According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), COVID-19 heavily impacted Uruguay, causing delays in addressing poverty-related issues such as education and access to health care. The government has initiated programs to compensate for the lost time, especially for children’s issues.

According to a 2022 report by Prensa Latina, 22.5% of Uruguayan children under age six live in poverty. This figure is twice the estimated rate of the general population, which is 10.7%. Humanium reports significant numbers of children have been rendered homeless or are living in slums without access to basic amenities such as clean drinking water or electricity. Many are exposed to hazardous conditions, including gang violence and child labor. Here is information about what some are doing to address child poverty in Uruguay.

A Right to Education

According to UNICEF, Uruguay has implemented the Educational Transformation program to enhance access to and quality of education. This program reduced the disparity between children of different economic backgrounds. The reform enabled educators to gain more complete training, placing qualified teachers in economically disadvantaged areas. 

Furthermore, the Digital Bridges for Educational Equity initiative facilitated learning on digital platforms, which helps overcome barriers to classroom access, including providing children with the necessary technology for it. The agenda facilitated various initiatives geared towards enhancing education at all grade levels. These include an English curriculum for secondary school students, a literacy promotion campaign and an online learning platform called Plataforma de Lengua, which offers Spanish language and literature content.

Household Income 

Numerous factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and unemployment rates, have contributed to child poverty in Uruguay. The United Nations University (UNU) reports that poverty increased 2.8% in 2020 alone. To address this issue, the Uruguayan government introduced the Asignaciones Familiares (AFAM) program in 2021, which provided unemployment insurance to those who lost their jobs. This enabled them to receive subsidies from the government to help them cope with the economic downturn, which decreased poverty by 1.6%. The AFAM program has been instrumental in mitigating the impact of unemployment on child poverty in Uruguay.

The Psychological Impact

UNU reports on the significance of the psychological ramifications of poverty on children. Children in poverty-stricken families experience feelings of shame and mental health issues, leading to disenfranchisement from attending school. This removal from the stability of an educational environment increases psychological stress, reduces future employment options and leaves children vulnerable to predation.

In response, Uruguay developed an app called GURÍ, which facilitates communication between teachers and parents, actively engaging parents in their child’s education and allowing for proper supervision of the issues they face. The efficacy of any program designed to mitigate cognitive biases in children and alter their perceptions of school is contingent upon the parents’ active engagement with the program. While governments may provide support, parents must facilitate the process for the scheme to be effective. Uruguay hopes to continue engaging parents and increasing school attendance.

Housing

The Uruguayan government increased urban housing for rural citizens, who often lack access to essential services. The United Postal Union supports the government’s efforts to address this issue by implementing an ‘addressing’ system. This system aims to transfer individuals to urban areas or provide them with accessible infrastructure in rural regions.

The Spatial Data Infrastructure (IDEuy) is a database that allocates and catalogs addresses for residents, making them eligible for support in urban areas. This strategy connects people of all economic classes, regardless of financial status, which helps increase children’s access to educational and medical support. By leveraging this system, the government is working towards bridging the gap between urban and rural areas and ensuring all citizens have access to essential services.

Conclusion

These examples illustrate Uruguay’s significant strides towards ending child poverty. The fortitude and perseverance of Uruguayans who face adversity are inspiring. With the backing of their government and the international community, substantial progress can provide children with optimal opportunities to realize their aspirations and lead healthy lives.

– Jordan Cunningham
Photo: Flickr