More than 100 million people have been forcibly displaced from their home around the world – fleeing conflict, natural disasters or persecution. Millions end up in refugee camps, living in tents.

Around the world, designers and architects are trying to improve the lives of these displaced people, by improving the temporary homes they’re living in.

From prefabricated shelters made using Swedish flat-pack design methods, to the homes made from scratch using local knowledge and materials, we meet the people trying to replace tents with homes that have a little more dignity.

Presenter: Myra Anubi

Photo credit Ali Haj Suleiman

Description Kafirjalas IDP camp Idlib, Syria

Bank accounts and clever investment schemes are being used to help improve the lives of homeless people.

If your child develops cancer and you live in a wealthy country there’s a really good chance they will survive - more than 80%. If you live elsewhere, the chances are much lower - less than 30%.

Over a decade ago, Dr Mae Dolendo set up a centre in the Philippines to treat children with cancer. Since then she’s saved the lives of hundreds of children who’ve received treatment for free. Now others are replicating her trailblazing hospital.

We head to the Philippines to meet Dr Dolendo and see how she’s linking up with St Jude’s paediatric cancer team in the US — one of the best of its kind in the world. Doctors from the team provide expertise remotely, enabling Dr Dolendo to save lives for a fraction of what it would normally cost.

Presenter: Myra Anubi

Image: Dr Mae Dolendo

Therapy has been helping Boko Haram survivors and street youth in Liberia turn their lives around.

How enzymes and earthen pots could help keep medicines safe.

Could floating wind turbines and kites that generate electricity help fight climate change?

More than five million children live in orphanages or other institutions - the vast majority in low or middle income countries.

How a race to write books and a gadget that counts words are helping child literacy.

At the human library you borrow a person you wouldn’t usually meet for a half-hour frank conversation. The volunteers have various book titles from polyamorous to former prisoner. The aim of these face-to-face chats is to break down our assumptions and prejudices. We explore whether simple discussions can make a difference.

Repeat - first published 7 Sep 2021

Street harassment and violence against women in public spaces is a global issue. According to one survey, 84% of women in cities around the world reported being harassed on the street before the age of 17; half of respondents said they had been groped or fondled.

It’s acknowledged that intimidating, violent behaviour from men needs to stop, but what can be done to improve the safety of women and girls in cities now?

We look at initiatives that allow women to tell authorities what changes to make to the fabric of their cities to make them feel safer, plus some new technologies that might help in an emergency.

Presenter: Myra Anubi