Many 10- to 12-year olds in developing countries say that if they were to become president, the first order of business would have to be education. This could include building or improving schools.
This result is part a multi-national survey on children in developing countries. Nearly 3,000 children aged 10-12 in 30 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Americas were surveyed by Small Voices, Big Dreams. They came from all over Africa, Asia, and the Americas, including Zambia.
Anne Lynam Goddard (president and CEO of ChildFund International), the U.S. affiliate of ChildFund Alliance and who sponsored and conducted this survey, stated that “our mission is to improve children’s lives in poverty around the globe — a mission which starts with listening to those smallest voices amongst us.”
Ipsos Observer compiled, tabulated and tabulated the survey’s results. This also showed a widespread sentiment among children living in poverty around the idea of improving their lives through education. Over half (57%) of those surveyed said that if they were the president of their country they would educate all children and improve the quality of schools.
The survey revealed that while most children want to learn, many are simply hungry. One third of children (33%) answered the question about what they most need. One in five (19%) said they would provide food for people, while the president stated that one in five (19%) would. This finding is clear: 32% of children say they are hungry at least once per week.
ChildFund International, an American charity, works with children living under the poverty line in the United States. The survey also included a sample of these children, and their answers were similar to those given by children from around the globe.
Goddard said that although the voices of these kids may not be as loud, their words should still resonate across the globe. This survey shows that children from all countries share a common sentiment. They are united in a chorus singing hope and hardship.
