Many poor families go to the mountains to scrounge for their firewood. A huge bundle will be bound together and carried home balanced on a person's head. All these demands of daily living prompt one to realize the slow advances made in these many years of civilization. The resources are here, but the know-how is lacking in most instances, especially in forestry, farming, mineralogy, and business. Quality control and customer service is uncommon.
Sanitation is a great problem .
Many Peace Corps Volunteers are promoting the building of latrines. Disease is rampant due to water contamination. It is harvest time and the children assist with it. It is time to pick the corn, beans, coffee, and to harvest the wheat. Education is not mandatory and it is surprising to see the numbers of children not being educated.