Getting to Know Your
International Contacts
All of my attempts at emails were returned. The addresses were no longer current.
Therefore, I listened to another podcast on the World Forum
Foundation Radio. I listened to Delfena
Mitchell, the Director of the Liberty Children’s Home in Belize City, speak
about her program which houses up to 40 children, mostly between birth and 5
years of age (World Forum Foundation Radio).
She spoke of how these children have either been physically and sexually
abused or have witnessed the abuse of a loved one. Ms. Mitchell described the children as “broken
down”. She said that they had to give
them time to heal before they could attend nearby schools. She fondly spoke of a boy, in her care, who
made tremendous progress at his own pace under her care and guidance.
Childhood Poverty Research and Policy Centre
One of the most telling statements on their website is, “As one of
the most powerless groups in society, children often bear the physical and
emotional costs of poverty” (website).
This organization is a collaborative research and policy program which
involves Save the Children, the Chronic Poverty Research Centre (CPRC) and
partners with in China, India, Kyrgyzstan, and Mongolia to contribute to the
reduction of global poverty.
Insights and Information about Issues of Poverty in India
On the Childhood Poverty
Research and Policy Centre’s website, I chose to learn more about India because
I have had family members live there for a short period of time. I learned that India is the home of the
majority of the poor people of South Asia (website). As of 2000, 260.2 million people were living
in poverty; however, great efforts have been made to alleviate poverty in this
country through increased economic growth, liberalization of the economy,
targeted programs, and land and tenancy reforms. Unfortunately, the numbers in poverty remain
high. Even more alarming and
disturbing is that one-half of all children (about 62 million) under the age of
five are malnourished and 34 percent of newborns are significantly underweight.
I'm sorry to hear that none of your contacts came through. Reading and listening about poverty is difficult when I feel like there is not much I can do on the worldwide basis.
ReplyDeleteWhat are your thoughts on the daunting task to try and alleviate poverty close to home?
Dianne, thank you for sharing the information you found. The statistics on India are alarming! With such a huge population and natural resources one would think that they would have less issues. I wonder if the extreme poverty is what remains after the abolition of the caste system? At the moment the Indian population in Qatar is the largest. If my memory serves me correctly I think that they make up 23% of the population and the Qatari people make up a mere 14%! Most Indians seems to come from an area called Kerala and are in jobs anywhere between building, cleaning, security guards, taxi drivers, teachers, business men and women, doctors, dentists; it all really depends on their background. However, some of the people I have met have degrees, but end up cleaning someone's house as it pays a lot better than they would be able to make back home in India doing the job they are qualified for. An example of people living in poverty working exceptionally hard to improve their lot in life. The people I have met here from impoverished countries regardless of culture and language have all been exceptionally hard working, friendly and open-minded. A very humbling experience to say the least.
ReplyDeleteIt amazes me each time I dig deeper into a country's culture. Each of them having the common denominator... children. If children are so vital to a cultural's legacy why is it that these countries do not place child poverty higher on the priorty list? Americans included. Well done. Thank you for your insights this week.
ReplyDeleteDiane, I listened to the same podcast and enjoyed the broadcast. I also read about the poverty issues in India. I would like to know how poverty is shifting now that many American jobs are outsourced overseas. It is becoming the norm to talk to individuals in India more often and I am certain this trend should stimulate India's economy somewhat. How do you feel about outsourcing, especially if it helps end poverty in other countries?
ReplyDelete