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.

Beau School for the Deaf

Today we had two speakers come and discuss Beau School for the Deaf in Central Africa. It was founded in 2003, by Aloysius and Margaret Bibum. The school is working hard to earn money to build a new school to transfer the students to. The amount of students have increased to over a hundred, which is exciting to hear. They recently bought the property and are in the middle of paying it off. The new school has a layout already drawn up and seems to be coming along.

Most children have struggling families who can not afford any means of education for their children. One organization called Friends of Beau School for the Deaf, set up fundraisers and get sponsors involved to make a difference in these young children's lives. You can actually join their organization for ten dollars which will go towards the greater cause of a child's education.

It is said that children there do not have easy access to water. In many cases when the water is open children swam to the area with buckets to fill. After the water closes children must travel to get any water and even then it may not be available. The new school they are in the process of developing will have a well system installed providing fresh and accessible water to the children that got to the school. When hearing this presentation I could hear both presenters had their whole hearts in it. It motivated me to want to make a difference, which is the reason why I am going to choose to work with this school to raise the much needed money.

South Africa and AIDS

Listening to Dr. Henderson explain facts concerning South Africa put it in a perspective from someone who has visited Africa several times. We also went into further detail about the issue of AIDS. We were handed the statistics sheet and it was astonishing to know that forty eight million people reside there and speak about eleven languages. Of these languages South African Sign Language is not considered one of the eleven despite the fact there are 1.2 million Deaf or hard of hearing people in South Africa.

He went on to explain the epidemic of AIDS. They have a International AIDS Conference that brings people together to make a difference. Approximately 25-35 % of those living in South Africa are infected with this epidemic killer. Sad enough as it is 60% or possibly higher are children. This can come from lack of education, sterilization, proper medical care so on and so forth. 2/3 of of newly infected people are between fifteen and twenty-four years of age. The percentage of women who are infected by the age of twenty is at 60%. I look at these number and want to reach out. If countries struggling with poverty were better educated the rate of AIDS may decrease tremendously. Using medical tools which are not sterile and performing circumcisions with mixed blood, if stopped, would potentially create longer healthier lives. Not only that but clean water and better treatment would increase life expectancy for the tribe in South Africa.

Like always the information was all knew to me. I was aware of an AIDS problem in South Africa, but was clueless of its severity. and the high percentage of children effected by this. By sending people over to Africa to educate the people and provide the proper resources may help them long after we leave.

Africa and Children RIghts

Bunmi Aina, our guest speaker who discussed the United Nation Convention and Children Rights in Africa, shared a quote that really stood out. "It takes a whole village to raise a child". Wow, the truth behind caring and raising children in Africa could not have been described any better. Unfortunately not all children are properly taken care of. In Africa only some children are considered a blessing and the whole family is dedicated to raising the child.

In 1990 the convention Articles 1-41 were set up to protect the right of these children. This helps to avoid contradiction of the definition of a child and their rights to life. It states children should have right to expression, identity, growth, education, and health care. These articles are emphasized and should be followed by all, including the parents to the best of their ability. Rights are not given, but rather inherited which is why the convention emphasizes these rights are protected and are not considered laws. Regretfully, although women and men came up with these articles from a world wide standpoint, in many cases they contradict with traditions and are not equally followed by all countries that have signed.

The most disturbing thing we discussed that really got to me was the issue regarding our technology here in America and the labor if creates for African children. The substance, "black gold" also known as Coltan, in Blackberry phones and other technological devices is the cause for many children's death or injuries. Children go underground and climb in trenches to mine Coltan and in return receive a payment of approximately 20 cents for the entire day. These jobs conflict with the quality of education, which is illegal and goes against the convention.

If Africa or third world countries set up short term money for children, welfare, helped parents who were struggling or even set a minimum wage, the government would be taking small steps to reduce child labor and conflicting the right of a child to have a safe life full of educational opportunities.

World Hunger

Malnutrition is defined by the Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia, as a "lack of some or all nutritional elements". Imaging this on a world wide level. It is hard to believe and sickening to think of us Gallaudet students throwing away so much food and take advantage of three or four plates on random snacks. It is said that 1.02 billion people are undernourished. Three reasons are ignoring agriculture that is run by poor people, the economy struggling on a world wide level and the increase of food cost. This is said to impact 32.5% of children in countries that are developing. It is also said the 70% of children who are malnutrition live in Asia.

In the United States articles claim that 13 billion children are hungry. With the new "epidemic" in the US regarding obesity, this number it hard to believe. Can you imagine that one in every ten homes have children that struggle with hunger issues. It is said the first in these households that go without food are the parents, but overtime the lack of food effects the children as well. I wonder about matters such as this and if the government takes these children from their homes. Who reports these families and why are they not getting welfare, food stamps or going to shelters?

Articles on hunger explain around 11 million children around the age of five (kindergarten age) will die yearly. Half of these children's death is due to hunger, whereas a few are completely starved. In under developed poor countries about 25 % of children are underweight. This is a problem that should be protected under children's rights. All of this information is very disturbing and donating to organizations or volunteering in food shelter may make a difference.

WWW.worldhunger.org/articles/04/editorials/hungry_us_children.htm

WWW.worldhunger.org/articles/Learn/world%20facts%202002.htm

WWW.freedomfrom hunger.org/info/

The United Arab Emirates

In class we had the chance to pry into a world that was unknown to me. I have heard stories but was never educated on their cultures and lifestyle in the UAE, which is part of the United Nations. Our guest speaker Khaled Almansoori gave a great presentation that focused on a wide range of topics. I learned that the seven emirates consisted of Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah, Abui Dhabi, Dubai (which I have heard plenty about from a friend who once visited), Umm al-Quwain and Ras al-khaimah. At first it was shocking to hear there was one president to run all seven Emirates until he compared that to the United States. I realize in a way it is similar to how the President Obama looks over all fifty states.

He emphasized the flourishing economy (with the help of export petroleum), health care, high literacy rate and the open mind they have on human rights. They appreciate tourism and do not judge if they are not dressed according to their standards where he is from. I was comforted to know I can one day explore his homeland and be welcomed. Moreover, I was impressed with the illiteracy rate being a low of 7 %. It was mentioned that those with high education must work. He further discussed health care and the fact that it is covered in full by the government. I was impressed and wish that was the case with me considering I am always going to the doctor.

I enjoyed his presentation thoroughly and learned a lot regarding his upbringing and the culture of UAE. The one fact that sticks out in my mind it $100 U.S. dollars is equivalent to $360 of their money. Naturally I thought "why not just move there and get a huge home for cheap", but he burst my bubble when he explained the cost of living was very expensive.

Overall, Almansoori was a friendly, informative presenter and I appreciate the time he took out of his day to share a bit about the UAE.

Chronic Poverty

Imagine a life of struggle. I am so fortunate for the life I live, the meals I look forward to and the shelter I take advantage of. After taking a deeper look into the lives of those who live in poverty, I have a much greater appreciation for the situation I was born into and the life I have lived. It breaks my heart that the children worry about their health and food and do not get to grow through imagination, education and play.

There are two forms of poverty. The one we will take a closer look at is known as chronic poverty. According to an article on Chronic Poverty Facts and Statistics, a staggering number of 320 to 445 million people are stuck in the cycle of chronic poverty. These people will not just go through rough spells, but rather continue fighting for their survival their entire lives. Many children who are born into this lifestyle are forever more going to deal with issues of money and much more. Knowing those in third world countries who live in these conditions have to worry about water conditions and their health tears me apart. Considering the fact that most people who live in chronic poverty have a voice that goes unheard we can speak up for them and collect money or donate our money to non-profit organizations trying to make a difference.

Chronic Poverty can lead to abuse, trafficking, starvation, single parents, illiteracy, death and the list continues. A households demographic is another influential factor for those in chronic poverty. Through my research of child sex trafficking, I learned many families who struggle with money and are stuck in poverty start making desperate attempts for survival that I find immoral on many different levels. It is said some parents will sell their children to men in order to make survive.

Thanks to Overseas Development Institute, they are putting together research to reduce the amount of chronic poverty and look for helpful resources. Creating gender equality can be very helpful and moreover offering social protection are steps in making a difference.

Chronic Poverty-Themes. Overseas Developement Institute,

www.odi.org.uk/themes-poverty/>

What is Chronic Poverty? Chronic Poverty Research Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Feb, 2010

http://Chronicpoverty.wordpress.com/chronic-poverty-definition-facts-and-statistics

United Nations

What are two countries that are not apart of the United Nations and why do they refuse to join? I found that Taiwan used to be part of the United Nations, but after the year of 1971 they were replaced by China. It is interesting that still to this day Taiwan is not considered independent, although it meets the requirements. This is mainly because of political reasons. Whereas Kosovo it a country who took it upon themselves to be an independent country, which has the right to observe the United Nations. Apparently there is a specific number of criteria that must be passed in order to meet the requirements to join the United Nation and Kosovo is one of those countries that meet the criteria.

Case Two

Lucy is a 12 year old Thai girl who is forced to work as a prostitute in Japan shortly after reaching her 10th birthday. This is a common occurrence for many girls from Thailand. The number of ways this issue is morally wrong and devastating is outrageous. By becoming a piece of meat or and item sold you lose an important part of what makes you unique; your identity. In the article read it also mentioned men who are found and deported without being questioned if they were victims of trafficking is normal. If young girls like Lucy are not trafficked through porn, prostitution, or commercial sex, than the hard, gruesome labor expected from these individuals is nothing less than slavery.

It is against social justice in my opinion that the government undermines the Trafficking Victims Protection Act that could possibly save Lucy from emotional, mental and physical scars. It said that imprisonment started at a one year sentence in certain cases. I feel raising the minimum punishment will cause offenders to think if what they are doing is worth the consequences. I too find it asinine that men are not protected for labor trafficking. Those law enforcement officials who were compliant should receive equal punishment and definitely lose their badge.

Several Articles were mentioned in the Convention of the Rights of the Child that fit the link that was given to us to read:
Article 27 states: child have a right to standard living and adequate physical, mental, spiritual, moral and social development
Article 32: "...Child should be protected from economic exploitation and from performing any work that is likely hazardous or to interfere with the child's education or be harmful to the child's health or physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development"
Article 34 mentions it is unlawful for a child to engage in sexual activity
Article 35 says a child an not be sold or trafficked
37 and 39 mention children should be protected from cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
and 42 states that these rights should protect children and adults alike.

According to the Ecological Model, the child being influenced by all the factors surrounding him or her. It is important where a child spends their time, the families influences, the community and how it supports the child and provides for a better life. A child of ten years of age is still learning the value of trust, building their identity and learning the importance of social connections. If everything around that child is based upon exploitation and sexual advertising many issues will lie ahead. The family could make a difference by finding other means to make money other then selling their children and the community can make a difference by turning in people they know that are doing such acts. Establishing more safe houses and becoming more strict with the criminal justice system and the punishment of preditors may be a start in the right direction.

Case One

Rudolph is a 10 year old boy from Delphi, India who has been forced to work in a glass factory nearby. He comes from a family of ten, and both parents are illiterate. Last year the father lost his leg in an accident at work and was laid off. My first thought immediately went to the ethical standpoint. Having said that 85% of children under fourteen work in agricultural setting made me cringe. The heavy loads of works placed on young children, the long hours and the heat alone are factors that I feel are not morally right health conditions for children. 9% were reported to be placed in fields related to manufacturing, which steals time away that should be spent on education to avoid illiterate children. Last it said .8% are working in factories with sharp objects such as glass and chemicals that can do internal harm to the lungs, or even damage and infect skin that gets cut. Children should play and go to school, which in turn will give them future opportunities , help them become well rounded and understand interaction amongst their peers.

I understand issues such as success of the country comes from the social engineering and economic growth according to the article, but in my opinion putting a child to work is ethically wrong.

As far as social justice is concerned, when I first read the scenario I thought why not have children work at a later age when their personalities have developed and their education is well maintained! Where is the welfare for the parents who are injured or an act such as the Americans Disability Act that would provide the father with compensation? There should be economical infrastructure supporting these people. According to Article three in the Convention on the Right of the Child, it states that the "best interest of the child" should be a determining factor. Article 27 states the "parent(s) or others responsible for the child have the primary responsibility to secure, within their abilities and financial capacities, the conditions of living necessary for the child's development". This was the case until the father lost the job and forced his ten year old boy to work, which in my opinion is not providing a financially secure home.

As I red on I realized many Acts were set up such as Enactment of Children Act, Child Labor (Prohibition and Regulation) Act 1986, and organizations such as the Child Labor Technical Advisory Committee, to help deal with the rights of children. Although laws have been placed such as children after the age of fourteen are put to work, they get educated for two hours daily and work six hours in non-hazardous workplaces, I still find this morally wrong. Article 28 focuses on the education of a child, and personally I feel India falls short from their responsibility as a country by providing only two hours for children about fourteen. Article 32 states performing any work that interferes with a child's education and receives pay less than minimum wage is banned. I am sure children are being taken advantage of and are receiving less money than an adult in the same position would.

Bronfenbrenner's chart helps explain emotions can be first found within the family, but external forces shape them as well. With a family who is not secure and working conditions that put limitations to a persons childhood, it can be damaging. School is emphasized on the chart and is critical in my opinion to developing relationships. What we can do as a community is trying to advertise the situation here in the United States and donate to the non-profit organizations that are trying to put child rights laws into effect.

Saudi Arabia

Culture in my opinion, is what helps mold our individual identities and makes us the kind of people we are today. Without our culture, traditions and values are of less significance. I learned a lot of interesting information regarding Saudi Arabia, which had only has access to technology for the past sixty to seventy years.

First, I will start off by discussing the king himself. I always assumed like in the movies, that the first born son gets the thrown when his father died. I was intrigued and surprised when he said it is the brother who gets the thrown since he would be old enough to preserve and cherish the Saudi Arabian culture.

The education system seemed to be similar to her in America. A Deaf child placed in a hearing school naturally will struggle and feel frustrated if there are communication barriers. Deaf institutes are available and the Deaf support one another.The main difference between American and Saudi Arabia's education system is the fact all girls and boys are separated in the Saudi Arabian schools. I was have to agree that coming to Gallaudet would be a culture shock and especially that here in America there is a lot of public affection displayed.

Respect seems to be enforced and deeply rooted in their culture and identity. It is of utmost importance to respect the mother of the household above the father. I feel that there is more dysfunction amongst the families here and that fathers tend to get the most respect. As mentioned in class, by the way both presenters handled themselves and took turns sharing their perspective of their culture, there was no doubt in my mind that this trait came with the territory. Brothers and sisters here in America are almost expected to have a relationship full of arguments, which lead to disrespecting each other. This does not mean siblings here are not close or do not have each others back, but simply unlike Saudi Arabia family in general seems to be more flexible.

My Research on Sex Trafficking

I must say, I never thought sex trafficking was a persistent issue. Through my research I found out how common it is not only in other countries, but here in America. One article made me so peeved. A fifteen year old girl was abducted in Phoenix, AZ and was put up for sale on Craig's list. As many as fifty married men with children bought her. The pimps that were holding her hostage forced her in a dog cage for forty days until her whole body was numb. This harsh treatment continued for a while, along with other cruel forms of treatments such as beatings, forced drug use and starving her. Police located the girl and found her stuffed in a drawer shaking. The thing that upset me most was the fact that all involved were not pleaded guilty.



Caught in some of these transactions are American doctors, fathers, husbands. How can people carry on with there life when they have the idea embedded in the back of there mind that they stole the innocence away from a young girl. I had no idea you could buy people on Craig' List, did you? Why do cops not go undercover more often and "buy" these girls and rescue them. Could our law enforcement do that? I thought this topic would be interesting, but I found it more then that. It really bothered me and if I could do something I would. I do not know where I would start besides educating people on the issue we have at hand. There are two webites you all may want to take a look at. www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4038249/ or http://abcnews.go.com/Primetime/story?id=1596778&page=1

Both of these news reports made my jaw drop and I had to use them in the paper for school on child sex trafficking. I feel it gave an inside look and I was sick to my stomach. Please feel free to let me know what you think about the articles and post any feeling you have about them. I am interested to get everyones perspective on what they feel the criminal justice system should do, as well as what we can do to put a stop to this commercial sex industry?