If you could ask for anything, what would it be?

Click here for a satellite image of the Zona 3 garbage dump in Guatemala City.

During my recent trip to Guatemala, I heard a story that stays with me as I unwind and reflect during Spring Break. A Safe Passage staff member was meeting with a group of students in the Guatemala City program and posed the following question: "If you could ask us for anything, what would it be?" Considering the harsh realities in which these children live, the staff member might have anticipated answers ranging from "a large television" to "a car" or "a stereo" or other material items. Answers like these would be entirely understandable given these children's lives. The staff member was not prepared, however, when the overwhelming answer was "one hygiene bag per month (toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, deodorant, shampoo, etc."

In the course of a week of presenting photos and stories of my trip to various AEACMS classes, I started each session with this question: "If you could ask the school for anything, what would you ask for?" I designed the exercise not to cause students to feel guilty about listing expensive material items, but rather to highlight the fact that needs and wants are relative, and vary wildly depending on circumstance. I thought this would provide a productive springboard into discussions related to the Guatemala City garbage dump and the guajeros.

I was unprepared for the answers: "I would ask for some scholarship money to help with college." "One thousand dollars to donate to charity." "An apartment in a safer neighborhood."

One middle school class even wrote unsolicited reflections (excerpts below):

I learned that in Guatemala there are major problems with people living off the dump and we should be grateful we live in America.

It made me think that I'm very lucky because I have everything and those kids don't even have nice houses to go to and relax. So I'm thankful for everything I have and thankful that my parents have a job that pays them well. I would really love to go and help them. I would do anything for those kids.

I really liked the Powerpoint presentation he showed us about his trip to Guatemala. It was a really good thing for him to go see and help some people and talk to those kids who haven't ever seen anything beautiful in their lives.

When I get older I wish I could go around the world and see the different things. That presentation made me really grateful for what I have.

I really liked the video because my mom is from Guatemala and I hope in the future that Guatemala does change and I know now how my mom lived.

The lesson I take from this experience is that I must never create assumptions and will not underestimate our youth's capacity for selflessness and meaningful reflection.

PS--click here for information about an upcoming film on the Guatemala City garbage dump