Families leave their support networks behind to settle in the inner cities.
Fragmentation is triggered with devastating effects if left unchecked.
A child, once loved and guided by the extended family loses their protection.
Imagine the dandelion seeds as family members surrounding a child. The glue binding them to the head of the stem (the child) is culture, traditions and history.
The wind begins to blow, destroying the fragile (yet powerful) links. Gang mentality, poverty, isolation, divorce, drugs, celebrity culture, violent video games, neglect, lone parenting all take their toll on the child.
Before long, Grand Theft Auto becomes an "uncle", Internet porn replaces sexual education, glamourised prostitutes selling kiss and tell stories are the "big sisters" your daughter emulates and killing another child for a cheap phone becomes a way of life........
This is a ticking time bomb that we will all have to pay for sooner or later.
"It takes a strong and dedicated Urban Family Tree to raise children in the inner cities"
Ulla Mahaka
© Urban Family Tree 2009 All Rights Reserved
