bakery — Blog — ANNA FAWCUS

Victor Manuel

Villa Nueva, Guatemala

Victor Manuel is 13 years old. He works in the bakery, where he has worked for 6 months. Before he worked at the bakery he went to school during the week. He now works 7 days a week, starting at 7am and finishing at 3pm in the afternoon. He still studies at school on weekends for 3 hours each day. Victor earns Q400 a month (approx US$50) which he gives to his mother, who then gives him an allowance for lunch. He helps in the house with cooking and other chores after he finishes work for up to 3 hours. He has one sister, who is 15, she also works in the bakery, in the shop from 3pm when they open every day. He does not have a father, only a mother, who has had some problems with drinking. When asked what his dreams in life are, his only dream or aspiration is to work in the bakery. For Victor, this is a very good job and an opportunity to learn a trade. He enjoys his work very much. The opportunity arose for him to work here when the other boy who worked in the bakery got badly burnt and could no longer continue working. In the informal sector, there is no system in place for an employer to assist with medical costs if injured on the job.