I chose to explore a region in Africa. The country I chose
was Ghana. I chose this region because I always wonder how children in
countries such as Ghana are affected differently than children in the U.S.
Ghana is one of many third world countries and it is interesting to learn how
things are handled and what challenges are faced in a country that is the
complete opposite of my own.
The caption on this picture from the website read: “I will go close to children who are physically
challenged and invite them to play with me because I know they are just
like me.”
This was very touching that this child
notices children who are disabled and invites them to play with him. It is also
touching that he recognizes that they are just like him (children), but can’t
do things exactly like him because they are physically challenged.
Specific challenges in this area that
would affect the emotional development of children who live here:
·
1.2 million
children (under the age of 5) have no national identity in Ghana - This can
make those children feel unimportant because they are without an identity. I
think our identity is an important aspect in life. These children deserve to be
acknowledged and identified. They might also feel as though they do not belong
anywhere.
·
Poverty - Not being able to have access to food, water,
clothing, and shelter can be damaging to children in this area (Physically,
Mentally, and Emotionally). Not getting the proper nourishment may hinder a child’s
development.
·
Weak child
protection - Children’s emotional development suffers if they don’t even have
support or protection from things such as physical and/or sexual abuse.
·
Child mortality –
Things such as this can definitely cause children’s emotional development to
suffer. Children see other children suffer from diseases and other things and
can do nothing about it. They really have a lot to deal with.
I gained many insights from this assignment. It is hard to
read about and see that children all over the world suffer from the same
things, but in different ways and to different degrees. For instance, children
in the U.S. may suffer from poverty, but not as bad as some children in other
countries such as Ghana.
Reference
http://www.unicef.org/ghana/about_7587.html
Dear Ashley,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post. I really enjoyed it.
Education according to UNESCO should be seen by government as a basic human right and the foundation for a more just and equal society. Born and raised in Nigeria a country that is close and that share a lot in common with Ghana, I can say that I understand some of the challenges that children face in Ghana as mentioned in your post. Despite the fact that children under 15 years of age account for about 40% of Nigerian population, it is a fact that around 40% of this number does not have access to primary education due to a number of reason such as lack of amenities, personnel, gender related reason (some people still believe the girl child should not be educated), and economic –many children are not in school because their labor is needed either as help at home or to help bring in additional income into the family.
I believe this situation is applicable to Ghana as well.
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteNot having an identity in the place you call home can be very devastating to a child's personal identity as well as their emotional stability. Like you mentioned, if they do not feel accepted or part of something big, it may cause them to lash out in anger and confusion or lack a strong sense of identity and belonging. The lack of supplies and adequate nutrition is also very sad that children must endure such hard times at such young ages. Thanks for sharing.
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteIt was difficult for me to read some of the things that children are going through in each region. I am more surprised to read that children in Ghana do not have an identity! Wow! This is my first time ever reading something like that. How are children suppose to know who they are? How are they able to relate to other young children without an identify? These are questions that I am asking myself. The only thing I can do is shake my head about the things that these children are going through.
Latasha