Abstract

I Was Born Not by My Decision, but by My Parents’ Decision Life begins not as a result of our own choices, but as a consequence of the decisions made by our parents. From the moment of conception, the circumstances of our birth are determined by factors beyond our control—our parents’ choices, their social and economic status, and the country in which we are born. This reality shapes the foundation of our lives and presents us with both opportunities and challenges that we must navigate as we grow. The Decision of My Parents Before I existed, my parents made the decision to bring a child into the world. Whether planned or unplanned, their choices set the stage for my existence. I had no say in being born, nor in selecting the family that would raise me. My parents’ values, beliefs, and resources directly influenced the environment in which I was raised. For example, a child born into a family of doctors may be encouraged to pursue a career in medicine, while a child raised in a family struggling with financial instability may be forced to take on responsibilities at a young age to help support the household. Some parents provide a nurturing and supportive home, while others may struggle with challenges such as addiction, mental illness, or financial stress that affect their ability to care for their children properly. The Country of My Birth: Poor or Rich Another aspect beyond my control is the country in which I was born. Some are born into wealthy nations with stable economies, advanced healthcare, and numerous opportunities for education and personal growth. For instance, a child born in Switzerland, which has one of the highest standards of living in the world, may have access to world-class education and healthcare. In contrast, a child born in a war-torn or impoverished nation, such as Afghanistan or the Democratic Republic of Congo, may face malnutrition, lack of access to education, and a higher risk of disease. The economic status of a country affects not only an individual’s quality of life but also their ability to pursue their aspirations. However, history has shown that determination and resilience can help individuals rise above their circumstances, such as Malala Yousafzai, who, despite being born in Pakistan where girls’ education was under threat, fought for her right to learn and became a global advocate for education. Good or Bad Parents Parents play a crucial role in shaping a child’s future. Some are loving, responsible, and dedicated to their children’s well-being, while others may be neglectful, abusive, or absent. A good parent provides guidance, love, and support, helping a child develop confidence and a sense of security. For example, Barack Obama was raised by a single mother who emphasized the importance of education and hard work, which greatly influenced his path to becoming the President of the United States. On the other hand, children who grow up in abusive households, such as those with alcoholic or violent parents, may struggle with emotional and psychological challenges that affect their future relationships and career paths. While a child’s upbringing has a significant impact on their life, it does not define their entire destiny. Many individuals have overcome difficult childhoods and gone on to achieve great things, proving that while parental influence is strong, personal determination can be stronger. A well-known example is Oprah Winfrey, who grew up in poverty and faced many hardships but persevered to become one of the most influential media personalities in the world. The Role of Government in Solving the Street Children Crisis While family and economic conditions influence a child’s future, the government plays a crucial role in addressing social issues like the crisis of street children. Many children end up homeless due to poverty, neglect, abuse, or lack of access to education and healthcare. Governments must implement policies and programs to ensure that all children have the opportunity to grow in a safe and nurturing environment. For instance, countries like Finland and Norway have successfully reduced child homelessness through social welfare programs that provide housing, education, and healthcare for underprivileged children. Governments can establish shelters, provide free education, and create job opportunities for struggling families to prevent children from ending up on the streets. Additionally, strong child protection laws and social services can intervene in cases of abuse and neglect, offering children a chance at a better future. The success of these programs in various nations proves that when governments take proactive steps, they can make a significant impact in solving societal issues like street children. The Importance of Free Public Basic Educational Institutions Access to free public education is one of the most powerful tools in breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality. Basic education provides children with essential knowledge and skills that enable them to contribute productively to society. Without free public schools, many children, especially those from low-income families, would have no access to quality education, limiting their future opportunities. Countries with strong public education systems, such as Finland and Germany, ensure that all children receive high-quality education regardless of their socioeconomic background. Education empowers individuals to make informed decisions, pursue higher education or vocational training, and secure stable jobs. Moreover, it promotes social mobility, allowing children from poor families to improve their circumstances through learning. Governments should prioritize investment in free and accessible education, as it is a long-term solution to reducing poverty and creating a more equitable society. The Importance of Planned Birth Family planning plays a vital role in ensuring that children are born into environments where they can receive proper care, love, and support. Planned births allow parents to prepare financially, emotionally, and mentally for raising a child, reducing the likelihood of neglect or hardship. When parents have control over the number of children they have, they can allocate more resources to each child, improving their quality of life. Unplanned pregnancies often result in financial strain, emotional stress, and instability within families. In some cases, children born into such situations may suffer from malnutrition, lack of education, or even abandonment. Governments and organizations worldwide have recognized the importance of family planning and have implemented programs to educate and provide access to contraception and reproductive health services. Countries like Thailand and Bangladesh have successfully reduced poverty rates through strong family planning policies, ensuring that families can provide adequately for their children. The Importance of an Educational System in Producing High-Quality Young Parents A well-structured educational system not only prepares students for careers but also equips them with essential life skills, including responsible parenting. Comprehensive education in reproductive health, emotional intelligence, and financial literacy helps young people make informed decisions before starting a family. For example, the Netherlands has one of the lowest teenage pregnancy rates in the world due to its comprehensive sex education curriculum, which emphasizes responsibility, contraception, and healthy relationships. In contrast, countries with limited reproductive education often struggle with high rates of unplanned pregnancies and economic instability among young parents. Education also plays a crucial role in fostering responsible parenting by teaching young people how to provide a stable and nurturing environment for their future children. Programs like parenting workshops in Scandinavian countries have shown that educated parents are more likely to raise well-adjusted children who contribute positively to society. The Importance of Regulated Population Growth Rate One of the most critical factors in ensuring sustainable development is the regulation of population growth. Uncontrolled population growth can lead to resource depletion, environmental degradation, and increased poverty. Overpopulation puts pressure on public services, healthcare, education, and housing, often leading to inequality and scarcity. Governments play a crucial role in regulating population growth through policies and initiatives that promote family planning and responsible reproduction. Countries that have successfully implemented population control measures, such as China’s one-child policy (which has now evolved), have witnessed significant improvements in resource allocation, economic stability, and quality of life for their citizens. Other nations, such as Japan and Germany, have also addressed population imbalances through pro-natalist policies and improved healthcare access. Regulating population growth is not about limiting human rights but ensuring that resources are available to meet the needs of both current and future generations. As the global population continues to grow, governments must invest in sustainable practices and encourage responsible family planning to avoid overcrowding, strained resources, and widespread poverty. Countries like Singapore and Thailand, which have prioritized family planning and reproductive health services, show how such policies can lead to healthier, more prosperous societies. Conclusion The circumstances of my birth—my parents’ decision, the country I was born in, and the kind of parents I had—were all beyond my control. However, what truly matters is how I respond to these circumstances. Life is not just about where we start but about the choices we make as we grow. Regardless of whether we were born into privilege or hardship, we have the ability to shape our own future. Education, government policies, and personal determination play a crucial role in improving individual and societal outcomes. By investing in education, family planning, regulated population growth, and social welfare, societies can create a better future for all children, regardless of the circumstances of their birth.