What is Poverty

Poverty Defined

The most widely held and understood definition of extreme poverty, established by the World Bank, defines poverty in strictly economic terms — earning less than $1.90 a day.

Worldwide 600 million children live in extreme poverty. Almost half the world — over 3 billion people — live on less than $2.50 a day.

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The poor themselves describe poverty in terms of suffering relationships. 

A survey conducted in Niger in 2002 by the Office of the Prime Minister asked the poor of that country to describe poverty. Their answers provided the following:

• Dependence, always having to seek out others or to work for somebody else

• Marginalization, a poor person who is alone, has no support, doesn't feel involved in anything, or is "never consulted"

• Scarcity, having nothing to eat, lacking the means to meet clothing and financial needs, having nothing to sell

• Restricted rights and freedoms

• Incapacity, the incapacity to make decision, to feed or clothe oneself, or to act on one’s own initiative.

Poverty Described

Poverty is a cancerous, thieving parasite plaguing the destitute. But it's not invincible.

Poverty is an overwhelming, frightening and debilitating beast. But it can be defeated. Child sponsorship helps.

Poverty is an opportunity to provide an opportunity. It's an opportunity to kill the worm that eats away at children's hearts, minds and self-esteem.

It's an opportunity to free a child from a life sentenced to dependence, scarcity and marginalization.

Hand a child the key to freedom.

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Poverty Redefined

What does poverty mean to a child abandoned by his father? It means he has to learn how to dream again.

What does poverty mean to the great aunt taking care of her niece's children? It means fear. Fear that someone may take the children away from her.

What does poverty mean to a mother who lost her two-year old child while waiting at the hospital for treatment? It means the Body of Christ is a refuge.

What does poverty mean to a boy who learns about Jesus Christ on a regular basis? It means self-respect and the ability to love. What does poverty mean to a child without a sponsor? It means a sponsor is needed. Help one of these children dream. Give them courage to fight their fear. Lay the foundation for self-confidence. Provide some hope to a child who may be in the midst of losing hope.

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