Mithas (7) is in second grade. Her mother can only contribute little to the family budget by working odd jobs and teaching Yoga. Mithas father does not contribute at all to the costs of living, not even to the costs of education or health. Mithas has a quick intellectual grasp. She may well lead a group, for example by proposing rules. Mitha has noticeably high expectations of herself and want to be perfect in every way. She is a creative girl when she plays as well as in handicrafts. She also loves to listen to music.

Valentina (*26.11.1998) is in class 5. She is a very responsible girl and loves nature. In school she likes especially painting and handwork. Her father is an automechanic, but unemployed for several years although looking for a job all the time.

Rafael (*24.6.1997) is in class 6. He is a complete artist, he paints, draws, sculpt and in general has talent on his hands. His mother owns a small grocery store in their neighborhood and is always willing to help at school. The father abandoned the family.

Juan Pablo (* 2.9.1998) attends Class 6, but has the development of a six-year-old and cannot speak yet. He is a bright witty rascal who loves to play jokes on his fellow students every now and then. Furthermore he loves to eat a lot and always takes off his shoes. His father earns the minimum wage and his mother occasionally works as a cleaning help.

Esteban (* 03.12.1993) attends grade 10. In spite of his autism, he is a communicative young man. With a lot of enthusiasm he participates in all kind of games during the break and leads heated discussions, about which football team is better. He also has a special interest in history.He lives on a farm just outside of Medellin. There on the farm, his mother earns her minimum wage (167 €).

Miguel attends the Kindergarten Caracol. He lives with his family in Pasajcap of San Marcos La Laguna. He is 6 years old and has four older siblings, one of whom is Mariano and just started school with him. His mother works at home and his father works as a groundskeeper. They like to spend time together at home during the week and on the weekends they enjoy getting together with extended family for lunch.

Mariano, 3rd Grade, is is the older brother of Miguel. He is 10 years old and is the middle child of five children. Mariano just started Escuela Caracol together with Miguel.

Magdaluna (11) lives with her mother and 5-year-old brother, Jacobo. Her mother works as the receptionist and housekeeper of a small hotel. Although her mother has many responsibilities at home and with the hotel she is an active parent at the school. Luna's father does not support the family. Luna is a highly intelligent, graceful and energetic student. She is a leader in her class and speaks Kaqchikel, Spanish and English. Luna enjoys anything having to do with the stage be it singing, dancing or acting. She enjoys the applause she receives on stage at school events.

Jimena (*09.10. 1999) is 12 years old and attends 6^th grade. She has two brothers, who also attend the Centro Educativo Goethe in Mexico City. Jimena is a sweet, sporty girl. In she participates well in class, is always interested in the topics and has a good memory. With ease she solves mathematical problems, her writing is beautiful and she reads with a clear articulation. Furthermore she loves to play guitar and the alto flute.

Ana Karen (* 21.12.1999) is in 6^th grade. She is eleven years old and has two younger brothers who are also attending the same school. Ana Karen loves to go to school. She likes to participate in lessons and is very careful in her work. Although both parents have jobs, their income is not enough for the family.

Emiliano is a 12-year-old boy, attending the 6th grade, who was born in Mexico City. He is an only child who likes going to school, loves singing, enjoys playing the flute and is quite good in math.

Jimena attends the first grade. She has a wonderful and powerful imagination and observes a lot. Furthermore she thinks a lot about her own little concerns, but is also always aware of the problems of others. Both her parents are lawyers, but earn very little in Peru. They are deeply convinced of Waldorf education.