How does Planned obsolescence affect a child in Africa?

Planned obsolescence can indirectly affect children in Africa in several ways:

1. Economic Impact: Planned obsolescence often leads to products that have a shorter lifespan
and need frequent replacement. This can place a financial burden on families, diverting
resources that could otherwise be spent on children's education, healthcare, and other
essential needs.
2. Environmental Consequences: The rapid turnover of consumer goods due to planned
obsolescence contributes to electronic waste (e-waste) and other forms of waste. These
discarded products often end up in landfills or are improperly disposed of, posing
environmental and health risks in local communities. Children living near e-waste sites may
be exposed to harmful substances and pollutants, affecting their health.
3. Limited Access to Technology: Planned obsolescence can make it difficult for families in
Africa to access and afford essential technology, such as smartphones or computers, which
are increasingly important for education and access to information. This digital divide can
put African children at a disadvantage in terms of educational opportunities and skills
development.
4. Impact on Education: In some cases, planned obsolescence can affect children's access to
educational resources. For example, if a child's school relies on outdated or unsupported
technology due to budget constraints caused by planned obsolescence, it can hinder their
learning and future prospects.
5. Resource Allocation: Governments and organizations may allocate resources to address the
consequences of planned obsolescence, such as managing e-waste or developing recycling
programs, which could otherwise be used to improve educational and healthcare systems for
children.
6. Reduced Quality of Life: The need for frequent replacement of consumer goods can lead to
a reduced quality of life for families, making it harder to provide children with basic
necessities and opportunities for personal development.
It's important to note that while planned obsolescence affects people globally, the impact may be
more pronounced in regions with limited resources and infrastructure, such as some parts of Africa.
Efforts are being made to address the consequences of planned obsolescence, including e-waste
management and promoting more sustainable and durable product design. These initiatives can
indirectly benefit children by reducing the negative effects of planned obsolescence.

Taking into consideration the following phrase: "Africa has become the
dumping ground of the world, and children scavenge computer
components in landfills, searching for precious metals like gold."
Write a handwritten essay as a child from Africa affected by planned
obsolescence.(minimum 200 words)
Dear World,
My name is Ale, and I am a child living in Africa. I want to tell you about the impact of planned
obsolescence on children like me in this part of the world. Africa has become the dumping ground
of the world, and it's not just a phrase; it's our reality.
Every day, I see the consequences of planned obsolescence all around me. Old and discarded
computer components, once shiny and new, are now buried in landfills. These components contain
precious metals like gold, but they are locked away in these electronic graves. For children like me,
scavenging through these landfills is our harsh reality.
We search for hours, sometimes days, to find those tiny specks of gold hidden within the electronic
waste. We risk our health, exposed to harmful substances, as we disassemble these discarded
gadgets. It's not by choice but by necessity. Planned obsolescence has left us with no other option.
Our schools lack the resources for up-to-date technology, and we must bridge the gap ourselves.
The impact of planned obsolescence is felt deeply in our lives. It affects our education, our health,
and our future. Instead of focusing on our studies, we spend our days searching for gold in
discarded electronics. We dream of a better life, one where our potential is not stifled by the
consequences of planned obsolescence.
Planned obsolescence is a global issue, but here in Africa, its impact is vivid and stark. It's time for
change, for a world where children like me can grow up with hope, not in a landfill.
Ale.