For this week’s blog assignment, I chose to research implications
in Papua New Guinea, which may impact children’s emotional development. It took
me a while to choose my area, however after viewing blogs, an online articles,
I was interested in learning about why women are dying from child birth, and
abuse, and why the children make up over half of the region’s population.
Currently the UNICEF and the Government of New Guinea has
organized a campaign to; End Violence against
Children (UNICEF, 2014). While researching the website and one of the many
blogs prepared by UNICEF, there was a young lady by the name of Natasha Boropi
that told her story and witness of abuse by her father who was a polygamous, as
well as an abusive alcoholic.
During Natasha’s five minute speech on child violence, she
recalled personal experiences she faced in her home. She spoke about her father
marrying many wives, getting so intoxicated that he would chase her siblings,
and herself out of the home with a bush knife, she would run to her
grandparents for safety (UNICEF, 2014).
Natasha also speaks about the unsafe living conditions in
New Guinea, such as boys abusing drugs, and women being abused (UNICEF, 2014).
Because of the challenges going on in Natasha’s environment, and her fathers’
lack of physical, and emotional support, Natasha was forced to drop out of
school.
As I continued my research, I ran across an article entitled;
Papua New Guinea, as I mentioned in my introduction, this particular article
talks about how over 500 women die each year from child birth due to anemia, pelvic
disease, and prolapse to the uterus. The children make up over the region’s
population, and are looked at as “the source of group strengths, descent,
identity and other kin-related values” http://www.unicef.org/png/children.html.
Implications children face in this region are; early
debut of sexual activity, low and inconsistent condom use, high levels of
sexually transmitted diseases, poverty, gender inequality and violence, and
economic enclaves where informal sex trade is growing. As many as
half the primary school-age children are out of school. Half of those who enroll
drop out before grade six. Many of the schools lack basic facilities such as
safe water and toilet facilities as well as furniture and teaching aids http://www.unicef.org/png/children.html.
As an early educator, having to read about the challenges
young children face in this region, really expresses the importance of strong government
support and funding. Funding to help improve living conditions, as well as
securing the opportunities for the success of children’s academic futures,
through funding school materials, providing meals during school hours,
providing training to teaching staff, and having the funding to obtain staff.
When children do not feel safe in their home environment,
they do not sleep well, they lack trust. Unsafe living conditions may include
lack of water supply, food, inadequate shelter, lack of parental guidance and
support, in turns rolls over to how children perform in school, this may affect
their behaviors in a negative way, lead to retention, drug use, at an early
age, and possible drop out.
References:
Speaking out to # ENDviolence in Paupa NewGuinea. Retreieved
from http://unicefeapro.blogspot.com/2015/06/speaking-out-to-endviolence-in-PNG.html
Cynthia,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post and for sharing Natasha's story. It reminded me of a video I watched the other day from the Red Nose Day campaign. Actor Jack Black visited Uganda and spent the day with a 12 year old orphan named Felix who was forced to live on the streets. At one point, Jack asked Felix what he wanted most. His answer wasn't "food", "shelter", or even "family". It was "an education". You are right in saying that countries need to support their young citizens with opportunities to better their lives through education. I think as early childhood educators, we can help instill empathy in our students by teaching them about the conditions around the world. As we help children care about other children, they will want to help. It can lead to enacting change for many impoverished countries.
Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteI got chills as you described the movie. I too could see how important an education was, if I was forced to live in a poverty stricken area. It is interesting how a young child would have that much passion to say, I do not want food, shelter, or a family, just an education. I will definitely look this movie up. Thank you!
Cynthia,
ReplyDeleteI agree that this was an eye opener experience. So many things that are taken for granted in the US are not even available to those who really need it. Without food, and clean water, and proper vaccinations children may indeed go into an emotional state which will affect them socially, physically, and mentally. Great post. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Cynthia, I chose the same region of the world--East Asia and Pacific but not the same country with you, which helps me learn more information about children in this region. Violence or abuse against children would result in hindering children's development in all areas. We should advocate for children's healthy development and as well we should be sensitive to the children and families that we serve in case violence happens to children we serve.
ReplyDeleteXiaowan
Cynthia,
ReplyDeleteIt was very interesting to learn that Papua New Guinea is a nation of children. I agree with you that the government must take action, advocate, and provide assistance to this voiceless population. Yet it goes even further and the problems spread to everyone including pregnant women who are dying from a lack of iron. I imagine how many lives could be saved with just a few supplements, just a gallon of water, just a pound of rice.