Most people are ignorant about what happens in their surroundings. Of course, one could care less when they have secure jobs and a stable source of income. Given this harsh reality, one should familiarise themselves with the dangers of urban poverty in Singapore.
In Singapore, there is no official poverty line. However, that does not mean people should ignore the problem. Let us debunk myths to help you understand things better.
MYTH #1: POVERTY IS NOT A PRESSING PROBLEM
What if I tell you some people live with little to no income? Yes, it is true in a country where the cost of living is skyrocketing, and these people do not have the means to increase their earnings. There is also a chain reaction of events, such as the problem of food security in Singapore.
MYTH #2: IT IS THEIR CHOICE TO BE POOR
Wrong. In most cases, urban poverty is an endless generational cycle. Some parents do not have educational and career opportunities because they focus on raising their children. Then the succeeding generation might di the same. You have to address the root cause to break the cycle.
MYTH #3: THEY SHOULD GET A JOB
The thing about vulnerable groups in the community is the lasting effects of poverty. One of which is inequality in opportunity. For them, it is not easy to instantly get out of poverty and get a job right away. Also, the generational cycle stripped them of the means to succeed in life.
MYTH #4: THERE ARE NO HEALTH EFFECTS
There are. If you are experiencing urban poverty, chances are you reside in an undesirable place in the city that is not conducive for your health. Another health effect would be the lack of access to healthcare and medication.
If you want to help people living in urban poverty and those experiencing food security problems in Singapore, visit The Best Of You for volunteer opportunities.
