Copyrighted imageCredit: 2012 Why Poverty? Still from the film Solar Mamas Non-profit organisation Steps International has created the Why Poverty? initiative as a groundbreaking cross-media project to help audiences across the world understand what they can do about poverty. 

The project creates an international partnership with broadcasters such as the BBC, NGOs, institutions such as The Open University and concerned citizens around the world. 

Find out more about the series by visiting the BBC pages, and get information on the project by visiting the Why Poverty? website. You can also find out more about the Living with Poverty series which focuses on UK poverty. 

A big aim of the project is to produce narratives that inspire people to think and be part of the solution. Can you be one of those people? First watch the fascinating documentaries on the Why Poverty website or YouTube site, then follow the steps below to start making a difference. 

• Step 1: Watch our specially-produced video guides which provide a lens on the stories behind the statistics, allowing you to easily navigate the data for yourself 
• Step 2: Read our related articles below to further enhance your knowledge, then find out about a project that The Open University is involved with: the Poverty and Social Exclusion in the United Kingdom research project
• Step 3: Take your learning further with a free course like Living in a globalised world
• Step 4: Find out what's involved with studying the International development: making sense of a changing world course with The Open University 
• Step 5: Discuss the topics highlighted in these films and articles using our Comments facility
• Step 6: Spread the word and join the debate by following the #whypoverty hashtag on Twitter Twitter, Facebook and Google+