Commonwealth encourages common poverty

From the bbc: By Rupa Jha

Next month's Commonwealth Games in India are a big test of Delhi's ability to prove itself on the world stage - a test that some would argue it is already failing. This is not just because of the many missed deadlines, leaky buildings and alleged corruption, but because of the plight of the thousands of construction workers, who do not appear to be paid properly nor are they housed in adequate accommodation.

Afsana, a young woman in her early 20s, is one of many thousands of construction workers deployed on the "beautification" projects. When I asked her how she felt about working for the Games, she answered: "What Commonwealth Games? I know nothing about it. I have come from far away in Bihar with my three children and husband, to work." Work continues through the night on 'beautification' projects, but deadlines have been missed "I am making these pavements," she said. "I have been living on the street in this makeshift tent for 10 months now."

Thousands of these workers, mainly unskilled, are living in similar tents, made out of plastic sheets. Inside, there is barely enough space for a single cot, let alone a family. They have no windows, no solid walls and no proper roof. There is no decent sanitation or toilets. Read the full article on the bbc website

A typical shack in Villa Maria

This story shows how poverty from Asia to Africa and South America has huge similarities, on reading it I was immediately reminded of the Townships of South Africa, hidden for the 2010 world cup, and of the poverty the communities of Villa Maria face in the every day battle to survive.

In the shanty town of Villa Maria, Peru land is sparse and new families moving to the city to look for work have to cut out ridges in the hillside to build temporary shacks made of plastic sheeting and corrugated iron. These homes lack all the basic facilities and leave the elderly and young particularly vulnerable to disease.

Marlene and her children enjoying their new home

Over the last 3 years at a cost of just £500 Quest4Change has built over 30 new homes for the poorest families living in Villa Maria, these homes are simple wooden structures providing families with warmth, running water, electricity and the sanitation facilities they need to live happier and healthier lifestyles. To find out more about this project and how you can make a difference click here.