When we stepped out of the vans, all we could see was a blur of movement as some 20 children rushed at us, throwing themselves into our arms only to push off and lunge at the next nearest body until, after finally hugging every single person, they found one to attach themselves to for the remainder of the time. Barrio Marisol is a poor and severely marginalized community built up by the government in a earthquake-collapsed valley in the otherwise rich northern part of Armenia. Ruth, the creator and sole fulltime worker of the children's program, explained to us that by the age of 9, over 70% of these children who live with other siblings or grandparents, often abandoned by mother and father, will have lost their virginity to a family member. Some of the older ones may have gone to school but have since then dropped out to work so that they can help take care of younger brothers and sisters and most will never leave this barrio, turning instead to violence, prostitution, and drug dealing to make ends meet.
Diego sat beside me both days with a pad and pencil asking me how to say different words and phrases in English. As I would write it down for him and repeat the word slowly he would chime, in between trying hard to pronounce the words correctly, that he wanted to learn English so that one day he could get a good job. We were only there for 2 days but hopefully we were at least able to remind these kids that they are worth loving!
When we stepped out of the vans, all we could see was a blur of movement as some 20 children rushed at us, throwing themselves into our arms only to push off and lunge at the next nearest body until, after finally hugging every single person, they found one to attach themselves to for the remainder of the time. Barrio Marisol is a poor and severely marginalized community built up by the government in a earthquake-collapsed valley in the otherwise rich northern part of Armenia. Ruth, the creator and sole fulltime worker of the children's program, explained to us that by the age of 9, over 70% of these children who live with other siblings or grandparents, often abandoned by mother and father, will have lost their virginity to a family member. Some of the older ones may have gone to school but have since then dropped out to work so that they can help take care of younger brothers and sisters and most will never leave this barrio, turning instead to violence, prostitution, and drug dealing to make ends meet. 
Diego sat beside me both days with a pad and pencil asking me how to say different words and phrases in English. As I would write it down for him and repeat the word slowly he would chime, in between trying hard to pronounce the words correctly, that he wanted to learn English so that one day he could get a good job. We were only there for 2 days but hopefully we were at least able to remind these kids that they are worth loving!
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