A Long Way Gone

In this book it discussed the life of a boy and how is world was turned upside down. He was forced to witness murders, war and a harsh life at a young age. He has to kill or be killed. Poverty, natural disasters and lack of education are reasons for these situations. He no longer had family and was fighting for survival. The fact that a women from UNICEF came into his life and made a difference is powerful. They are able to share their story and impact lives worldwide to take notice in children soldiers. Having resources such as therapists, and rehabilitation gave this boy a chance at a new life. Like we discussed in class finding forgiveness in himself is key. Not holding feelings back and sharing his story is the greatest gift he could give.

Slumdog Millionaire

Wow, great presentation everyone. I love the movie and seeing the clips and hearing your short comments was interesting. The fact that a boy who has the ability to read, but growing up really had no proper form of education is an issue we have been discussing a lot recently. The social justice issues that he had to works and survive on his own is not the lifestyle any child should live. This is a great story though because through the experiences he faced throughout his life he was able to educate himself enough to answer the questions. He was not book smart, but street smart. The other injustice issue is the fact that they beat him. He was honest and knew the information, yet used electric and other forms of torture to try to get him to confess he was getting help. I actually read an article in the newspaper that mentioned the two young actors did not get the amount of money that was deserving and they were actually from the slums. Producers tried to take advantage of them knowing they had little power. I am not sure how accurate this is and I read it a while ago. If anyone knows the true news report please share .

Zara Husain

A women named Zara Husain came in to share her amazing story. She lived in Pakistan and came to America to finish her education. Through her experience she explained the differences in their culture and traditions. She had a passion that was contagious and drew me into her presentation. We were lucky enough to see a slide show of the children and school itself. The bright paintings and library were something to be applauded. The fact that she took her life savings to gather resources, buy property, and build this school for children is remarkable. Most of her students are oral, but some are Deaf. She believes the most important thing is their education. This means she is willing to use total communication. With the help of her mom as a speech therapist, she is able to provide these children with the potential to have a future. She is one person you is taking a stand, fighting against the endless social justice issues we have been discussing over the semester. My building this school she is reducing the lack of education and illiteracy, which can ultimately effect not only their future and employment, but their children as well. We need more people like Zara to take action and make a change.

Child Labor

Child labor is an inhumane problem that is in effect all over the world. Most feel that undeveloped countries are the only origin for child labor, but this is not the case. It is found that here in America we have under aged children working under the table. As many assume the two reasons for child labor is low pay and the ability to manipulate these children easy. They are young and naive and in most cases will not stand up to an adult with authority and someone whom they fear. According to http://www.compassion.com/child-advocacy/find-your-voice/quick-facts/child-labor-quick-facts.htm, it was said that one in six children ages 5-14 years of age are forced to work in developing countries. In the poorest countries that deal with chronic poverty on a larger scale, 30% of children work dangerous, unhealthy jobs for little pay. A staggering 126 million children on a global level are put to work in unsafe conditions and typically are beaten or molested by the people who supervise them.

This brings about issues such as the right for a child to have education. If they are working all day, it limits their access to proper education. All children have human rights and being sexually molested is damaging mentally and physically. They have a right to their own identity and when they are being controlled, they lose that. Children can get hurt or even die in the rough conditions that they are put in.

The government should be more strict and follow set laws to prevent this. Make an example out of those who are caught. UNICEF is doing their best to make changes and by supporting this organization we may be able to intervene

Global Literacy

Global illiteracy is a concern that impacts the lives of many mothers, fathers and children preventing them from a fulfilling life and potential opportunities for employment and escape from poverty. Organizations such as United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) receives reports on adult literacy rates. There is a correlation between high income countries and higher levels of literacy that can be identified through these reports. In 2000, UNESCO announced that approximately 900 million people throughout developing countries that are illiterate. That is twenty-five percent of children and adults who are unable to read and/or write. They did find however 4% of adults here in America are illiterate. ONLY FOUR. Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Britain announced their findings that 22% of the population in England and Whales are illiterate.

Overall, this semester we have learned of social justice issues. In the case of illiteracy, that fact that people are not provided with proper education is and issue in itself. Lack of education seems to influence children in ways such a vulnerability, which could potentially lead to sex trafficking and child labor issues. Many families who continue to remain illiterate are stuck in the cycle of chronic poverty, malnutrition and possible death. Without employment providing a home that every child deserves to have is limited. It is a domino effect that on the larger scale is not just about reading and writing.

If developed countries provided resources, collected money to establish a school system and literate people went there and taught adults and children how to read and write, they could spread this knowledge and reduce many issues that they face.

http://warriorlibrarian.com/CURRICULUM/global_literacy.html

Below is a map of literacy rates

Massacre In Tiananmen Square

Today we reviewed three articles relating with social justice issues outside of American borders. My article focused on a brutal event that took place in 1989 in China, Beijing. What started off as a peaceful protest in remembrance of Hu Yaobang turned into chaos. It started with a large group of students using their voice and taking a stand. Gradually the numbers increased and people from all over joined to demand democracy. Chinese military tried to put an end to the peaceful protest, but after having failed opened fire and killed hundred of civilians, including bystanders who were not involved in the protest.

A famous picture of one man taking social responsibility upon himself and standing up for his beliefs is shown blocking a line of army trucks. It was said in class this man was not killed where everyone could see, but was arrested and then later killed. Social justice issues such as freedom of voice came up in our discussion. Civilians were simply voicing their opinion without any damage or threat to the government or military. The fact that China has a military without any ground rules or organization is not just. They should not be able to trample through the crowd, killing off people left and right. Having a criminal justice system or laws would have set clear guidelines for not only civilians, but made clear what behavior is acceptable as members of the military. The military did not stop there. The following morning they searched the university for anyone who may have started the protest and killed them as well. The documents were not released for us to see until recently. We are in many ways connected with China and we should have access to information being held over there in events such as the massacre that took place back in 1989.

My Early Education

I can remember as far back my mother always reading to me and teaching me letters and numbers before I entered school. Her being an in home daycare provider gave me an early start to education and helped prepare me for the transition into school. I went to Pre-school to get early exposure to school and how it is run. I was lucky enough to have my friends not only in the same classes as I but in the after school program my mom setup. I never had any issues finding the proper resources and seemed to have endless supplies. My mom was there to help tutor me in the evenings and go over any homework I had. Of course back then the homework was simple and used mostly imagination.

I specifically remember one after school session I went to once a month. I met up with one of the sixth grade teachers and she would show me a picture book without words. My responsibility was to create a dialogue between the character in the story. I can remember to this day I always struggled with math. Math is still one of my weakest subjects.

The most fond memory I have of elementary school was my second grade teacher Mrs. Majors. I still remember her perfume and exactly how the class was set up. She had so much patience and taught us about seasons, egypt, and we had a classroom pet. It is hard to think of children in low income areas whom do not have the newly painted library and abundant amount of equipment for PE class. Looking back at my early education I would say I was more than fortunate.

In an article, Educating Girls in the Third World; the Demographic, Basic Needs and Economic Benefits

by Kenneth Hadden, Bruce London; International Journal of Comparative Sociology, Vol. 37, 1996. It explains the social justice issue of being a girl in third world countries. Many are looked at as child bearers and caretakers. If countries gave these children a chance at any education at all the overall effects of the economy would improve and help overall investment of the country itself. Young boys typically are prioritized for education. Some third world countries, due to poverty, do not send either boy or girl to school but rather use them for child labor. These are all social Justice issues that can be solved through educating the government and people of the country to make a change.