As I have researched several topics throughout this semester my attention was always brought to the plight of poverty that is so widespread throughout this nation. The effects of poverty are detrimental to the family as a unit however, as a child that has grown up in that situation the effects are long lasting.
The consequences that I have learned are:
Awareness: I needed to learn what was going on in other nations around the world. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to get out of your comfort zone and realize what issues are going on around you. Not just in your own backyard. Learning about poverty in other nations make me realize that there are lots of resources that we have here in the United States that other countries may not have. I also realized that giving a little can mean so much to somebody in need. Because of my new found insight I have donated clothing and necessities to Sierra Leone. My co worker is from Sierra Leone and monthly she sends necessities to her family in Africa. She stated that where they are from it is very poor and they do not have a lot. So I decided to help her. We filled up two drums and sent them to Africa.
Another consequence is academic achievement: Research has shown that children that come from poverty may have lower academic achievement throughout their years in school but especially in early childhood. Children in poverty have the right to receive quality education. The importance of education should be stressed and reinforced by parents and the community at large. The schools should provide linkage between themselves and social services. This may help reduce the achievement gap and cause a higher graduation rate among high school seniors. I can help close this gap by being the best teacher I can and help my preschoolers learn about the world through play. The exposure that I give them will enable them to develop the skills that are needed to succeed in higher grade levels.
Finally the last consequence that I learned about was public policies. Programs should be made available to help assist families that are experiencing poverty. Policies that would allow the parents to bring home more in their paychecks by tax breaks. Public information about services that can help assist with nutrition, health care preventive and maintenance, housing subsidies and other programs that help the families.
One goal that I have is to continue to donate to local and national organizations that support children and their families in poverty.
