Poverty
Poverty is a global stressor affecting children worldwide
and St. Lucia is no exception. In the
rural community where I teach, a large number of children come from poor
families. Although primary education is
free and compulsory, poor families often find it hard to afford uniforms and
school books for their children. As a
result a large number of children come to school with no school books,
notebooks, pencils or erasers. Some do
not attend school because of lack of finances to buy school uniforms or lack of
a warm meal to eat at lunch time. This
then had consequences as children are not getting what they need to develop physically, cognitively and psychosocially. In an
effort to help these children cope the staff decided to embark on a number of
activities. We sourced funding so that
these children would receive a nutritious meal at lunchtime, since although we
have a low cost feeding programme a number of parents could not afford. In addition, we looked for corporate citizens
both locally and internationally to adopt the school. These individuals provide us with school
materials and stationary for these children.
These items include books, bags, pencils, pens, erasers, sharpeners,
shoes as well as clothing items. We also
have a welfare committee which raises funds to help purchase uniforms and
toiletries for some children; and a sponsored barber who comes bimonthly to cut
the hair of the boys. Last year, I had a
parent who came to me directly to inform me that neither she nor her husband
were working and as a result she could not afford to provide the child with her
necessities for school and was worried that this would affect the child’s
performance. I informed her that I would
adopt (not legally) the child and provide her with whatever she needed and I
stuck to my work. It was only Tuesday
this week she came by to thank me again for the support and interest I have
continued to show in her daughter’s well being.
Guyana is known for its wealth of natural
resources such as gold and bauxite, high levels of biodiversity and one of the
lowest rates of deforestation in the developing world. Despite its abundant resources, Guyana is
one of the poorest countries in the Western hemisphere. Until the 1990’s 80% of
the country’s industries were owned by government, but mismanagement coupled
with falling commodity prices and high fuel prices caused the standard of
living to fall drastically causing problems such as violent crime and
widespread poverty. Roughly two thirds
of Guyanese citizens are living in poverty or 29% of the population can be
classified as being extremely poor and as such poverty of one of the major
stressors affecting children. In an
effort to minimize the impact of this stressor the World Bank is currently working
in Guyana to refocus public expenditure so as to improve infrastructure and the
quality of health, education and water services. In addition the World Bank is advocating for
the privatization of most industries in an effort to increase opportunities for
investment. The United Nations Development
Programme is also working to empower vulnerable people by improving the economic
status of indigenous groups and the establishment of community livelihood
projects that will result in job creation.
References:
Poverty in Guyana: The Borgen Project. Retrieved from
http://borgenproject.org/poverty-in-guyana/
Zephirina,
ReplyDeleteAlthough poverty is a stressor for children across the globe, it amazes me that it's so prevalent in the United States. I believe from politicians to Hollywood socialites, the priorities in this "rich" nation are more about self-preservation, rather than benevolence. It is very frustrating to see how foolishly governmental funds are allocated, and how influential celebrities choose to spend their fortune. I often sit back and imagine all the good I could do if I were in a position to make life changing decisions that could improve the lives of so many. This world definitely could use more people such as Oprah Winfrey, Angelina Jolie, and Ellen, as with all their fame and fortune, they have not lost sight of humanity.
Poverty is a popular stressor throughout most countries. Similarly like in St. Lucia, Barbados provides ways for children to have the opportunity to have a fair opportunity to come to school and learn. When I was going to school, the school would provide uniforms, books, and lunch for children who particularly needed help and it was known by the school. Schools being able to this, can make such a difference is a child's development.
ReplyDeleteZephirina,
ReplyDeleteThank you for shinning light on the poverty in Guyana. My soon-to-be father in-law is from Guyana. I found it very interesting. Thanks again for sharing.
Great post! Living in a developed country it is easy to sometimes forget about how children in other countries live. It is amazing to read that 2/3 of children are in poverty in Guyana! This is a huge number. Living each day in poverty is hard for children. When their basic needs are not being met it is hard for them to cope with their life and learn. Thank you for the information!
ReplyDelete