Nov. 3rd, My name is Ameer...

I walk into the street and see tons of men trying to sell things. Women are walking around covered from head to toe in burquas in the hot sun. I hear screams from the Taliban beating girls. My throat is parched, but I can't go home, I know I have to finish my job. If I don't work my family will go hungry. Little do you know, I'm only twelve.

What kind of life is this for a twelve year old. I bet he doesn't beg his parents for a new I-pod, or have tantrums in the grocery store for chocolate. He doesn't wake up in the morning and go to school, turn in his homework, and come home. He gets up, and starts to work. If he doesn't sell enough of his items he knows that his family won't eat. His father's been killed by the Taliban, his mother is depressed because of this. Both of his sisters just walk around the house aimlessly, and he has no other family. He doesn't have any hope, friends, or inspiration.

This young boy, Ameer, is the breadwinner for his family. They survive off of the little money Ameer makes. He has his entire family depending on him, he can't accidentally drop all of his items he sells, he can't not feel like going to work in the morning , he can't even take a break and go home to get a drink of water. Imagine that.

Now imagine you are Ameer. With no one to play with you, no one you can hug when your upset, not even a bed you can cry on. What would you do?

A twelve year old in this day and age usually have the latest I-pods, cell phones, laptops and cry if they don't get these things. Ameer just wants a glass of water he can bring when he is working to support his family.

So Ameer is a the only boy in his family so he has to work (because women can't). Ameer works everyday in the busy market so he can support his family. He works very hard, but can still only get enough money to eat and live. He does the same routine everyday. So imagine if you were him. I know I would act a whole lot differently.

For more information about Afghanistan street children, and a fabulous organization please visit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPAFSvgH_Xw