10 Year Old Boy Risking his Life picking spinach at the Lake to Buy Food and School Supplies

Life in the Lake of Water Spinach: The Story of Lawrence's Perseverance

A Dream Through Kangkong Harvesting

In a quiet part of Laguna Lake, a ten-year-old boy rows his boat, gathering "kangkong" (water spinach). He isn’t here for leisure but to earn money for his school supplies for the upcoming school year.

“I don't have school supplies yet. I can't afford to buy them,” the boy says carefully as he rows.

Braving the Elements

Lawrence rows carefully as he starts his day. Suddenly, rain pours down in the middle of their water spinach harvesting. Despite his small frame, Lawrence is determined to help his family.

"I am careful with my work," he says. It was a clear Wednesday morning at Lorenz's house in Baras, Rizal. Lawrence was preparing to go out with his mother Lizelle and stepfather Denmark.

The Daily Struggle

"This is our food for the day," Lawrence says, showing their packed meals for breakfast and lunch. Riding a motorized boat, they head to the part of the lake abundant with kangkong. Three small boats, called Boka Boka, are tied to their main boat. Lawrence transfers to one of the smaller boats to start picking kangkong.

"The big boat can't get in close. “I wore a jacket because it was hot. Before we start picking, we eat first,” the boy shares.

Overcoming Obstacles

Due to the thick growth of water spinach in the lake, rowing becomes difficult. Lawrence remains on the Boka Boka while picking, but eventually wades into the water to speed up the process.

"I sometimes let him pick in the shallow parts," his mother Lizelle explains. "I just want to pick kangkong because it feels like playing. But there are many insects and spiders that make my skin itch. My nails hurt from the sap when picking kangkong."

Lizelle clarifies that she doesn't force her son to work. 

"He cries if I don’t take him with me."

The Family's Fight for Survival

Lizelle didn't finish her education, so she supports her children through kangkong harvesting. She has four children from a previous relationship and one from her current partner.

"This is the only job I know," she says. They usually earn 200 pesos a day, but how can this be enough for their growing family?

One of Lizelle's children is with her sister because she doesn't know how to feed them. Their target for the day was to gather fifteen bundles of kangkong.

"Each bundle sells for 20 pesos," Lizelle explains.

The Sudden Change in Weather

In the middle of their harvesting, the weather worsened again. When the rain stopped, Lawrence took the first five bundles they gathered to sell.

"I send him home first. His siblings also don't have food. I am not afraid because I know how to swim," Lawrence says.

Lawrence sold the five bundles to their waiting clients.

"Five bundles, 20 pesos. Or five bundles, 100 pesos," he says. "Thank you. I will buy rice and sardines."

He spent 90 pesos on a can of sardines and a kilo of rice.

Education: A Glimmer of Hope

"I saved 10 pesos to buy school supplies. I only have two notebooks and one pencil left from last year."

Lawrence believes that education will lift them out of poverty, and he is determined to finish his studies.

"When I grow up, I want to be a policeman. If not, I will work hard to find a job."

A Helping Hand

Lawrence's story touched the heart of content creator Jun, who featured him in a vlog.

"Life is tough here, "kuya" (big brother)," Jun says. "This is for you. I will buy your kangkong. Thank you. Lawrence was moved to tears."

"I know, Lawrence, life is hard. That's why I chose to film you because I was touched by your story."

Young children like Lawrence should be enjoying their childhood and going to school to pave the way for a better future.

A Ray of Hope

On Thursday, the local government of Baras provided groceries and financial assistance to Lawrence's family—10,000 pesos to start a small business.

"Thank you very much," Lizelle says. They will also receive 2,000 pesos annually until Lawrence finishes high school.

"Thank you to everyone who helped," Lizelle continues. A TV program provided Lawrence with school supplies, a new bag, and a uniform.

Lawrence adds, "I pray to Papa Jesus that Mama will no longer struggle, and we can overcome our hardships. Please help us."