Mary is a 14-year old girl (the oldest girl in the photo), just starting now in class 8.

Mary has 4 younger siblings that depend on her to cook, bathe, and care for them while their mother is out.

Their mother leaves early in the morning and gets back late at night.

Their mother walks as far as two hours away to wealthy neighborhoods to find work washing clothes, earning just a dollar or two per day. While she is gone, Mary has to run the household.

It’s a lot of responsibility for a young teen, but Mary’s family situation is sadly very common in the slums.

Thanks to Tenderfeet sponsors, Mary has the chance for a great education so that she will be able to provide a better life for herself and her family in the future.