I knew that when I visited Peru I would see children. I wasn't disappointed. Just like in the U.S, they were everywhere. I saw them walking home from school as well as running and playing with friends in the street. Some were sitting on the front step of their parents' store watching the traffic roll by. Often the little ones were carried around on their mothers' backs inside a colorful fabric scarf.
The kids in this picture are busy twirling around to some Peruvian music, while having a cool treat. I guess I got the little girl's attention, because she started beaming at me. I got her to keep dancing, so I could get a picture. Her brother didn't pay much attention to me. He was too distracted by his Popsicle.
The kids in this picture are busy twirling around to some Peruvian music, while having a cool treat. I guess I got the little girl's attention, because she started beaming at me. I got her to keep dancing, so I could get a picture. Her brother didn't pay much attention to me. He was too distracted by his Popsicle.
I was surprised when I saw children doing things I know I would never see in the U.S. I saw children working. They sold items to tourists on the street corners with their mothers. I saw kids separating corn from the stalks in fields, making mud bricks for homes, and standing for photographs then asking for propina, a tip. We also learned from our guides that even though it's mandatory for kids go to school, some families don't send them because they need to work. It was clear to me that many Peruvian families struggle to keep food on the table.
Even though I did see kids working hard, they always waved and smiled. That is something I've seen in both the U.S. and Peru. They played some of the same games we do, like soccer and volleyball. I love kids, and to see them in a different culture was an eye- opening experience.
Even though I did see kids working hard, they always waved and smiled. That is something I've seen in both the U.S. and Peru. They played some of the same games we do, like soccer and volleyball. I love kids, and to see them in a different culture was an eye- opening experience.
What a compassionate description, Grace. And a great photo--soooooo cute!
--Becca's mom
Oh my goodness they are sooooo cute! I hope you had an amazing time. It looked like a lot of fun.
-Elizabeth :)
I love your picture! The kids are so cute! I've read an article about child labor in the continents of Africa, Asia, and South America. It's so sad. Every kid deserves to have a good education so they can be successful when they get older. It's good that Peru makes it mandatory for kids to get educated. It's like a motivation for parents. I hope more blogs and the VIDEOS come soon!
Hi everyone!
Wow I haven't blogged in a looooooooong time! Though I have been reading the blogs as they come out. Oh and Shastasteph somethings telling me that there are going to be no videos this year. I know I'm sad too but maybe they'll do them next year, where ever it will be! Hope they announce soon where the next years contest will be.
~~~~JON~~~~
(luckstomper)
Hey luckstomper. I was thinking the same thing about the videos. I was wondering if they forgot to take the videos since they were having such a great time. LOL! I'm still hoping that maybe the videos are just lost in the Nat Geo offices, and the staff will find them soon. Well, like you said, if there aren't going to be any videos this year, hopefully there will be videos next year. That would be great! Also, like you said, I wonder where the next HOEC contest will take the winners (hopefully I'm a winner. heh heh)? Good luck to all entering! This may be my last year, but it depends on the 2010-2011 HOEC contest dates.
Grace, what a beautiful picture! I love your description of the children that you've seen and their everyday activities. You've touched on a wonderful part of life that everyone around the world can relate to: kids. Maybe someday you can visit Rwanda and see the young ones here!
-Margaret