Today is International Day of the Child. It is a day to learn about, remember, and encourage
people to act on behalf of children worldwide…especially poor children.
I have
fond memories of my early years when my parents lived in government housing and
struggled to make ends meet as my father went back to school to be a
minister. I played. I ate.
My parents tucked me in at night and I was safe. I went to school. But this is not the life of so many children
globally and right here in Nicaragua.
The world
has approximately 2.2 billion children. Of
those, 1 billion children live in
poverty. That is almost 1 out of every 2 children that are living in poverty.
100 million children live on the streets.
1 out of every 8 children from the ages of 5-14
years old work
to bring income into the home or to feed themselves…and that includes
prostitution. In Latin America it is 1
out of every 10 children work. Globally,
most workers are boys, but 90% of the girls work domestically: cleaning,
cooking, caring for children in others’ homes…and these homes are often the settings
for rape.
1.2 million children are trafficked. Sold. Slaves. Many, many are sold as sex workers.
Eibhlín
and Orla play here with volunteers and with their parents, Paul and Becca. They go to school and learn. They see the world as a safe place as they
run from one house to another in their village.
My sons
grew up enjoying school and relishing in the love from all those around
them. They had some unfortunate
experiences as children, some we would not wish on others, but they have
developed, they have a good intellect that comes from their experiences, from
growing up in an environment that fosters learning. 
These 1 billion children who live in poverty…they,
for the most part, do not have this luxury…not “luxury” but basic human
right. Now in Nicaragua more poor
children are going to school - thanks to the current government- but many still work, sell, take care of
brothers and sisters, and yes, too many are sex workers.
These 1 billion children who live in poverty…they,
for the most part, do not have this luxury…not “luxury” but basic human
right. Now in Nicaragua more poor
children are going to school - thanks to the current government- but many still work, sell, take care of
brothers and sisters, and yes, too many are sex workers.
The
children are our future…they are humankind’s future. We need to give them what they need to learn,
develop, and grow to love peace and justice….for all our sakes…not just theirs.
– Kathleen
