Childhood in Guyana: Struggles and Joys

Growing up in Guyana in the 70s, 80s, 90s, and even into the

2000s was not the soft, easy childhood people talk about today. Back then,

families were big. Some households had eight children, some had ten, some had thirteen.

A yard full of siblings meant laughter, yes, but it also meant responsibility.

The older ones carried the younger ones, cooked for them, watched over them, and sometimes sacrificed

their own childhood so the family could survive. For many children, school was not guaranteed.

Some mornings you put on your uniform, ready to go, only to hear your mother say,

“Stay home today, I need help.” Maybe a baby was sick. Maybe water had to be fetched.