global challenge: extreme poverty

What is "extreme" poverty?

Photo: Paola Gianturco

All types of poverty must be addressed to ensure the dignity of people around the world. But combating “extreme poverty” is at the center of many international efforts, such as the UN Millennium Development Goals.

Extreme poverty is defined as living on $1 a day or less. One billion people worldwide fall into this category. What’s more, about half of the world’s population (2.8 billion people) lives on less than $2 a day. (Source: World Development Report 2000)

In many places $2 cannot provide basic needs– food, clean water, shelter, and health care. The statistics mean that half of the world faces severe hunger every single day, and 462 million of them are youth. (Source: World YOUTH Report, 2003)

Where poverty exists, there is not true freedom. - Nelson Mandela.

Why do we think we can get rid of extreme poverty?

Photo: Maria Porter

In short, because there is more than enough to go around! Some people will say that poverty is inevitable; that the world will always have it. But even just a few hundred years ago, almost the entire world was living in poverty -- now it's about half. People have created structures and systems to provide a better way of life. It is our responsibility to make sure that all people have access to these "structures": decent-paying jobs, health care, clean water, free education. If we commit to this challenge, extreme poverty can be eradicated in our lifetime. 

Where can I learn more?

Oxfam is one of the world's leading NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) working on poverty and hunger. They have some great information on their website here.

An organization called "Feeding Minds" has a great site that explains hunger around the world-who it affects and how. It is also a great place to learn definitions about hunger such as the difference between "malnourished" and "undernourished." Click here to check it out.

What can we do?

If you're a high school student interested in starting a Global Action Club at your school addressing extreme poverty and hunger contact us.

 

If I could solve one problem, It would be world hunger. It is intolerable that so many people should be fatally hungry when we have the resources to combat severe hunger.   - A high school student and YPW participant.