Impacts on Early Emotional Development

 

The area of the world I selected is Latin America & Caribbean. I initially selected this area due to the fact that many of my vacations have been in these areas and I am always fascinated when I have encountered the well mannered and often hard working young children in theses areas. I find it extremely humbling to know that children in these areas are challenged with many of the same natural disasters as the children in our areas with an added responsibility of having to help maintain their families home life. "At least 23.4 million children are in need of humanitarian assistance across the region, compared to only 7 million last year. This spike is largely driven by the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the growing migratory flows and an increase of extreme natural disasters exacerbated by climate change, such as hurricanes and droughts" (Duvillier, 2020). Living in South East Texas we are known for having hurricanes hit this area and this year was certainly tested with several of them. In the height of hurricane season we were like everywhere else in the world still dealing with COVID-19, loss of family members, loss of employment for some, depression for most, and so much more. These are also factors that have effected children and their families in Latin America & the Caribbean. 

In Panama City “Stronger hurricanes, larger migration flows, and the COVID-19 pandemic have left millions of children without schooling, without protection, without water, and without immunization" (Duvillier, 2020). Having to go without water and immunization are to vital components to a healthy lifestyle. Children need both to remain healthy. With all of the natural disasters and adding COVID-19 to the equations to life challenges providing adequate resources has stretched humanitarian assistance thinner than the usual. Children have to take assistance from where ever they can to make it day-to-day. Many children here in this area face those same challenges without the natural disasters and it literally breaks my heart that any child has to go through life this way. According to Duvillier "The economic impact of the pandemic has pushed millions of families and their children into poverty. Over 123 million children are still out of the classroom and have lost over four times more school days than children in the rest of the world. Nearly 21 million and 83 million people lack access to basic drinking water and basic sanitation, respectively. Faced with this dire situation, there is a risk that an entire generation will be lost" (2020). While lack of education and mental stability are a result of the devastation of 2020 pandemic loss of life is even more devastating for not only those enduring it but the ones left behind as well. Without shelter, food , medical attention and other basic needs people lose faith in themselves and the others care. Based off what I have seen and read about feeling hopeless and like nobody cares, can take a toll on a persons outlook on life and they tend to give up on trying to help themselves. Because children and families in Latin America , Panama City in particular are lacking most if not all their basic needs due to lack of supplies I can see why their numbers are stacked against them. I applauded organizations like UNICEF that dedicates its time and resources to do all they can possibly do to assist as many families as they can. 

As a personal reflection, I think that it is important to share with children the advantages and disadvantage there are in this world in addition to what they can do to become a part of a change that can help someone else. It is never to early to teach children how to become an advocate for children in other countries. When we are teaching children how to respect others differences, languages, cultures and so on we can also share with them ways that they can not only learn about children and families in other countries but how the smallest gestures can be put to work to pay it forth for struggling countries. Picking a country that may be struggling to research on and brainstorming on ways they can help can build empathy and character in children that will carry on with them hopefully into their adult life. Something as simple as saving pennies, or sending small supply donations are ways they can pay it forth. Although we are all struggling in some form or another from the disaster that has been 2020, there have been some learning opportunities as well. I personally have learned to use my resources more, taken more time to appreciate family and just the overall quality of life, and just value the smallest of things. Some of us have gotten better in our careers , some of us have developed careers, children have had to rely on their parents for learning and gotten closer to them because of it, educators have become more crafty in assisting those who do not have home support and for that they have build stronger relationships with their students. It does sadden me to look back and know that children in other countries are struggling but I also know that I can contribute a small portion of myself by being and advocate as well as donating.  

Resource 

Duvillier, L. (2020). Latin America and the Caribbean: The Number of Children in Need of Humanitarian Assistance Has More Than Tripled This Year. UNICEF. https://www.unicef.org/lac/en/press-releases/the-number-of-children-in-need-of-humanitarian-assistance-in-lac-has-more-than-tripled-this-year

Photo:UNICEF/UN0367872/Cálix/AFP-Services