I sit in a unique position, having worked in the barrios more than 10 years. Watching young children grow from innocent beings into desperate young teens. Some, now selling their bodies, and others now wielding guns as a symbol of despair.
Poverty’s Role in Societal Decay
One child I knew now wields a gun, a symbol of despair.
His eyes, once brimming with dreams, now reflect only hate.
A hunger and anger replaces the joyful smile of yesteryears.
His sponsor’s death leaves a hole, unfillable.
Poverty’s grasp tightens around him, suffocating futures.
In Ecuador, and beyond, poverty births societal decay.
Gang activity thrives, preying on the vulnerable.
Children, robbed of their innocence, succumb to the streets.
A cycle perpetuated by the absence of opportunity.
We must act, break the chains of poverty’s tyranny.
Invest in futures, nurture hope, and safeguard innocence.
For every child lost is a tragedy etched in the annals of poverty’s legacy.
There is no easy answer.
There is simply not enough sponsors nor money that can fix this manmade problem. Only collective hope that change is possible, compassion, and love.
Indeed I won’t give up because I still believe in humanity.
One day, he will replace the gun with a pen and books.
Dreams are reignited when his hate is replaced with love and hope.
Waves of happiness can wash away the shadows of the past.
Even in loss, new mentors can guide the way.
Loosening his grasp on guns by providing positive hands reaching out in support.
In Ecuador and beyond, communities can rise against decay, building a brighter tomorrow.
Gangs’ prey can become champions of change, empowered to lead.
His innocence reclaimed through compassion and guidance.
Absence of opportunity can be filled by initiatives that level the playing field.
Change requires collective action, with each small effort moving us closer to peace.
Investing in futures is an investment in hope and providing a pathway out of poverty.
