Julie, flower seller in the Philippines (P)

Julie is a 10 year old girl who lives in Manila with her family. Julie's father is unemployed and her mother sells flowers and key rings in clubs near their home. Being the youngest of six children in her family, she has always accompanied her mother, helping her to sell flowers from 10pm till 5am. Living in poverty has forced Julie to resort to the same job of selling flowers and key chains. Julie is exposed to drunks and street fighting as she sells her goods on the streets during the night. Families rely on make-shift housing Julie's family has been part of the Philippine Government's Street and Urban Working Children Project, which receives funding assistance from the Australian Government's overseas aid program. They receive rice, school supplies and a school scholarship. Julie is a bright and diligent student who dreams of becoming a nurse, "to help her family and the poor and sick people".