Ellen

Ellen is 8 years old and hoping to enter the second grade this May. She lives with her mother, father, and six siblings aged 1-14 in a one room home in the middle of a rice field. In rainy season the house frequently floods. Ellen helps her mother by sweeping the floor, folding the family blankets in the morning, and running errands. At night the family sleeps on the floor with 4 sleeping mats, 9 blankets, and 8 pillows.

By growing rice her father earns approximately US$50 per month. Her mother also helps with farming when she is able to do so. This family is described as generous and helpful; they attend their Catholic church weekly.

Neither of Ellen's parents were able to complete their educations; her father attended some high school and her mother some elementary school. They know that education is the key to a better future for their children, but are struggling to send their three oldest children to school.  Ellen loves math and English and hopes to be a teacher some day.