by Stephanie Collins

Newfoundland has the dubious distinction of having the highest child poverty rate in our country. Despite this high rate, child poverty continues to be a hidden issue in our province, and in our nation. Child poverty not only encompasses financial issues, but also emotional and moral ones.

Initially I found it difficult to believe that such poverty exists in my province and that some of my peers may themselves be trapped in this vicious cycle of poverty. However, once I came to terms with the reality of child poverty, I knew that I had to become more educated in order to take a more active stance as an advocate for impoverished youth. The opportunity to take action came this summer.

In August I was one of 150 Canadian youth to participate in a conference on child poverty in Kemptville, Ont. Working together, we began to understand that child poverty is different in each province.

We shared personal stories and experiences dealing directly with child poverty. We had daily group discussions and presentations by key note speakers. From this information we began to define child poverty, to formulate recommendations for our government, and develop youth action plans that we would implement upon return to our communities.

Finally all our work culminated in a National Youth Report. Our group went to our nation's capital to present our report to national media as well as to the speaker of the House of Commons, Gilbert Parent.

Stepping through the doors of the Parliament building, we felt an enormous sense of pride and accomplishment. In five days, our racially and economically diverse group had come together out of our sense of deep concern for hurting youth. We concluded that something has to be done now to put their lives back together.

Mr. Parent had this to say: "I cannot think of a more appropriate cause for the youth of Canada, to embrace the challenge of tackling the problem of child poverty."

He invited us to come and sit in the House of Commons. He then spoke with us and shared his views on child poverty - a truly unforgettable experience. He was so impressed with our work that he committed to have a copy of our report sent to each member of Parliament.

However, getting the message out that help is available will take more than presenting a report to MPs. For our part, we decided to go back to our communities and talk about the issue, and carry out individual projects that would allow others to get involved in the fight to eradicate child poverty.

In 1998, our government made a promise. That promise was to end child poverty by the year 2000. As Canadian citizens, it is our job to ensure that our government keeps its promises. We must demand that action be taken to ensure that no child goes to school hungry. We must make sure that no child receive less of an education because their parents cannot clothe them. We must ensure that all children receive direction and guidance to obtain the education that will enable them to obtain rewarding jobs.

Our children have a right to be fed, clothed and educated in a way that benefits a country as rich as Canada. We should accept nothing else.