8 Form (2016)Module 3 Poverty

Module 3                                                Poverty

Nowadays there are a lot of problems in the modern society. People all over the world suffer from homelessness, illiteracy, war and racism. Moreover, there is a high rate of crime. People also face population growth and ageing population. That is why, poverty is on the increase.

Most of people who had a privileged childhood don`t have any idea of children in the slums. Children who live at home have plenty of love and affection. Their parents feed them, clothe them and put them through school, while thousands of street children live in appalling poverty and often don`t even reach the age of 18. The poverty leads to many broken homes and, if they experience violence at home or their families can`t look after them anymore, children end up on the streets. They sleep under bridges and in doorways. Those who can`t survive by begging, selling newspapers or shining shoes, often turn to crime to survive.  These children are not given even a basic education.  They are not taught basic skills such as hygiene and literacy as they don`t go to school. Some of them are eager to learn as they see learning as a possible way out of their lives of danger and destitution. Some volunteer groups work in makeshift schools. Working as a volunteer is a worthwhile experience which is eye-opening for everyone.

I think we should all help the poor. It`s a good idea to donate to charities. We can donate unwanted clothes and other items instead of throwing them away. I believe that no matter how bad conditions are, there is always hope for the future.

8 Form(2016) Module 3 The Elderly and the Homeless

Module 3 The Elderly and the Homeless

Before you abuse, criticise and accuse walk a mile in someone else`s shoes.

The city can be an unfriendly place at the best of times. Imagine then, how it might feel for the elderly or the homeless – people who are often marginalised by the rest of society.

The elderly sometimes feel incredibly embarrassed and lonely as if nothing about them is important except that they are old. They feel invisible and unwanted by society because people don`t want to talk to chatty senior citizens. Moreover, at the shops the assistants can be unfriendly as they can`t wait to get rid of them.

People also avoid looking at the homeless as they look terrible. Their eyes are red and puffy, their skin is pale and their hair is frizzy. In addition to this, they wear scruffy clothes. People are often rude to them. They are angrily told they have to leave if they walk into a café to use the toilet. People can become homeless because of family break-ups or terrible debts. Some people can`t get off the streets because they have no official identity.

We should remember that over the next 50 years, the number of elderly people in society will triple. We should treat them with respect because one day we will be old, too. The homeless also need our help, not our judgment. We could donate money to a homeless charity or volunteer at a soup kitchen.