With support, we’ll manage to change the world,despite our life of poverty.
When the group first started, there were very few of us. Many thought that our association wouldn’t last long because we didn’t earn material goods or money. But, quite the opposite, little by little , we grew. We love each other,both in times of hardship and times of joy. We have no material goods to give each other, but we give comfort. We try to support each other, whether it be rebuilding a house wall, saving up to afford a visit to a sick person or keeping up the spirits of one of our friends in prison.
The solidarity that exists at the heart of our group benefits, not only our own families,but the whole community. For example, on the 17th of October, we repaired a little bridge and cleared an overgrown path. Our efforts contribute to the improvement of our area.
This group opens our minds to deal with poverty. It brings out in all of us, the energy to lead the fight against poverty, to be unashamed and carry on coping for the survival of our families. For the most part, we do punishing work, like portering. Our children are proud to see us go out every day to earn a living. It’s the love of our children that drives us to go out to work, even if we are ill. The loads we carry act as a medicine because they reassure us that our children will have food on their plates that day.
Our group is a family where everyone has a place. Anyone can put forward his ideas and we can pass them on to people far away. One of our most senior members says that , since he’s been a group member, he feels safer, more known, because, from time to time, one or other member passes by and greets him or reminds him about a meeting. In this group, the youngest become the strength of the oldest. The simple act of getting together with other people takes the fear out of life.
When it was suggested that we should contribute to the colloquium “extreme poverty is violence, break the silence,search for peace ” we said to ourselves “our families will be known throughout the world . ” From that moment, we have grown, we have realised that we exist. We hope that this group lasts and that, one day, our children’s children will belong to it. With support,we will manage to change the world, despite our life of poverty.
