International: Nicaragua, Acahualinca

Nicaragua, once treated with patronizing affection by the political left from east and west (as a model for developing socialist nations), is a forgotten country today. 

This story is about the people who live on the dump site of Managua which is called Acahualinca. 

The circumstances under which the people are living are appalling. The water seeping through the ground of the dump goes through the settlement, which is surrounded by a lagoon of sewage. Malaria, Dengue Fever, and infections of the skin and the eyes are bothering the people. 

A lack of education, no health care (providing family planning), in combination with the blessings of the catholic church and her disapproval of birth control are producing a huge number of kids who are both children and parents. 

Many of the teenagers inhale "Pega" (glue), which makes them apathetic and hopeless.