Compare and Contrast
Georgetown
The main problem in Georgetown, Ontario, Canada is the lack of local transportation and things for teenagers to do in the area.
The background: In the past Georgetown had a movie theater which was located where the dollar store is now. It closed around 12 years ago due to a lack of business, however due to the fact that Georgetown was a smaller community back then, the movie theater wasn't much. With the population growing, the town did not grow in terms of teen related businesses and activities.
Living conditions: In Georgetown, Ontario, people live in homes, which include condos, apartments, semi detached homes, detached homes and others. People drive cars, ride bikes and other outdoor transportation things like skateboards. There are ways to get out of town too, like the train or go station, however there is no local transportation.
Vision Georgetown is a plan that has been made for the upcoming growth of the town. In it they recognize that there's a need for more activities, and so they have made plans for more parks, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, splash pads, and tracks. With the ideas from community members and opinion of residents they are slowly making a plan.
Burkina Faso
The main problem in Burkina Faso, West Africa, is schooling and the literacy rates in this country.
The background: The literacy rate in Burkina Faso is 29%. In the past there has been a serious lack of funding when it comes to education. The primary school participation net attendance rate is 53.8% for boys and 50% for girls. The secondary school participation net attendance rate is 21.4% for males and 17.1% for females. Around Burkina Faso there are only 11 post secondary institutions.
Living Conditions: In Burkina Faso, people live in huts and concrete homes, there is an abundance of dirt and sand, and not too many roads. People walk and bike around town. It has a limited amount of natural resources and cotton is the most needed crop. Because this is a low income country, the education system has not had enough resources put towards it, thus causing the problem of the lack of education and literacy rate.
Actions for improvement: In order to improve the education problem in Burkina Faso, there are many organizations raising money to build schools, pay teachers and enroll kids in school. Some of these organizations are the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the peace corp, and the Educate a Child program. These organizations and many others work hard to provide the newest generations with an education in order to improve their life and increase the literacy rate.
Comparing the Two
Living conditions: Georgetown is a much more developed town than any town that would be in Burkina Faso. There are stores, homes, schools, roads, malls, local stores and community centers located in the developed town. In Burkina Faso, there are dirt roads, and small homes built with concrete. There are some schools, local markets and stores. The style of living is very different in the two places and in Burkina Faso people have to work harder to get the basic things in life, which are things people in Georgetown would just have, such as water, food, dishes, a bed, soap, and others.
The main problem: The main problems in these two places are very different. In a town like Georgetown, most people between the ages of 4-18 go to school, as it is paid for by the government and is a mandatory thing. After a person completes high school, they have the option to peruse post secondary options, and there are financial aid plans in place for those who require them. Sometimes people will drop out of high school, merely based on their own choices, however it is uncommon. Now, in Burkina Faso, people don't have the same opportunities. An average of 50% of children go to school and the curriculum is very different in the two places. The main problems in Georgetown are the lack of in town transportation and things for teens to do. I believe that Burkina Faso probably has these problems too, however the issue is not as pressing in this country, as their literacy rate is only 29% and reading, speaking and writing (in general, education), is in my opinion, more important than solving a lack of transportation and activity problem.
I was unable to find regulations and documents when it came to the education in Burkina Faso and the transportation and activities for teens in Georgetown.