Rashida

Since her husband passed away, 35 year old Rashida has been trying to raise five children (three sons and two daughters) on her own. They live in an old, one room home, which is in very poor condition. The family sleeps in veranda of their home afraid that the house might fall down during the night. The eldest son, an 18 year old, is hoping to complete his 12th grade this year. He only attends school once a week since he has to work at a local electronic repair shop at 20 Rupees a day ($0.33). The two younger sons attend the same school, though the older of these two brothers, at age 12, has to work at a local bookstore for 5-6 hours a day, earning 10 Rupees (approx. $0.17). The youngest son, who is barely 10 years old, apprentices at a local tailor shop to learn the skills. He is able to bring in 5 Rupees (approx. $.08) a day. The two daughters are in 8th and 3rd grades, attending a local public school.