IMPACT OF POVERTY

THE IMPACT OF GROWING UP IN POVERTY

Poverty, a disease that takes life, is unfortunately one of the chronic issue eating deep into the world.

Growing up in a family of five, as the eldest of three children. My father had a small farm with few chickens. We seldom take breakfast and lunch but a little piece of fruit for dinner.

During my childhood days, I was lucky to attend a government school where we paid no fee. I went to school in a tattered uniform and slippers because we couldn't afford a pair of sandal nor socks. My most treasured possession was the only book I had.

Hawking the little fruits obtained from our farm made me know as a child, the difference between comfort and management. This eventually led to depression at such a tender age. I was a young child who was lonely, slow and helpless.

Our home, a religious one, couldn't stop the thoughts of death that constantly coursed through my mind. Time was slow, no change in view but the suffering which was beyond our power.

We had God but were clothed with low self esteem. I remember my mum shouting at me one cold night, "don't you ever break a plate, I struggled hard to get that." I really felt traumatized by the happenings of my childhood and ignoring every person of authority was my way of adapting.

It finally dawned on me, years later, how stressful it was to raise kids- without money.

My childhood was indeed rough. I couldn't even be proud of anything I owned. Recalling a conversation I had with one of my wealthy friends who couldn't help but ask 'why we had to live in a house like this?' I never knew the answer to that question until now that I'm telling this story.

I faced a lot of questions like that. A lot of challenges arose.

I finally knew the real meaning of poverty when I was eleven. We lost our farm due to lack of equipments. My mum had to take different jobs and dad wasn't left behind.

The sweetest part of our lives was the fact that we never left God; we had hope.

At eleven, I became a nanny in a rich home. Looking after their two year old daughter; being the eldest, I was accustomed to taking care of my little brothers.

The family I worked with were nice people who later took over the care of myself and my brothers. They assisted me with my school works and soon took the role of my parents.

I remember emerging the 2nd position in a class of fifty students. It wasn't a thing to be proud of because everyone already tagged me useless. Taking a bold step, I presented the result to my guardians and for the first time in my life received positive encouragement and a gift. My joy knew no bound. My guardians gifted me a pair of shoes; one I've never owned In my whole life. The joy of being celebrated and showered love made me rush home in tears.

This article isn't about how I grew up as a poor girl but to share my story to enlighten readers out there about the pains of poverty.

The effects of poverty can last throughout one's lifespan and education is the first step to eradicating poverty. Most children from poor homes prove to be more serious about their education as there might be little or no distraction. No television, no friends, no toys.

The only goal they have is to work hard to scale through all odds. This survival mentality makes them regulate their moods, fight inner battles and motivate themselves even at times when they barely cling to a thin thread called hope.

On the other hand, not all poor people are serious, this is due to the level of hardship they face which in turn affects the state of their mental ability.

Poverty exposes one to a lot of dangers, some of which include poor health, emotional and mental troubles or the reverse in some cases which is undoubtedly rare. Mere looking back at your past motivates you to being a better person.

People who've tasted the bitter pill called poverty and then fortunate to live a better life are more prone to helping without expecting anything in return. They learn to put certain things above their own comforts simply because they've been through that phase.

A rare case with children who grew up in poverty is the fear of stealing or picking up cash by the way after a series of warning by their parents.

According to researchers, being exposed to controlling temptation at a tender age makes these children more socially competent, personally effective and adaptable to life issues.

A poor upbringing has also made a lot of children creative. Their inability to afford toys and games prompts them to make their own toys or cars using tree branches.

Another impact poverty has on a child is Empathy. They posses the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. The more we are aware of our feelings, the more skilled we are at reading the emotions of others. Most philanthropist usually come from a poor background as social struggles has built the caring attitude in their minds.

Myself, has a survival of the illness 'POVERTY' will never judge a criminal without asking the reasons for his action. Unaware of their background nor struggles, a lot of them grew up to become what they think suits their struggles.

Poverty has won a lot of souls for God. They talk to him about their problems. It has built faith in them.

We are all unique in all ramifications of life. We can write a book about our life without needing to look at others for motivation.

We need to look back at our pasts to understand our uniqueness, our strength, our faith, our hopes and use them to move our life and others life forward.

©heesha