Poverty Unit Reflection

Poverty is an issue in our world. However, it's not something that we can just stop; in fact, we've struggled with it for generations. In social studies, we are concluding our poverty unit, but that doesn't mean I have to stop there. After donating to a real NGO, I want to continue helping those in poverty. In this unit, here are two things that had a huge impact on me.

One of the most impactful lessons was when I found my family's connection to poverty. It really gave me insight into what poverty really was: it's not just some faraway land; it hovers over all of us. My personal connection to poverty taught me truly how fortunate I am. My grandfather himself had to work his way out of poverty, and it really shocked me to know how different my life could have been. It really matters to me, because it shows how close poverty is to me; just two generations up. This experience has changed me. I now know that I am not above any of these people, that I, in fact, could have been one of them. It helps me find a connection with poverty, and shows me a story of how to break the poverty cycle. I can see how close we as people are getting to eradicating poverty compared to the 1990s. An education and job are so important to breaking out of the poverty cycle, and I understand that when I see how my family was broken out of poverty through that. How can I use this to make a difference though? My answer is still incomplete, but I know what those in poverty need most of all now as I can connect with them. I just need to figure out how to give that to them.

Here is part two what I just said; I know what to do, and now I really helped someone. Kiva.org is an organization that lets you loan out a small amount of money to one person, and then they will return it to you. If they can return, your mission has been successful. I learned that these small loans can make a big difference. When this money is invested into one person, them being able to pay you back really shows how they are up and moving forward. It helps me see how people in poverty have fallen down and are trying to get back up, and the tiniest nudge came not only pick them up, but start their journey. It helped me see how you don’t have to “give back to society” like charities have you do, you can just give out something and receive, knowing that you have helped a person out of poverty. This is important because it shows how the smallest piece of help can change lives, and it won’t even affect you. It matters to me because I am even breathing the effects of poverty right now, and I am helping those in poverty by not only giving them money, but strengthening their dignity. Kiva.org was a way for me ot make a difference, and I lose nothing as well as help people out of poverty. It has inspired me to help out more; it is giving me a good way to nudge someone. I'll tell you, nothing feels better than clicking the send button and knowing that you did something amazing.

Overall, this unit has been successful in making me aware about my surroundings. It has really opened my eyes about how some people on Earth suffer. It is difficult to escape the poverty cycle because once you are stuck inside, the opportunities for jobs and education disappear, and then everything crumbles. You need to be able to provide for yourself with money in today's world, and poverty is when you can't. Although poverty levels vary, I feel that is one that if more or less true. The poverty cycle can be broken through luck, education and a job. Mainly though, a lot of hard work has to be put in; luck isn't the most common. Kiva.org helps people get started on a job or paying for a child's education, which is the way out of the cycle. The poverty unit is ending, but that doesn't mean that I stop here. I can use my newfound knowledge, insight and connection to make a difference for these people. Society has to be aware of what is going on, and through things like Kiva.org, I can put this unit to use.