The evolving of world cities has led to the growth of informal settlements, otherwise known as the Fourth World. This is evident, especially in the Third world countries in Africa, South America, and Asia. The living condition of slum dwellers is wanting, and the people suffer in poverty. With the rise of people living in slums, this paper will critically examine the situation of individuals in the slums of La Limonda, Mathare Valley, and Manila. It will also take a personal view in case one grew up in the slums of Kibera in Kenya.
Misplaced priorities are observed in Kenya where the government raises the salary of the president, yet the people living in slums can’t afford a decent living. Due to the lack of sufficient funds, the citizens result in casual jobs for sustenance as in the case of Felix. One is forced to strain excessively to engage in business, yet the earnings are meager. Felix earns an approximate of 1.40 $ a day while the president receives 51,596 $ per month, including bonuses. Consequently, the members of parliament get 12,560 $ per month . For Felix, a 16-year-old who is supposed to be in school considering his age spends the whole day selling boiled maize only to earn very little money. This deprives him the opportunity to pursue his education without bother.
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People living in La Limonda and Mathare Valley face poverty in their day-to-day lives. They result in engaging in illegal activities such as crime and selling illicit brew for survival. Lack of employment triggers their undertakings to survive. In these two settlements, the rights of children are not protected as seen in the instance of Felix a 16-year-old and Salma an eight-year-old engaging in business and sexual exploitation, respectively. The rate of crime in La Limonda is significant with cases of women abuse. Murder is prevalent in La Limonda as compared to Mathare Valley. These murders are due to gang violence. It is very likely for one living in the slums to suffer harm.
Parents envision for their children to have a good life even when they did have the best. Jovelyn’s parents, despite being poor, decide to support her to acquire a high school education. Although her parents can’t afford to take all their children to school, they choose to help Jovelyn go to school. Being the eldest child, it is reasonable to enable her getting educated to facilitate securing employment and in return, educate her younger siblings in the future. Giving education is all the supports parents in the slums can offer to change the destinies of their children.
If one is to be born in Kibera slums of Nairobi, their life is predetermined for struggle due to poverty. As much as one tries to overcome poverty, the surrounding conditions will always pull you back. Meeting basic needs and protecting one's self from crime is a challenge. The only way to survive would be to invest highly in education, hoping to secure a job in the future and move out of the slums. With the poverty levels among the inhabitants of Kibera, one completing education is not guaranteed. One is obligated to start fending for their own early in life.
Conclusion
Living in the Fourth World is not easy because one has to face poverty an obstacles that pose a threat to their success in life. The government ought to be supportive in improving the living condition of its community by initiating progressive policies that benefit all. The government should equitably distribute resources to their citizens. Social services should then be provided in the Fourth World to address the exploitation of children and women. Every citizen, regardless of living in the informal settlements, requires a better chance in life.
