MEXICO - The stories of Sara and Manuel

The Oportunidades Programme has helped them.

Sara, 11 years old


Sara is 11 years old and, until recently, she and her sister had to work in a grocery store, where they cleaned onions and, at times, packed vegetables. She explains “I did not like it much. The grocery store belongs to a relative of my grandfather, who made us work three days a week. I did not want to work. I wanted to be able to play.” However, the money earned by the sisters contributed to the household income as well as to schooling costs. Sara’s mother managed the money they earned.
I did not want to work. I wanted to be able to play."

The Oportunidades Programme has helped with covering the cost of household necessities and has also allowed the girls to go to school rather than work. Sara explains, “I now have time for fun and my teacher says that I have improved my grades. I like that.”


Manuel


“Through this simple letter I want to express to anyone who has a chance to read it, my feelings regarding my life. I am the son of a simple family of brick factory workers. I have been working alongside my family since I was 7 years old. I live in a community known as Emiliano Zapata Township, where there are many problems and few public services."
Since my family began to participate in the Oportunidades programme, our whole family situation changed."

"My family consists of my mom, my dad and 7 brothers and sisters, who have all been able to succeed thanks to their own efforts. Since my family began to participate in the Oportunidades programme, our whole family situation changed. My brothers and I have had the opportunity to continue our studies and we have been given the materials we need: shoes, backpacks and, especially, food."