I chose to look at issues children in Tanzania are facing. My husband and I have sponsored a child there for the past six years so I am concerned about challenges confronting her. The sponsoring agency has kept us aware of major issues facing the country such as extreme poverty, drought, and AIDS. According to Compassion International (n.d.), "Aids has orphaned nearly a million children, and thousands more must assume adult household responsibilities in order to care for ailing parents" (para 6). Children forced to take on adult responsibilities in environments where basic needs cannot be met are not given the secure nurturing conditions to foster healthy emotional development. "Negative early experiences can impair children's mental health and effect their cognitive, behavioral, social-emotional development" (Cooper, Masi, & Vick, 2009, p. 3). Additionally, alarming results of a survey sponsored by UNICEF (Salaam, 2011) revealed: "nearly three out of every ten girls and one out of every seven boys in mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar reported that they had experienced sexual violence. Almost three-quarters of girls and boys said they had experienced physical violence before the age of 18....and Twenty-five percent had been subjected to emotional violence by an adult during childhood" (Salaam, 2011, para 4).
What is being done in defense of children in Tanzania who make up half of the 40 million people there (Salaam, 2001, para 9)? According to Salaam (2001), a 4-year prevention and response plan has been created as a result of UNICEF's survey which is rallying media, faith based organizations, and member of society in general to advocate for children, educate, and work to reduce sexual, emotional and physical violence against children.
As a sponsoring partner with Compassion International and as an educator who realizes the significance of a secure environment, I am thankful for the efforts of Compassion which supports Development Centers where children can find safety and support provided by caring staff, food, as well as the opportunity to attend classes on health related issues including HIV prevention, tutoring sessions, and Bible classes.
Compassion International (n.d.). Partners in hope. Retrieved from http://www.compassion.com/
Cooper, J., Masi, R., & Vick, J. (2009). Social-emotional development in early childhood. Retrieved from http://www.nccp.org/publications/pub_882.html.
UNICEF (2011). UNICEF. Press centre. Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/media_59490.html.
Suzi,
ReplyDeleteIt is overwhelming the challenges children go through in third world countries. The fact that they endure sexual violence is alarming and frightening. I cannot imagine being a child and having to face those fears. I commend you on your sponsorship and inquiring about the challenges they endure on a daily basis. Very informative post.
Hello Suzanne,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to help the children of the world to sponsor a child. That is great. Children all over the world seem to be suffering from poverty and violence in their homes. I chose Latin America and the Caribbean and they are facing the issues of HIV and Aids and poor resources. Lack of clean water and the right food to eat are critical issues. Children that are taking care of households can lead to depression and anxiety. Taking our courses can help us to help the children of the world. When we teach one they can reach out and teach another. If we understand how a child feels and how they think we can reach them and make a difference in the lives of many.
Hi Suzanne,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the information on the impact of different forms of trauma on the children of Tanzania. The most powerful lessons are those relevant to one’s lives. These children have had to learn life’s lesson the hard way. What these children need is social justice – the right to be fully human – having the right to do everything and have access to food, clothing, clean water being safe, house, family and pursue whatever field they want without being held back. I appreciate your effort in sponsoring a child there. God Bless you and the child you are sponsoring. Thanks for the informative post.
Our children here in the U.S. are facing situation just like in other countries. Especially taking on roles as adults. We can only do our part. You are doing a good deed and I respect you for that. I can only imaging how you feel. Just keep her in your prayers and hope for the best.
ReplyDelete