Miserable Lifestyle Of Slum Dwellers
Answers
For the millions of youth living in slums, daily life can be grim. Kids start their lives on poverty’s front lines, without access to education, infrastructure or sanitation. They are subject to hunger and disease, and are thrust prematurely into adult responsibilities. But URB.im, the global network for just and inclusive cities, discovered a few innovative social programs in Mexico City, Mumbai, Nairobi, Jakarta, Dhaka, and Rio de Janeiro that are making children’s lives in slums a bit easier.
2013-04-17-nr_1302251_350x350.jpgChildren in the slums of Nairobi are depicted as having few opportunities to be able to break free from the cycle of poverty that they have been born into. It is a common assumption that slum kids spend their time doing menial jobs, do not go to school, and depend largely on charity to be able to achieve a better life. However, reading about the daily life of Tina Wairimu, a 13-year-old girl living in Mathare, shows how discipline and determination can help these young children pave their way out of poverty.
In Dhaka, UNICEF collaborates with the government of Bangladesh on a cash-transfer program that helps 500 children avoid child labor. This project successfully ensures that the children continue their education and that they meet basic health standards. Unfortunately, it is still limited in terms of number of children served.
2013-04-17-jk_1302252_400x600.jpgIn the slum of Cilincing, North Jakarta, many children drop out of school because their parents are unable to pay for school fees. The Red Nose Foundation brings a circus to these children to help them develop their skills, increase their self-confidence, and become active citizens. Many of them are able to go back to school thanks to a scholarship provided by the same Foundation.
In Mumbai, a creative initiative — Kid Powered Media — produces movies made by slum children, who write and perform in videos to raise awareness about issues that concern them. This project uses theater and art to help low-income communities discuss social issues and stigmas. The objective is to get communities talking, and to help kids generate solutions that fit their unique circumstances. Themes often include alcohol abuse, teacher absenteeism, domestic violence, and gender awareness.For the millions of youth living in slums, daily life can be grim. Kids start their lives on poverty’s front lines, without access to education, infrastructure or sanitation. They are subject to hunger and disease, and are thrust prematurely into adult responsibilities. But URB.im, the global network for just and inclusive cities, discovered a few innovative social programs in Mexico City, Mumbai, Nairobi, Jakarta, Dhaka, and Rio de Janeiro that are making children’s lives in slums a bit easier.
2013-04-17-nr_1302251_350x350.jpgChildren in the slums of Nairobi are depicted as having few opportunities to be able to break free from the cycle of poverty that they have been born into. It is a common assumption that slum kids spend their time doing menial jobs, do not go to school, and depend largely on charity to be able to achieve a better life. However, reading about the daily life of Tina Wairimu, a 13-year-old girl living in Mathare, shows how discipline and determination can help these young children pave their way out of poverty.
In Dhaka, UNICEF collaborates with the government of Bangladesh on a cash-transfer program that helps 500 children avoid child labor. This project successfully ensures that the children continue their education and that they meet basic health standards. Unfortunately, it is still limited in terms of number of children served.
2013-04-17-jk_1302252_400x600.jpgIn the slum of Cilincing, North Jakarta, many children drop out of school because their parents are unable to pay for school fees. The Red Nose Foundation brings a circus to these children to help them develop their skills, increase their self-confidence, and become active citizens. Many of them are able to go back to school thanks to a scholarship provided by the same Foundation.
In Mumbai, a creative initiative — Kid Powered Media — produces movies made by slum children, who write and perform in videos to raise awareness about issues that concern them. This project uses theater and art to help low-income communities discuss social issues and stigmas. The objective is to get communities talking, and to help kids generate solutions that fit their unique circumstances. Themes often include alcohol abuse, teacher absenteeism, domestic violence, and gender awareness.