Things to Think About

On November 24, 1989 the Canadian House of Commons unanimously passed a resolution that: "this House seek(s) to achieve the goal of eliminating poverty among Canadian children by the year 2000." There are now 500,000 MORE poor children. (Campaign 2000, Report Card, 1997)

Before we figure out how we will fight poverty we first have to figure out what poverty is:

Have you ever felt ashamed or been teased by your friends about wearing the same clothes over again because your family didn't have the money to get you new ones?

Have you ever had to miss going out with your friends because you didn't have money to do what they wanted to do?

Have you ever felt afraid to go home because it was not a safe place to be?

Do you ever feel ashamed about your family because they are on welfare?

These are just a few examples of people's experiences of poverty. But poverty goes beyond money, which some people don't know. When we think of poverty often we imagine famines in Africa, homelessness and destitution. That is one extreme of poverty.

Being poor is also about having parents who are not around because they are working to try and provide for their kids. They may not have the time or the energy to be involved in your life. It may also be about not having parents, growing up in foster care or living in a group home. Poverty is also emotional: some people have their material needs provided for (food, clothing, shelter) but may be emotionally neglected.

Often being poor is about not even knowing what is available to you. Poverty can limit your ability to dream or imagine a better life for yourself.

More Food for Thought

Children who have access to a computer at home are at an advantage academically and socially. They learn to be comfortable with new technology. They can access information for homework assignments and gain better skills when job hunting.

Children whose parents read to them have stronger written and verbal skills and are at an advantage when they begin school.

Recreation is one of the ways children build confidence, independence and learn how to interact with others. Children, who don't have access to recreational activities such as playing sports, taking swimming lessons or learning a musical instrument, are often weaker in these areas.

Children whose parents show an interest in their education and help them in their homework do better in school.

Travel is one of the ways people learn about new cultures and experience adventure. Children whose parents can't afford vacations have less opportunity to see new places, meet new people and experience new cultures.

Children who have at least one caring and consistent adult in their life are more resilient, deal with stress better and have higher self-esteem.