In Paraguay conditions for rural children living in poverty are often difficult. At least 14% of children age 5 years and younger show moderate to severe physical stunting (UNICEF 2009). More than half of the children in primary school have repeated at least one grade by the time they complete the sixth grade. Rural families living in poverty, who…

The universal belief that poverty is a matter of low income and correctable through economic growth, more jobs, and increased income is precisely why poverty has persisted in the United States and elsewhere. We view the poor as those not yet in the middle class, but it can be shown that not all the poor can join the middle class, even in the…

THE SPEAKER SUGGESTED THAT THE POOR SHOULD PARTICIPATE IN POLICY-MAKING DECISIONS IN ANTIPOVERTY PROGRAMS AND BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY FOR EMPLOYMENT WITHIN THE PROGRAMS THEMSELVES. HE FURTHER SUGGESTS SOME OF THE POWER NOW HELD BY OTHERS SHOULD BE RELINQUISHED TO THE POOR, WHO SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO HELP DECIDE WHAT THEY WANT. PRIORITIES FOR…

Noting that the skills of community-building are some of the same skills needed to help families, this newsletter issue focuses on enhancing the resources and leadership in the community as the best way to provide support for families. The articles in the newsletter include: (1) "Building on the Strengths of Communities"; (2)…