Cidinha's story
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Cidinha
Photo: Julio Etchart/Oxfam
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My name's Cidinha and I'm seven years old. I live in a village
called Ludovico, in Brazil - which is the biggest country in Latin
America. We live in the north, near the Amazon River and the rainforest
that grows around it. It's always hot here. For half the year
it is dry and dusty. Then the rains begin in January and last
for months.
I live with my mum and dad, my three brothers, Roseinilton, Osmar
and Francisco, and my sisters Osailde and Rosanilde. I'm the youngest
in the family. My mum wakes me up in my hammock at seven o'clock
on days when I go to school. (Photo
7) I get washed and dressed and have breakfast with
Osmar and Francisco. My favourite breakfast is cous cous with
melted cheese.
Our house is on the road which runs through the village. The
walls are made from earth and wood, with palm leaves on the roof.
It only has small windows, which means that it stays cool even
in the hottest weather. Neighbours often join our family to share
a meal or sit and chat. (Photo
11)
One thing you'll notice in Ludovico is the palm trees all around.
They're called babassu palms. In the village we make our living
from them. We have set up our own factory and we make soap, using
the oil from the palm nuts. I often help my mum break the nuts
to get the oil. (Photo
9) With the money I can buy exercise books or pencils
for school in the village shop.
I do lots of things to help out at home. I sweep the house and
fetch water from the well. I wash clothes and feed the animals.
(Photo 8) My
best job is helping my mum break babassu nuts. Every day I walk
to school along the dusty road through the village with my friends.
It only takes five minutes. I feel lucky going to school, especially
when I learn a new word.
After school I play with my friends Maria and Sueli who live
just across the street. We play elástico which is a skipping
game. Sometimes we play football or go for a swim in the lake
to cool down. This is a quiet village and children can play together
outside safely. (Photo
10)
I've got many dreams for the future. I love dancing and want
to be a famous singer and dancer. (Photo
12) Right now, I'd really like a doll. I imagine sitting
in the cool shade by a well and playing with it. I also dream
about the sea because I've never seen it.
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