This young Peruvian girl is pictured solving a math problem at the tiny school in one of Lima's many pueblos jovenes, urban slums that developed as thousands of people fled political violence in the countryside. Her intense concentration symbolizes the dedication to self-improvement I've seen in many children I've met.

You also can view Mas Fino En Mexico, A Boy's Best Friends, Hold It Right There, Outside Looking In and Lunch Makes Me Sleepy.