This is Leydi, pronounced Lay-di, modelling her latest design - hoop earrings made from the plastic rings left over after you unscrew the cap of a bottle of juice. Leydi likes to come after school with her friend Yorling. For them it is an after-school activity, probably the first organized extra-curricular they have ever had.
One recent day Leydi told me she wanted to bring her doll to the next class. I thought she meant a barbie or rag doll. The next class she proudly presented me a doll she made with bottle caps and wire, complete with a snakeskin dress! She took home a bag of materials to play with over the weekend, so don´t be surprised if you see LeydiDolls online soon.
Leydi´s mother, who works with me, said the only way she can keep all her children in school is with the help of a US priest who buys their uniforms, books and school supplies. The government doesn´t provide these and children are not allowed to attend school without a uniform and shoes. The extra money Leydi may make by selling jewelry (or dolls!) will help confirm her belief that she doesn't have to work in the garbage when she grows up.
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