A 7-year-old boy named juan pablo spoke softly when he was introduced to President Bill Clinton two weeks ago. "I lost my whole family," he told the President. "I miss them, my mama and my papa."
Juan Pablo became an orphan last October, when Hurricane Mitch tore across his village in the country of Nicaragua. The heavy rains sent a sea of mud sliding down a nearby volcano, burying farms and homes. Juan was buried in mud up to his neck for two days before being rescued. Now he lives in a tent camp along with a thousand other people left homeless by Hurricane Mitch.
President Clinton visited Juan's ruined village and many others like it on a four-day trip to Central America. He brought money, supplies and words of encouragement. "A hurricane, a mud slide. They can destroy lives, they can destroy homes," Clinton said. "But they must not be allowed to destroy hope."
An Awful Aftermath
The winds have quieted, the mud has dried, and the rain stopped long ago. But in Central America, the effects of Hurricane Mitch are still felt. The storm killed 9,000 and caused $10 billion in damage.
Many of Mitch's victims were children. Those who survived the storm have found it hard to return to normal life. Teenagers left without homes are drifting north toward Mexico, looking for work and shelter. Many kids are out of school, becauses the buildings are being used as emergency housing. Even those with a place to stay are haunted by nightmares. "I dream that children are being swept away, grownups and little children," says a 15-year-old girl in Nicaragua.
Waiting For More Help
Although the U.S. and other countries have sent some money to help Central America, the region needs more aid. The President has asked Congress for $956 million more, but Congress has not yet approved the funds. First it must agree on where that money should come from. For now, children like Juan Pablo cling to the hope that help will arrive soon.
If you would like to help, speak to your teacher. There's information in the Teacher's Guide this week.