My International Contact - Part I

I have been corresponding with Associate Professor Eric Atmore. Professor Atmore is an Associate Professor at the University of Cape Town in South Africa. He is also associated with the Centre for Early Childhood Development (http://www.cecd.org.za/).

After reviewing the research report Challenges facing the early childhood development sector in South Africa provided by Professor Atmore I have learned that children living in poverty in South Africa are extremely vulnerable and often discriminated against and isolated (Atmore, 2012). In South Africa the majority of children do not have access to an early education program as many parents and/or families cannot afford to pay for school fees (Atmore, 2012). Many children in South Africa also live apart from their families in child-headed households due to labor migration or alternative care arrangements such as them living with extended family members.

According to the report:

Due to the extraordinarily high prevalence of poverty in South Africa, hunger, malnutrition and food insecurity are significant challenges facing children in communities across the country. Nutrition is not only a basic physical need that requires primary attention, but research has shown that the absence of adequate nutrition can greatly affect a child’s early development (physical development, brain development, cognitive and learning abilities) which can lead to significant, negative adult outcomes such as reduced earning potential in adulthood. These negative consequences affect children’s ability to achieve their full potential, stunting not only the individual’s child ability to flourish in adulthood, but collectively limiting the country’s potential development.(Atmore, 2012)

After reviewing this report I have received insight on poverty outside of the United States and the issue of poverty as it relates to children in South America. There are some similarities between the issue of poverty in South America and the United States but in my opinion the issue is more severe in South America.

Atmore, E. (2012). Challenges facing the early childhood development sector in south africa. Retrieved from http://www.nda.org.za/docs/Challenges-facing-ECD-Sector-in-SA-Prof-Atmore.pdf