 |
 | |
     |
 |
| Alleviating Poverty |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | |
 |
Comments
08.09.99 - from: b.duvieusart@unesco.org
Ever since the specialised agencies of the UNited Nations system became
involved in development activities they have all been interested in the
issue of poverty. UNESCO is continuing its work in this field, doing even
more than 30 years ago. The conclusions that can be drawn from this range
of experiments are as follows:
The experiments which have been successful are those which have been based
on local initiatives, drawing on the talents and abilities of the poor. They
have recognised the poor themselves as resources for human development. They
have sought to reinforce their capacities by providing them training and
access to information. They have thus gone beyond the mere development of
the individual to strengthen the cohesion of the community, setting in train
a process of social transformation. They have created a democratic momentum
that has enabled these groups to enter into a dialogue with the political
authorities and to become successfully reintegrated in society. Poverty is
above all the consequence of a lack of education, a lack of access to
information, a lack of rights and hence a lack of choices that prevent any
human community from taking initiatives that might help it break out of this
circle.
08.09.99 - from: l.rao@unesco.org
One thing that I have found incredibly helpful to my understanding of
poverty in the world, was getting involved in my own community. The fact
that poverty is a world-wide problem has seemed to implied to many that the
world starts somewhere other than around you. Or maybe, to those who reside
in "developed" countries, that it is a problem that affects only third-world
nations. But take a good look around. Maybe visit those neighborhoods that
you never have. See what you think then of how developed your country
really is. No man is an island; though you might, like Simon and Garfunkle,
wish that you were.
Subscribe to the discussion list
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
