We have poverty here in the United States. When you
read about countries that are still developing, children are more impoverished that
we could ever imagine. In Ethiopia a quarter of all children are underweight. In
a study published by Outes and Porter (2012), wealthy children is a relative
term. Their study found that the wealthiest children are poor when compared to
global standards. Their households have less than a dollar to spend. Ironically,
their outcomes are better than those children who are underweight.
Ethiopia is one of the poorest countries in Africa and
the national rate of undernutrition is 44 per cent (Ethiopia Demographic and
Health Survey, 2011). In the Young Lives study 2000 children from around the
country were first measured when they were aged six months to 18 months in
2002.
Ethiopia
Demographic and Health Survey (2011). Central Statistical Agency, Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia
and ICF International, Calverton, Maryland, USA. Ethiopia 2011 Demographic and Health Survey: Final Report. Heckman, James: Resources on Professor
Heckman’s work available at http://www.heckmanequation.org/content/heckman-
101.
Outes, I. &
Porter, C. (2012). “Catching up from early nutritional deficits? Evidence from
rural
Ethiopia.
Economics and Human Biology in press, corrected proof.
doi:10.1016/j.ehb.2012.03.001.
Hi Delores,
ReplyDeleteEthiopia is definitely still one of the most poorest countries in Africa. I remember when I was young seeing those international commercials to give to feed a child who lived in Ethiopia. That was my first glance at life outside of the US. And now 15 years later it seems as if nothing has changed within the country as far as poverty among children goes. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Delores,
ReplyDeleteWow, Those facts are overwhelming. I can understand from your research that you a good working knowledge of your subject. I can remember growing up and watching documentary on Ethiopia and it looks as if the situation for children have not gotten any better.
Hello Delores,
ReplyDeleteAccording to the United Nations, unemployment is one of the major causes of poverty in Ethiopia. With an estimated population of 86 million people, 78% of Ethiopians struggle with an income below US$2 a day. Almost two-thirds of its people are illiterate. It is so sad that anyone would have to live in poverty, especially children.
Regards,
Vivian Lopes
Hi Delores,
ReplyDeleteThose facts are overwhelming. It is incredible that children are not being cared for by the global community. Do you think that other communities and other countries have a responsibility to help these children? What can be done on the global level to help eliminate poverty? Also, do you have a contact in Africa with whom you have been communicating?