Assisting Vulnerable Children in Uruguay
Luis and Inez, parents participating in the Civil Association Gurises Unidos (kids united) program.
Photo: David Allen/CWS
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Luis and Inez
Luis and Inez have lived in Malvin Norte for 17 years and Luis has always been a garbage collector. Luis says he used to make at least $5 a day, before the economic downturn. Now he is competing with many others who are turning to garbage for their livelihood. Also, Luis used to own a horse. The horse allowed him to travel further and faster -- so he was able to collect more garbage to sell.
Luis and Inez have 5 children ages 4-17 years. A few years ago, Luis and Inez would include their children in the demeaning work of collecting and sorting garbage. Many of the municipal garbage cans are inaccessible by adults, so often Luis would take his son, Enrique, with him so he could boost him up and into the containers to retrieve plastics, metals equipment, food --whatever he thought would make them some money.
Today, the family is choosing a better way of life. CROP Hunger Walks enable our partner Civil Association Gurises Unidos (kids united) to provide education subsidies, training, and support so that impoverished parents like Luis and Inez can choose a better life for their children.
Part of CWS's Regional Program on Vulnerable Children and Youth, this project supports the efforts local civil society organizations to have garbage collection declared as one of the worst forms of child labor in Uruguay. The project is also urging the government to create programs to protect children who are working as garbage collectors and to assist their families (some 9,000 people). The project itself is assisting 30 families in one urban slum, so their children can return to school.
The greatest benefit of the program is that the children are able to focus on being children -- on going to school and enjoying a dignified life. Luis proudly shared with us that his children did very well in school this year -- all were promoted to the next grade. They are happy and healthy boys and girls.
"GURISES is a very good experience. We learned how to live with others and show others respect. The main thing we receive from the program is the possibility for community and education” said Luis.
 Ricky Duran, age 12. Before becoming a part of the Civil Association Gurises Unidos (kids united), he was involved in garbage collecting and was at risk for dropping out of school. Now he is doing well in school and being promoted to the next grade. Photo: Mary Catherine Hinds |
Ricky Duran
Ricky Duran is 12 yrs old and in the 5th grade. Ricky used to help collect and sort garbage in his home. It takes a few days to collect enough to sell, so the children and their families are exposed to the materials constantly. The contamination irritates skin and makes the children ill.
Before being a part of this CROP Hunger Walk-sponsored program, Ricky was in danger of dropping out of school. The children of garbage collectors don’t have clean clothes, lunch or schoolbooks, or even time to do homework. They have low self-esteem and are stigmatized by the demeaning work in which their families participate. CWS partners intervene and meet the needs of the children like Ricky.
Ricky also benefits from small group discussion therapy -- where he can talk about school, learn how to behave and learn proper ways to participate in school. Ricky did well this year and will be promoted to sixth grade.
 Ruben De Almaz, age 12. His family is ivolved in Civil Association Gurises Unidos (kids united) and he enjoys their activities. Photo: Mary Catherine Hinds |
Ruben De Almaz
Ruben De Almaz is 12 years old and in 5th grade. He enjoys the energetic leaders of the activity center. CWS partners meet with the children at least 2-3 times a week and they meet with the parents 1-2 times a week -- either at the home of the families or at the center.
Ruben loves being a part of the program and he said his favorite activity is going on camping trips to San Jose beach. He and his brothers and sisters also like that they can safely play soccer on the community field during summer vacation. Volunteers help him with homework and computer skills as well. Ruben wants to be a carpenter when he grows up.