My name is Arely and I’m 11 years old.  I lived with my mommy and stepfather before I came here.  He is a bad man and my mom didn’t treat me well.  My other two sisters and I were taken away from them because the police said that they stole something.  They were involved in gang activities and now both are in prison.
 
The Institute for Children brought Angela, Yasmin and I to the Promised Land.  I remember that they were having a party that day.  I love being at ÉXODO because I have lots of friends to play with.  I am in 2nd grade and when I grow up I want to be a doctor.

Lack of education and basic health care means a hard life for many in El Salvador. Economic conditions have been hardened by many events including the Civil War and major natural disasters, recently including two earthquakes in 2001, an eruption of the Santa Ana volcano in 2005 and hurricanes in 1998 and 2005.