discussions, the university advocates for evidence-based solutions to poverty, ensuring that academic insights translate into real-world benefits.

Vocational and Lifelong Learning Programs:

El Oued University offers a range of vocational and skill-building programs aimed at providing sustainable career paths for individuals from low-income backgrounds:

• Technical Training and Workforce Development: Programs in fields such as IT, healthcare, and agriculture provide practical skills, creating pathways for stable employment and upward mobility.
• Lifelong Learning: The university also offers continuing education opportunities, supporting professional growth for community members from disadvantaged backgrounds.

These programs enable students and local residents to gain employable skills that can improve their economic prospects and quality of life.

 Health and Well-Being Initiatives:

 Recognizing the role of health in poverty alleviation, the university offers services that contribute to the physical and mental well-being of low-income students and community members:

• Healthcare Access: The university clinic provides free healthcare to the campus population, improving health outcomes for all individuals at the university.

• Mental Health and Wellness: Wellness programs support the mental health of students, staff and community members, addressing stressors that are often exacerbated by financial hardship.

Through these initiatives, the university ensures that essential health needs are met, contributing to overall well-being and social stability.

 Sustainable Development and Environmental Initiatives:

El Oued University emphasizes environmental sustainability as a key aspect of poverty reduction, recognizing that climate resilience is essential for vulnerable populations:

• Climate Adaptation Projects: Research, training and events in sustainable agriculture and renewable energy to promote resilience to climate impacts, securing food resources and stable incomes for local farmers.
• Environmental Conservation: Projects focusing on environmental preservation support low-income communities in adapting to climate change and preventing resource degradation.

These programs align with the university’s broader mission to achieve sustainable development through community resilience.

Conclusion :

The University of El Oued plays a multifaceted role in combating poverty, contributing to SDG1 through research, inclusive education, community engagement, and policy advocacy. By addressing poverty in a comprehensive and inclusive manner, the university exemplifies how higher education institutions can drive social and economic progress both locally and globally.