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Photos celebrate the glory of girls on 'International Day of the Girl'



Huanucollo elementary students play with llamas along a nearby river during a visit from Engineers Without Borders USA members. From left to right: Judith Paola, 10, Nely Chambilla Huayta, 8, and Lisseth Carola Paredes Laura, 9. 

Out of 151 water samples recently taken by the World Health Organization throughout Peru, more than 75 percent exceed the recommended limit. In Huanucollo the arsenic level is nearly 50 times above the WHO-recommended level. Scientists estimate about 14 million people in Latin America are exposed to drinking water with unsafe levels of arsenic.

October 11 is the “International Day of the Girl” on the United Nations calendar. These photos pay tribute to the spirit of girls in a world where they face many obstacles.

(Image credit: Danielle Villasana)