Portraits form Forjando Huellas : Carlitos

The Center Forjando Huellas is proud to present a series of protraits of the inspiring children who attend the center. Today, the story of Carlitos.

I am nine years old, I was born in the department of Tarija, on June 12, 2012.

I have a very big family, my parents’ names are Basilia and Cipriam. My dad works as a bricklayer and my mom goes out to sell empanadas or fruits when she can. My mom is most of the time at home with us. My dad often does not come back home to sleep because he drinks a lot.

I have 8 siblings, they are Hilda, 25 years old, Richard, 23 years old and Martin, 22 years old, who since they were very young (12-15 years old) went to work in Argentina and now they live there. My other siblings living with me are: Cinthia 19 years old, Jonathan 14 years old, Cinthia 11 years old, Diana 3 years old and Ricardo 2 years old. I love my siblings very much and I help to take care of the younger ones.

I attend the Angel Calabi school in Tomatitas. What I like most about my school is the soccer field.

I have been attending the Forjando Huellas center since I was six years old, they helped me a lot there because I could not read or write, since I did not go to preschool. Now it is closed due to the pandemic.

I get very sad when they don't let me go out to play on the field in front of my house and when my mom can't buy me my snacks because she can't afford it.

My biggest wish is to have a bicycle and when I grow up I want to be a policeman or a soldier.