For this years Unicef photo competition I, Elmer Machuca Chacon (19 years, Peru) have chosen to tell my story about “How children are the victim of the poverty”.

FairMail Peru photographer Elmer Machuca Chacon

Sometimes life can be so difficult for parents that the children end up just as much a victim of poverty as them. This is a story I lived myself, but of course couldn’t take pictures of at that time.

During times each day is a nightmare. My niece hopes for daily bread, but sometimes there is none.

That is why in these photos I choose to tell MY story through the eyes of my 5 year old niece called Annabel.

Enjoy while it lasts, because nice tastes of life come and go.

I want to show how she lives in poverty in the dessert on the outskirts of Trujillo.

Step by step reflecting on the injustice in life

Together with her mother and my alcoholic brother.

The best moment, because god came to her house and blessed her with food.

What her actual situation is and how she survives and maintains herself in a very complicated world filled with a lot of sadness.

Sadness starts when the perspective for a better life is lost

But despite the sadness I also see her strength.

Trying to regain the right to study

The strength to survive and to get out of her situation in a country where there is little support for children.

Below the look is the pain inside.

Through my pictures I like to show this inner strength many children do have.

A sweet look in times of sadness.

I want to show that children, with the help of organizations and other children can utilize this inner force to break the chain of poverty and create a better life for themselves and their families.

Happiness comes like opening the water tap once a week.

Because the world should be a happy place for everyone.

FairMail Peru photographer Elmer Machuca Chacon

I hope to become a lighting example for other children that this is possible, as it is my dream to study Cinema and Photography. I want to become a famous director and make a film like Slumdog Millionaire!