Gateside primary in Ayrshire took part in a workshop around child poverty. They were so outraged by the issue they demanded answers to their questions
Tuesday 29 July 2008
Pupils coloured in cards and resources from Save the Children expressing their views on child poverty. Some of the children's great cards and statements are below. After learning that one in four children in Scotland lives in poverty, the children were anxious to get some answers to their questios about why poverty persists on such a high level today.
We invited their local MP to the come to the school and talk to the children. Ms Katy Clark MP was so impressed by the children's comments, she spoke about her visit in the House of Commons:
"Last Friday I was invited by Save the Children Scotland to one of the local primary schools to discuss the issue of child poverty in Scotland with the schoolchildren. ... That was part of Save the Childrens campaign to end child poverty in Scotland.
"It was one of the most challenging meetings that I have had to attend as a constituency MP, because the children, having had the opportunity to look at the issue through their young eyes, were outraged that adults seem to accept it as reasonable that some children in our society do not have access to basic human rights or resources. They were outraged that some children do not have the opportunity to go to the cinema or on holiday, never mind access to decent food and fuel.
"The school asked to me to read a short statement to the House, and I hope that you will allow me to do so, Mr. Deputy Speaker. It states:
"'Gateside Primary School in North Ayrshire think that it is fantastic that the government is aiming to half child poverty in the UK by 2010 but want to know why you can't do more now? If the government could provide extra funding surely child poverty in the UK could be tackled sooner rather than later.
"Gateside pupils dont want children in poverty to lose hope and think life is not worth living. Children in poverty need your help now!'
"After questions, I told the children that I hoped that they would be as radical in what they said as they grew older. As we get older, we sometimes see things less clearly."
Find out more
Are you outraged by child poverty in the UK? Join us on 4 October in Trafalgar Square and shout about it. We want the government to Keep the Promise.
