Puerto Rico's children: a focus of concern ... and source of inspiration
Half the houses in their seaside town may have lost their roofs, parents may have been thrown out of work, and surging waters may have claimed a favorite sofa for watching TV.
But Pablo Rivera and Yadiel Villalona have to admit that, from their perspective as 12-year-old boys, there are advantages to be seized upon in the aftermath of hurricane Maria.
Like the fact that days on end without school means more time to practice three-point shots and the quick breakaway on the local basketball court.
“My heart was beating fast during the storm, but our building was OK and now I’m fine,” says Yadiel, who lives in a public-housing high-rise in this poor town known for its beachfront seafood stalls.
His friend Pablo had a rougher experience with Maria – “Our roof didn’t blow away, but water came in anyway and we lost pretty much everything,” he says – but he too takes a dismissive approach to the calamity that beset Puerto Rico.
“We helped clean up the court three days after the storm and
'What's important hasn't changed'From kids, a sense of solidarityFocus on helping others'Puerto Rico will rise up!'