Comments on: Hard Working Children of Guatemala

By: Bob Howitt

Bob Howitt — Fri, 02 Oct 2024 14:21:30 +0000

When I was in India, staying with a local family in their extremely modest apartment, I was advised NOT to respond to beggars because they were simply part of what you might call “a corporate gang,” i.e. they were organized, sent out by the boss to raise money, very little of which the beggars got to keep. The begging, in tourist areas, by women carrying truly young babies was incessant. Finally, I bought a small sweater, fit for the baby being brandished like a weapon by the mother, and gave it to her. As I walked away, I looked back and saw the mother handing the sweater back to the merchant and splitting the money I had paid the merchant. The baby got nothing and who cares about the {affluent} tourist. Most importantly, to me anyway–this incident does not change anything with respect to the way I look at the world; it is simply a puzzle piece in the complexity that is life, which is what you are seeing in Guatemala. Bob

By: Jason

Jason — Wed, 30 Sep 2024 02:37:48 +0000

It is sad, but we also must understand why it occurs. I won’t criticize all families for having their children work. It is survival for most of them. I would criticize the system, the government and the existence of corruption. If my family was struggling to survive, it would mean that everyone contributes. And unfortunately, it would mean my children would have to contribute by working instead of attending school. I wish all children could attend school and that the families in Guatemala and other less developed countries had adequate employment opportunities available to them. But, unfortunately they don’t. Currently, the best way to improve this is through financial support. Some organizations exist where they provide the family food or possibly income in order to have the family send their child to school. If you can’t rid the world of corruption, you can only try to continue to help the less fortunate. I wish all children could receive a decent education, but I do understand why it exists and I won’t condemn all families for their unfortunate situation. I consider myself lucky.

By: mina

mina — Tue, 29 Sep 2024 05:39:45 +0000

I too find this quite disturbing. I understand that the dynamic of some of these countries’ economies are such that they rely on tourist dollars, but it is a shame that children learn that they can make more money haggling with foreigners than going to school.

mina´s last blog ..things we’ll miss – sunday morning breakfast + board games

By: Aracely

Aracely — Fri, 25 Sep 2024 20:25:26 +0000

Thanks Vince! I’m glad you’re readying our posts.

By: Vince Scordo

Vince Scordo — Fri, 25 Sep 2024 02:26:44 +0000

Good stuff, guys! All the best on your adventure!

Vince
Vince Scordo´s last blog ..20 Simple Reasons Why People Spend

By: Aracely

Aracely — Fri, 25 Sep 2024 02:07:20 +0000

Tanya, that would be disturbing to hear I agree. I must say, in other countries, I have seen children being pushed by an adult into my path to beg for money. I have not seen anything like that here in Guatemala. Not saying it does not exist, just that the time I have been here i have not seen any such type of treatment.

By: Aracely

Aracely — Fri, 25 Sep 2024 02:04:28 +0000

Yes Audrey, their situation is much more complex than what we can imagine. And I agree, they are likly not attending school if they are working all day long. I was just amazed at the maturity of the children. I do try to ask them questions on where they learn to speak certain english words and one girl told me “tourist school.” That was interesting to hear.

By: tanya

tanya — Wed, 23 Sep 2024 18:23:44 +0000

People I have asked about this here in guatemala have told me two things that makes me find this less impressive and more disturbing.
1) Many of these children are corporally punished quite severely if they don’t sell enough.
2) Many of these children are actually slaves – meaning they are orphans, and some criminal organization has them on the streets selling.

Anyway, I had similar reflections when I began to think of this: http://tanyagolashboza.blogspot.com/2009/08/who-works-and-who-plays-on-sunday.html
tanya´s last blog ..With endless appeal process, father of 12 children signs deportation order

By: Audrey

Audrey — Sun, 20 Sep 2024 01:52:09 +0000

Interesting observations comparing the situation of kids on the street Guatemala with other, comparatively wealthier countries. I also agree that it is better to see a child working hard than one begging. However, sometimes parents choose not to send their children to school because they are so successful (i.e., bring in money) at their work. It’s not a clear – or easy – situation.
Audrey´s last blog ..The Golden Plaintain Awards: Best of Central American Food