Real lives "I get up at 5am to tend the crops and our three pigs, two cows, two calves and eight guinea pigs. Life in Aricota is okay really. We have support from the ActionAid project, especially in growing garlic and potato. Some of my land near the lagoon has turned into desert. It's worse in other areas. Every year there is something to worry me. The potatoes might get blight or freeze in the ground. Last year I got flu and was in bed for two weeks. As I couldn't work our crops suffered. They were late and of poor quality, so we didn't get good prices." Gerardo Aguilar Casso, Farmer in Aricota in the Andes. "I have lots of friends at school and sit next to David. He doesn't come everyday because he has to help his parents in their field. I love drawing and my picture of a watering can is the one I like best. I also like doing riddles and learning about nature. At break time I play volley ball and sometimes I water the plants in the school garden. At home I have to wash dishes, peel potatoes and help in the kitchen. I also take the cows to the fields. I like helping my brother and sister with their homework. When I am older I want to be a teacher." Isaura, Gerado's daughter, aged 10.