Our Trip into Bolivia’s Mines

On March 17, the World Language Honor Society members received the opportunity to go to the Cinema Center and watch the foreign documentary Devil's Miner. The Devil's Miner is an astonishing portrait of two brothers, 14-year-old Basilio and 12-year-old Bernardino, who work deep inside the silver mines of Cerro Rico, Bolivia. Raised without a father and living on the slopes of the mine, Basilio and his brother must work the mines to support their family and afford supplies vital to their education like uniforms, shoes, and utensils. The dangerous and unhealthy conditions of the mines expose the children to both physical and psychological harm.
About 800 Bolivian children are in the same situation as Basilio and Bernardino, working hard in the mines of Bolivia. Everyday they struggle to balance attending school and work. Education is the only opportunity for the children to stop working in the mines, which means a longer life span, and receiving a set salary; so it becomes easier to support and better the lives of their families. Basilio’s dream is to study and become a teacher because by being a teacher he will have a monthly salary.
For this reason the World Language Honor Society members have decided to help these children by donating at least 200 dollars to support an organization called CARE, dedicated to reduce child labor in Bolivia's silver mining regions. So far we have 150 dollars. Our members are walking around the school with a lot of crafty donation cans to accomplish this mission.

Here are some Students’ comments about how this documentary affected their life:
“This film has made me appreciate the lifestyle that I live and the opportunities I have been given. There are many children all over the world who suffer in their everyday schedule. This film has also changed my perspective about the sacrifices we have to make in order to have a better future.” - Zabdi L. Sanchez
“ Basillo’s life and dream challenges me to succeed because, even though he lives and works in these unhealthy conditions just to obtain a basic education, he still has a dream and insight into what he plans to do for the future. My theory is, if Basillo can have these dreams and work so hard to achieve them, so can I; Being that I am more privileged than him.” -Ashley Best
“Basillo’s dream inspires me because he seems so determined for such an unfortunate person. He is very optimistic which makes me feel as though I should be the same because I have it easier than him and his brother. I realized that I should be greatful for what I have and go for what I believe.” - Tarazzia Bermudez

“I think the film was informative and greatly opened my eyes to the way that some people have to live and have to survive. I really liked the movie; it was beautiful”
-Jamilah Lindo