Poverty (Lack of money vs. Lack of Knowledge)

Poverty  "Money vs Information"





I'm not sure which is worst, A lack of money or a lack of information?   From birth to the age of 4 my parents knew to provide food, shelter, clothes and love but they forgot about education.  

I started kindergarten with no Pre-K training. I slipped through kindergarten. Failed the 1st grade and after having two teachers take me under their wing I was able to catch up and love school.

 I didn't realize until the 4th of 5th grade that I was part of the "working poor" class. My parents understood the importance of getting the resources to make sure that I had my shots, food and shelter but for what ever reason  a Head Start on education was not of importance.

My passion for  early childhood education strives from these experiences. As a child its hard to understand why your peers understand certain academic concepts and you don't . I will forever be grateful for the teachers that  took extra time with me and didn't give up.

 I now know it is worst to have a lack of information than money.  Even with a lack of money if you have information  you can get the resources you need with that information.

As an early childhood professional, my main goal other than to take care of the children that's in my care is to make sure the families have the information to get the resources that need.

The Effects of Poverty & Education in Jamaica

The effects of poverty on education in Jamaica is shockingly similar to the effects in the United States. "The Gleaner" a Jamaican newspaper company states, "Poverty is the enemy of education because it limits access to education and the experience of the education process". 
Poverty reduces the children's food intake and over all appearance.   As a result of malnutrition children are restless, unable to pay attention in class and often disruptive. These children are withdrawn and embarrassed of their clothes and end up with low self-esteem from being teased by their peers.
Eventually many of theses children give up on school and engage in the illegal activities around them. The Gleaner stresses the importance of child advocacy, good teachers and providing resources for the children in Jamaica and all over the world.

 
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20101022/letters/letters3.html