Poverty and Schooling in the U.S. and Internationally, Week 2, Blog #4

The portrayal of poverty and the affects in has on education of children is prevalent in the film, "Through a Child's Eyes: Views of Global Poverty and also in the article titled "Orphans in Africa." 

Three key points that the film and article identifies that are of importance when examining issues of youth and justice are: 1.) Poverty increases the number of uneducated children 2.) Orphan children like those in Africa, are significantly disadvantaged in regards to attending school and 3.) Despite poverty and being an orphan, there are other contributing factors that lead to low enrollment percentages in children.

Poverty is not a just a problem in countries like Africa and areas of central America, but is a problem in countries all over the world. The film, "Through a Child's Eyes" documents children living in poverty in countries like India, Brazil, Rwanda, Romania, and the United States. Due to the economic status and poor living conditions, many of the children either only attend part time or don't have the ability to attend school at all. In many less developed and poorer countries, young children have to work to help provide for their families instead of attending school. In many of these countries, there is no such thing as labor laws to protect the education of children. Education is only available to those who can afford it in Bucharest, Ramona limiting future employment options to the uneducated poor (Through a Child's Eye, 2006). 

Orphan children like those in Africa, are significantly disadvantaged in regards to attending school. As indicated in the article, although poorer children in Africa are less likely to attend school, the lower enrollment of orphans is not accounted for solely by their lower wealth (Orphans in Africa, 2004) . The living arrangements that orphans are subjected to seem to be the primary reason for the disadvantage of lack of education in Africa. 

Extreme poverty and becoming an orphan are evident factors that lead to children not attending school and not getting any form of formal education. Other factors that contribute to children not receiving a proper education is the lack of parental guidance that may possibly contributed to those who may suffer from mental illness or drug addiction. In the film "Through a Child's Eyes," a child is seen trying to overcome the instability and poverty that has settled on her and her families shoulders due to her mothers addiction. 

Providing our young people with an education is essential to their futures and is beneficial to their country. A good education gives children a well-rounded understanding of the world, but also prepares the child for adulthood.

References: 

Case, A., Paxson, C., & Ableidinger, J. (2004). Orphans in Africa: Parental death and School enrollment. Demography, 41(3), 483-508.

Guiness, Martin. "Through a Child's Eyes: Views of Global Poverty" 2006. Online video clip. Universities Library Consortium. FMG Video on Demand.