I took these pictures at a huge dump site where families live and eat off the garbage. They live in little shacks with no running water or electricity. A group of us walked around and met some of the children. I will never forget them.

Judyvan

Children are really amazing creatures; the way they can smile under adverse conditions is incredible.

These are interesting photos Judy.

In most of the developed world, poverty is rarely seen, not at the level that it exists in underdeveloped countries. There are so many barriers to stop the countries and people from rising out of that situation as well, it becomes frustrating all round.

The children know no different while they are small, it is their life and their home. Small steps can bring about change, but I fear is a very slow process and people don't like to be confronted with the reality of the situation.

Some of those faces would be wonderful to draw. There may be potential for a fundraiser in some of these if they were turned into art. Perhaps proceeds from a sale/exhibition? Its worth considering.

Ah, Judy, what an experience you have had.
I am glad you were able to go and add your small bit to help what seems impossible to deal with.
Jeanette has a good idea with the fundraiser.

I do plan to draw the little girl, but hadn't thought of fund raising. That is a great idea. How I wish I had a great idea on how to empower our poor so they can rise out of poverty. But when their leaders keep all the wealth for themselves, there is nothing left for the majority, as we all well know. I am trying to come up with ideas that would help women open their own business so they can sell their wares. Women especially need more education and skills so they can earn a decent living when they are left alone to raise their families.


P.S. With all the great artists at drawspace, maybe some of you want to do some drawings to sell. The proceeds could go to the Nicarguan women who are becoming leaders through Wisconsin/Nicaraguan Partners. Please feel free to use any of these photos. Here are some more.

Judy

I love these shots ....the faces tell such a silent story ....it warms my heart and breaks it at the same time . thanks for sharing .

This is the address for Nia Sherar, she runs a no interest small loan charity for women in Kenya & Nepal - you might try to contact her for ideas on how to get going:

http://www.ofdc.org/news.html

There is another chap, Muhammad Yunus who started the concept of microfinance (teeny loans) with his Grameen Bank of Bangladesh. He won the Nobel Peace Prize for starting this concept - this is the address that I found where it discusses microfinance loans:

http://www.becker-posner-blog.com/archives...finance_an.html

Hope this helps you get what you want for these people Judy. You're a wonder for trying to get it all off the ground. Good Luck!!

http://www.kiva.org/app.php

Another to add to the list above. One of the most amazing ideas, micro finance.

Thanks Sue and Paulette. I have read about the Bangledesh man, but not the others. I will check them out. Thanks so much. It is just a wonderous thing how just a few people can start a movement.

Judyvan