Many countries globally have stratified populations , that is, socially, economically, politically and more.
Zambia is not exceptional. The majority of the Zambian populace have settled in unplanned settlements colloquially referred to as 'Shanty compounds” at times 'Ghettos'.
The people living in such settlements are prejudiced as they are considered crummy and
uncivilized.
Children in Shanty compounds are stigmatized at school and play grounds, young men looked upon as thieves even when innocent. The shanty compound is not always the den of thieves, sometimes it innocently creates space for the underprivileged to live.
TIIF has come to appreciate the importance of grooming up children in a good environment regardless of social stratifications.
A good environment allows children to grow with self-esteem and confidence. Thus, we shall continue striving to better the livelihood of children in such settlements through supplementing the government’s efforts in the promotion of education.
Isoka is one district that has not seen much development until Muchinga district was upgraded into a province.
Isoka is near the borders with Tanzania and Malawi. In 2010 (census) it recorded a population of 99,319 people.
Sansamwenje is a small village in Isoka . Many children in this settlement lack access to up to standard education mainly because of sponsorship and distance.
Imagine a child growing up in an environment where decent breakfast is presented in form of derogatory remarks, parents fighting every day because of unresolved marital disputes.
No opportunity to go to good schools or even step into class because their parents feel and fear the mere mention of school fees, a direct consequence of extreme poverty.
Where could such a child get any inspiration?
The majority of these kids run into the streets after completing primary school mainly because of lack of sponsorship.
This inescapable fact as driven TIIF to start building a community school with the help of well wishers and partners. The objective of the move is to accommodate those children who are underprivileged.
Shanty compounds are known for thuggery behaviors and rural areas for early marriages, to some extent this is a bare fact but there are many attributes to this kind of behavior.
The settlements in question have no recreational facilities and active programs to keep young people occupied. Therefore, after school many children lapse into early marriages and mischievous behavior since that is what the environment has to offer.
Can you really compare such an experience with that of the minister's child who knows nothing about poverty and has never seen his parents fight carelessly.
We all believe that everyone has an opportunity to do well in life but in practical terms 3 out of10 make it big from the ghetto.
This is the reason why TIIF will never tire advocating for education and equity.
Ghettos or unplanned settlements and rural setups in the eyes of the elite are synonymous with a prison. They believe nothing good can come out of such places.
“This is a conception which should be washed away from every reasonable and humane mind.”
Because of this notion, many children are born dead to many privileges life has to offer. This is a repercussion of finding themselves in an unfavorable environment.
Community leaders and organizations should work hard to better Ghetto and village communities, they should step into these 'prisons' here referred to as ‘uncivilized settlements' and show a new beam of light to these poor children.
Motivate and mentor them, diamond is mainly in the mud.
