Aboriginal Education Initiative FACT

Fact: One in four Aboriginal children in Canada live in low-income households.

In 2005, 28 percent of Aboriginal children younger than 15 were determined to be living in households with low income. On the other hand, only 13 percent of non-Aboriginal children live in homes with low income.

Aboriginal families face many struggles that lead to poverty. One is the fact that a high number of Aboriginal families are single-parent families and many single parents must apply for social benefits to support their children. Lack of education or employment opportunities for parents may also affect the success of the family.

Aboriginal children in families with low incomes experience difficult living conditions. They are more likely to go hungry, to live in houses that need major repairs and to live in overcrowded conditions. With so many distractions at home, living in low-income households makes it much harder for children to focus on their education and to do well in school. Getting off to a slow start in elementary school also means that Aboriginal high school students have a big challenge to complete their education.

Please support Global Voices in our quest to make a difference for Aboriginal children in Ontario.  Donate school supplies or good quality books.  YOU can make a difference!