Livestock and Livelihoods - Escaping Poverty in Rural China Case Study Student Activities Teacher's Notes Overview An income generating program in Duan county, Guangxi Autonomous Region in south China, is helping very poor families overcome poverty. Funded by the Australian Government's overseas aid program and implemented by CARE Australia, the project focuses on women and works with the local women's union. It incorporates training in animal husbandry and fruit growing, small loans, capacity building and water supply. Despite some setbacks in the harsh environment, the program has seen approximately 80% of program participants move above the poverty line for Duan county. Level Lower - Middle secondary Links with nationally-developed statements and profiles Strand - Studies of Society and Environment Resources: Use of resources; People and work; Management and enterprise Natural and social systems: Economic systems; Natural systems Place and space: People and places Process: Investigation, Communication and Participation. Objectives Students will: learn that national economic growth benefits are not always distributed equally identify some of the causes of poverty examine ways of overcoming poverty appreciate the importance of education and training, especially of women, for income generation to overcome poverty understand factors that can impede or facilitate aid programs investigate local small businesses experience an income-generating scheme be inspired to act to help overcome global poverty. Preparation Have available for students: copies of the case study map of China showing provinces, autonomous regions and the county of Duan in Guangxi a list of local small businesses suitable for and willing to participate in a student survey information on aid agencies with projects in China. Procedure Before students read the case study, brainstorm with them their ideas on wealth and poverty. What do the terms mean to them? Which countries do they think are poor? What are some causes of poverty? Why is there wealth and poverty within countries, including "rich" ones, as well as between countries? Why is the rich-poor gap widening? How can people escape poverty? What role does aid play in overcoming poverty? Have students read the case study and complete activities/questions. (Select as appropriate for your students. All are suitable for either individual or group work). Activities 11 and 12 especially require some preparation No.11: supply students with the list of local small businesses prepared to be surveyed, and have students make appointments (or phone calls) with appropriate interviewees. Help students devise and copy appropriate survey questions. Organise students to collate findings, devise a title and produce the booklet. No. 12: The class can vote on the most viable income generating scheme to implement and also the agency that will receive the money. You will need to advise and help coordinate any fundraising activity. On completing selected activities/questions, review the introductory brainstorm record. What have students learnt? Have any of their initial perceptions/ideas changed? Why? How? Resources Other case studies on this site provide information on poverty and alleviation programs, including income generation, micro-credit, education and training. Other Australian Government's overseas aid program resources on poverty are available from: Canberra Mailing PO Box 650 Fyshwick ACT 2609 Ph: 02 6269 1230 Fax: 02 6269 1229 Email: books@ausaid.gov.au Information on the Grameen Bank which focuses on small loans for poor women can be found on the Grameen Foundation of Australia web site: www.rdc.com.au/grameen For information on Australian Non Government Organisations (NGO) and their work in poverty alleviation, go to specific agencies e.g. CARE Australia, Caritas Australia, Community Aid Abroad (CAA), World Vision. The web sites for all Australian NGO members of the Australian Council For Overseas aid (ACFOA) are on the ACFOA web site. The ACFOA site "Links and Connections" section has links with other government and non-government agency sites, including agencies of the United Nations. This section also has links to topics such as "Food, agriculture and water". * Further information and resources can be obtained from the Professional Development Providers. Top © Commonwealth of Australia