When I was growing up I had a friend that was homeless. She lived with her family in a shelter. I remember how sweet and shy my friend was and how the other kids at school would make fun of her because of her clothes and her living situation. We became friends in elementary school and remand friends until her death in 1992. She coped with her life in a very private way. She always hoped that things would get better for her and her family, but it didn't. She would never talk about her family and I think I was the only person that she introduced to her family. In my opinion I think my friend handled her situation as best as she could, because after all she was only a child when I meet her.
In South Africa there is an on going problem with children living in poverty. The experts give two reasons to why this is happening. The first is because of racial problems in the country. South Africa has to this day an on going problem with racial issues and poor black communities not getting the help they need. They also don't get the same medical treatment options or educational options that white communities get. The second reason they have so many children living in poverty is because of the very high unemployment rate in South Africa. This is happening because of the expanding trades and global market that has caused a lose of jobs in the agricultural and manufacturing areas.
Resource
http://www.stwr.org/africa/south-african-child-poverty.html
Emily, I am sorry about your friend. In our area we have a large population that has to live in the homeless shelter or they live along the Colorado River. Times are very hard now and this especially affects young children that have to wear the same clothes for days or who have holes in their clothes or shoes. I do not know how to help children except to try and show them love and support. It is important to make sure they talk about their feelings in hopes they do not get depressed and their families find away out of the situation they are living in. Best of Luck to you, Diana
ReplyDeleteEmily, that is so sad about your friend. I am very sorry. She was lucky to have you in her life and I am sure you had a great impact on her growing up. I can not imagine how hard that must have been to her. It also says something about your morals and not being influenced by those who were mean to her. We have decided at work instead of exchanging gifts this year, we would like to adopt a family that is currently homeless for the holidays. We will purchase some presents for the kids and money for food in hopes to bring them joy for the holidays. I can't imagine how tough these times must be for these children.
ReplyDeleteEmily,
ReplyDeleteYou can take pride in knowing you gave your friend one of the greatest gifts we can give each other: support and friendship. While her life was not an easy one, and it sounds as if it was too short, you can take comfort in knowing that your relationship with her was probably one very dear and meaningful to her. Often homelessness is a childhood stressor that is overlooked, at least in the U.S., and is slowly being recognized better. We have a family at school, new to the United States, just learning to speak English, that currently lives in a shelter, and we are doing everything we can to support the children and make them feel normal. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
Emily,
ReplyDeleteFriendship and support were probably the things that helped your friend with her situation. Poverty is usually something that isn't discussed and many live with it without people in their life knowing. Her experiences have helped you understand that stressor in childhood first hand. Thank you for sharing.