Consequences of Stress on Children's Development



Poverty creates long-term disadvantages for children. The consequences of poverty—emotional issues, delayed development and lower academic achievement, among others—put a child behind peers who do not struggle with poverty. Poverty affects an increasing number of children every day.

As a child and even some of my adulthood I lived in poverty. I can remember countless time my mother struggling to get the bills paid. My mother was a single parent raising four children on her very small salary. It wasn’t until I started living on my own I realized I too was living in poverty. I would attend school in the day and work at night to maintain my household. It was a struggle trying to make ends meet. I was determined to break the barrier of poverty that had held so many of family members hostage. I worked extremely hard and earned my bachelor degree.  I was able to maintain employment that release some of the burden off my family.

For this week, I decided to focus on Indonesia. Out of a population of 252 million, more than 28 million Indonesians still live below the poverty line. Approximately 40% of the entire population remain vulnerable of falling into poverty, as their income hover marginally above the national poverty line. The slower pace of job creation is another challenge to efforts at reducing poverty, largely affecting the 1.7 million youth who enter the workforce each year. While there are greater efforts at improving basic public services, the quality of health clinics and schools is uneven by middle income standards, contributing to alarming indicators, particularly in health.

Recognizing the importance of helping those in need to help themselves, the World Bank supports the government’s Family Hope Program, which strives to end the cycle of poverty among Indonesia’s poorest. Family development sessions and learning materials jointly developed with World Bank assistance are included in the program, to help mothers have a better understanding of health and nutrition, good parenting practices, child protection and financial management. The program is currently assisting 3.5 million families improve the education and health outcomes of their children, and the government plans to expand the program to reach 10 million families in 2020.
Reference
The World Bank. (2018). Retrieved from http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/indonesia/overview#3

Comments

  1. The Wonderful World of TeachingJune 3, 2018 at 5:18 PM

    Poor people are less likely to exercise, get proper diagnosis, receive appropriate and prompt medical attention, or be prescribed appropriate medications or interventions. Nutrition plays a critical role as well. Children who grow up in poor families are exposed to food with lower nutritional value. When students experience poor nutrition and diminished health practices, it's harder for them to listen, concentrate, and learn.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Tracey MercerJune 3, 2018 at 6:31 PM

    I commend you for not giving up and wanting to make a better life for you and your family. Don't give up on your dreams because if you do your dreams will give up on you.
    It happens no one wants to live in poverty but it does happen.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Demetrice LevinsJune 3, 2018 at 7:50 PM

    Poverty is a challenge that so many have to endure. Thank God that with prayer, determination, resources, and education poverty can be overcome. I commend you for your determination and hard work. I enjoyed reading your post. Keep up the great work!

    ReplyDelete

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