Growing up with the promise of the MDGs: Children's Hopes for the Future of Development

Abstract

This paper is based on an analysis of survey and qualitative data from 12,000 children in four countries (Ethiopia, India (Andhra Pradesh), Peru and Vietnam) and examines children’s experiences of growing up during the period of the MDGs. While material living standards are rising, inequality persists, and the poorest households are not benefiting equally from economic and social change. The expansion of schooling and other services has generated high aspirations among children and their families, but multiple and recurrent shocks and food insecurity, as well as inequality in accessing quality services, may prevent these goals from being achieved and undermine progress. Children’s experiences reinforce the importance of retaining a focus on human development and addressing inequality of opportunities in international development post-2015