Caledonia Village (Corozal District)

Parents

Sirori & Juan Lopez

Children

Alexis- 10 years old (boy)
Izzet- 5 years old (girl)

Both children attend R.C. School in Caledonia. Each morning, they ride a weathered bicycle to school together.

Living Situation

The family lives in the back area of Caledonia Village on a small lot that was given to them by an elderly man whom Juan had helped care for. Their home is a 12x15 stick house with a pieced- together zinc roof, and there are leaks when it rains.

Their situation is very simple:

No electricity
They dug their own well for water
The children currently sleep on the floor

Income

Juan works as a sugar cane cutter.

Average pay: about $150(BZD) per week when work is available
Cane cutting is usually seasonal-about 6 months per year
Last year there was only 4 months of work

The mother has started making coconut oil to try to earn a little additional income for the family.

Immediate Needs

When asked what they need most, the family shared:

Bunkbed for the children
Small stove
Chairs
Table
Bicycle repairs
Report Cards so children can progress to next grade

These basic items would greatly improve their daily living conditions.

Summary

This family is doing their best with very limited resources. Despite difficult circumstances, they are ensuring their children attend school and are trying to create income through cane cutting and small home production.

With a little help, this family could gain some basic comforts and stability.