SAP Feeding Knowledge

Education is everything

Erika is 10 years old. She attends fourth grade at the Roberto García Peña Primary School, in Girón, province of Santander, Colombia.

Erika lives with her family in a very poor household. However, she says they share a beautiful house, because her mother keeps it comfortable and clean. Her father lost an arm in an accident a long time ago, even before she was born. After that, he has constantly been struggling trying to find a job.

The family used to live in a small town up north of the province. Her father owned a small farm and they had a decent and normal life. But unfortunately, armed conflict in the region forced them to move out and then they settled in Angulito neighborhood, a marginal area in Girón.

Erika goes to the school every single morning. Similar to David, she and her sister receive a daily meal provided by WFP School Feeding Programme.

“Having the lunch at school is great, because we don’t feel we have to be begging for food”, explains Erika. For that reason, the sisters can go to classes regularly, without spending precious time earning an additional income for their family’s survival.

Erika is happy to have the opportunity of learning. “Education is everything” she says. “With education you can compete, you can improve. We have a lot of needs, and probably education is the only way out of this situation. My parents are making an extraordinary effort to keep me studying, but we are sure it is worth the investment”.

After school, in the afternoon, Erika baby-sits a small child. “It is not a proper job”, she says, “but in my family we appreciate the extra income. It is not too much, but is enough to help. When I grow up I want to be a doctor, so I can help people. My father didn’t have the chance to see a good doctor when he lost his arm, and that’s why I want to be a doctor. Doctors help, and I definitely want to help.”

Erika looks nice and neat with the school uniform. She says that it was a gift from a lady her mother knows. “Being poor is one thing, but we still have dignity”, adds Erika with a big smile. “As my mom says, poverty is a state of mind. We have needs, but we are working to fulfill those needs. That’s why I am going to school!”