CITIZEN REFLECT ON YOUR LEARNING UNDERSTAND 1. Name and explain three ways that poverty can have a negative effect on a person’s life.
2. What responsibilities do the following government departments have in fighting poverty? (a) The Department of Education and Skills (b) The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (c) The Department of Health
3. What role do NGOs and charities play in trying to fight poverty?
4. Can you suggest one way a government might try to combat poverty that has not already been attempted?
5. Rank the following in importance in the fight against poverty, according to your own opinion:
• Government action • Charitable solutions • Encouraging people to find their own ways out of poverty
DISCUSS
Have a short discussion (5–10 minutes) in pairs or groups on the best action you could take as a class to help fight poverty. Some suggestions:
• Fundraise (collect money) for a charity that fights poverty in Ireland • Write letters to the government asking for poverty to be made a priority • An awareness campaign in your school about the effects of poverty on learning
Listen to each other carefully and note down any good points that you had not considered.
Report back to your teacher and the class on what you discussed and whether you mostly agreed or disagreed, stating why.
RESPONSE JOURNAL
REFLECT Visit page 65 of your Response Journal to complete your end-of-topic reflection and see how your knowledge has developed.
