The CHIP (Childhood Poverty Research and Policy Centre) is a
collaborative project between, Save the Children, the Chronic Poverty Research
Centre (CPRC) and partners in China,
India, Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia. The website is a resource
for individuals wanting more information about childhood poverty. The case
studies, publications and film clips were eye-opening. 4.2 million Chinese
children live in absolute poverty and 8.7 million live in disadvantaged
conditions (CHIP, 2012). 40 % of
children in developing countries suffer from malnutrition. At current rates of
improvement, 1 billion children's mental development will be affected by
malnutrition by 2020 (UN James Commission). It is heart wrenching that so many children go
to bed hungry and wake up hungry. In order to tackle childhood poverty positive
change at many levels must take place.
This picture of two little boys from Mongolia was
taken at sunset. Boys fetch water to help pay for sweets and small toys, but a
majority of them use the money they earn to buy basic necessities for their
families. Children begin working at a young age. They work long hours each day
to help their families.
“Today's poor children are all too often tomorrow's poor
parents.” (CHIP, 2012) We need to do
everything we can to make this phrase no longer a reality! Childhood poverty is
an issue that takes every one of us to conquer.
You bring up a very valid point about the cyclical affects of poverty. All too often those living in poverty find their children in the same position years later. Many times systems, more so cultural systems rather than support systems, keep the poor, poor. In Mexico children can not attend High School for free, however one can not get a job with a fair wage, without a High School dipoloma. This works against the families that need a break the most.
ReplyDeleteIt really is crazy to me to see those young children working so that they can buy sweets, toys, or necessities for their family. Children work long hours to support their families as adults in America sometimes do not have a job until the age of 18 or older.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it takes every person to become involved to conquer poverty! We can do it! Every step helps. My goal is to become involved in my local community within the next few months.
Great post!