StatsSA recently released the General Household survey 2018 results. Below are some of the findings that affect the youth in particular:
The base of grant recipients is far too large and unsustainable in the long run. It is, however, undeniable that the beneficiaries of these funds would be in complete distress without them. There is also a direct correlation between access to grants and improved childhood development which further strengthens the case for them to remain. According to a UNICEF report compiled by Alejandro Grinspun, ‘receiving the grant during the first two years of life significantly boosts child height, particularly among girls…Grants have helped close the gaps in nutrition between South Africa’s poorest and richest children.’ The graph below depicts how vulnerability to hunger has decreased significantly since 2002 which is attributed to an increased access to grants.
The graph below made me think a lot of my children and my interaction with them. After a long working day, reading to my children can often feel like such a chore. It is also evidently a luxury considering that almost half of the households surveyed have never had a parent/guardian read a book with a child.
How can we help?
Every child deserves a warm bed, regular nutritious meals and a loving and protected environment in which to thrive. If you cannot find any child in need to support directly, perhaps you can consider supporting a non-profit organisation that would benefit children in need. Here are a few links that may help:
http://www.wecanchange.co.za/PROFILES/NGONPOAZ/tabid/339/Default.aspx
I stumbled across African Teen Geeks this week. Such a great cause
This is one that I personally support.
Today’s children are tomorrow’s future leaders. How they are raised today will directly impact and shape our world in a few years. We can all make a difference. And we should.