Alternative assignment. I chose to read about the people of Mongolia, and their problems with poverty. In 1990 Mongolia transitioned from a socialist, centrally-planned one-party state to a multi-party democratic state with a liberalized economy. The rapid social adjustment hit Mongolian families hard which caused the people to fall into poverty.
· Unemployment levels rose and inflation and prices soared. This led to the decline of the social services and welfare aid for the people. Before transition, Mongolia's social services were of a high standard and accessible to all. Now, access to health care for poor families, migrants and those in remote rural areas is poor.
· In 1998 a major survey indicated that 36% of the population was living below the income poverty line and that poverty in Mongolia tends to be higher in many urban areas than in rural. The lives of families beneath the poverty line also appear to have got worse over the 1990s.
· Malnutrition is a growing concern - 30% of children under five in 1998 had a low height for their age and 10% were underweight. Many children and their families also show signs of nutrient deficiency. Some 51% of the population did not have access to safe drinking water in 1998.
Despite Mongolia trying to implement a better government for its people, the old adage is true. The rich or well off are becoming richer and the poor are becoming poorer.
March 30, 2010
Recently, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), with the cooperation of the Government of Mongolia, airlifted essential emergency supplies to children living in rural areas of Mongolia severely hit with extreme cold. Supplies included blankets, warm clothing, fuel for heating and for cooking, and hygiene kits.
Thanks for sharing these insights on children in poverty. Working with students that are deprived of many resources can lead to many developmental challenges.
ReplyDeleteHi Melanie...I, too, am getting no where establishing professional contacts so have also chosen alternative #2. I chose China who was similar to Mongolia in that political party changes are affecting poverty/income levels. So far welfare benefits are available but have been reduced drastically with the possibility of going away if a new plan/system isn't created.
ReplyDeleteMelanie,
ReplyDeleteIt is always difficult for me to read about situations of extreme hunger and starvation. We all of the technological advances we have made one would believe we could get food and water to all people before situations are at crisis level. Thank you for sharing.