More than just a number: A visual repersentation of poverty in Cape Breton

Abstract

This document, "More Than Just a Number," is a heartfelt and deeply personal exploration of poverty, aiming to transform cold statistics into tangible human stories. Drawing on years of dedicated volunteering with at-risk youth in North Sydney, Nova Scotia, the author emphasizes that behind every number in a report, there are real people with lived experiences. This project highlights structural inequalities—differences in access, wealth, resources, or power reinforced by systemic issues—which profoundly impact communities like Cape Breton, still feeling the ripple effects of industrial decline. The author shares a common local sentiment that individuals often feel they must leave their home for opportunities, underscoring a deep commitment to fostering pride and opportunity within the community.