Eight-year-old knows the pain of growing up poor
Eight-year-old Tommy knows about the pain and loneliness of growing up in poverty without parents, and it often drives him into a swearing rage.
'I easily lose my temper when I do not know how to do my homework, especially English and mathematics,' Tommy said.
'I use foul language when I get mad ... but now I've learned to think how my words will hurt the feelings of my family.'
There is often no one at home to help the Primary Two student. He does not live with his parents and must rely on $2,000 in welfare to support himself.
'I know I am poor. I cannot afford anything.'
Tommy is among the 260,000 children living in poverty in Hong Kong, of which 120,000 are estimated to be living on Comprehensive Social Security Assistance.
