It's in the Numbers

I found an informative speech on the UNICEF website today. I picked a few points to share.

Situation Analysis on Excluded Children in Jamaica

A 2004 study found that about 10% of births are not registered within the first year of life. Children who are not registered are less likely to be provided appropriate care and protection as their existence is not documented – they are invisible.

Still, while only 37% of Jamaicans are children, almost one of every two (44.5%) Jamaicans who lives in poverty is a child.

The Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture reports that “less than one-third of the children entering grade one were ready for primary level [and] some 30% of primary school leavers were illiterate...”

In 2005, there were 2,572 children living in residential institutions; the number of children continues to increase incrementally each year. In addition, 274 children live in correctional institutions.

While the majority of the children are in the 5 – 14 age group and thus are of school-age, only 10% of children with disabilities are enrolled in formal school-based and other programmes receiving funding from the Government.

A recent survey conducted by PIOJ concluded that only 1/3 of parents told stories, played games, or sang songs to their children and only 11% resorted to removing privileges or reasoning to discipline their children.

Speech by Bertrand Bainvel, UNICEF Representative, at the launch of State of the World's Children Report 2006 and Situation Analysis on Excluded Children in Jamaica-15 March 2006, St. Andrew Settlement, Majesty Gardens

There are many needs. Please be lifting up this country in prayer.