I checked out the Childhood Poverty Research and Policy Centre’s website. I gained many insights from the website but I will only mention a few....
I viewed the facts about Mongolia and in 1998, a major survey indicated that 36% of the population were living below the income poverty line and that poverty in Mongolia tends to be higher in many urban areas than in rural. A new poverty survey is currently underway for more recent estimates. Figures available suggest only a slight decrease in the percentage of poor people between 1995 and 1998. In absolute numbers of poor people, this is actually an increase of over 40,000 (WOW). Furthermore, the lives of families beneath the poverty line also appear to have got worse over the 1990s. It is difficult to assess the numbers of children living in poverty in Mongolia, but many of the poor live in female headed households or are children aged 0-16 years.
"A particular concern is that the state is failing to support many of those children and their families who are suffering most. As life for families becomes increasingly difficult, many children have more responsibilities at home, for example with increased domestic workloads and more time looking after younger brothers and sisters. Increasing numbers have been forced by circumstances to work for money outside the home, for example fetching and cutting wood for others and working in factories and markets. As a result, some children never enter school, others drop out of classes. The numbers of street children and families in urban areas increased during the 1990s - in a country where harsh temperatures reach as low as minus 30-40 degrees in winter. Although numbers of street children are now falling, many factors related to poverty still push new children onto the streets."
This is why I want to be apart of the change. Children need advocacy. Although there has been little improvement, my heart still goes out to those in Mongolia. I do not see why the state is failing to support the suffering children and families. But that it why I want to be that voice, and that backbone for those who have been fighting but can't seem to fight anymore. Or speak up for those who have tried or who are too scared to try. Someone spoke up for me and I am very thankful she did...
http://www.childhoodpoverty.org/
http://www.childhoodpoverty.org/
Sometimes the high numbers of children suffering in poverty can be overwhelming and discouraging. We are left wondering if there is anything we can do to make a difference in such staggering odds. It might help to adopt the attitude that our efforts might help only one or two children, but for that one or two you touch a difference will be made, and possibly a life saving difference.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your post.
You really do not know what people are going through until you start researching. It was overwhelming to see how many families are in poverty. We as educators need to be the voice for these children that are going through this hardship. Poverty does not have to last forever. We can let our voices be heard for them and things can change for them.
ReplyDeleteHi Brandee,
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing to see those very young children with huge responsibities to their families. I have students that age and I cannot imagine them having to go get water for their family or living and working in the street selling things. You are right; we need to be a voice.
I was amazed to learn that so many children are expected to work rather than attend school. It is so interesting to learn about all these other areas, but it is so hard to take it all in and realize what is going on all around the world. I realize it is important to advcate for change, but I wish there was so mcuh more that I could do.
ReplyDeleteBrandee,
ReplyDeleteThat was a nice post!
Personally, I do not believe that the state can adequately support the needy families, especially with the needy population increasing on daily basis. It is of great concern that the negative situations of needy families often impact negatively on children. It is common these days, in Nigeria, to see children of school age hawking various items on the road when their mates are in school. Children have recently turned the ‘bread winner’ of homes.