Abstract
This thesis uses qualitative and photographic methods to examine how children who live in a Haitian slum, Cité Soleil, view their own impoverished conditions. They demonstrate a high level of fearlessness, compassion and altruism as well as a strong sense of connection to their community. They express a sense of obligation to their families, friends, community and country. The two things they talked about most were first their denunciation of dangerous conditions in their community and second their concern about getting an opportunity to attend school. Their constructions of poverty reflect food insecurity, lack of money to buy water, concerns for their parents and for others they consider even less fortunate. The depth of their need is demonstrated by what they told me of their dreams and wishes. Their voices and images reveal the vivid face of those most vulnerable to global actions and choices which is discussed primarily within a world systems perspective.