Click here to sponsor a child like Arnold! All About Arnold... Arnold is 10 years old. He was born on October 15th, 1996 in the Philippines. He lives with his parents and 3 siblings; Ariel, Arnel and Arbeth. They live together in a one-room house. That has a wood burning stove and a dirt floor. In school Arnold enjoys Mathematics. After school, he stays busy by playing basketball and going to church. He also helps his mother around the house and runs small errands in the neighborhood. Family's monthly income: $70.00 Read our letters from Arnold... Capital: Manila Population: 74.4 million Language: Pilipino, English & 87 dialects Access to Clean Water: Urban - 92% Rural-80% Access to Adequate Sanitation: Urban- 92% Rural -71% Under 5 mortality rate: 4.2% GNP per capita: $1,020 There are more than 80 languages and dialects spoken in the Philippines and it is considered highly rude to speak to a Filipino in the wrong language. Still, Pilipino and English are the official languages of the country and English is commonly used in business, government and higher education. More than 80% of Filipinos are Catholic. Christmas is widely observed throughout the country and residents begin decorating in September. The festivities continue until All Saint's Day on January 6th. During this time, children frequently go caroling and are given money and treats. Filipinos value family above independence and harmony over conflict. Filipinos are considered sensitive, relaxed people who avoid giving bad news. Typically, several generations of a family live together under the same roof. Many children are unable to attend schools because their families cannot afford the required supplies, uniforms, and tuition. Depending on the location, many homes have dirt floors, no plumbing and no electricity.