The Silent Struggle: Understanding the Effects of Poverty on Children
As long as poverty, injustice, and gross inequality exist in our world, none of us can truly rest.
– Nelson Mandela
Poverty is a harsh reality for so many children around the world. It affects every aspect of their lives, from their health and education to their emotional well-being and future prospects. For these children, poverty is not just about a lack of material resources, it’s about the daily struggle to survive and overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
The effects of poverty on children can be profound and far-reaching, impacting their health, behaviour, educational outcomes, and academic, social, emotional, and cognitive development.
Children are more than twice as likely as adults to live in extreme poverty, while children born into poverty are at a higher risk of malnutrition, chronic disease, and other health problems. They may not have access to nutritious food, clean water, or adequate medical care, which can lead to stunted growth, weakened immune systems, and difficulties in developing good cognitive skills. Poor living conditions, such as overcrowded housing and exposure to environmental toxins, can also contribute to poor health outcomes.
Poverty further significantly affects children’s mental health and well-being, which can have long-lasting consequences leading into adulthood. An instability in living conditions, lack of access to adequate healthcare, and limited resources can result in chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and the development of behavioural and emotional difficulties—such as aggression, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Feelings of loneliness and social isolation are also rife, as children who grow up in poverty may not have access to opportunities to socialize and engage with other children.
Perhaps one of the most significant impacts of poverty on children is the effect on their education. Growing up in poverty poses a range of challenges that can impact children’s ability to learn and succeed in school. Many schools in poorer areas have fewer resources, meaning education is of lower quality. A lack of access to books, technology, and other learning materials results in poor cognitive development and educational growth in children. Poor nutrition can also impact cognitive development and the ability to concentrate, which can cause children to miss school or fall behind. Unstable housing conditions and a lack of access to healthcare further cause children to change schools frequently, disrupting their education. Children living in poverty may also have limited access to extracurricular activities, like after-school programmes and sports, meaning they miss out on the opportunity to grow and learn outside of the classroom, which is vital for a child’s social and emotional development.
The effects of poverty on children can extend well into adulthood. Children who grow up in poverty are at higher risk of experiencing financial instability, unemployment, and poor health outcomes later in life. They may also have limited opportunities for social and economic mobility, which can perpetuate the cycle of poverty for future generations.
What are the long-term consequences for children growing up in poverty?
A reduced likelihood of going to college/university
Limited career opportunities due to low-quality education
Difficulty achieving financial stability leading to ongoing financial struggles
Chronic illnesses and development delays that can have long-term effects on well-being
A range of emotional and behavioural problems due to increased stress, social isolation, and trauma from growing up in poverty
Difficulty building social relationships and developing a sense of identity
Limited economic opportunities
Intergenerational poverty
While growing up in poverty can have lasting consequences, it’s important to note that not all children growing up in poverty will face the same outcomes. Some children may have access to supportive communities, quality education, and other resources that can help them mitigate the effects of poverty. It’s also essential to recognize systemic factors that contribute to poverty and work to address them to ensure all children have equal access to opportunities and resources.
How is The Dandelion Philosophy working to tackle childhood poverty?
At The Dandelion Philosophy, our focus is to create systemic change that empowers individuals and communities to overcome poverty and build better lives for themselves and future generations. We recognise that hunger is a symptom of poverty and a barrier to progress.
To help individuals shift out of survival mode and begin to heal, our “pods” (containerized kitchens) provide hot, nutritious, plant-based meals to impoverished communities. We currently feed between 7,000-10,000 people per day. Feeding a hungry person allows the mind to shift from survival to calm and we can then begin the dialogue about new prospects.
Our bakeries produce nutrient-enriched bread designed to eliminate malnourishment and support physical health. We use a buy-one-give-one method so that with every loaf of bread bought, a loaf is donated to a family in need. The fortified nature of our bread means we’re not only fighting off hunger, but we’re also addressing malnutrition.
We further aim to make communities sustainable and strong by providing individuals with employable skills. We partner with non-profit organisations and industry specialists to provide skills training and accreditation to our beneficiaries and invest in serving their communities by creating new social entrepreneurship and business opportunities. After training, those we help can become paid feeders, bakers, container refurbishes, farmers, health and safety inspectors, or security staff.
Further, our sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices mean we can grow our own produce to feed and employ members of the communities as farmers.
We also believe that healing trauma is essential for long-term success, which is why we work with graduates in Psychology and Social Work to provide individuals with the opportunity to heal psychologically, making them more likely to succeed in the long run.
All of our products, services, and businesses also give 20% of their profits back to The Dandelion Philosophy so that we can continue to make a difference and become self-sustaining.
Everything The Dandelion Philosophy does starts with the understanding that once we have fed a hungry person, we can begin the dialogue with them about change, and begin healing the harmful influences that have shaped their experience of the world for too long.
Poverty is a pervasive problem that has a profound impact on the health, development, and future success of children. The effects can be long-lasting and can perpetuate the cycle of poverty for future generations. It’s important we recognise the ways in which poverty affects children and work to address these issues through targeted interventions and policy changes.
Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. By investing in the well-being of children living in poverty, we can help to create a more equitable and just society for all.
Read more about how The Dandelion Philosophy’s targeted outcomes are addressing childhood poverty here: https://www.dandelionphilosophy.com/targeted-outcomes.
