I felt it would be appropriate, on the eve of the real end to the summer, when tomorrow will be the day that all kids are back in school, I post a little post.
In today’s Toronto Star, we are reminded that so many children – right here in our own neighbourhoods, let alone backyards – are struggling to have a roof over their heads and food in their bellies. The article introduces us to a few children in the area: Tyler, Rylee and Miguel, all of whom are faced with challenges, sourced from different reasons, for not having a home.
Those of you who have followed the blog (though some of you may be new – check older posts) will remember a few different times where I’ve suggested you imagine the life… Imagine being a 12-year old boy (influential), going to your ninth school (no stability), and not having a desk or quiet place to do homework in (no security). This scenario doesn’t even include Tyler’s opportunity (or rather, lack thereof) to partake in normal extra-curricular activities like, say, soccer or swimming (no social life structure). I must admit, as I read this, despite the difficulties this family is facing, I had to applaud Tyler’s father for having the sense to say that he would take his son to a library or café to allow him the place he needs to do his homework.
I have, on a number of occasions throughout this blog, offered that access to education is a pivotal key to the reduction of poverty and homelessness. I genuinely believe this! These children who get tossed around from school to school because their family can’t find stability are in a very precarious situation. I will not condone the actions of “grown-ups” who make their choices, but when there are children involved, we must find a way to provide the support needed to give these kids a chance to not repeat the mistakes of their parents – or their parents’ parents. Often times, the “grown-ups” we see in these types of situations were once children like Tyler.
I am absolutely NOT suggesting that every “Tyler” grows up to make these mistakes. But if his family and the assistance programmers cannot come together to give him the educational opportunity and support he needs to get his chance, then how can we turn a blind eye and say “it was all your fault, Tyler” when he doesn’t grow up to be say a stand-up young man?
There are as many ways as you can dream of to help these children: from donating school supplies, to providing breakfasts and lunches, to volunteering with local shelters and support groups. Do we all need to do something? Well, I guess not… But, then I would also suggest that those of us who do nothing should not judge the results of inaction.
In today’s Toronto Star, we are reminded that so many children – right here in our own neighbourhoods, let alone backyards – are struggling to have a roof over their heads and food in their bellies. The article introduces us to a few children in the area: Tyler, Rylee and Miguel, all of whom are faced with challenges, sourced from different reasons, for not having a home.
Those of you who have followed the blog (though some of you may be new – check older posts) will remember a few different times where I’ve suggested you imagine the life… Imagine being a 12-year old boy (influential), going to your ninth school (no stability), and not having a desk or quiet place to do homework in (no security). This scenario doesn’t even include Tyler’s opportunity (or rather, lack thereof) to partake in normal extra-curricular activities like, say, soccer or swimming (no social life structure). I must admit, as I read this, despite the difficulties this family is facing, I had to applaud Tyler’s father for having the sense to say that he would take his son to a library or café to allow him the place he needs to do his homework.
I have, on a number of occasions throughout this blog, offered that access to education is a pivotal key to the reduction of poverty and homelessness. I genuinely believe this! These children who get tossed around from school to school because their family can’t find stability are in a very precarious situation. I will not condone the actions of “grown-ups” who make their choices, but when there are children involved, we must find a way to provide the support needed to give these kids a chance to not repeat the mistakes of their parents – or their parents’ parents. Often times, the “grown-ups” we see in these types of situations were once children like Tyler.
I am absolutely NOT suggesting that every “Tyler” grows up to make these mistakes. But if his family and the assistance programmers cannot come together to give him the educational opportunity and support he needs to get his chance, then how can we turn a blind eye and say “it was all your fault, Tyler” when he doesn’t grow up to be say a stand-up young man?
There are as many ways as you can dream of to help these children: from donating school supplies, to providing breakfasts and lunches, to volunteering with local shelters and support groups. Do we all need to do something? Well, I guess not… But, then I would also suggest that those of us who do nothing should not judge the results of inaction.
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