Wow. What a picture. It seems the kids would be cramped, uncomfortable and unhappy in such close quarters. Instead they're smiling- ready to head off to school. It makes me long for the simplicity of this life but also sad for the poverty that surrounds. Affordable and clean technologies is necessary, but maybe not in all cases. I suppose these kids are probably not the safest in this vehicle though... Thanks for sharing this.

Aimee, they were probably smiling because they knew someone was taking a photo (notice they almost all look at the camera).

Being very poor doesn't automatically mean that you'll be less happy, but on average, it certainly doesn't help. Not one bit.

I don't know about being extremely poor, but all I know is that some of the most happy people I know are poor and most of the rich people I know are very unhappy. It just goes to show that money does not buy you happiness.

Well these photos are now rare in Delhi since from the image it is clear that the photo is of some school in Paharganj area FYI delhi has a huge fleet of school cabs running on CNG. Yes i agree that these all tricycle are also used but in the areas where there is less feasibility of a cab to enter since these areas are congested. An estimate cost of cab or school bus for one month here in Delhi is about 12$ in INR Rs. 500 for a month.

Well these photos are now rare in Delhi since from the image it is clear that the photo is of some school in Paharganj area FYI delhi has a huge fleet of school cabs running on CNG. Yes i agree that these all tricycle are also used but in the areas where there is less feasibility of a cab to enter since these areas are congested. An estimate cost of cab or school bus for one month here in Delhi is about 12$ in INR Rs. 500 for a month.

@Aimee

I think you're employing wishful thinking because I only see one child smiling in the left of the photo. The rest of those kids seem pretty unhappy about the situation. Don't wax nostalgic about a more simple life at the expense of those less fortunate than you. If I were living in the conditions these kids are dealing with, I'd prefer to walk to school.

It's all about making tough guys

Leapfrogging Is Needed
We feature it because it's a striking image, but also a reminder that developing countries need clean and affordable technologies now to be able to improve their lives without putting too much strain on Earth's ecosystems.

It seems to me we are looking a legitimate clean & affordable technology now that is improving lives (children's education) without putting too much strain on Earth's ecosystems.

If the issue is safety of the children - the cramping can be reduced with a larger tricycle fleet. As for collision risk, that requires a system of road rules that is often lacking in developing countries. As for emissions risk - that goes to the quandry of inexpensive motorization in developing countries...too often using the least expensive and dirtiest fuel.

We have to get comfortable with the realities of limited access to resources as more people can afford their rightful claim to their fair share.

"Don't wax nostalgic about a more simple life at the expense of those less fortunate than you."

At the expense of others? I disagree- "less fortunate" is a term that has no definition- believe me, money doesn't bring happiness- I've had an "abundance" of money and lived in "poverty". Both of them sucked for different reasons. But, I also realized that a life full of collected and obsessed about "things" is no life at all. After experiencing both, I have chosen to bring simplicity into my life and also appreciate the comforts of food and a shelter over my head. In this choice, nobody lies in "expense" of my choices.

Great pic!

And for me poverty is sometimes just a label, and from what I saw in India those in 'poverty' could be said to look a darn sight happier than some of us in the west. It could be said some in the west live in spiritual poverty...

But, like I said, lovely picture! : )

certainly there's more to this picture than we know.
every child goes about their childhood and schooling differently. It is commonly said that the children are the future- but the opportunities and chances are not the same and clearly when one child is driven to a private school in a big city another finds him/herself walking long distances to reach public transportation to school or walk to school and another child is working to help support his family.

we each see this picture differently but share a common understanding.