Child Poverty

Seagate Rotary’s speaker on Monday was Fr Willie Boyd, talking on the reality of child poverty in North Ayrshire.  A recent report indicated that some areas of Irvine and Kilwinning are among the worst in Scotland for child poverty.

This affects not only the children involved, but also impacts on wider society.  After a brief address, the audience were invited to discuss the issues involved, and put forward their feelings and thoughts on what can be done, personally and collectively to approach this situation.  There were many varied views and ideas, but feelings of powerlessness and frustration were commonly expressed.

Fr Willie summed up by encouraging everyone to do what they can in small and practical ways, and remember that the children and their parents are individuals, not a tabloid underclass.  There are a number of grass roots initiatives in the town where community and youth groups and churches are coming together and making a difference, and this is often more effective than directives from official sources.

A Vote of Thanks was proposed by Dan Moriarty.