Effects > Children in Poverty I Children at Risk

Latin America is a good example of a growing third world nation that’s moving up in the world’s economy and raising its own standards. But, there are many things hidden that many people don’t see. Today, there are about 27.4 million children under the age of 14 that are working in South America. Worldwide, there are 246 million kids working. Most of these kids work in dangerous places like mines or on the streets, where they value agility, docility, and chap labor. This type of child labor is present in almost all forms of their economy. Children barely past toddling are commonly seen on the streets selling candy.

In Venezuela, 32% of their entire population lives on less than $2 dollars a day. The same could be said in other countries of South America, with even higher percentages. In Peru, 41%; Honduras, 44%; El Salvador 45%; and in Ecuador 52.3% of their population all live on less than $2 a day. Between 20 to 50% of the nation’s mothers haven’t completed primary school. These are all shocking figures that still have to be solved in today’s South America. Half of the region’s population is living in poverty.

This is one of the major reasons why all members of a family are expected to contribute as soon as they can. Laws are being created now to control the use of child labor and ensure that they get an education.Still, with these laws in effect, many cannot make ends meet, and resort back to this practice. It is one of the most major things that need to be overcome in South America.

Source: Fraser, Barbara, and Paul Jeffery. "Poverty cuts children's chances for a future.." national Catholic Reporter V.41 I.229 Oct. 2004 P.13. 27 Jul. 2006 <http://web3.infotrac.galegroup.com/itw/infomark/ 809/687/115436481w3/purl=rc1_ EAIM_0_A124642157&dyn= 13!xrn_1_0_A124642157?sw_aep=wash_eai>.