The World's Most Dangerous Ways to School

Introduction

• Overview of children's dangerous journeys for education
• Featured locations: Yungas Valley, Bolivia

Yungas Valley, Bolivia

• Unique landscape: Andes Mountains meet Amazon rainforest
• Remote area with limited access to education
• Education seen as key to a better future

The Kispi Family

Daily Routine

• Helen (9) and Mariela (7) live on a mountaintop
• Commute to School: 2.5 hours
• Challenges:
  • Extreme poverty (60% of rural population)
  • Isolation from friends
• Dreams:
  • Helen wants to become a doctor
  • Mariela dreams of owning a farm

Family Background

• Mother: Lorenza
  • Works multiple jobs to support family
  • Limited education but values her daughters' education

Journey to School

The Snake Hill

• Dangerous terrain with potential snake encounters
• Strategies to avoid snakes: hitting grass with sticks

The Rivero Family

• Elmer (7) and Porfirio (4) are coca farmers
• Commute to School: Cross a gorge using a homemade zip line
  • Cable is 30 years old and worn
  • Elmer's ambition: engineer

Risks Involved

• Elmer's fear of the zip line: potential for falling
• Need for careful handling due to storms and cable conditions

Angela's Journey

• Teacher commuting from La Paz to the jungle school
• Faces dangerous road conditions
• Motivated by helping children succeed

School Day

Helen and Mariela's School Experience

• 29 students, ages 4 to 13
• Daily schedule includes gym, classes, and lunch
• Lunch is often the best meal of the day

Challenges

• Many children have to work, limiting school attendance
• Legal child labor from age 10 in Bolivia
• Long commute home is more arduous than the way to school

Evening Rituals

• Elmer's family performs the Pachamama ritual
• Purpose: thankfulness for good harvests and health

Conclusion

• Helen and Mariela's dream of a better life through education
• Elmer's aspiration to build bridges to improve children's safety
• Undying hope for a brighter future despite challenges.