Ask any average American 10- to 12-year old what they dream to be when they grow-up. More than four percent will answer “famous athlete” or “singer/actor”. Ask the same question to your counterparts in developing countries. Professions that require college education such as medicine and teaching are top of the list.
This is the second annual Small Voices, Big Dreams surveySurvey of close to 5,000 children aged 10-12 in 44 countries in Africa, Asia, the Americas — from Afghanistan through Zambia.
“Children who grow up in poverty recognize more than anyone the power that education has to break the cycle,”Anne Lynam Goddard is the president and CEO at ChildFund International, the U.S. affiliate of ChildFund Alliance. She commissioned the survey. “Children in the poorest countries are placing their hopes and dreams on their ability to learn, and they want to use their education to improve their communities.”
Ipsos Observer compiled the survey. It found that nearly half of children in developing countries said they would improve schools in their country if asked how they would improve their lives. This was four times greater than “provide more food,”This was followed by “improve health care”At 9 percent
In light of the dangers in the world, 83% of children from developing countries said that they feel most secure at home with their family or parents. 23 percent of respondents in the developing world cited children’s top health concern as getting sick or contracting diseases.
Despite the striking differences in professional aspirations, the survey found a shared humanity among children all over the globe. If they had the chance to do what they want, 34% would choose to play and 35% would choose to work.
“At the end of day, children are children no matter where they live,” Goddard said. “This survey gives us a powerful glimpse into the opinions of children around the world and will help shape our priorities and programs while giving a voice to those most often overlooked.”
