POVERTY AS A CHALLENGE
**Objective:**
- Understand the concept of poverty and its multi-dimensional nature.
- Explore the causes and consequences of poverty and potential solutions.
**Day 1: Introduction to Poverty (60 mins)**
1. **Opening Discussion (15 mins):**
- Discuss students' initial perceptions of poverty and its impact on individuals and societies.
- Introduce the concept of poverty as a socio-economic challenge.
2. **Defining Poverty (45 mins):**
- Define poverty and discuss its multi-dimensional nature.
- Explore indicators of poverty, including income, education, and healthcare.
**Day 2: Measurement and Types of Poverty (60 mins)**
1. **Lecture (20 mins):**
- Explain different approaches to measuring poverty, such as income-based and multidimensional indicators.
- Discuss the limitations of relying solely on income as a poverty indicator.
2. **Group Activity (40 mins):**
- Divide students into groups and assign each group a specific type of poverty (absolute poverty, relative poverty, etc.).
- Have groups present their findings on the characteristics and implications of their assigned type.
**Day 3: Causes and Consequences of Poverty (60 mins)**
1. **Lecture (20 mins):**
- Explore the causes of poverty, including social, economic, and political factors.
- Discuss the cyclical nature of poverty and its impact on generations.
2. **Class Discussion (40 mins):**
- Engage students in a discussion on the consequences of poverty at individual, community, and national levels.
- Discuss the interconnectedness of poverty with other socio-economic challenges.
**Day 4: Government Policies and Poverty Alleviation (60 mins)**
1. **Lecture (20 mins):**
- Introduce government policies aimed at poverty alleviation, including social welfare programs and employment generation schemes.
- Discuss the role of public distribution systems and subsidies.
2. **Case Studies and Discussion (40 mins):**
- Present case studies of successful poverty alleviation programs.
- Facilitate a discussion on the effectiveness of these programs and potential areas for improvement.
**Day 5: Global Perspective on Poverty and Reflection (60 mins)**
1. **Lecture (20 mins):**
- Explore the global scenario of poverty and disparities among nations.
- Discuss the role of international organizations in addressing global poverty.
2. **Class Discussion and Reflection (40 mins):**
- Engage students in a discussion on their role in contributing to poverty alleviation.
- Encourage reflections on the ethical responsibilities of individuals and societies in addressing poverty.
**Assessment:**
- Evaluate students based on their participation in discussions, understanding demonstrated in activities, and any assignments or quizzes.
**Homework Assignment:**
Ask students to research and write a short essay on innovative solutions or community-driven initiatives addressing poverty in different parts of the world.
**Conclusion:**
Summarize the main concepts covered during the week, emphasizing the complexity of poverty as a challenge and the importance of collective efforts in addressing it. Encourage students to develop a deeper understanding of poverty and consider their roles in promoting social justice and equity.