In the Congolese village of Mont-Belo, we met a bright fourth grader, Jovali Obamza, who is about to be expelled from school because his family is three months behind in paying fees. Jovali's dad, Georges Obamza, weaves straw stools that he sells for $1 each. He said that the family is eight months behind on its $6-a-month rent and is in danger of being evicted, with nowhere to go."It's hard to get the money to send the kids to school," Mr Obamza explained, a bit embarrassed. But Mr Obamza and his wife, Valerie, have cellphones and spend a combined $10 a month on call time. In addition, Mr Obamza goes drinking at a village bar, spending about $1 an evening on moonshine. That adds up to about $12 a month -- almost as much as the family rent and school fees combined.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/23/opinion/23kristof.html
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