My Guide For A Day by wysiwig
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Description
When I first visited Nepal it was a pretty rough place. Social services were virtually non-existent and if you wanted to go to school you had to pay for it yourself.
When the Nepalese weren't trying to sell me something they were trying to get me to hire them as guides. I was able to brush off most of them but one young man finally got to me. Ashok was maybe twelve years of age and was willing to show me around Kathmandu for fifty rupees, about four dollars U.S. He needed the money to pay for his schooling. The tuition for six months of school was fifty rupees.
We spent four hours together and covered a lot of territory in that time. Along the way we stopped for lunch at a place he knew (my treat). Quick and smart, the kid had done his homework. Not only did he know the names of everything but some of their histories as well. And, most importantly, he knew where to get the best pictures. For me Ashok was a prime example of the wasted potential found in poor countries. Looking at his picture after so many years I wonder if he managed to make it through school.
Comments (13)
Faemike55
It is my hope that with your help that day,that he did and he remembers you for your kindness towards him Wonderful photo and great story
costapanos
Agree with Faemike. This shot speaks for itself. Love the expression.
Richardphotos
there are many children the same way, very intelligent but due to circumstances beyond their control, must just struggle to survive.I agree with Mike also
durleybeachbum
Super portrait, and even better for the context. A handsome guy.
alanwilliams
lets hope he came through smiling, he sounds like he might have had a fighting chance
bobrgallegos
Great portrait and story of this young man.
mariogiannecchini
Very beautiful picture and great story , dear friend !
MrsLubner
A very warm shot of a very engaging child. I sponsored a boy in Colombia for 14 years and watched him grow. He got his school uniforms through me, his worm treatments, books, even a camera and one year, I sent enough extra to repair and rebuild a bedroom that had collapsed on itself in bad weather. I was so happy to send cooking utensils, clothing, bedding and special candy treats to his entire family several times a year. I lived in what Americans called poverty at this time, but even on that bottom rung of our society, this struggling family lived far below that. Two years before he was to graduate high school, I had to stop the funds. It broke my heart but even at only $20 a month, I was unable to continue my assistance. I often wonder if my child managed to make a life for himself or if he got sucked up in the darkness of the city.
sandra46
GREAT PORTRAIT
netot
I see this every day, kids who have tremendous potential, but can not develop it, and kids who have all the advantages, but they have no interest in developing their potential. I wonder which of the two cases is more pitiful. For me, it's terrible that a person's fate depends on how much money he has.
auntietk
I hope he did well, and that he has fond memories of his guide days!
JuliSonne
That we can not imagine for read and write, to pay. So sad, I find that many children in Germany truant school. Some want liked - as Ashok - and do everything for it, and others simply throw away their education.
DamirCizmok
Great expression and story, bravo.