Most Dangerous Ways To School | MEXICO | Free Documentary

The script opens with a dramatic portrayal of the perilous journey children face to reach their school in the Sierra Madre Occidental of Northwestern Mexico. The Raramuri children must endure freezing temperatures, treacherous climbs, and the risk of exhaustion to attend the boarding school in Cerocahui, which is known for being one of the most dangerous and longest routes to education in the world. Despite the risks, these children are driven by their desire for a better life and the hope that education will provide it.

This paragraph highlights the challenges faced by Raramuri children, such as Teresa, Filomena, and Ankara, who must balance their responsibilities at home with their pursuit of education. The narrative describes the harsh living conditions in the Sierras, where families like Lorenzo's barely survive on their garden's produce and the government-funded boarding school provides three free meals a day. The children's journey is not just physically demanding but also a testament to their resilience and the sacrifices made by their families.

Lorenzo's story is featured in this section, detailing his early morning start and the two-hour trek through the Sierras to reach his school. The path is fraught with danger, including navigating steep slopes and loose stones. Despite the hardships and the physical toll, Lorenzo's determination to attend school and play with his friends is evident. The narrative also touches on the broader issue of child labor and education in Mexico, where an estimated 40% of the indigenous population is illiterate.

The script describes the arduous journey of Teresa, Filomena, and Ankara as they make their way to school, stopping to enjoy the juice from apache pine seeds, a natural candy that helps to alleviate their hunger. The girls face a dangerous descent and must navigate a steep slope that their mother warns them about. The paragraph also emphasizes the physical and emotional challenges the children endure, as well as their resourcefulness in utilizing nature's offerings for sustenance.

This section of the script focuses on the practical difficulties faced by the children, such as broken sandals and the need for new ones, which are a significant expense for their families. It also shows Lorenzo's journey, where he finds respite by eating the leaves of a creosote bush, believed to have healing properties, to gain strength for the remainder of his journey. The narrative paints a picture of the children's daily struggles and their reliance on the natural environment.

The script delves into the Raramuri culture, their tradition of long-distance running, and the historical context of their settlement in the Sierras due to the arrival of the Spanish Conquistadors. It also describes the family's struggle to make ends meet, with the mother weaving baskets for income and the father and grandfather contributing to the household. The paragraph paints a vivid picture of the Raramuri way of life and the importance of tradition and community.

The narrative follows Lorenzo as he faces his most significant challenge yet: a narrow path along the face of a cliff. The description is filled with tension as Lorenzo carefully navigates the precarious route, with a 300-meter drop into the abyss below. Despite his fear, he perseveres, motivated by the prospect of reaching the boarding school and not having to traverse the path for a few days.

This section highlights the impact of weather on the children's journey to school and their participation in the Corn Beer Festival, a cultural celebration with ancient rites and Catholic influences. The festival is a time of sharing and praying for rain, which is scarce in the region. The script describes the girls' experience at the festival, the communal meal, and the sudden rain that brings a chill to the celebration.

The final paragraph describes the life at the boarding school, where children sleep in simple metal huts or share mattresses due to overcrowding. The narrative emphasizes the harsh conditions, with nighttime temperatures dropping to zero degrees Celsius. Despite the difficulties, the children dream of a better future, free from worries and poverty, as they fall asleep after a long and exhausting day.