Living On One Dollar

We've all been taught what being the poorest of the poor and what people living in poverty must face, what their everyday challenges are, and how they must find a source of income, but do we really know what it feels like? Or how we would have to deal with such a lifestyle? Well four American college students take on that challenge by moving to a rural Guatemala village for two months, and living on only a dollar a day. But because most villagers in Guatemala are paid sporadically, and they knew they would be going through with this for 56 days, they put in slips with numbers on a hat that would add up to 56 dollars. So some days they would be able to draw a 0 dollars, and other days they would be able to draw 9 dollars.

As economic majors focusing on international development, they came into the country with the assumption that they knew what they were doing, and that they would find easy answers when it comes to dealing with poverty. While there, they experienced extreme hunger, unsanitary conditions, and parasites. And no, they weren't able to find easy answers to the situation of poverty. But while there, they met people with extraordinary stories. There was a woman who wanted to be a nurse, but couldn't because she was too poor to and dropped out of school, there was a generous man they met who shared his story of living in poverty and how he was able to survive and be a little well off than others, and there was a little boy who was forced to drop out of elementary school to work so his family could survive.

This movie was definitely an eye-opener. It showed us the struggles of living impoverished, how difficult of a situation it is, what can be done to alleviate the poverty, and how people were able to get out of poverty.

An interesting concept they showed in the film was a bank that gave out loans without the question of income, identity, and other factors. If one walked in needing a loan, then they would get it, and the benefits of this institution were mighty. People were able to start a businesses with the loan, they were able to buy crucial things they needed for their households and families, and even be able to go back to school. 

This film highlights the struggles of millions of people, and reminds us how lucky we are despite what we might not have. Most importantly, it is an inspiring and empowering documentary that shows us what everyday people can do for others and the world.