Blas is a 64 year old farmer who lives in Chimaltenango. He starts work at 5am in the morning. Blas does not have his own land, and so he works for other people when they need him. This means that his work is not regular, nor is his income. His wife also works selling bread in the markets. When Blas does not have work on the farms, his wife works as a cleaner or maid in other people’s homes when she can, to earn extra income for the family. Blas and his wife have two children, who are 12 and 14 years old. They are lucky enough to be able to go to school. When Blas has a lot of work on the farms, and needs help, his wife and children will go to the fields with him to work. Blas said that his dream would be to have his own land, to be able to grow his own crops and tend to them. Blas earns 50Q (approx US$6) a day when he is working, this is enough to support his family and send his children to school.
© Anna Fawcus
© Anna Fawcus
© Anna Fawcus
© Anna Fawcus
© Anna Fawcus
All images are © Anna Fawcus 2011 and are part of The Voiceless Majority