Local Essay Paper

College of Western Idaho

Local Essay Paper One

Shawn Garcia

0067756

English-102-011W

Leslie Jewkes

March 12, 2013


Abstract

The concern of hunger and poverty across the United States is an issue that

individuals need to be informed of. There are several ways in order to address this subject

in demand to help make a difference in communities transversely throughout our nation.

Societies essentially must confront these problems in order to make a difference by using a

combination of methods. Together this can happen as long as people take affirmative action

towards a change.


Shawn Garcia

Engl-102-011W

Local Issue Essay

Eradicating Hunger and Poverty in the United States

The situation of eradicating hunger and poverty on a scale across the United States is out of hand. In fact, the situation will probably not happen in this life generation. Even at a level such as our own communities that we live in, to eradicate such major difficulties as the ones listed above are at a grand scale nationwide. There are several cities across the United States that are poverty and hunger stricken. The two topics coincide with one another due to a lack of financial stability from the economy that is still in the recovery process, where there is a lack of available employment opportunities. The problem of hunger will be sure to follow families who face these problems. This issue is more devastating now that it is progressing aggressively coast-to-coast. America’s hunger organization efforts should focus tremendously on the main factors of giving to those that are in severe stages of poverty and hunger because it contributes to victims nationwide, generally causing the economic system to rebuild itself.

The insufficiency of food shortage has been a key subject that causes the suffering

of people throughout the United States. “Since 2006, the percent of Americans living

below the poverty line has increased each year. The Census Bureau essentially held the

official poverty rate for 2011 at 15 percent, meaning that 46.2 million people live below

the poverty line. It has been predicted that the rate would increase to 15.5 percent, or an

additional 1.5 million people” (Weise 28). There are numerous amounts of human beings

dying from malnutrition, and distressed from hunger. Hunger-related diseases are

inexplicable. More change in what mankind can do in helping set up more health programs,

charity work, and bring education to the problems of hunger and poverty on a larger scale.

Exploiting the happiness and diminishing the human suffering should be our moral duty in relieving the consequence of hunger and poverty. The deprived require

assistance:

Heineken with a Heart fundraising event that took place at the Ritz Carlton Westchester has been able to raise more than 13,000 U.S. dollar and donated the money to the Food Bank for Westchester in New York in 2009. . . . Food Bank executive director Christina Rohatynskyj claims that the money is a great help in eradicating hunger of those who are depending on the institution for food (Heineken With A Heart 29).

More charity groups and local companies can help fight the problem with hunger by

simply donating time along with effort. A difference can be made. “According to the

USDA, 4.8% of all U.S. Households (5.6 million) have accessed emergency food from a

food pantry one or more Times. . . .That's why Grocery Outlet (www.groceryoutlet.com)

stepped up to the plate with the company-wide independence from hunger food drive to

help feed people facing hunger and dealing with food insecurity” (PR Newswire 16). Such

outlets like this that are helping to step up the fight against this crisis. More help from

companies, charities, and the government to help make in any efforts necessary to

address this issue:

Throughout July, a time when food banks experience the greatest

need, Grocery Outlet led the second annual Independence from hunger

food drive. Each of the 164 Grocery Outlet stores selected one or more local

emergency food assistance programs in their hometown as beneficiary of the food

drive. To help increase awareness and drive donations and participation,

Grocery Outlet stores hosted an array of events from educational seminars

about local food assistance agencies to family-friendly festivals. (PR

Newswire 16)

Everyone can make a change in a local community or nationwide setting to help fight

hunger. In addition, educating people on hunger and poverty can help with these major

concerns.

The economic crisis and the high food prices do not assist in reconstructing the financial state for citizens:

Every day, more than 16 million children in the U.S. struggle to get enough to eat, and the ongoing economic downturn forces more and more Americans to slip beneath the poverty line. A steady job no longer guarantees a full cupboard and the stigma attached to asking for help persists, leaving already over-stressed parents facing choices they never imagined. And, in the halls of the nation's capital, funding cuts threaten existing assistance programs even as the need for them increases. (PR Newswire 22)

In the recovery of the economic area, this topic can be in a better standing with the increase of employment and by raising the minimum wage.

Organizations that are funded from the government are given only so much

money to support people in need. Instead of wasting funds on unnecessary compulsions,

there needs to be a budget of financial support of rebuilding our institution of economic

catastrophe and availability of employment. A record 17.9 million U.S. households –

700,000 more than in 2010 - didn't have enough food at all times last year to sustain

active, healthy lives for all family members, according to the USDA” (Pugh 7).

Hunger has an enormous impact on an abundant of citizens. The government and those

with wealth do not distinguish how significant this crisis is expanding. “It is suggested

that U.S. politicians are not educated about poverty and that the government has

historically failed to provide enough help with unemployment, health care, or other

strategies to reduce poverty” (Patriquin 79). The involvement of representatives in

Congress and the Senate need to not only address our economy which is associated with

these issues, but make a difference in all the city and states as well. “The issue of poverty

in the U.S. and negligence of political leaders towards this issue” (Salmon 6). Not only

does starvation cause affliction and damage to people’s health, it is upsetting the local

economy. Individuals who live below the poverty line have a higher risk of alcoholism,

addicted to cigarettes, and being physically unfit.

People suffering from lack of food and the frequent amount of deaths stir

gradually more at a high rate. “Instead, the goal is to add texture to our understanding of

where and how concentrated poverty exists, by studying new areas and by interviewing

local stakeholders, including residents, community leaders, and government

representatives, to understand how concentrated poverty affects both individuals and

communities” (Institution Brookings et al 25). This social problem hunger and poverty is

appeared upon as being hopelessly devoted to never having a solution, but what society does not realize is the reality of life being compromised by under nourishment.

These dynamics are happening at an increasing rate and nothing is being noted of

it. Education is a helpful key in order to make aware of what is going on across the

communities in every city. "Right now, a fifth of our youngest generation is struggling

with hunger. When these kids get the food they need, they feel better, they learn more

and they grow up stronger. The good news is that, together, we can make that happen"

(PR Newswire 22). When looking in-depth into this problem various people would presume that

those who are hungry and living under the precaution line of getting by prefer to be in the

unfortunate state that they are in, but that is foremost of the denial in the fact that they are

unmindful of the severity of this issue.

Most would say starvation was from over population, even if that was the

situation, why has there not been a solution for this suffering? “You don't have to travel

outside the city bounds or the county bounds to find people dealing with issues of

poverty” (Story 21). This question has puzzled cities across the states to the format of

how the communities came down to the position that it boxed itself in. “Poverty is not a

disease, but its impact is as severe. Half of children born to low-income parents in the

United States become low-income adults. Nineteen percent of the nation's children live in

poverty, and the percentage is higher in Alabama” (“Trying to break cycle of poverty” 26).

Will there ever be clarification on why there are social problems in the society?

This may never be answered, but on the other hand as individuals or simply as a

community there remains certain ways in which we can unravel the struggle of agony. Not

only by helping the needy, but also by being educated on our part in maintaining stability.

In order for organizations to consume the ability to go national, donations are

needed to sustain credibility to those in necessitate care. Managing food consistently is a

major prospect when in doubt of a crisis, one must learn how to use finances well. The

foremost feature is working our nation out of the state of misfortune with the society as a

whole to giving their time and prosperity to the wonders of donating in order to direct the

eradication of hunger and poverty.

In the end, whether people have the courtesy of caring about the apprehensions that descend upon the nation, poverty and hunger will linger unless the problem is solved. It is not about race, gender, religion, or ethnicity, but simply curing citizens in our society and conveying ourselves from the problem that has been developed. This circumstance has been developed by humanity itself. People do not comprehend on the topics as a whole; instead they focused on themselves forming these issues that we now have. In order to help resolve these matters more economic growth, raise the minimum wage, give people who are under the poverty line more tax breaks, get the government more involved, educate people on these problems, and work with major local officials within every state. Whether if people come to a conclusion about this social problem or not, this moral aspect has taught and educated plenty of people on the factors of operating together and how to come together as citizens within a community to contest this crisis.

Works Cited

"EDITORIAL: Trying to break cycle of poverty." Decatur Daily, The (AL) 26 Feb. 2010:

Newspaper Source Plus. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.

Heineken With A Heart' Benefits Food Bank For Westchester." Hudson Valley Business

Journal 19.29 (2009): 24. Regional Business News. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.

Institution Brookings, et al. "The Enduring Challenge Of Concentrated Poverty In

America: Case Studies From Communities Across The U.S." Federal Reserve

System (2008): ERIC. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.

Patriquin, Larry. "More Democracy, Less Poverty." New Politics 13.3 (2011): 79.

Master FILE Premier. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.

"Food Network Shines Spotlight On 'HUNGER HITS HOME' Uncovering The Devastating

Hidden Crisis Of Childhood Hunger In America."

PR Newswire US 22 Feb. 2012: Regional Business News. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.

"Grocery Outlet Helps Feed People Facing Hunger." PR Newswire US 16

Aug. 2012: Regional Business News. Web. 7 Mar. 2013.

Pugh, Tony. "Record 50 million in U.S. face hunger Record 50 million in U.S. face

hunger." Washington Post, The July 0009: Regional Business News. Web. 7 Mar.

2013.

Salmon, Barrington M. "Smiley Works to Put, Keep Poverty on Nation's Radar."

Washington Informer 23 Feb. 2012: 6+. Newspaper Source Plus. Web. 25 Feb.

2013.

Story, Justin. "Taking steps to alleviate poverty and hunger." Bowling Green Daily News

(KY) 21 Nov. 2011: Newspaper Source Plus. Web. 25 Feb. 2013

Weise, Karen. "Record U.S. Poverty Rate Holds As Inequality Grows."

Businessweek.Com (2012): 28. Business Source Premier. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.


Annotated Bibliography

"EDITORIAL: Trying to break cycle of poverty." Decatur Daily, The (AL) 26 Feb. 2010:

Newspaper Source Plus. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.

This source provided excellent research in the statistics for poverty. It had an

abundant of information in accordance to my topic and this issue. The cite was credible

and it was also peer reviewed as this is what you want to look for in citing information.

“Heineken With A Heart' Benefits Food Bank For Westchester.” Hudson Valley Business

Journal 19.29 (2009): 24. Regional Business News. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.

The source had great ideas on how they help in the fight against hunger. This

article talks about doing fundraising events and doing charity work to help fight hunger.

"Grocery Outlet Helps Feed People Facing Hunger." PR Newswire US 16 Aug. 2012: Regional

Business News. Web. 7 Mar. 2013.

I found PR Newswire to be of great help in my research. This website is rich with

information that is relevant to todays problems such as poverty and hunger. In addition,

the website is making a difference by addressing the issue in an educational form.

Salmon, Barrington M. "Smiley Works to Put, Keep Poverty on Nation's Radar."

Washington Informer 23 Feb. 2012: 6+. Newspaper Source Plus. Web. 25 Feb.

2013.

Mr. Salmon’s information about the government not being educated enough or taking

these concerns serious was of great value in point. It is important that our politicians

within the government take heed and address this issue on a greater scale in which Mr.

Salmon demonstrates.

Institution Brookings, et al. "The Enduring Challenge Of Concentrated Poverty In

America: Case Studies From Communities Across The U.S." Federal Reserve

System (2008): Web. 25 Feb. 2013.

Information that was giving by this study were great in acknowledgement to educate the

communities by giving statistics to show how bad this epidemic really is. This citation

covered the topics in different views.

Weise, Karen. "Record U.S. Poverty Rate Holds As Inequality Grows."

Businessweek.Com (2012): 28. Business Source Premier. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.

The statistics provided by this source was a wealth of information about poverty. It was

relevant and updated. Therefore, it gave a great deal of an awareness of a distress that is

happening in communities across the United States.

Pugh, Tony. "Record 50 million in U.S. face hunger Record 50 million in U.S. face

hunger." Washington Post, The July 0009: Regional Business News. Web. 7 Mar.

2013.

Mr. Pugh’s information within his post addressed the ongoing problem of hunger. His data

revealed how big this concern is within our nation and how it needs to be talked about on all

fronts within each city. The issue is larger than what people seem to know. Therefore action

needs to take place on all levels all the way up to our government.


Bibliography

Anindita Ramaswamy, Mike McCarthy. "2ND ROUNDUP: Obama calls for more

accountability for development." dpa (Hamburg, Germany) 23 Sept. 2010:

Newspaper Source Plus. Web. 18 Feb. 2013.

Bernice Camille V. "RP losing war vs. extreme poverty." Manila Times, The

(Philippines) 17 July 2010: Newspaper Source Plus. Web. 18 Feb. 2013.

"Clown Fish." Getty Images. Points of View. EBSCO. Web. 30 Jan. 2007.

DOUSTE-BLAZY, PHILIPPE. "A Tiny Tax Could Do a World of Good." New York

Times 24 Sept. 2009: 41. Academic Search Complete. Web. 18 Feb. 2013.Bauzon,

"EDITORIAL: Trying to break cycle of poverty." Decatur Daily, The (AL) 26 Feb. 2010:

Newspaper Source Plus. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.

"Eradicating hunger and poverty." New York Amsterdam News 22 May 2008: 8.

Academic Search Complete. Web. 18 Feb. 2013.

Heineken With A Heart' Benefits Food Bank For Westchester." Hudson Valley Business

Journal 19.29 (2009): 24. Regional Business News. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.

Institution Brookings, et al. "The Enduring Challenge Of Concentrated Poverty In

America: Case Studies From Communities Across The U.S." Federal Reserve

System (2008). Web. 25 Feb. 2013.

McMichael, PhilipSchneider, Mindi. "Food Security Politics And The Millennium

Development Goals." Third World Quarterly 32.1 (2011): 119. MasterFILE

Premier. Web. 18 Feb. 2013.

Moiso, Aimee, and Kimberly Burge. "Eradicating Hunger." Christian Century

118.16 (2001): 24. Academic Search Complete. Web. 18 Feb. 2013.

PATRIQUIN, LARRY. "More Democracy, Less Poverty." New Politics 13.3 (2011): 79.

Master FILE Premier. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.

PR, Newswire. "Food Network Shines Spotlight On 'HUNGER HITS HOME'

Uncovering The Devastating Hidden Crisis Of Childhood Hunger In America."

PR Newswire US 22 Feb. 2012: Regional Business News. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.

PR, Newswire. "Grocery Outlet Helps Feed People Facing Hunger." PR Newswire US 16

Aug. 2012: Regional Business News. Web. 7 Mar. 2013.

PR, Newswire. "First 1,000 days of life key to eradicating hunger, poverty." PR

Newswire US 10 Oct. 2012: Newspaper Source Plus. Web. 18 Feb. 2013.

Pugh, Tony. "Record 50 million in U.S. face hunger Record 50 million in U.S. face

hunger." Washington Post, The July 0009: Regional Business News. Web. 7 Mar.

2013.

"Quickstats." MMWR: Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report 59.22 (2010): 689-703.

Academic Search Complete. Web. 12 Mar. 2013.

Rhoda Cohen, J. Mabli, F. Potter, Z. Zhao.Hunger in America 2010.Feeding America.

Salmon, Barrington M. "Smiley Works to Put, Keep Poverty on Nation's Radar."

Washington Informer 23 Feb. 2012: 6+. Newspaper Source Plus. Web. 25 Feb.

2013.

Sheeran, Josette. "How To End Hunger." Washington Quarterly 33.2 (2010): 3-16.

Academic Search Complete. Web. 18 Feb. 2013.

Story, Justin. "Taking steps to alleviate poverty and hunger." Bowling Green Daily News

(KY) 21 Nov. 2011: Newspaper Source Plus. Web. 25 Feb. 2013

TIM COLEBATCH ECONOMICS EDITOR, CANBERRA. "The fight against poverty

a campaign of 'small steps'." Age, The (Melbourne) 15 Oct. 2005: 9. Newspaper

Source Plus. Web. 18 Feb. 2013.

USDA.Mark Nord, M. Andrews, S. Carlson. Household Food Security in the United

States, 2009.

U.S. Census Bureau.Carmen DeNavas-Walt, B. Proctor, C. Lee. Income, Poverty, and

Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2007.

Weise, Karen. "Record U.S. Poverty Rate Holds As Inequality Grows."

Businessweek.Com (2012): 28. Business Source Premier. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.

"Everyday Poverty"

Everyday People are searching for a meal,

Everyday people are wishing this wasn't real,

If only you could know what they feel,

if we can all come together we can help the ill

overcome this tearful heartbreaking everyday life,

only until we end this painful strife.

Shawn Garcia

"Poverty Is A Curse"

It is the deadliest valley,
And poverty is the burden they carry,
slender is the path, for Just is their rally,
Their wish and ruler's will, does vary.

Poverty is the wound ever bleeding,
And its color is weak and pale,
Cure is expensive, so still bleeding,
And to laugh at, it is put on sale.

Their plight is never ever answered,
yet, wish was it as easy as to powder the tea,
They take a sip of tea and let it go unanswered,
In dark everything disappears but Poverty.

Film Essay

Shawn Garcia

shawngarcia@mycwi.cc

English 102-011W

Film Analysis Essay

14 April, 2013

Slumdog Millionaire

Jamal Malik was an orphan after his mother passed away at a young age and had one brother by the name of Salim. Eventually, Jamal plays on the television game show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire”. He was arrested before answering the final question to win because they thought he was cheating, but actually he just knew the answers from his own life experiences. He is telling them how he knew each and every question from going back to his childhood and what he went through from living on the horrible streets of India where he had to do whatever he could to survive. In the end, he eventually gets to be with the girl he has loved his entire journey throughout his hard life. The movie Slumdog Millionaire depicts a perfect example of how poverty and hunger is portrayed in many parts of India and how this epidemic is worldwide.

There are many cities just like Mumbai throughout the world. Where a landfill would

basically be in the own backyard due to the city being poverty stricken along with its

community members having to wash their clothes in unclean water and not having any sewerage

system. “Instead, the goal is to add texture to our understanding of where and how concentrated

poverty exists, by studying new areas and by interviewing local stakeholders, including

residents, community leaders, and government representatives, to understand how concentrated

poverty affects both individuals and communities” (The Enduring Challenge Of Concentrated

Poverty In America 25). Poor citizens will pilfer through garbage to look for anything of value to

trade for food, money, and clothing. Individuals do what they can in order to live, even making

choices from robbery and murder.

People who live in poverty do not necessarily mean that they are uneducated in any form due to life’s trials and tribulations bring a wealth of knowledge and wisdom in itself. Even though there are not enough programs, if any, to help poor families in the country of India. This is a problem which needs to be addressed by the government for the health and welfare of its citizens:

Every day, more than 16 million children . . . . struggle to get enough to eat, and the ongoing economic downturn forces more and more . . . . to slip beneath the poverty line. A steady job no longer guarantees a full cupboard and the stigma attached to asking for help persists, leaving already over-stressed parents facing choices they never imagined. And, in the halls of the nation's capital, funding cuts threaten existing assistance programs even as the need for them increases (“Food Network Shines Spotlight On 'Hunger Hits Home”).

People who grow up in poverty may not have much of educational knowledge, but have plenty of street knowledge that some do not have in order to survive in difficult situations such as those in Mumbai.

Gangs who live in impoverished cities use children as a way to gain currency and other

materials of value by exploiting them to things against their own will such as prostitution,

slavery, stealing, and even killing for their own selfish needs. “It is suggested that . . . .

politicians are not educated about poverty and that the government has historically failed to

provide enough help with unemployment, health care, or other strategies to reduce poverty

(Patriquin 79). Without many programs implemented, it is hard for a household or other people

not to give into temptations and promises that a gang would offer. An underworld full of crime,

it is often easy for children and adults to succumb to their power in order to simply survive.

The director throughout the movie uses many impoverished scenes to help portray the disastrous situation of how bad the city was in poverty. The movie does not glorify the situation that is happening in the country of India, but in countries throughout the whole world. The setting shows graphic conditions and circumstances that involve a lifestyle that of which food is scarce. Being in a city that is poor, it has many unsanitary environments.Subsequently forced to rely on their own wits to survive, the desperate siblings fell back on petty crime” (Slumdog Millionaire,). People are susceptible to diseases, a lack of educational system, shortage of health programs, and a city that is primarily crime ridden.

Works Cited

“Food Network Shines Spotlight On 'HUNGER HITS HOME” PR, Newswire.

Uncovering The Devastating Hidden Crisis Of Childhood Hunger In America."

PR Newswire US 22 Feb. 2012: Regional Business News. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.

Institution Brookings, et al. "The Enduring Challenge Of Concentrated Poverty In

America: Case Studies From Communities Across The U.S." Federal Reserve

System (2008): ERIC. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.

Patriquin, Larry. "More Democracy, Less Poverty." New Politics 13.3 (2011): 79.

Master FILE Premier. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.

Slumdog Millionaire. Dir. Danny Boyle. Writer. Simon Beaufoy. Perf. Dev Patel, Madhur Mittal, Freida Pinto, Anil Kapoor, Irfan Khan. Sypnosis. Rovi, Buchanan Jason. 2008. Warner Bros. Fox Searchlight.

Global Essay

College of Western Idaho

Global Essay Three

0067756

English-102-011W

Leslie Jewkes

May 5, 2013, 2013


Abstract

Eradicating hunger and poverty on a global scale has been an issue many nations continue to struggle with. Ethiopia is a country that has been fighting starvation and prosperity for many decades. It has severe drought issues in which effects it’s agricultural production that leaves many of its citizens susceptible to malnutrition, disease, and even death. Education and action are just a few keys in which people can help make a difference in helping fight the global war of food shortage along with the financial deficiency that continues to plague Ethiopia’s economy.

Shawn Garcia

English-102-011W

Global Essay Paper

Eradicating Hunger and Poverty in Ethiopia, Africa

Ethiopia has long been a country that is hunger and poverty stricken. The country suffers from droughts which make it hard for the farmers to produce any mass of agriculture. With inadequate food supplies and employment opportunities Ethiopia has had decades of suffering. “Poverty in the region is predominantly chronic” (African Development Review 2013). Adults and children die every day due to malnutrition and Malaria. The people must come together more to help such countries as Africa by getting involved in charity events, organizing local fundraisers, educating the public on these issues, and talking with other sponsors to help make a difference in other nations before these individuals become another statistic without having a chance to live out their own dreams.

Ethiopia has long been a country in which there droughts have devastated its food supply. In the regions of lower Africa, it is known for having a very dry climate that makes it hard for crops to grow at their full potential without a sufficient and consistent amount of water supply:

“Malnourished children are flocking into feeding centers in this forested corner of southern Ethiopia after a drought in East Africa. . . . 250,000 people need food aid amid what the U.N. says is the worst drought in 60 years. . . .Rain never came as they usually do late February to the end of May. If they fail again in August, there won't be a harvest in September” (Luc 22). The country lacks several funding programs for proper irrigation systems to feed its society. Africa is an under industrialized nation. Without appropriate rainwater, Ethiopia will continue to have a short food supply that will affect the many families who struggle to survive on a daily basis.

Malnutrition from a lack of food supply has long been a severe problem in the region of Ethiopia. Children and adults die every day due to having a low immune system from starvation.

(Points of View 2007). Even with the aid of food to this country the mortality rate is still rising. With this province being impoverished, many people seek food shelters for meals. However, the amount of food available is simply not enough for the people in this state. “The aides take measurements of each child. If he or she is too small, it can be a sign of chronic malnourishment” (Time 2013). A deficiency of nutrients that an average human needs per day is not being met in this region. There are a lot of resources available to improve the needs of this matter and if people would take this more seriously to help these dying children and families we would have less hunger in the world today.

Malaria is another major issue in Africa. This disease kills thousands every year. The

infection is spread through mosquitoes bites. Without proper sleeping protection from specialized nets, people will continue to contract the deadly virus. “Malaria is one of the foremost public health problems in Ethiopia” (BMC Public Health 2013). The prevention of Malaria is crucial to the people of this state. Without deterrence this disease will only continue to spread. The education about this virus is also imperative to the families living in Ethiopia. “Promotion of literacy and participation in health education are vital components in terms of malaria knowledge and practice” (Global Health Action 2009). With raising awareness about the issue of Malaria to the individuals in Africa, fewer adults and children will suffer from this highly contagious disease. Therefore, with the help of relief organizations, many people will not have to endure this problem that has plagued Ethiopia for years.

Poverty in Ethiopia has been a problem for several decades. The dry climate makes it difficult for individuals to find work especially in the agricultural field. “In most low-income countries, rural households depend on mixed rain-fed agriculture/livestock production, which is very risky” (American Journal of Agricultural Economics 2009). With rain fall only occurring through certain specific months during a year, it takes a toll on those seeking work to help feed their families. Many people in Africa fall in the category of poverty. The lack of rain during a given season is problematic for people in order to make an income. Ethiopia is one of the most populated places in Africa. “Rapid population growth has hampered the country's development, making the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger difficult” (Journal of Health, Population, & Nutrition 2009). The high birth rate has made it challenging for households to nourish themselves and their children. With a high volume in population men are forced to seek work wherever possible. By controlling the countries rapid growth in births among other dynamics this will help ease the countries issues it has in poverty, hunger, and disease.

Ethiopia is a country that is rich with confidence, faith, and optimism. As other nations pull together to help Africa fight hunger and poverty, people in different communities across the United States can also help make a difference. Educating individuals about problems within Ethiopia, getting local businesses involved, talking with your local state representatives, with a combination of developments everyone can help make a difference in eradicating hunger and poverty.


Works Cited Page

Abate, Andargie, Abraham Degarege, and Berhanu Erko. "Community Knowledge, Attitude And

Practice About Malaria In A Low Endemic Setting Of Shewa Robit Town, Northeastern Ethiopia." BMC Public Health 13.(2013): 312. MEDLINE. Web. 5 May 2013.

Alene, Getu Degu, and Alemayehu Worku. "Examining Perceptions Of Rapid Population

Growth In North And South Gondar Zones, Northwest Ethiopia." Journal Of Health, Population, & Nutrition 27.6 (2009): 784-793. Academic Search Complete. Web. 5 May 2013.

"Clown Fish." Getty Images. Points of View. EBSCO. Web. 30 Jan. 2007.

Eric Tollens, et al. "Rural Poverty Dynamics And Impact Of Intervention Programs Upon

Chronic And Transitory Poverty In Northern Ethiopia." African Development Review 22.1 (2010): 92-114. Academic Search Complete. Web. 5 May 2013.

James Wilde, et al. "COVER STORIES FAMINE Hunger Stalks Ethiopia Once Again -- And

Aid Groups Fear The Worst." Time 130.25 (1987): 34. Academic Search Complete. Web. 5 May 2013.

LUC VAN KEMENADE - Associated, Press. "Rising Hunger In South Ethiopia Despite Lush

Green." AP Top News Package (2011): Newspaper Source Plus. Web. 22 Apr. 2013.

Miguel San Sebastian, et al. "Knowledge, Attitudes And Practice About Malaria In Rural Tigray,

Ethiopia." Global Health Action 2.(2009): 1-7. Academic Search Complete. Web. 5 May 2013.

YESUF, MAHMUD, and RANDALL A. BLUFFSTONE. "Poverty, Risk Aversion, And Path

Dependence In Low-Income Countries: Experimental Evidence From Ethiopia." American Journal Of Agricultural Economics 91.4 (2009): 1022-1037. Business Source Premier. Web. 5 May 2013.

Reflection Essay

Shawn Garcia

Shawngarcia@mycwi.cc

English 102-011W

Final Reflection

May 5, 2013

The Education of Hunger and Poverty

Food shortage and a lack of employment opportunities can bring the hope of becoming wealthy to a rapid pause. Learning about hunger and poverty has been a very touching experience. Starvation and a non-existent economy can have an adverse effect in any country. Writing an essay on undernourishment and being poor in the United States, Ethiopia, Africa, and writing an analysis on a movie has given me a greater acknowledgement on these issues.

My successes in this class is making a brochure and also creating a blog online. Both assignments are something that I have never done before. The essays in which were assigned this semester, I feel my work was mediocre to sub-par. In this class different methods of writing were taught compared to my two previous English classes. Also this is my first of two online classes since attending the College of Western Idaho and being in my sixth semester. In addition, I feel that I prefer an in class setting as opposed to an online education.

During this course I have learned how important it is to cite your work appropriately. If it is not cited in a correct fashion then it can be perceived as plagiarism. I am still developing my writing skills in citations, creating a strong thesis statement, not using words such as I, we, me, you, us, and correlating the conclusion back to the thesis statement with a body that supports my introduction. The difference between analyze and summarizing was also something that I was able to differentiate when doing my movie analysis. In this class I feel it is necessary for me to work on my sentences due to the fact that they can be run-on sentences. This is one of many important features that need much improvement. For example, I had several sentence issues in my first local essay and my film analysis that were brought to my attention not only by my peers, but my professor as well.

The aspects that I can take away from this class and apply to the workforce are creating a brochure, a blog, and becoming an overall better writer in the business field. Using technology in this class was very important especially when you are trying to bring about the awareness of issues such as eradicating hunger and poverty.

What I have learned during my research in this class is how many important issues are affecting different people all across the world. There are different problems that need more awareness brought about them to help make a difference to those they are affecting and to help make this world a better place to live in all aspects. Even though some of these concerns may never go away, it is better to at least try to make a change than to not try at all. Education and making a difference is imperative in addressing these matters. Many individuals all across the world are not educated or aware of such serious topics as hunger, poverty, discrimination, disease and inequality.

It is my opinion and perception that there are several problems that need addressed on a global measure. There are too many subjects that remain on a life threatening basis that exist and people are just not aware of them. Action and education must be taken to report on concerns that affect the lives of innocent people. Adults and children are dying every day on complications that they do not have any real control over. The situations must be taken seriously and be brought to the forefront on an international spectrum. If no one stands up and helps make a difference towards these causes then what will our future really hold.