Orphans

Young children and orphans are often the ones most affected by extreme poverty. 18 million children have lost one or both parents to HIV/AIDS alone, and this number is expected to rise drastically in the next few years.

These orphans are usually immensely vulnerable, the lack of parents forces them to grow up very fast and provide for younger siblings despite lacking the skills and knowledge required to do this effectively. Receiving an education becomes secondary to survival and earning a bare minimum.

Stamping out poverty would allow them to focus on attending school and obtaining an education rather than attempting to earn just enough money to survive, if they can manage that. An education opens up doors and opportunities to a better life.

Orphans are often victims of sex trafficking or child labour, preyed upon by people desperate for a little money. These children will also succumb to the pressure and sell themselves to earn a little money, not because they want to but because their survival depends upon it.

Eliminating poverty would help stamp out child trafficking and labour, as the defenceless children would not need to resort to these extreme measures in order to earn enough money to support themselves and their younger siblings. This is their right as children, like you and me, of the world.