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The definition of poverty and the cycle of poverty Poverty is the state of having no money or few material possessions due to the lack of adequate sources of income.  In refugee camps, where most of the refugees experience hard living conditions and are below the poverty line, it is characterized by the lack of access to basic needs.  Such as food, shelter, clothing, education, and healthcare services.  The cycle of poverty is often passed on from one generation to another due to the lack of opportunities, resources, and education.  In particular, people who are suffering from the harsh consequences of poverty lack the financial resources and educational opportunities whereby they can break the cycle of poverty. Shifting from charity to empowerment Empowering the refugees to escape from the shackles of poverty can be done in multiple ways. This includes applying the following measures: Recognizing the strengths and capabilities of the poor International organizations can empower poor refugees by recognizing their strengths and capabilities. Thus, this can be done in ways such as: Education and skills development Education can help refugees break the cycle of poverty as it empowers them with the necessary skills and knowledge they need to secure employment. In addition, education can equip the refugees with the tools to better understand their rights and recognize their points of strength.  Education as a powerful tool for empowerment Education can empower refugees with the necessary knowledge they need, such as computer literacy, engineering, business management, problem-solving, and excellent communication skills. These kinds of skills can certainly lift refugees out of poverty. Access to quality education for the poor There are multiple ways to improve refugees’ access to quality education opportunities; these include increasing funding for refugee education programs and improving their access to educational materials and resources.  Additionally, advocating for refugees’ rights to access quality education is integral to improving their status.  Vocational training and skill development programs Enhancing refugees’ access to vocational training and skill development programs is undoubtedly key to empowering them and helping them secure a stable source of income.  This can be done in multiple ways, including: Creating sustainable livelihoods for the poor Civil society community can help secure sustainable livelihoods for the poor refugees by the following means: Microfinance as a pathway out of poverty Microfinance can serve as a pathway out of poverty for refugees by providing them with the necessary financial resources to enable them to be financially independent.  Microfinance programs can empower refugees with microfinance loans in order to help them launch their own businesses and generate income. Microfinance programs can provide refugees with basic needs, such as food and shelter, as well as purchase the additional assets needed to launch their businesses.  Microfinance initiatives can also help protect refugees against financial losses by providing them with access to the necessary financial services, such as insurance plans. Access to basic services Providing refugees with the necessary access to basic needs, such as education, healthcare, and job opportunities, can definitely lift them out of poverty. That is, the basic needs enable refugees to gain the necessary technical skills and knowledge to secure employment opportunities that can help them secure a financial source of income for themselves and their families. Ensuring access to clean water, healthcare, and sanitation Access to healthcare, clean water, and sanitation facilities is imperative to help break the cycle of poverty across refugee camps. That is, such facilities help protect the refugees against water-borne diseases, which can affect their health and their ability to work.  In addition, such facilities are essential as they reduce the risk of spreading infectious diseases, enabling them to be more productive at their work and spend more time in income-generating activities.  Source: Bonyan Organization