Most Recent Blog Posts

• It's Christmas Time in the Cit It's Christmas Time in the City

  • From: CI_CommUALR
  • Description:

    The hustle and bustle has set in here in Little Rock. People from all over the state are in and out of the capital city doing all their Christmas shopping and errand running before the kids are out of school for Christmas Break.

    The UALR Children International staff has been in and out of schools working to finish requirements and get sponsors' gifts to the sponsored children. The children are antsy and ready for the end of the week when they will be free of school for two long weeks.

    Last week, the staff delivered Christmas stockings and winter coats to five elementary school, and Mrs. Claus made an appearance.

    

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    It never gets old to see a child's face light up when Mrs. Claus hands out stockings and coats. Screams of joy fill the air, and each child promises to be good until Santa comes. Then, the kids rummage through their stocking to find brand new school supplies, a toothbrush, a toy and a candy cane.

    While only sponsored children get winter coats, all the children in each of the five schools received a stocking full of goodies.

    So with 11 days until Christmas, we must all be reminded that the true spirit of Christmas is selfless giving. Whether it be giving money, time, food or gifts, it's the perfect time give back to our sponsored children in Little Rock and around the world.

    How will you give back this Holiday season?

  • Blog post
  • 1 month ago
  • Views: 163

• Una Carta Desde El Corazón Una Carta Desde El Corazón

  • From: CI_CommSTO
  • Description:

    Sandy Antonio López Tejada es un joven de 18 años de edad, apadrinado desde el año 2000. Ha participado en varias actividades del programa de jóvenes de la agencia en la República Dominicana. Formó parte del equipo de 10 jóvenes que recibieron capacitación especial en liderazgo, aportando su esfuerzo y dedicación en la ejecución de un proyecto comunitario que consistió en la instalación de un centro de computos en su comunidad. Ha recibido formación técnico-profesional a través de los cursos de Becas Hope y, como casi todos los jóvenes dominicanos, es un excelente bailarín.

    Sandy es lo que se llama un joven saludable y en capacidad de tomar las riendas de su vida. Antes de formar parte de los grupos, fue "rescatado" de un grupo que, según su madre "estaba en malos pasos". Gracias al programa de apadrinamiento, Sandy es otro.

    Consciente de que el año proximo podría ser su último año en el programa de apadrinamiento, Sandy escribió una linda y emotiva carta que en este blog compartiré con ustedes. En su carta expresa su agradecimiento por "por ser amables" con él y por la ayuda recibida, deseando al final una feliz navidad para quienes considera han sido su soporte y apoyo durante tantos años.

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    En un mundo tan hermoso hemos nacido gracias a nuestro Señor (Dios), tenemos la voluntad de conocer y aprender a vivir y a sonreír. Somos el ser más querido para él y le doy las gracias a él porque me permitió conocer a Children International. Compartir una vida diferente con todos ustedes y sonreír alegremente. Me enseñaron un poco como vivir la vida y sobre todo siempre me dieron su apoyo. En estas cuantas letras les doy las gracias a cada uno de ustedes por su compartir y sus amistades que me ofrecieron. Hoy en día me siento joven, muy orgulloso y saben a quienes se lo debo principalmente a mi Dios, a mis padres y a ustedes. Gracias por ser amables conmigo, gracias por darme su ayuda. Que pasen una feliz navidad. Gracias.

    Feliz Navidad a todos.

    Atentamente,

    Sandy 
    (ID 779164)

    

  • Blog post
  • 1 month ago
  • Views: 113

• ¡Vamos a Jugar! ¡Vamos a Jugar!

  • From: CI_CommSTO
  • Description:

    El proyecto Game On es una experiencia de trabajo juvenil que Children International promociona en sus agencias, que buscar a través del deporte fortalecer valores positivos y habilidades de vida de los niños, niñas y jóvenes.

    

     Para Brauly es única y así lo expresa: "yo voy a la cancha y juego. Me gusta correr y me gustan los deporte. También aprendo muchas cosas más como los valores. Lo que más me gusta es el uniforme".

    

     

    En la República Dominicana más de 292 niños y niñas apadrinados están participando en las comunidades de Tanquecitos y Los Tres Brazos.  Con este proyecto se pretender continuar apoyando a los niños, niñas y jóvenes y ofrecerles un espacio sano e integrado para promover su desarrollo.

    

    Uno de los elementos más significativos es la participación de los jóvenes como voluntarios deportivos. "Nosotros somos los entrenadores. Los niños nos escuchan y respetan. Es lindo participar en esta actividad".

    

    Esta es una experiencia única en el país, que está siendo ejecutada en dos de sus 8 áreas de servicios. Para el 2012 está experiencia será replicada, además de las comunidades de Tanquecitos y Los Tres Brazos, en La Caleta y Mendoza. 

    

     

    

  • Blog post
  • 2 months ago
  • Views: 83

• In Their Shoes In Their Shoes

  • From: CI_CommUALR
  • Description:

    The UALR Children International staff recently went on a staff retreat. One activity we did really stood out to me because it put all of us in the same place as our sponsored children.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Each of us was given a balloon, and we each wrote a name of a sponsored child on the balloon. The balloons became the physical repsentation of our sponsored children.

    During the activity, we had to carry our sponsored children through the course of their lives and see them through the ultimate goal of high school graduation. But we couldn't touch our balloons or each other to reach that goal.

    

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    We had to trust each other and communicate effectively so no child would be left behind. If a balloon hit the ground, it represented that child dropping out of Children International and not reaching their high school graduation. I know. It's heavy stuff.

    This really hit home for us as a staff because our sponsored children go through so much on a daily basis. We realized we could be the only structure and guidance our sponsored children are getting.

    Our kids may go home from school to an empty house every day. They may make their own meals or not eat a healthy dinner at all. They may not have a parent there to talk about school and help them with their homework. Older brothers and sisters are caring for their younger siblings. This is their daily lifestyle.

    All our balloons but one made it to graduation. As a staff, we felt humbled to have walked in the methaphoric shoes of our children, but we felt empowered to know what we do at Children International helps ease their burdens. It is a beautiful thing.

    

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    We were so happy. One little group activity changed our entire perspective on how we serve our sponsored children and their families. And we couldn't be more thrilled.

  • Blog post
  • 2 months ago
  • Views: 223

• Taking care of our planet Taking care of our planet

  • From: CI_CommGUY
  • Description:

    One of everyone’s main concerns nowadays is the future or our planet.  We need to be aware of the care our Earth needs to keep being our home for many years.

    
    Children now live this fact that many of us weren’t aware about when we were younger and they also learn and know a lot about the causes of global warming, the advantages of recycling, reducing disposals, and reusing materials, and they also share they knowledge with others during meetings and activities within our Service Area Centers.

    Ashley Barona is one of the most enthusiastic girls who likes to explain how we all can recycle in our homes and how to avoid environmental pollution. She and other kids took part in an Open House regarding Social Responsibility a few weeks ago.

                           Ashley explains the visitors about pollution and planet conservation

     

     

    

                Ashley and her friends from the Leadership Group want to take good care of our Earth!

  • Blog post
  • 2 months ago
  • Views: 151

• At What Age Is It Okay to Lose At What Age Is It Okay to Lose Hope?

  • From: CI_CommGRU
  • Description:

    At the age of 10 most children long for a toy, a ball of their favorite sport, a bicycle or the video game of the moment. Some others would appreciate new clothes or perhaps candies, but what 10 year-old Aristides wished for was a wheelchair. 
    For him, the wheelchair was a giant toy that he had seen a time or two, a toy that would help him move from one place to the next… not drag himself along the cobbled streets where he would sit each morning and watch people pass by.

    

    His condition, which obligated him to be just a part of the impoverished rural scenery, also made him vulnerable to all kinds of mockery, having survived an overwhelming illness that he still does not understand. He only knows that his small feet are different and because of that, he cannot walk. Nevertheless, Aristides sees himself as just like all the other children in his community and hopes they will include him in the games they play in the streets each day. Aristides’s mother, Mrs. Marcelina, comments:

    “He does not go to school. They wouldn’t accept him because he cannot walk; he can only crawl. He can’t reach the desk or go to bathroom alone. The teachers said that he must go to a special school, but that is something that doesn’t even exist here. The children of the block go out to play ball, and he asks me for permission to go out and play. That’s what he tells me, and so I put him in the doorway. From the ground he pretends like he is the sports announcer, or the referee, or a cheerleader, things like that. He does that seated, while he watches the other children run. Other organizations have come to see about his health condition, but when they see that he is more than 6 years old, they tell me that they cannot help us because they only help young children. That hurts so much.”

    

    Aristides listened to his mother’s words while he played with a small toy crane, a crane that, perhaps if it were bigger might help him move without crawling. This little boy is only ten years old. He can’t lose hope for a better life at this young age. We can’t resign him to a life on the floor…

    

    And the silent clamor of this small child reached the ears of our field staff, and although he is still not sponsored, he was chosen to receive a donation of a wheelchair. On the morning of the donation day, Aristides’s mother was telling her son over and over: “From today on, you are going to have your own wheelchair”, and with these words she prepared him for this long-awaited occasion.

    When the moment finally arrived for him to receive his wheelchair, it was a great joy for the entire family. It isn’t every day that there is a gesture of true love and generosity like this. He was thrilled with his wheelchair, and seemed to want to jump and inspect it from all sides. Then he asked repeatedly, “Who sent it to me? Who is my sponsor?  What is my sponsor’s name?”

    
    
    Aristides now has something more than a wheelchair; he has strength and renewed hope. Now he is just waiting to learn the name of the person to whom he can express his fondness and gratitude for having lifted him from the dirt and shown him that a miracle can happen any day.

     

  • Blog post
  • 2 months ago
  • Views: 398

• Youth Health Corps in Quito Youth Health Corps in Quito

  • From: CI_CommQTO
  • Description:

    Monica Rodriguez began working with Children International about 2 years ago, and during that time, her positive attitude and willingness to make a change in our communities, has started to pay off.

    

    Monica works with 130 teenagers that are part of the Youth Health Corps. This Children International program has as its main objective is to educate youth in subjects that are related to sexual and reproductive health. “Being a Youth Health Corp facilitator, has been a great chance to learn with the youth about the challenges they have to face day-to-day concerning their sexuality” Monica says. She has also become a friend to each one of these youth who look within the Children International staff, for qualified people who can guide and help them to improve their quality of life. “…I’m happy to be part of their lives, guiding them and sharing information that will lead them to make good decisions”

    

    The Youth Health Corps program was implemented at the Agency six years ago, and from that time, many youth have benefitted from the training. At the moment, more than 130 youth participate in this program, spreading their knowledge to other youth in their communities. In 2010 more than 12,000 youth were trained at the Quito Agency, in topics related to sexual and reproductive health.

    One of the challenges this program faces is reaching as many youth as possible, with accurate and correct information and most importantly with information that is based on significant values like respecting themselves and respecting others.

    This way, Children International is providing sponsored children and youth a complete training. Monica along with the Quito Agency staff, has a great challenge with thousands of children and youth who are eager to be trained as skillful, responsible and most importantly community-oriented people.

  • Blog post
  • 2 months ago
  • Views: 144

• Football: An American Institut Football: An American Institution

  • From: CI_CommUALR
  • Description:

    It's officially the fall season in Arkansas, and with the fall comes football. It's such a big deal in the U.S., the UALR Children International staff thought it would be a good idea to start up a football league. And let me just say it's been a huge success.

    

     

     

     

     

     

    It has been an awesome experience for the staff to teach and watch young children learn an organized team sport. It's been even better to see children having fun being active.

    

     

     

     

     

     

    This group of young boys practice together, stretch together, run together, participate in drills and learn plays. They don't think of it as physical activity geared toward their health and well-being. For them, it's football. A fun sport they've watched and loved all their lives.

    

     

     

     

     

     

    Not only do the football players learn about the game of football, they also learn about teamwork and trust. They are forming bonds that can only be formed when participating in an organized sport. And those bonds and lessons of teamwork and trust are lessons they will have and use throughout their lives. Now that's truly something amazing.

     

    

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    A big heartfelt thank you goes out to all the donors who fund programs in the donor proposal library. Without your gracious gifts, programs like the UALR Children International football league would not be able to happen. We thank you from the bottoms of our hearts.

  • Blog post
  • 3 months ago
  • Views: 124

• Edelyn: A Healthy Story Edelyn: A Healthy Story

  • From: CI_CommSTO
  • Description:

    Through the sponsorship programs we bring medical attention and promote healthy inhabit life for prevent illness. Those include free distribution of medicine, vitamins and proteins, application of flour, malnutrition rehabilitation and low weight, dental consultation and other. Complementally, we realize educational and prevention activities.

    Is a lot of that I can to tell you about our Health Programs. But, in this occasion, I want you know, through Edelyn’s eyes, how we work. She had an ear’s surgery which she recovered her academic quality, and she wants to tell us about that.

     

    First, she wants to know she is very thanks of you “Well first, I thank God for the help they gave me. I feel very well and very happy because the surgery went well. It's a blessing that God has given us. I've been happy lately, I do better in school. I hear well”.

    Also, Edelyn wants to talk how important was for her the surgery for her academic development and her future: “Before surgery I was not going well. By not listen well I was wrong. In the first half had an average of 65 and 70 and now I'm growing. The teacher tells me she is very happy and tells me to continue forward. I like the Tourism. I'm in a polytechnic and I like that race”.

     

    She, as other thousands of Dominican young people, thinks that Health and Education go together to ensure a better future for them: “I have received many benefits in the program. I did the technical career of Beauty; I participated in leadership workshops and health training. This has been a great help because I'm needed. Thanks to you I could go further in school and in my personal life. I have no words to say. Just thanks.”

     

    The individual story of Edelyn is not easy. He father is diabetic and her mother is unemployed. But they see the life with optimism and help in all the Agency need to do better their work in Cienfuegos’s community. Actually, Edelyn is participating at the Health Youth Corps, and thence grow and help other to find opportunity of receive information in order to prevent themselves of sexual illness and untimely pregnancy.

     

    “I am a very sure of myself. I go to youth meetings. They invite me and I learn and have fun a lot. I want to be co-facilitator of the Youth Health Corps or Youth Program. I would do the same they are doing with me. Help others people. I have no money, nor am I an expert, but I want to give to others what you've given me”.

     

    Her mother, Francia Almonte, also wanted to talk about her feeling: “. I am very grateful for everything you have offered here. I thank God because for many years Edelyn had a problem. Since her birth, she had this ear problem. If I had not come here did not have any help. I am poor and my husband is diabetic. Thanks for that surgery. We need one more, but I'm very hopeful”.

     

    “My tears were of sadness before but now joy”, says Edelyn’s mother.

     

    One of the things impacts me about this story, is the big smile that, permanently, Edelyn brings us. Her face looks happy. She is happy! And all thanks your helps that changed her life. Her face and her’ family’ faces radiate happiness. They are poor, but they are less poor because they have friendly hands in the sponsorship programs. And, so, Francia declares it: “Here they gave money to transport and even what I ate in the hospital. The program managed to come out cheaper and reached agreement with the hospital and came up cheapest. But whatever, I was not able to pay. The program saved my daughter's ears. I feel so grateful to God and this project and all staff. They gave me a hand. I hope that with God before we can do the operation is missing. On April 22 I have an appointment. Now she listens well, but she needs a second operation. It is a little she need. But is so much what you they given. I have not to buy medicine... Just I ask God that it project would never fall”.

  • Blog post
  • 3 months ago
  • Views: 138

• Una Historia del Programa de S Una Historia del Programa de Salud

  • From: CI_CommSTO
  • Description:

    A través del programa de Salud brindamos atención médica y promovemos hábitos de vida saludables para prevenir enfermedades. Esto incluye la distribución gratuita de medicamentos, vitaminas y proteínas, aplicación de flúor, rehabilitación de niños y niñas desnutridos y bajo peso, consulta dental entre otros servicios. Complementariamente realizamos actividades de educación y prevención.

    Es mucho lo que tenemos que contarles sobre el Programa de Salud. Sin embargo, en esta ocasión, quiero que conozcan este programa a través de los ojos de Edelyn. Ella fue operada de un oído gracias a lo cual pudo recuperar su calidad académica y quiere contarnos su experiencia y agradecimiento.

     

    Lo primero que quiere que sepan es que está muy agradecida: “Bueno primeramente, le doy gracias a Dios por la ayuda que me dieron. Me siento muy bien y muy feliz porque la operación salió bien. Es una bendición que Dios nos ha dado. Me he sentido feliz últimamente, me va mejor en la escuela. Oigo mejor”.

    Además, Edelyn quiere contarles qué tan importante fue para ella esta operación en su desarrollo educativo y su futuro: “Antes de la operación no me iba bien. Al no escuchar bien no me iba bien. En el primer semestre tenía un promedio en 65 y 70 y ahora estoy aumentando. La profesora me dice que está feliz y me dice que siga para adelante (…) A mí me gusta el Turismo. Yo estoy en un politécnico y esa carrera me gusta”.

    Ella, al igual que otros miles de jóvenes dominicanos, entiende que Salud y Capacitación Técnica van de la mano para asegurarle a los jóvenes un mejor futuro: “Yo he recibido muchos beneficios en el programa. Hice la carrera técnica de Belleza, participé en talleres de liderazgo y en capacitación de salud. Esto ha sido una gran ayuda porque soy muy necesitada. Gracias a ustedes he podido avanzar más en los estudios y en mi vida personal. No tengo palabras para decirles. Solo gracias”.

    La historia individual de Edelyn no es sencilla. Su padre es diabético y su madre no trabaja. Sin embargo miran con gran optimismo hacia adelante y se integran en todo lo que el programa necesite para realizar su obra en su comunidad.

    

    Edelyn actualmente participa de los Cuerpos de Salud de Jóvenes y desde allí crece y ayuda a que otros jóvenes encuentren la oportunidad de informarse para prevenir enfermedades de carácter sexual y embarazos a destiempo.

    “Me siento una persona muy segura de mí misma. Yo voy a las reuniones de jóvenes. Me invitan y aprendo y me divierto mucho. Me gustaría ser co-facilitadora de los Cuerpos de Salud de Jóvenes o del Programa de Jóvenes. Me gustaría hacer lo mismo que están haciendo conmigo. Ayudar a las demás personas. Yo no tengo dinero, ni soy una experta pero quiero darles a otros lo que me han dado a mí”.

     

    Su madre, Francia Almonte, también quizo expresar sus sentimientos ante la ayuda recibida: “Me siento muy agradecida de todo lo que me han ofrecido aquí. Le doy gracias a Dios porque por muchos años ella tenía ese problema. Desde que nació tenía ese problema de oído. Si yo no hubiera llegado aquí no tuviera ningún tipo de ayuda. Yo soy pobre y mi esposo es diabético. Gracias por esa cirugía. Le falta una más, pero estoy muy esperanzada”.

     

    “Mis lágrimas antes eran de tristeza pero ahora son de alegría”, dice la madre de Edelyn.

     

    Una de las cosas que más me impactan de esta historia, es la gran sonrisa que permanentemente Edelyn me regala durante la entrevista. Ella luce feliz. ¡Está feliz! Y todo gracias a una ayuda que pudo cambiar su vida. Su rostro y el de su familia irradian felicidad. Son pobres, sí, pero ahora lo son menos porque cuentan con la mano amiga del programa de apadrinamiento. Y así lo declara Francia: “Aquí me dieron el dinero del transporte y hasta lo que me comí en el hospital. El programa gestionó que saliera más económico y llegaron a acuerdo con el hospital y hasta más barato salió. Pero como quiera, yo no iba a poder pagarlo. El programa salvó los oídos de mi hija. Me siento tan agradecida de Dios y de este proyecto y de todo el personal. Me dieron una mano. Yo espero que con Dios delante, podamos hacer la operación que falta. El 22 de abril tengo cita. Ya ella escucha bien, pero falta una segunda operación. Es un “chin” lo que le falta. Pero es tanto lo que le han dado. No tengo que comprar medicamentos. Sólo le pido al  Señor Dios que este proyecto nunca se caiga”.

  • Blog post
  • 3 months ago
  • Views: 103
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• Eat, Pray and Make Merry Eat, Pray and Make Merry

  • From: CI_CommSAH
  • Description:

     

     Mother Goddess in all her glory

    

     

    

     

    One of the biggest social events of India, Durga Puja (Durga is the name of the Mother Goddess and Puja means “worship”) is the most prominent festival in not only West Bengal but all over India, where the Mother Goddess is venerated in one form or the other. This year it was celebrated with great pomp and show from 2nd October through 6th October, during which it was carnival time in Kolkata (Calcutta).

     

     

    

    Festival preparations began well in advance with gifts being bought for family and friends, idols being made by skilled artisans and scaffoldings being erected to make breathtaking pandals (marquees) which attracted visitors by thousands. Mouth-watering traditional delicacies were also prepared for the period of festivities.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Durga Puja began in Kolkata on Sunday, with idols of the Goddess Durga being displayed around the city in pandals for the public to view and worship. These pandals / marquees are made by using paper, wood, bamboos, clothes and other materials. The designers and decorators come up with a number of innovative ideas every year by erecting Puja pandals that are mesmerizing works of art. These aesthetically designed and decorated pandals, attracted streams of visitors, morning, noon and night. People, in their finery, thronged the streets,day and night to view and exclaim over the intricately designed pandals and the beautiful idols.

    This idol is made of terracotta while the other is made of metals like gold and bronze

    

    

              

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    While the priests were involved with the long and detailed rituals of worship, the people were involved in celebrating the more common traditions of venerating the Goddess Durga with flowers, enjoying the aarti, that is praying with lighted wicks before the deity in spirit of humility and gratitude, joining the dance in veneration of the Goddess, listening to the throb of the ritual drums, etc. Everywhere there was sound of laughter and merrymaking. At night, illuminations of the pandals were an added attraction. The streets were lighted and the electricians displayed all kinds of light shows. For the children, this show of lights everywhere was a huge attraction. On the streets, temporary structures were put up that sold many things from trinkets to mineral water to balloons and whistles. On Thursday, the festivities came to a close with huge processions of people leading the idols for immersion in the rivers. These processions too are very colorful with bands and drummers wringing out the very last drop of enjoyment from all who thronged the streets to watch the immersions.

    

     

     Carnival type atmosphere

     

    

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    I would like to mention that even though primarily a Hindu festival, Durga Puja is not merely religious in nature. With time, it has acquired the status of the biggest socio-cultural event of the region when it is time for all to share joy and happiness with friends and relatives. The air is filled with festivity, during the season and all enjoy irrespective of their religious faiths and beliefs. Ruskin Bond, Indian author of British descent, penned the following lines for this year’s Durga Puja, that embodies the spirit of the festival, and I am adding it for your reading pleasure.

     October by Ruskin Bond

    October comes… The mountains resonate To festive drums At sunset time The western sky Is drenched A crimson winterline. October’s here. The pilgrims come Steep hills to climb, For now It’s Durga Puja time

    At Ganga’s mouth The icy waters issue forth The hills resound As waters from the north sweep down The mighty river Makes its way And winds along To Bangla’s Bangla’s Bay. The Days speed by, Diwali lamps Are shining forth From East and West And South and North

    The Goddess smiles, Our heads bow down We pray For better things to come. October’s gone… The nights frow long, We sing a softer Sadder song. Recalling hopes of yesterday, Lost loves, lost dreams… But still we pray For better times to come our way.

    Some more idols

    

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Beautiful Pandals or Marquees, hard to believe that they are only temporary

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

      

    

    

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    This clip is of people celebrating 

     

     This clip is of drummers who are an important part of the festivities

      

     

    Another clip of the drummers

  • Blog post
  • 3 months ago
  • Views: 364

• AN UNFORGETTABLE VISIT AN UNFORGETTABLE VISIT

  • From: CI_CommQTO
  • Description:

    A sponsor’s visit is always a great opportunity to have a closer view of the life of a child who has become a very special person in our lives. A few months ago, Miguel Farinango (3), Jeremy Pozo (2) and Genesis Pozo (5), had the chance to meet their sponsor Warren Bravo and his family. It was a very emotional visit, and Warren and his family, showed their great love towards each one of their sponsored children. This big-hearted family provided a unique and memorable day to each one of these children.

    

    Getting to know a little bit more about Miguel’s life, was one of the biggest challenges to Warren and his family. Miguel’s mother is mentally disabled and his father has suffered many accidents, some of them related to his work as a construction worker, which has limited his abilities. Nevertheless, the smile and happiness that Miguel transmitted showed the sponsor that the greatest wealth and strength a persona has is related to his capacity to smile, something that many adults often forget, and that these little children remind us.

    

    “Sponsor’s visits are a wonderful experience not only for sponsored children but also for their sponsors. In this particular case, Warren and his family created a unique memory for these 3 children” says Andres Rosero, the Sponsosrship Relations Assistant, who accompanied the sponsor during the visit, and provided the sponsor and the sponsored families the help that was required during the whole visit.

    

    The experience of meeting a sponsored child can change not only a child’s life, but also a sponsor’s life when he sees in his sponsored child the potential to become a great human being. And, with his help, this child can become a responsible, valuable and most importantly happy adult.

  • Blog post
  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 571

• Tenderness and silence Tenderness and silence

  • From: CI_CommGRU
  • Description:

    When you speak to Elsa Pantsay, she looks at you right in the eyes and then she smiles. 

    She lives in one of the most beautiful rural places of Guatemala surrounded with forests, mountains and wild animals, but ironically, she does not know what it is to listen to the birds singing or hear the sound of the wind between the trees.
    Elsa is 10 years old and is deaf and mute; she cannot communicate with sign language and cannot read lips. The complicated communication with her is even more difficult because her family, of indigenous origin, speaks more in the Cakchiquel language than in Spanish.

    

    After carrying out several medical and auditory evaluations with specialists, the final recommendation was that Elsa should attend special deaf education classes in Guatemala City, something inaccessible for a family of humble peasants whose income does not exceed $65.00 a month and who would have to travel more than three hours  from their remote village to reach the school.
    
    

    
    Because of this, Children International will include her in a Special Education and Therapy Program for deaf-mute children. This is thanks to an agreement with a specialist organization, which is already benefitting other sponsored families in the outskirts of the Community Center. With these classes we all hope that Elsa will learn to related to other children and adapt to her community.
    Children International is facilitating everything necessary so that Elsa can attend the therapies, and now she has the challenge of learning and moving forward. And with her attitude and desire to express herself, she will surely be successful.

     
    Elsa is a little girl who is full of tenderness and has love in her heart, and not long ago I had the pleasure of giving her a small gift that made her day. But Children International will give her the greatest gift that will last forever; they will give her the opportunity to communicate with the world.

     

  • Blog post
  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 317

• A GOOD PAIR OF SHOES A GOOD PAIR OF SHOES

  • From: CI_CommGUY
  • Description:

    Shoes play an important role in every person’s life. Some people think of shoes as an essential fashion accessory and shoes may even become into a collection’s article for them. On the other side, some people think of shoes as something you must wear just to protect your feet. But when you can’t afford a pair of shoes, it’s a different matter.

    In the last issue our Journeys, a story about a family from Guayaquil with deep needs, one of them not having shoes, called the attention of one of our important vendors, who wanted to help not only the children, but also the parents, sending to each one a pair of brand new shoes, according to their sizes.

    The moment when our Director gave personally the shoes to the Blandon family was really rewarding for me, because it was like a personal accomplishment for writing about them, and the smile Moises Blandon revealed when receiving his shoes was quite a poem for me.

    

            Moises smiling when receiving his brand new shoes from the hands our Director Liz Orellana

     

    

                                                The Blandon family and our Director

  • Blog post
  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 223

• Weaving for a Living Weaving for a Living

  • From: CI_CommQZN
  • Description:

    After spending one summer afternoon in Barangay Holy Spirit, where rugmaking and basketmaking seem to be interwoven with its streets, it was time for me to call it a day. The skies were starting to darken. My feet were getting tired but I felt happy, having met several kids and families.

    While walking down the street to finally get a ride home, I and our area volunteer passed by a house which I found hard to ignore. Sacks, metal wires, patches of wood and other materials I couldn’t clearly see tried to cover as much of its walls. There were doves at the rooftop. It was in contrast to the cinder block homes close to it. I would later learn that it has no electricity.
    
    

    Outside, two young girls and their mom were making rugs, along with a few other neighborhood mothers. They seemed to be having fun while being engrossed with what they were doing. Colorful strips of fabric surrounded them. They made a pretty sight.

    Suddenly, time lost its meaning. Home could wait, I said to myself.

    These were the facts that piqued my interest and extended my stay:
    • The house belongs to the Berzuelas, a family of 13(!)
    • Only 4 of the 11 children were in school. Some live with relatives in a southern province.
    • There are two sponsored girls in the family – Anna, 15, and Aida, 11. Both are in school.
    • Anna and Aida both help their parents make rugs for a living.
    • At her young age, Anna is an amazing rugmaker. I noticed how fast her hands moved and finished a rug in a matter of minutes! Their mother and some neighbors who were there attested that Anna is one of the fastest and most meticulous rugmakers around. Perhaps among the youngest, too, as most of the rugmakers in the area are mothers.

    I regretted not being able to capture Anna in action as I didn't have a video camera with me.

    In my previous blog (“Musings Over a Rug and a Mug”), I posted a photo of Anna, Aida and their mother from that visit. For a family that does so much wonders (and with a lot of smiles and anecdotes to spare), a photo is not enough. And so I decided to pay them another visit, this time making sure to take a video camera with me.

    The day of my awaited follow-up visit came. When I got to their place, however, something was amiss. The floors were noticeably clutter-free. The wooden frames on which they weave were stacked in one corner. There was a strange kind of silence within those weak walls. Mrs. Berzuela ushered me and our volunteer in with a weak smile on her face. And then I knew.

    It had been months since the first time I was there. Several months also meant so many changes in the family. I learned that since that time, money became harder to come by. They were no longer able to buy fabric to make rugs. The father, a manual laborer, was often out of jobs. The mother, in tears, told me how her children would sometimes cry out of hunger.

    "There are times we just sleep it off,” she said.

    The words she struggled to say made my heart sink.

    All she has, she said, is hope. She said it’s a blessing that two of her children have supportive sponsors. In fact, 4-year-old Alona, her youngest child, was recently registered in the program and is eagerly waiting to have her own sponsor.
    
    

    Whenever her sponsored children have to be at the community center, they don’t mind having to go there on foot because they don’t want to miss out on any activity. (The distance between is around 2km.)

    Back to my visit, Mrs. Berzuela knew that I wanted to take a video of them. According to our area volunteer, the day before my visit Mrs. Berzuela tried her best to be able to buy some scraps of fabric – “besides they really needed to make rugs to provide for their needs.” But the day ended with no success for her.

    I told her not to worry about my little video project, that things would get better, that I could always come back.

    But I found myself glued on their plastic chair. Once again, leaving the place was the most difficult thing to do. I reached inside my pocket and handed her an amount that was not much but could make them produce several rugs. Before she could refuse, I reminded her that when I met them months ago, she insisted to give me four freshly made rugs for free.

    And then, silence. No more words came out from both of us. But her eyes lit up and she gave me a smile that I will never forget. She said she would buy fabric right away and cut them up so that if I ever visited them again, they could show me exactly how they make the rugs.

    True enough, the next time I went to their home, their tiny floor was carpeted with colorful fabric again. Aida and Anna were looking fresh and somewhat excited. Mrs. Berzuela’s face was beaming. The unbearable silence was no longer there.

    I hope you enjoy watching the following short videos and feel the same delight that I’ve had over what a family that has so little can teach us, not only about what they do for a living but also about resilience, generosity and hope.

    
    
    
    
    
    And this is how this story ends!
    
    

     

  • Blog post
  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 337

• Say Cheese! Say Cheese!

  • From: CI_CommUALR
  • Description:

    

     

     

     

     

    Dental screenings are happening in full force here in Little Rock. The sponsored children are so excited to have dental screening and restorative care through UALR Children International.

    Over the past year, UALR Children International provided 2,127 sponsored children and youth with dental screenings. 22.1 percent of those sponsored children had untreated decay. 343 students received 1,197 sealants, which prevent tooth decay.

    When I read these statistics, my heart swells with joy. It's amazing to see how many children are directly affected by annual dental care.

    To know the children will receive the best care possible is the reason we choose to sponsor a child in the first place. But to actually see the caregivers and children during the dental screening process is truly inspiring.

    It's really awesome to watch a dentist check a child for decay. But it's even more awesome to listen to the dentist explain to the child why it's important to brush their teeth and floss regularly.

    Watching a child learn something new and listening to a child ask questions about oral health care is a sight to see. You can see their wheels turning, their minds thinking and understanding. For some of these children, these annual dental screenings provided by Children International are the only time a child will learn about oral health care.

    And to think that Children International and your sponsorship provide this opportunity for the children and youth here in Little Rock. Now that is something worth celebrating, don't you think?

     

  • Blog post
  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 337

• Ours Communities Centers... Se Ours Communities Centers... Service's Place for children

  • From: CI_CommSTO
  • Description:

    Hello, everyone! I have great news to share with you, and what better place to share it than in this space that Children International provides us. During the past few years in the Dominican Republic, we have witnessed how friendship, solidarity and the conviction to make labors of love possible have been at the forefront of our work towards sponsorship and the development of Dominican children.

     

    First, was the construction of a community center in Service Area 9, Cienfuegos, built thanks to the generosity of donors Robert and Paula Larkin. There we also got to know the kindness of Mr. Dan and so many others who love children and demonstrate this love through their solidarity.

     

    Later was the construction of the community center in Service Area 2, in Tanquecitos, where the Baileys put their confidence in Children International and our capacity to provide real help and transform it into real hope.

     

    But it didn’t stop there – not only are the Baileys people with big hearts, but they also have great friends who also want to get involved in this project that changes the lives of so many Dominican boys and girls. Another important donor and good friend of the Baileys, Dan Phelan, committed himself to build a community center in Service area 6, in Los Tres Brazos, and what was once just a dream, became a reality.

     

    This year our sponsored families were overjoyed by two great events. First, other donor friends, Mr. Frank Moll and his friend Mr. Gores, decided that the conditions in our Service Area Center in Mendoza could be much better and of higher quality, so they offered their help in remodeling of the center.

     

    Secondly, we will soon witness another miracle: the construction of a new community center in Service Area 5, La Caleta, thanks to a donation made by Mr. Larry Phelan. I’m proud to show you it, not just because it is a modern facility with lots of land where a soccer field, basketball courts and a playground where be built, but because it is a construction that will improve the quality of health and education services and development in the community. We offer these services to more than 2,000 families in the communities of La Caleta, Valiente and Campo Lindo.

     

    We are in the final phases of construction! We already have inauguration dates! To us these centers mean the rebirth of hope, of the commitment that we’ve always had, but now can be shared even more with the neighbors in the service areas.

     

    Reading what my coworker in San Pedro Sula shared, I also encourage you to do the same for our centers. We hope to have your well-wishes adorn our inauguration ceremony at the end of October. It’s just like being there, right? Well, you will be!

  • Blog post
  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 191

• Nuestros Centros de Servicios. Nuestros Centros de Servicios...

  • From: CI_CommSTO
  • Description:

    Hola, a todos y todas! Tengo una gran alegría que compartirles y, qué mejor que este espacio que ofrece Children International. 

    

    Desde República Dominicana, les cuento que hemos sido testigos de cómo la amistad, la solidaridad y la convicción de hacer posible que el amor se manifieste en obras concretas han sido los protagonistas en los últimos años de nuestro quehacer de apadrinamiento y desarrollo para la niñez dominicana. Primero, fue la construcción del centro comunitario del área de servicios 9, en Cienfuegos, construido gracias a la generosidad de los donantes Robert and Paula Parking. Allí conocimos de las bondades del Señor Dan y de tanta gente que aman a los niños y lo demuestran con su solidaridad.

     

    Luego fue la construcción del Centro comunitario del área de servicios 2, en Tanquecitos, donde los Bailey apostaron a Children International y su capacidad de gestionar ayuda verdadera para transformarla en esperanza verdadera.

     

    Pero no quedó ahí, los Bailey no solo son personas de gran corazón, sino también que tienen grandes amigos que quisieron sumarse a este proyecto que cambia la vida a tantos niños y niñas dominicanos. Otro importante donante y gran amigo de los Bailey, Dan Phelan, se comprometió a la construcción del centro comunitario del área ser servicios 6, en Los Tres Brazos y lo que era un sueño, se hizo realidad.

     

    Este año, dos grandes alegrías continuaron rebosando hasta el tope las esperanzas de nuestras familias. Por un lado, otros donantes amigos, el Señor Frank Moll y su amigo el Señor Gores, decidieron que las condiciones del centro comunitario en nuestra área de servicios 1 del sector de Mendoza, podría ser mucho mejor y de más calidad y, como en la parábola de los dones, ofrecieron todos sus esfuerzos para la remodelación de dicho Centro.

     

    Por otro lado, pronto tendremos un nuevo milagro: la construcción del centro comunitario del área 5 en La Caleta, gracias a la donación del Señor Larry Phelan… Me enorgullece mostrarlo, no solo porque es una moderna infraestructura con un amplio campo donde se construirán además una cancha de football, Basqueball y área de juego sino, y sobre todas las cosas, porque es una edificación que vendrá a incrementar la calidad de los servicios de salud, educación y desarrollo comunitario que ofrecemos a las más de 2,000 familias de las comunidades de La Caleta, Valiente y Campo Lindo.

     

    ¡Los trabajos están súper avanzados! ¡Ya tenemos fecha de inauguración! Para nosotros es el renacer de la esperanza, de un compromiso que siempre se ha tenido pero que ahora se consolida aun más con los vecinos de las comunidades cercanas al sector.

     

    Leyendo lo compartido por mi colega de San Pedro Sula, también les animo a que hagan lo propio con nuestro centro. Esperamos tener sus buenos deseos como adorno de nuestra inauguración a finales de Octubre. ¿Es como si estuvieran presentes, verdad? ¡Pues, así es!

  • Blog post
  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 160

• Then and Now Then and Now

  • From: CI_CommSAH
  • Description:

    In 2007, when I had first met Rohit he was in grade XII, a tall, lanky boy, who dreamt of being a Chartered Accountant. His dreams were not unfounded. Since the time he had started school, Rohit was always amongst the top three in his class.

    

     

     

    He came from an economically vulnerable family, and would have dropped out of school had it not been for the support he received from the sponsorship program and his own determination to complete eduction and do well in life. He was the youngest of 6 siblings and lived with his ailing father who was blind and partialy deaf. All his sisters were much older to him, were married and lived elsewhere. His mother too did not live with them.

    From a very young age Rohit would sell milk and deliver newspapers to make some money to run the household. Due to his consistent good performance in school he received education assistance from the sponsorship program for extra coaching and buying reference books to do well in his  in his grade twelve public examination.

    

     

    In 2007, his typical day would start  by delivering newspaper and milk in the neighbourhood,  and then cooking for his father . He would then rush off to school. After school he would come back, feed his father and then get on with his studies. When I spoke to his neighbours, they claimed that he was a quiet and a gentle boy and that they tried to help him out whenever possible, especially by looking after his father when he was away at school.

    

    Today, in 2011 Rohit is a sponsorship graduate and he still hasn’t given up on his dream of becoming a chartered accountant. He is pursuing his bachelors degree in commerce and majoring in accountancy. He was a very active volunteer and to help him to achieve his academic goals, he has been recruited as a consultant photographer in one of our service area centers. Ever industrious, he has also started a small business of delivering milk house to house. As he lives alone he is slowly becoming economically stable and can think of buying himself a motorbike. Unfortunately, Rohit’s father did not live to see his son become economically stable and move steadily towards his goal of becoming a chartered account. He passed away in 2008. Since then Rohit has lived alone and devoted his time to sponsorship activities and academics.

    

    In 2007, Rohit, the high school student had said " if it had not been for the sponsorship program, I would have been forced to drop out of school and take up some odd job to support my father and myself, but thanks to all the support that I receive I can continue to do to school and can dream of going to college and becoming an chartered accountant in the future.”

    In 2011, our colleague, consultant photographer Rohit Show said “sponsorship is indeed the vehicle that keeps the dreams and hopes alive of us sponsored children.”

    

  • Blog post
  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 180

• Feeding the Need Feeding the Need

  • From: Children_Intl_Admin
  • Description:

    Food prices are up dramatically around the world, and the Philippines is no exception. Although many are feeling the pinch of rising costs, the poor – who were already struggling – are feeling it the most.  

     

    Fortunately, for 10-year-old Jhon (seen above with his mother and father), Children International’s Lifeline Food Program can help families in the midst of crisis.

    When Jhon’s father, Nestor, was brutally and inexplicably stabbed, the family lost their primary source of income. Nestor survived, but was unable to work while he recovered. 

    “We didn’t have money at the time,” recalls Amabella, Jhon’s mother, “because my husband was hospitalized due to the stab wounds. So the Lifeline Food assistance was a great help to our family.

    “As a mother,” she continues, “it made me sad to see my family not having food for our table. It broke my heart when my son would ask for food and I couldn’t give him anything.”

    

    Amabella says that the food assistance helped them get through this very difficult time. “We find it hard to sustain our needs because we don’t have a regular source of income. But,” she adds, “the Lifeline Food Program has given us new hope to live a better life.”              

    Check out a slideshow and learn more about how our Lifeline Food Program is helping.

    Article written by Deron Denton

  • Blog post
  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 600