After reviewing the Childhood Poverty Research and Policy
Research Centre’s website, I chose to further study poverty in Mongolia. In 1997 Mongolia joined the World Trade
Organization which made it one of the world’s most open economies. This change brought about an increase in
unemployment rates and prices, and a decrease in social services and
welfare. Although there has been a more
positive shift in the economy in Mongolia over the past few years, due to
increased macro-economic stability and growth, many Mongolians have yet to see
the benefits from it. Those living under
the poverty line are mostly families headed by single woman with children between
the ages of birth to 16.
Also in Mongolia health care services for poor families and
migrants is almost nonexistent partly due to health insurance schemes. Those who can afford health care tend to turn
to private clinics for care because of the poor service they would receive
elsewhere. In Mongolia there has been
some progress in health care seen since 1990, such as a decrease in infant
mortality rates, although malnutrition is still a concern in this country. With the lack of health care services for the
poor, they also have to deal with a lack of education services, which “suffered
badly with cuts from the national budget”.
There should be more services in place to help families
below the poverty line. In Mongolia,
more children are having to quit school at a young age to work to help support
their families. Children should not have
to worry about finding a job; they should be focused on getting a good
education.
According to the website, there are plans in place to help
reduce poverty in Mongolia, such as, the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper. This development will assist in economic
growth, social welfare, and rural development in Mongolia.
Childhood Poverty Research and Policy Centre (2013) Retrieved from http://www.childhoodpoverty.org/index.php?action=countryo
I am glad to read a positive shift to poverty in Mongolia, even if there are still things that need to change. I agree something needs to be done to help those below the poverty line especially those headed by single parents with children. It's a shame kids are rushed out of school to go work when here we encourage children to stay in school as long as possible. I understand people need money to live, but in order to land a decent job, schooling is vital.
ReplyDeleteI find it discouraging that children are working to help support their families and education is put on the back burner. What these kids really need is a good education and support from the community. It's what will get them back on track! I'm also glad that good things are beginning to happen in Mongolia. It's nice to see a more positive outlook for the future.
ReplyDeleteHi Felecia,
ReplyDeleteI read about Mongolia I well. I thought it was sad for a child to have to think about work, contributing to the household and responsibility. I hate that some families and in the dilemma that they have to ask their children to be apart of something like this. Glad there are organizations in place that can help deal with this.
Hi Felicia,
ReplyDeleteI am glad that there are plans in place to help. I agree with you that children should not have to worry about supporting their family at such young ages. I hope that there will be more resources available to help these children.