rEaLity iN mExicO...

Recently I've learned a lot about Mexico. I'm a curious person and so I ask questions. But what I have learned has made me think, a lot. My dad asked me before I left whether or not Mexico was a third world country. I didn't really know and I assumed it wasn't so I just said no. But what I've learned is that it isn't a first world country, nor a second world country. It is a "developing" county. About 50% of the population lives in poverty as a third world country. 20% live as a first world country, like the U.S. and the remaining 30% are middle class. I guess I wasn't expecting these numbers, so they took me by surprise.
Friday morning, as we were driving through small towns I saw lots of children walking to school. I inquired about the education system here and what I learned breaks my heart. 4 in 100 children that begin elementary school graduate from high school and 1 in 300 make it to the University. Many children are forced to quit their studies to help their families make ends meet. Kristine and I met one Mexican girl the first time we went to a bible study. Her name is Norma and she is new to the faith. She is 23 years old and she works from 7-3 in her family's panaderia. From 4-8 she attends school. She works six days a week. She is not in the University yet. I can't believe it. I don't know how she does it. But I've learned that this is not an uncommon situation here. Carlos also informed me that only 60% of the teachers actually pass a test issued covering mathematics and grammar.
I also learned that minimum wage is 50 pesos for 8 hours. That is equivalent to just under 5$ for a whole days work. I know..... the first time I heard this I thought I misunderstood but when I asked for clarification these same numbers stared me in the face. About 40/45 % of the people earn this. Others earn maybe two or three times this. But if you think about it, it's not a whole lot more. I've heard many people argue that Mexican prices are way cheaper, but in reality they are not a whole lot different from the U.S. At least, not enough to make up for the difference in pay. Many people work six days a week and get paid for seven days of work. I still can't believe it. I make twice the minimum wage in ONE hour of work. Carlos shared with me that the problem with Mexico is the poor distribution of money and that is due to a lack of Education.
I am really enjoying my experience here. I live with a middle class family. But I so wish that I could experience the other 50% of Mexico. I want to know both sides, and it makes me so sad that what I'm receiving here, is the best of the best. I don't want to walk away from Mexico only having known the 50% of Mexico that is first world. I want to experience and learn more about how the other half live. I'm hoping that I will have that opportunity.....

I posted some pics so you can click on the link to view them.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/princesavioleta/