Valerio Castro Tito first found out about Trickle Up at a meeting of the Oruro District IV neighborhood association, of which he is president. The married father of four chose to use his Trickle Up grant to build a carousel. He purchased tools and raw materials with which he cast molds of cartoon characters like Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, and Dumbo. Initially he set up the carousel at local fairs, but later he installed it on weekends at a local green space. He charged about $.12 per ride. His weekly income totaled about $15. To supplement these profits, his wife, Blanca, cooked and sold lunches to visitors.

But then the public space where he set up the carousel was bought by private investors, making it impossible for him to install his carousel there. To complicate matters further, Blanca started having migraines which made it difficult for her to cook and sell lunches alongside the carousel business and which also brought in costly medical bills. So Don Valerio sold off some of his tools and the carousel equipment, and, after training with a local neighborhood organization, he launched a business fixing automobiles. Now he brings home around $30 a week – enough to buy food and send his children to school.

Blanca’s migraines have continued and a recent MRI showed a gray spot on her brain. Sadly, the family cannot afford to treat it. With Blanca unable to work, Don Valerio is unwavering in his commitment to supporting his family. “My wife is sick,” he said, “so it’s up to me.”