Bolivia > Puerto Camacho > Residents
Jorge, 18, lives with his parents and 6 of his 7 siblings in a mud brick home. His parents sleep in one room with five of the children aged 3-19. Jorge sleeps in a hut used as the kitchen which has no door. At night temperatures can get very cold. They have electricity and water but no gas or bathroom. They use the river as a toilet.
For breakfast the family has water with sugar and sometimes bread. Lunch, the main meal of the day, is some pasta added to boiled water with some bones to give a little flavour. They rarely eat in the evening.
Four years behind in his studies, Jorge attends school in the afternoons and works as a carpenter from 7pm -10pm to contribute to the family’s income. He says tiredness sometimes conquers hunger.
Jorge’s parents work as day labourers. They seek work each day hoping to find some form of manual labour to provide food for the family. Their total average income, including Jorge’s earnings, provides around 35p per day per family member.
Jorge’s level of education is so poor that the work opportunities available for him in the future will not cover the costs of providing for his future family. Inevitably he will pass poverty on to the next generation. The poverty cycle continues.
By facilitating children to reach their own potential, as well as training parents, leaders and the church fulfil their roles effectively, we hope to overcome the mindsets and actions which prevent people becoming all they could be and trap people in poverty. Will believe their situation can change.