Fifteen years is not long to eradicate extreme poverty across the globe and reduce by half the number of men women and children living in poverty (in all its dimensions). At home in the UK, work is seen as the best route out of poverty, with clear interlinkages with education and training. In fact, dealing with poverty is central to sustainability – globally and locally.
In the South West convergence between poverty and the other Goals is obvious ; transport cuts in rural areas affect work and training; homelessness and rough sleeping are a feature of our coastal towns; poverty- linked food shortages are increasing and particularly in vulnerable groups of people where social issues cluster to reduce well- being. Professor Stiglitz explains the economic links →
The good news – reciprocity with other goals is vibrant and positive behaviour change is evident: freecycling and recycling of goods and service, food banks and community fridges, libraries, information and community centres and numerous voluntary or council services are easing the problem.
Crucially, the tool for lifting people out of poverty, now and for future generations, remains education and training.
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