Impacts on Early Emotional Development

I chose the nation of Uganda. This nation is one that has fascinated me because I worked alongside quite a few nationals when I served in a combat zone. Each person was always upbeat and positive despite what I felt were deplorable and substandard conditions. Learning more about this nation has offered me an insight as to why, even in a war zone, life can be better for other nationals.

Sanitation, education and health/well-being are the major challenges for young children within Uganda (Muthy & Ntabdde, 2019, p. 6). Sanitation is the need for clean drinking water and living conditions that are not soiled to the point of causing bacterial issues for everyone living in the area. While much has been done to ensure young children have th opportunity and access to education, it is important to note "While 95 per cent of children have access to primary education in Uganda, low public investment in education and rapid population growth have resulted in declining education indicators" (Muthy & Ntabdde, 2019, p. 16). While sanitary living condition need to improve for healthier, the well-being aspect is difficult as violence is still very present. "Gender-based violence and violence against children are widespread in Uganda and need to be addressed urgently as part of a child protection system that works on both prevention and response" (Muthy & Ntabdde, 2019, p. 17). Each of these factor rely upon one another so when one area begins to improve then the others can too.

Health is the core of how a person lives. Without clean and sanitary drinking water the young children are not able to avoid illnesses which in turn causes other struggles for the child and the family. If a child is being abused, this can have severe emotion issues for the child from low-esteem/self-worth to even the health of the child being compromised overall. When a child feels helpless then the biology of the child suffers. If a child is not able to learn or gain knowledge to better him/herself, then the cycle will continue.

Reading through the report, there has been so much that has changed over the years to support this nation and its people. Clean water initiatives as well as education about vaccinations have offered this nation the stepping stone for growing stronger and healthier. While the violence within this nation is disheartening, it is also cultural which is no excuse but for foreigners to come into the areas and experience this it is difficult. Language and cultural barriers would be the most difficult for helping educate others about violence. While here in the United States, we take advantage of many programs and supports to be healthy, clean, and safe, others do not have this. This is something I will always keep in mind when working with young children who immigrate for other nations. Understanding that not only the culture shock but also the mental shock of support and care.

Reference
Murthy, J., & Ntabadde, C. (Eds.). (2019). UNICEF Uganda Annual Report (pp. 1-36, Rep.). Uganda: UNICEF.