I have had several contacts with quite of few Professionals overseas. The two Professionals in which I have had constant communication with are Ileana Cofino Educational Specialist from Guatemala and Lic. Haydee Araujo de Lucha from El Savador.
Ileana Cofino shared information regarding poverty. Extremen poverty in Guatemala are those that have incomes under $400.00. This amount is not enough to cover for basic food expense. She further explained that because of this, malnutrition and other reasons children are not enrolled in school. Guatemala is among the top 5 countries where children suffer chronic malnutrition. There is hope though. She mentioned a program called Zero Hungry. The Government is hoping to launch it in hoping to overcome the problem.
Lic. Haydee Araujo de Lucha from El Salvador mentioned a few years ago the poverty rate among native communities in El Salvador stood at 38 percent in
2009, compared to less than 19 percent among the general population, while 67
percent of native households had no piped water, against a national average of
39 percent. This reality is even more critical in the rural areas where the poverty level can be as high as 62 percent. Many of these families live on less than U.S. $1 a day and cannot afford daily food. In these areas, it is common to see children begin to work at 6 or 7 years old. Haydee continues to talk about the schools and the OMEP committee and how they are looking to voice and change things.
Haydee
Araujo <haydee.lucha@yahoo.com>
Ileana Cofiño
Especialista en Educación
UNICEF Guatemala
13 calle 8-44 Zona 10, Edif.Edyma Plaza 2do Nivel
Guatemala, Guatemala 01010
Teléfono (502) 2327 6373
I struggle for words when I hear that children around the world are living like this. I hope Zero Hungry helps these little ones and their families. Thanks for sharing about Guatemala. and El Salvador. I have students in my class from El Salvador...I will look at them with new eyes on Monday.
ReplyDeleteWhat's the percentage of poverty rate? Under 400 is considered poverty over there? That is minimum wage in the United States.
ReplyDeleteThis information is overwhelming. It makes me appreciate and value the smallest of things. I will keep them in my prayers and thoughts with hopes of the Zero Hungry Program being a complete success.
ReplyDelete