Poverty in Other Places

Going Unnoticed: The Poor in Abu Dhabi

 This week I spoke with a college friend who is teaches Pre-k & K in Abu Dhabi.  Our correspondence was about poverty in her school community and what resources families have if they are in need.  I prompted my collegue with these questions and she answered with honesty from her experiences in America as compared to those in the Middle East.

Are there any particular issues of poverty that you have encountered professionally in Abu Dhabi?  Is poverty one of the top issues where you teach or are there others that are more challenging? Are there prominent organizations that are involved with your school or school district? Is poverty seen differently there than in America?

 She answers:

"Poverty definitely exists in this country; however, it is very different than at home. There aren't many programs that work with schools for poverty stricken families. It is also generally frowned upon to be poor. It is difficult to distinguish the wealthy from the poor. Typically, the wealthier families speak English very well, but that doesn't mean that some families who don't, don't have money. It's a very tricky situation." 

She explains it is very difficult to distinguish between students who are poor and those who are wealthy.  They say it is more prevalent than we actually see and notice. What can be said, is that all of the children come to school in a clean uniform and with a lunch. It is easier to pick out someone who is wealthy rather than someone who is poor. All of the men and women wear traditional dress.  This means that it isn't easy to distinguish by what they wear, and generally only the mothers come to pick up their children, of which some of them she has only ever seen their eyes, as they are completely covered.  Poverty definitely does exist, but since it is frowned upon it's less likely that you can tell the difference within the schools.

Some of the main issues that she has encounter on a regular basis are lack of most parent involvement. There are parents in her classroom that are very involved.  But in general, most of the children have nannies at home who do most of their work for them or are the ones who are encouraging them to learn. 

Attendance rates aren't important and are often changed by administration in order to reflect higher attendance rates for the school, which reflects negatively on learning. Language barriers are also quite difficult. Many of my parents speak no English, and there aren't always enough staff to sit with you and translate.

This is interesting because of the recent bills being pushed through the house of representatives and the senate to eradicate the food stamps program in the US.  Is seems as though there are Americans that also want to ignore the fact that other Americans who are working and are still unable to make ends meet.  Its very enlightening to find this information out about the poor in Abu Dhabi.  I am appreciative of resources we have in America and that there are people all over the country advocating for children and those that cannot.