What is poverty? 

Poverty is a state or condition in which a person or community lacks the financial resources and essentials for a minimum standard of living.  means that the income level from employment is so low that basic human needs cannot be met. There are different types of poverty which amongst others include: Income or consumption poverty refers to lack of monetary resources to meet needs. Absolute poverty is poverty below a set line of what is required to access minimum needs for survival. Relative poverty is set in relation to others. Shelter poverty, food poverty, asset poverty, time poverty or health poverty refer to lack of any of them. Multidimensional poverty recognises the many different ways in which people can be deprived. The transiently poor move in and out of poverty. The chronically poor are poor for years at a time, or even their whole lives. 

Benefits of poverty on individual and community

1. Recycling- since there are few ways of making money, community members may start to recycle papers, cans, bottles and iron in exchange for money. This benefits them and the community because they find the materials on dumping sites, the streets and yards, this cleans the community and members can benefit cash.

2. Reforestation- the community can grow their own food- personal gardens in every yard or those with farms employs the poor to create jobs. They may work in the field in exchange of money or enough food for their families. This creates an eco-friendly community . 

3. Domestic Work- studies shows that the poor are domesticated. They do domestic work in exchange of money or food. 

4. Aid from the Governement- the poor receive financial aid from the government from the children's social grants, the elderly grands, bursaries for tertiary education. Government also build houses for those who qualify, provide health care facilities. 

5. NGO's- the non-governmental organisations take over the community to help those in need with food (soup kitchens), school work and bible studies. 

6. Entertainment- to make the area bearable and a safe space for youth they need entertainment. Sports clubs, poetry and drama sessions, choirs can take youth away from the streets and bad influences because they would have a lot to do. Competitions amongst the clubs may be a positive impact to the society and prizes such as work opportunities, cash or devices for the winners, something that will help them prosper. This will bring a positive atmosphere in the community.