http://community.liftone.org/service/getFeed.kickAction?mediaType=blog&quantity=25&as=121091&sortType=recent&adminTags=adminblog Most Recent blogs on LiftOne Tue, 07 Sep 2010 05:16:03 GMT Tue, 07 Sep 2010 05:16:03 GMT admin@liftone.org (Children_Intl_Admin) admin@liftone.org (Children_Intl_Admin) KickApps Feed Builder 2010-09-07T05:16:03Z 56 http://community.liftone.org/service/searchEverything.kickAction?as=121091&includeBlog=on&sortType=recent 0 http://community.liftone.org/_23-years-and-more/BLOG/2627984/121091.html When the African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” was crafted, surely volunteers are essential part of that village. In the 28 years that Children International has been operating in Tabaco, Philippines, volunteers have been there from the start. Today, their role in realizing our mission of serving underprivileged children is as significant as it was back then. Mostly mothers and fathers of sponsored children, each volunteer plays a significant role in delivering vital services to the children and communities we serve. There are volunteers assisting at the clinic, conducting health and nutrition classes, administering medicines during anti-parasite campaigns and to Pulmonary Tuberculosis patients, and sector volunteers who help in community organizing. [image] Among these tireless individuals is Sharon Dacuno, a mother of two sponsored children living in far away Batan Island. She started volunteering for CI 3 years after it began in Tabaco – that was way back in 1987! From then, she has probably held every volunteer position there is: secretary, coordinator, extension health worker, barefoot doctor and now, a sector volunteer. In the 23 years of her volunteer service, she has undergone several trainings that prepared her for her changing roles. The knowledge and experience she has gained through all these years had not only helped her carry out her duties well but also developed her as a person. “Before I started volunteering, I was very timid and I can barely participate in public discussions but after years of exposure, I learned to become confident enough to speak in a crowd. Being a volunteer made me a better person. Now, I am no longer just a housewife…I felt empowered,” she says. Sharon also shared some of her unforgettable moments as a volunteer which include bringing her baby along on the field and being caught by a storm at sea while carrying out her duties. She explains that her continuous service to CI is her way of giving back for all the help her family has received. With the help of sponsorship, her eldest is now a Civil Engineer. A small income family struggling to raise five kids and dreaming of giving them a bright future needs all the help it can get that is why Sharon is deeply grateful to CI. Being a volunteer for more than two decades, she had her share of challenges but she didn’t let any of it stop her. “I’m happy with what I’m doing that’s why I’m still here. Somehow, volunteering makes me feel that I’m doing my part in realizing a greater good and that makes me feel good inside.” She added that the friendships developed with other volunteers over the years are invaluable and they have become their own unique support group. From only 17 children in 1987, there are now more than a hundred sponsored children in her small island community. For Sharon, “as long as there are children to serve,” she will be a CI volunteer - always ready with her warm, toothy smile. When the African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” was crafted, surely volunteers are essential part of that village. In the 28 years that Children International has been operating in Tabaco, Philippines, volunteers have been there from the start. Today, their role in realizing our mission of serving underprivileged children is as significant as it was back then. Mostly mothers and fathers of sponsored children, each volunteer plays a significant role in delivering vital services to the children and communities we serve. There are volunteers assisting at the clinic, conducting health and nutrition classes, administering medicines during anti-parasite campaigns and to Pulmonary Tuberculosis patients, and sector volunteers who help in community organizing. [image] Among these tireless individuals is Sharon Dacuno, a mother of two sponsored children living in far away Batan Island. She started volunteering for CI 3 years after it began in Tabaco – that was way back in 1987! From then, she has probably held every volunteer position there is: secretary, coordinator, extension health worker, barefoot doctor and now, a sector volunteer. In the 23 years of her volunteer service, she has undergone several trainings that prepared her for her changing roles. The knowledge and experience she has gained through all these years had not only helped her carry out her duties well but also developed her as a person. “Before I started volunteering, I was very timid and I can barely participate in public discussions but after years of exposure, I learned to become confident enough to speak in a crowd. Being a volunteer made me a better person. Now, I am no longer just a housewife…I felt empowered,” she says. Sharon also shared some of her unforgettable moments as a volunteer which include bringing her baby along on the field and being caught by a storm at sea while carrying out her duties. She explains that her continuous service to CI is her way of giving back for all the help her family has received. With the help of sponsorship, her eldest is now a Civil Engineer. A small income family struggling to raise five kids and dreaming of giving them a bright future needs all the help it can get that is why Sharon is deeply grateful to CI. Being a volunteer for more than two decades, she had her share of challenges but she didn’t let any of it stop her. “I’m happy with what I’m doing that’s why I’m still here. Somehow, volunteering makes me feel that I’m doing my part in realizing a greater good and that makes me feel good inside.” She added that the friendships developed with other volunteers over the years are invaluable and they have become their own unique support group. From only 17 children in 1987, there are now more than a hundred sponsored children in her small island community. For Sharon, “as long as there are children to serve,” she will be a CI volunteer - always ready with her warm, toothy smile. Tue, 07 Sep 2010 05:16:03 GMT http://community.liftone.org/_23-years-and-more/BLOG/2627984/121091.html CI_CommTAB 2010-09-07T05:16:03Z Philippines LiftOne When the African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” was crafted, surely volunteers are essential part of that village. In the 28 years that Children International has been operating in Tabaco, Philippines, volunteers have been there from the start. Today, their role in realizing our mission of serving underprivileged children is as significant as it was back then. Mostly mothers and fathers of sponsored children, each volunteer plays a significant role in delivering vital services to the children and communities we serve. There are volunteers assisting at the clinic, conducting health and nutrition classes, administering medicines during anti-parasite campaigns and to Pulmonary Tuberculosis patients, and sector volunteers who help in community organizing. [image] Among these tireless individuals is Sharon Dacuno, a mother of two sponsored children living in far away Batan Island. She started volunteering for CI 3 years after it began in Tabaco – that was way back in 1987! From then, she has probably held every volunteer position there is: secretary, coordinator, extension health worker, barefoot doctor and now, a sector volunteer. In the 23 years of her volunteer service, she has undergone several trainings that prepared her for her changing roles. The knowledge and experience she has gained through all these years had not only helped her carry out her duties well but also developed her as a person. “Before I started volunteering, I was very timid and I can barely participate in public discussions but after years of exposure, I learned to become confident enough to speak in a crowd. Being a volunteer made me a better person. Now, I am no longer just a housewife…I felt empowered,” she says. Sharon also shared some of her unforgettable moments as a volunteer which include bringing her baby along on the field and being caught by a storm at sea while carrying out her duties. She explains that her continuous service to CI is her way of giving back for all the help her family has received. With the help of sponsorship, her eldest is now a Civil Engineer. A small income family struggling to raise five kids and dreaming of giving them a bright future needs all the help it can get that is why Sharon is deeply grateful to CI. Being a volunteer for more than two decades, she had her share of challenges but she didn’t let any of it stop her. “I’m happy with what I’m doing that’s why I’m still here. Somehow, volunteering makes me feel that I’m doing my part in realizing a greater good and that makes me feel good inside.” She added that the friendships developed with other volunteers over the years are invaluable and they have become their own unique support group. From only 17 children in 1987, there are now more than a hundred sponsored children in her small island community. For Sharon, “as long as there are children to serve,” she will be a CI volunteer - always ready with her warm, toothy smile. mother, philippines, volunteer nonadult false 23 years and more! text blog mother,philippines,volunteer 37 6 5.0 http://community.liftone.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=21136992&as=121091 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/121091/photos/PHOTO_8158335_121091_21136992_ap_160X120.jpg false Philippines 4 Philippines 0 2627984 21136992 PowerLifter 5295 http://community.liftone.org/_4-4-6-Thousand-Seriously/BLOG/2615944/121091.html [image] At Children International’s Jalisco agency, we couldn’t be happier. Last week we opened our fourth community center in Mexico. Isn’t that amazing? Thanks to this center, along with the other three, we’ll be able to help over 20 thousand kids in Mexico. That seems amazing since we’re one of CI’s newest agencies. We’ve only been working here for six years, and we’re already seeing the results and the impact of Children International’s work in the communities. [image] I bet you’re still wondering about the title of this post. Like I said, this is our fourth community center in Mexico. It was build on Cerro del Cuatro (Four Hill), and it will benefit six thousand kids. We hope in four years – less if possible – to see the results in the community where the center is located, with healthy and educated kids, and youths aware that they can become agents of change and transform their communities. In the end, this is our main goal. I asked the mother of the first sponsored child at Tlaquepaque Community Center, “What changes do to expect to see in your community with the arrival of Children International?” “Until now, I know that you’re promoting values and unfortunately in this area, we’re lacking in those…also the things that you offer, like clothes and shoes, are really helpful. I’m really interested in sports and English classes. I hope we can get all the parents involved in rescuing the youths who are wasting their lives on drugs. I think that one the biggest problem here is gangs, but more than that, people’s apathy. As for my kids, I would like for them to continue studying and to be healthy,” was María Mena’s reply. [image] Our president, Jim Cook, joined us for the opening event, and after the ceremony 300 hundred kids who are members of the sports program gave him a big welcome in another service area as a way to celebrate the accomplishment of this goal. We imagine that happening in the new center in a close future. [image] Just look at this last picture!!!! [image] [image] At Children International’s Jalisco agency, we couldn’t be happier. Last week we opened our fourth community center in Mexico. Isn’t that amazing? Thanks to this center, along with the other three, we’ll be able to help over 20 thousand kids in Mexico. That seems amazing since we’re one of CI’s newest agencies. We’ve only been working here for six years, and we’re already seeing the results and the impact of Children International’s work in the communities. [image] I bet you’re still wondering about the title of this post. Like I said, this is our fourth community center in Mexico. It was build on Cerro del Cuatro (Four Hill), and it will benefit six thousand kids. We hope in four years – less if possible – to see the results in the community where the center is located, with healthy and educated kids, and youths aware that they can become agents of change and transform their communities. In the end, this is our main goal. I asked the mother of the first sponsored child at Tlaquepaque Community Center, “What changes do to expect to see in your community with the arrival of Children International?” “Until now, I know that you’re promoting values and unfortunately in this area, we’re lacking in those…also the things that you offer, like clothes and shoes, are really helpful. I’m really interested in sports and English classes. I hope we can get all the parents involved in rescuing the youths who are wasting their lives on drugs. I think that one the biggest problem here is gangs, but more than that, people’s apathy. As for my kids, I would like for them to continue studying and to be healthy,” was María Mena’s reply. [image] Our president, Jim Cook, joined us for the opening event, and after the ceremony 300 hundred kids who are members of the sports program gave him a big welcome in another service area as a way to celebrate the accomplishment of this goal. We imagine that happening in the new center in a close future. [image] Just look at this last picture!!!! [image] Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:14:49 GMT http://community.liftone.org/_4-4-6-Thousand-Seriously/BLOG/2615944/121091.html CI_CommJAL 2010-09-02T18:14:49Z Mexico LiftOne [image] At Children International’s Jalisco agency, we couldn’t be happier. Last week we opened our fourth community center in Mexico. Isn’t that amazing? Thanks to this center, along with the other three, we’ll be able to help over 20 thousand kids in Mexico. That seems amazing since we’re one of CI’s newest agencies. We’ve only been working here for six years, and we’re already seeing the results and the impact of Children International’s work in the communities. [image] I bet you’re still wondering about the title of this post. Like I said, this is our fourth community center in Mexico. It was build on Cerro del Cuatro (Four Hill), and it will benefit six thousand kids. We hope in four years – less if possible – to see the results in the community where the center is located, with healthy and educated kids, and youths aware that they can become agents of change and transform their communities. In the end, this is our main goal. I asked the mother of the first sponsored child at Tlaquepaque Community Center, “What changes do to expect to see in your community with the arrival of Children International?” “Until now, I know that you’re promoting values and unfortunately in this area, we’re lacking in those…also the things that you offer, like clothes and shoes, are really helpful. I’m really interested in sports and English classes. I hope we can get all the parents involved in rescuing the youths who are wasting their lives on drugs. I think that one the biggest problem here is gangs, but more than that, people’s apathy. As for my kids, I would like for them to continue studying and to be healthy,” was María Mena’s reply. [image] Our president, Jim Cook, joined us for the opening event, and after the ceremony 300 hundred kids who are members of the sports program gave him a big welcome in another service area as a way to celebrate the accomplishment of this goal. We imagine that happening in the new center in a close future. [image] Just look at this last picture!!!! [image] kids, mexico nonadult false 4 + 4 = 6 Thousand. Seriously! text blog kids,mexico 82 6 5.0 http://community.liftone.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=21136458&as=121091 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/121091/photos/PHOTO_8158187_121091_21136458_ap_160X120.jpg false Mexico Jalisco Guadalajara 44500 4 Mexico 0 2615944 21136458 PowerLifter 5895 http://community.liftone.org/_Summer-time-is-visit-time/BLOG/2582137/121091.html Summer time is usually a busy time at Quito Agency. From June to September, we are used to seeing sponsors and their sponsored children share and enjoy together during sponsors’ visits. I hear my colleagues talk about the visits they have assisted with, and I get amazed at how exciting and meaningful this is for both sponsors and children. As my colleagues say, a sponsor visit is “unforgettable”, “enriching”, “a chance to make bonds stronger”, and “an opportunity to better know about the person behind photos, letters and benefits.” Most of the time, sponsors are very interested in visiting the child’s home. When Cynthia received the visit of her sponsor Krisaki and her family, she was pleased to have her at home, which gave the sponsor a better perspective of how Cynthia lives. [image] In a sponsor visit, both sponsors and children have the chance to see new places together. Here is Erick enjoying the ride to the Middle of the World and having an ice cream with his sponsor Irene; and Erick’s mother and brother also liked the little tour. [image] Learning a bit about our culture and traditions may also be part of the experience. See how delighted Guissela and her sponsor Julie are for sharing some traditional Ecuadorian food. [image] What about fun? Well, there is time for that too. Like Bryan shows here, he had a good time playing some foosball with his sponsor Richard at the Vulcano Park. [image] The most important thing with the visit is that two friends get to finally meet each other. Look at Tannia and her sponsor Juan José, who are just glad to be together. [image] Sponsor visits come along with nice, fun and emotional moments, and it is definitely worth every minute of it. Wouldn’t you like to meet, hug and share with that little boy or girl you are helping? Summer time is usually a busy time at Quito Agency. From June to September, we are used to seeing sponsors and their sponsored children share and enjoy together during sponsors’ visits. I hear my colleagues talk about the visits they have assisted with, and I get amazed at how exciting and meaningful this is for both sponsors and children. As my colleagues say, a sponsor visit is “unforgettable”, “enriching”, “a chance to make bonds stronger”, and “an opportunity to better know about the person behind photos, letters and benefits.” Most of the time, sponsors are very interested in visiting the child’s home. When Cynthia received the visit of her sponsor Krisaki and her family, she was pleased to have her at home, which gave the sponsor a better perspective of how Cynthia lives. [image] In a sponsor visit, both sponsors and children have the chance to see new places together. Here is Erick enjoying the ride to the Middle of the World and having an ice cream with his sponsor Irene; and Erick’s mother and brother also liked the little tour. [image] Learning a bit about our culture and traditions may also be part of the experience. See how delighted Guissela and her sponsor Julie are for sharing some traditional Ecuadorian food. [image] What about fun? Well, there is time for that too. Like Bryan shows here, he had a good time playing some foosball with his sponsor Richard at the Vulcano Park. [image] The most important thing with the visit is that two friends get to finally meet each other. Look at Tannia and her sponsor Juan José, who are just glad to be together. [image] Sponsor visits come along with nice, fun and emotional moments, and it is definitely worth every minute of it. Wouldn’t you like to meet, hug and share with that little boy or girl you are helping? Thu, 26 Aug 2010 14:27:10 GMT http://community.liftone.org/_Summer-time-is-visit-time/BLOG/2582137/121091.html CI_CommQTO 2010-08-26T14:27:10Z Ecuador LiftOne Summer time is usually a busy time at Quito Agency. From June to September, we are used to seeing sponsors and their sponsored children share and enjoy together during sponsors’ visits. I hear my colleagues talk about the visits they have assisted with, and I get amazed at how exciting and meaningful this is for both sponsors and children. As my colleagues say, a sponsor visit is “unforgettable”, “enriching”, “a chance to make bonds stronger”, and “an opportunity to better know about the person behind photos, letters and benefits.” Most of the time, sponsors are very interested in visiting the child’s home. When Cynthia received the visit of her sponsor Krisaki and her family, she was pleased to have her at home, which gave the sponsor a better perspective of how Cynthia lives. [image] In a sponsor visit, both sponsors and children have the chance to see new places together. Here is Erick enjoying the ride to the Middle of the World and having an ice cream with his sponsor Irene; and Erick’s mother and brother also liked the little tour. [image] Learning a bit about our culture and traditions may also be part of the experience. See how delighted Guissela and her sponsor Julie are for sharing some traditional Ecuadorian food. [image] What about fun? Well, there is time for that too. Like Bryan shows here, he had a good time playing some foosball with his sponsor Richard at the Vulcano Park. [image] The most important thing with the visit is that two friends get to finally meet each other. Look at Tannia and her sponsor Juan José, who are just glad to be together. [image] Sponsor visits come along with nice, fun and emotional moments, and it is definitely worth every minute of it. Wouldn’t you like to meet, hug and share with that little boy or girl you are helping? ecuador, quito, sponsor visit, sponsored child nonadult false Summer time is visit time! text blog ecuador,quito,sponsor visit,sponsored child 200 17 5.0 http://community.liftone.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=21136604&as=121091 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/121091/photos/PHOTO_8158217_121091_21136604_ap_160X120.jpg false 6 Ecuador 0 2582137 21136604 PowerLifter 3985 http://community.liftone.org/_Life-or-Limb/BLOG/2569216/121091.html [image]   Nothing is going to pin him down, nothing will keep him static, he may fall over many hurdles but he is going to pick himself up and keep going on. This is Biswajit– a former sponsored youth, a below-knee amputee and a bundle of positive energy. [image]What could be more shocking to a nineteen year old who loves playing soccer [image]and cycling to be told that he would have to choose between his life or limb?  Little did he think that the pain that he often complained of in his left ankle and the eventual swelling would actually be malignant and put his life in danger. The news of his illness was also devastating for his family, who for the first time was worried about how to meet the huge financial expenditure of the treatment as he was no longer a sponsored youth. They tried meeting the medical expenses on their own, and accumulated staggering debts, and realizing that they were on the verge of losing their son to cancer due to lack of proper treatment then appealed to Children International for help. [image]   [image]Children International stepped in with financial help, but that did not mean the end of worries for Biswajit or his family. Soon the doctors recommended surgery and removal of a part of his left leg to prevent the spread of cancer. This was a tough choice for a nineteen year old to make but as Biswajit says "Sometimes you have to make hard choices in your life," "And this is one of them”. Luckily for Biswajit, the surgery saved his life and after going through a series of chemotherapy the doctors declared him fit and cancer free.   Then started the tedious process of rehabilitation and picking up the threads of his life before becoming an amputee. Learning to walk all over again was difficult but Biswajit dealt with it differently. "I made sure not to feel sorry for myself, and I didn't let others feel sorry for me either.” After learning to walk again, it was difficult to take the firs steps outside his house, but that he did that too, and has now gone back to college, reconnected with his old friends and what is amazing,  is actually cycling again. [image]   [image]Between attending college and spending time with friends, Biswajit also makes time to speak to the youth in his locality and try to encourage them to make the most of the opportunities that they have rather than feeling sorry for themselves. He hopes to continue speaking to different groups and telling his story so that it makes a difference in somebody’s life. [image] Biswajit plans on completing his degree and living a productive life in the future, despite his prosthesis. It is much like learning to cycle – you keep picking yourself up and putting your self back on the seat after each fall, to master the art", says Biswajit. His family and he have had to deal with a number of adversities over the last year, but because of his positive thinking, he's been able to move ahead and continue living his life even while he awaits painful plastic surgery in the years ahead.P.S. He is planning to play a soccer match soon too![image]                   [image] [image]   Nothing is going to pin him down, nothing will keep him static, he may fall over many hurdles but he is going to pick himself up and keep going on. This is Biswajit– a former sponsored youth, a below-knee amputee and a bundle of positive energy. [image]What could be more shocking to a nineteen year old who loves playing soccer [image]and cycling to be told that he would have to choose between his life or limb?  Little did he think that the pain that he often complained of in his left ankle and the eventual swelling would actually be malignant and put his life in danger. The news of his illness was also devastating for his family, who for the first time was worried about how to meet the huge financial expenditure of the treatment as he was no longer a sponsored youth. They tried meeting the medical expenses on their own, and accumulated staggering debts, and realizing that they were on the verge of losing their son to cancer due to lack of proper treatment then appealed to Children International for help. [image]   [image]Children International stepped in with financial help, but that did not mean the end of worries for Biswajit or his family. Soon the doctors recommended surgery and removal of a part of his left leg to prevent the spread of cancer. This was a tough choice for a nineteen year old to make but as Biswajit says "Sometimes you have to make hard choices in your life," "And this is one of them”. Luckily for Biswajit, the surgery saved his life and after going through a series of chemotherapy the doctors declared him fit and cancer free.   Then started the tedious process of rehabilitation and picking up the threads of his life before becoming an amputee. Learning to walk all over again was difficult but Biswajit dealt with it differently. "I made sure not to feel sorry for myself, and I didn't let others feel sorry for me either.” After learning to walk again, it was difficult to take the firs steps outside his house, but that he did that too, and has now gone back to college, reconnected with his old friends and what is amazing,  is actually cycling again. [image]   [image]Between attending college and spending time with friends, Biswajit also makes time to speak to the youth in his locality and try to encourage them to make the most of the opportunities that they have rather than feeling sorry for themselves. He hopes to continue speaking to different groups and telling his story so that it makes a difference in somebody’s life. [image] Biswajit plans on completing his degree and living a productive life in the future, despite his prosthesis. It is much like learning to cycle – you keep picking yourself up and putting your self back on the seat after each fall, to master the art", says Biswajit. His family and he have had to deal with a number of adversities over the last year, but because of his positive thinking, he's been able to move ahead and continue living his life even while he awaits painful plastic surgery in the years ahead.P.S. He is planning to play a soccer match soon too![image]                   [image] Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:17:52 GMT http://community.liftone.org/_Life-or-Limb/BLOG/2569216/121091.html CI_CommSAH 2010-08-20T12:17:52Z LiftOne [image]   Nothing is going to pin him down, nothing will keep him static, he may fall over many hurdles but he is going to pick himself up and keep going on. This is Biswajit– a former sponsored youth, a below-knee amputee and a bundle of positive energy. [image]What could be more shocking to a nineteen year old who loves playing soccer [image]and cycling to be told that he would have to choose between his life or limb?  Little did he think that the pain that he often complained of in his left ankle and the eventual swelling would actually be malignant and put his life in danger. The news of his illness was also devastating for his family, who for the first time was worried about how to meet the huge financial expenditure of the treatment as he was no longer a sponsored youth. They tried meeting the medical expenses on their own, and accumulated staggering debts, and realizing that they were on the verge of losing their son to cancer due to lack of proper treatment then appealed to Children International for help. [image]   [image]Children International stepped in with financial help, but that did not mean the end of worries for Biswajit or his family. Soon the doctors recommended surgery and removal of a part of his left leg to prevent the spread of cancer. This was a tough choice for a nineteen year old to make but as Biswajit says "Sometimes you have to make hard choices in your life," "And this is one of them”. Luckily for Biswajit, the surgery saved his life and after going through a series of chemotherapy the doctors declared him fit and cancer free.   Then started the tedious process of rehabilitation and picking up the threads of his life before becoming an amputee. Learning to walk all over again was difficult but Biswajit dealt with it differently. "I made sure not to feel sorry for myself, and I didn't let others feel sorry for me either.” After learning to walk again, it was difficult to take the firs steps outside his house, but that he did that too, and has now gone back to college, reconnected with his old friends and what is amazing,  is actually cycling again. [image]   [image]Between attending college and spending time with friends, Biswajit also makes time to speak to the youth in his locality and try to encourage them to make the most of the opportunities that they have rather than feeling sorry for themselves. He hopes to continue speaking to different groups and telling his story so that it makes a difference in somebody’s life. [image] Biswajit plans on completing his degree and living a productive life in the future, despite his prosthesis. It is much like learning to cycle – you keep picking yourself up and putting your self back on the seat after each fall, to master the art", says Biswajit. His family and he have had to deal with a number of adversities over the last year, but because of his positive thinking, he's been able to move ahead and continue living his life even while he awaits painful plastic surgery in the years ahead.P.S. He is planning to play a soccer match soon too![image]                   [image] nonadult false Life or Limb text blog 165 16 5.0 http://community.liftone.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=21167272&as=121091 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/121091/photos/PHOTO_8168244_121091_21167272_ap_160X120.jpg false India 7 0 2569216 21167272 PowerLifter 4005 http://community.liftone.org/_The-Story-of-Doa-Mara/BLOG/2559139/121091.html The Story of Doña María By Cesar Ovidio Clara, field officer, Area 4, Patulul We were traveling through the areas affected by Tropical Storm Agatha, in a place called Barrio el Triunfo (Triumph Neighborhood) in Patulul. We thought we had helped everyone that could be helped, when we came upon 75-year-old María Yoxon de Gómez, a widow and grandmother of sponsored child Byron Gómez Martínez.  [image] When she sees me, Doña María begins to cry and tells me that she’s lived here for 58 years. It’s where she saw her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up. She used to come out and rest on these rocks in front of what used to be her house – a house destroyed by the currents of the Madre Vieja River. Now she simply asks God to give her patience, strength and courage to keep living the years she has left. Doña María says that she survived thanks to her children, but they were also affected by the storm – and they have an even greater struggle. “Now who will care for me?” she laments. “They don’t pay attention to old people like me, because according to them, we’re useless now. Children make your life happier and they are the future. Youth make life happier, but we old people, to a lot of people, we’re a nuisance. I just ask God for his help as long as I’m still alive on this blessed earth.” I can’t help but wonder: Perhaps people who have a deep love for children can also find it in their hearts to help this little grandma... Read more about the children and families affected by Tropical Storm Agatha in Journeys: More of the Story.  The Story of Doña María By Cesar Ovidio Clara, field officer, Area 4, Patulul We were traveling through the areas affected by Tropical Storm Agatha, in a place called Barrio el Triunfo (Triumph Neighborhood) in Patulul. We thought we had helped everyone that could be helped, when we came upon 75-year-old María Yoxon de Gómez, a widow and grandmother of sponsored child Byron Gómez Martínez.  [image] When she sees me, Doña María begins to cry and tells me that she’s lived here for 58 years. It’s where she saw her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up. She used to come out and rest on these rocks in front of what used to be her house – a house destroyed by the currents of the Madre Vieja River. Now she simply asks God to give her patience, strength and courage to keep living the years she has left. Doña María says that she survived thanks to her children, but they were also affected by the storm – and they have an even greater struggle. “Now who will care for me?” she laments. “They don’t pay attention to old people like me, because according to them, we’re useless now. Children make your life happier and they are the future. Youth make life happier, but we old people, to a lot of people, we’re a nuisance. I just ask God for his help as long as I’m still alive on this blessed earth.” I can’t help but wonder: Perhaps people who have a deep love for children can also find it in their hearts to help this little grandma... Read more about the children and families affected by Tropical Storm Agatha in Journeys: More of the Story.  Tue, 17 Aug 2010 10:53:59 GMT http://community.liftone.org/_The-Story-of-Doa-Mara/BLOG/2559139/121091.html Children_Intl_Admin 2010-08-17T10:53:59Z Guatemala LiftOne The Story of Doña María By Cesar Ovidio Clara, field officer, Area 4, Patulul We were traveling through the areas affected by Tropical Storm Agatha, in a place called Barrio el Triunfo (Triumph Neighborhood) in Patulul. We thought we had helped everyone that could be helped, when we came upon 75-year-old María Yoxon de Gómez, a widow and grandmother of sponsored child Byron Gómez Martínez.  [image] When she sees me, Doña María begins to cry and tells me that she’s lived here for 58 years. It’s where she saw her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up. She used to come out and rest on these rocks in front of what used to be her house – a house destroyed by the currents of the Madre Vieja River. Now she simply asks God to give her patience, strength and courage to keep living the years she has left. Doña María says that she survived thanks to her children, but they were also affected by the storm – and they have an even greater struggle. “Now who will care for me?” she laments. “They don’t pay attention to old people like me, because according to them, we’re useless now. Children make your life happier and they are the future. Youth make life happier, but we old people, to a lot of people, we’re a nuisance. I just ask God for his help as long as I’m still alive on this blessed earth.” I can’t help but wonder: Perhaps people who have a deep love for children can also find it in their hearts to help this little grandma... Read more about the children and families affected by Tropical Storm Agatha in Journeys: More of the Story.  barrio el triunfo, guatemala, journeys more of the story, madre vieja river, patulul, sponsored child, tropical storm agatha nonadult false The Story of Doña María text blog barrio el triunfo,guatemala,journeys more of the story,madre vieja river,patulul,sponsored child,tropical storm agatha 485 9 5.0 http://community.liftone.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=8150033&as=121091 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/121091/photos/PHOTO_5756166_121091_8150033_ap_160X120.jpg false United States MO Kansas City 13 Guatemala 1 2559139 8150033 Site Administrator 20980 http://community.liftone.org/_When-a-child-turns-12/BLOG/2526563/121091.html   [image] [image] Transitions aren’t always easy. It means making adjustments, getting out of comfort zones, and getting used to new environments. Perhaps one of the most difficult periods of transition is adolescence, when a child is no longer just a child but becomes a teenager – an exciting yet often confusing phase.   In Children International, when a child turns 12 they also go through a transition, a certain rite of passage. Each year, thousands of sponsored children are formally welcomed into the Youth Programs through an induction. In the Philippines, it’s dubbed as the Succeeding Teenage Encounter Program or STEP… and rightfully so, children take a big step into a whole new world of fun, learning, and more opportunities that would prepare them for the challenges ahead.   STEP welcomes each child by introducing them to the different opportunities available to sponsored youth. These include scholarships, various trainings in leadership, life skills, alternative skills, and many more. They also find out about the youth fund, agency youth council, youth health corps and how to be a part of it. It is also through this that CI’s mission, vision and goals and core programs are explained. Ultimately, the goal of STEP is to introduce and at the same time encourage greater involvement and participation from the youth.   [image]   The process doesn’t happen through the usual discussions that could easily lull any 12-year old to sleep. This year the Tabaco Agency adopted a different strategy, one that would appeal to the participants and loaded with lots of fun – the Amazing Race style! Divided into several groups, they hurdled different tasks spread in various stations each one giving them a valuable lesson.   The wood walk... taking it one synchronized step at a time [image]   Knowing thy letters... [image]   The Youth Health Corps puzzle [image]   Core Program benefits... [image]   Balancing the ball blindfolded needs a lot of concentration and team effort.  [image]   The group who finished with the least amount of time wins, but at the end of the day... everyone one goes home a winner. [image]   With almost 1,400 children to be inducted from the end of July until September, this is one transition the kids would love to go through!   [image] [image] Transitions aren’t always easy. It means making adjustments, getting out of comfort zones, and getting used to new environments. Perhaps one of the most difficult periods of transition is adolescence, when a child is no longer just a child but becomes a teenager – an exciting yet often confusing phase.   In Children International, when a child turns 12 they also go through a transition, a certain rite of passage. Each year, thousands of sponsored children are formally welcomed into the Youth Programs through an induction. In the Philippines, it’s dubbed as the Succeeding Teenage Encounter Program or STEP… and rightfully so, children take a big step into a whole new world of fun, learning, and more opportunities that would prepare them for the challenges ahead.   STEP welcomes each child by introducing them to the different opportunities available to sponsored youth. These include scholarships, various trainings in leadership, life skills, alternative skills, and many more. They also find out about the youth fund, agency youth council, youth health corps and how to be a part of it. It is also through this that CI’s mission, vision and goals and core programs are explained. Ultimately, the goal of STEP is to introduce and at the same time encourage greater involvement and participation from the youth.   [image]   The process doesn’t happen through the usual discussions that could easily lull any 12-year old to sleep. This year the Tabaco Agency adopted a different strategy, one that would appeal to the participants and loaded with lots of fun – the Amazing Race style! Divided into several groups, they hurdled different tasks spread in various stations each one giving them a valuable lesson.   The wood walk... taking it one synchronized step at a time [image]   Knowing thy letters... [image]   The Youth Health Corps puzzle [image]   Core Program benefits... [image]   Balancing the ball blindfolded needs a lot of concentration and team effort.  [image]   The group who finished with the least amount of time wins, but at the end of the day... everyone one goes home a winner. [image]   With almost 1,400 children to be inducted from the end of July until September, this is one transition the kids would love to go through! Wed, 04 Aug 2010 06:08:54 GMT http://community.liftone.org/_When-a-child-turns-12/BLOG/2526563/121091.html CI_CommTAB 2010-08-04T06:08:54Z Philippines LiftOne   [image] [image] Transitions aren’t always easy. It means making adjustments, getting out of comfort zones, and getting used to new environments. Perhaps one of the most difficult periods of transition is adolescence, when a child is no longer just a child but becomes a teenager – an exciting yet often confusing phase.   In Children International, when a child turns 12 they also go through a transition, a certain rite of passage. Each year, thousands of sponsored children are formally welcomed into the Youth Programs through an induction. In the Philippines, it’s dubbed as the Succeeding Teenage Encounter Program or STEP… and rightfully so, children take a big step into a whole new world of fun, learning, and more opportunities that would prepare them for the challenges ahead.   STEP welcomes each child by introducing them to the different opportunities available to sponsored youth. These include scholarships, various trainings in leadership, life skills, alternative skills, and many more. They also find out about the youth fund, agency youth council, youth health corps and how to be a part of it. It is also through this that CI’s mission, vision and goals and core programs are explained. Ultimately, the goal of STEP is to introduce and at the same time encourage greater involvement and participation from the youth.   [image]   The process doesn’t happen through the usual discussions that could easily lull any 12-year old to sleep. This year the Tabaco Agency adopted a different strategy, one that would appeal to the participants and loaded with lots of fun – the Amazing Race style! Divided into several groups, they hurdled different tasks spread in various stations each one giving them a valuable lesson.   The wood walk... taking it one synchronized step at a time [image]   Knowing thy letters... [image]   The Youth Health Corps puzzle [image]   Core Program benefits... [image]   Balancing the ball blindfolded needs a lot of concentration and team effort.  [image]   The group who finished with the least amount of time wins, but at the end of the day... everyone one goes home a winner. [image]   With almost 1,400 children to be inducted from the end of July until September, this is one transition the kids would love to go through! philippines nonadult false When a child turns 12 text blog philippines 560 18 5.0 http://community.liftone.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=21136992&as=121091 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/121091/photos/PHOTO_8158335_121091_21136992_ap_160X120.jpg false Philippines 6 Philippines 0 2526563 21136992 PowerLifter 5295 http://community.liftone.org/_A-mothers-take-on-Sponsorship/BLOG/2470013/121091.html Surely all mothers are extraordinary? Well, Radha certainly is. Living in one of the poorest communities in the village of Danga in West Bengal and bringing up three children all by herself is certainly not easy, yet amidst all these difficulties she maintains a cheerful front. [image] [image]I spent sometime with her talking about her life and came away humbled that a person who has so much hardship can still be so open and loving especially towards her children. What touched me most was that when requested for a photo with one of her daughters she got up and hugged her daughter and wanted a photo of that moment. [image] [image] This is almost unheard of in rural communities in West Bengal were hugging is not that common – and a widowed mother hugging her ten year old daughter that too in front of strangers is most certainly a no, no. [image] This is what Radha said: I lost my husband recently. He could not handle the pressures of poverty and just lost the will to live, but I still have the zest for living especially for my children Piyali, Pinki and Suman. [image] Without a husband I have to earn money for the family. I am a daily [image]worker as I cannot afford to take on any permanent work like that of a domestic help. Domestic help would mean spending long hours away from my children and though the money would be good they would be deprived of my company and would have no one to look after them or supervise their studies. I cannot help them in their studies but I keep an eye on them making sure that they are studying.  Life is not easy, in fact things are really tough, but all my three children are sponsored and their education and healthcare, the two most important things are being taken care of by their sponsors. [image] Often we do not have enough to eat, but we have each other, and sponsorship program to help my children reach their dreams of making it big in life even in the midst of such poverty and hopelessness. The program is gradually instilling in them the courage to pursue their goals unhampered by any limits and I can see the change in them. My heartfelt thanks to my children’s sponsors for being there for us always. [image][image]   [image] [image] Surely all mothers are extraordinary? Well, Radha certainly is. Living in one of the poorest communities in the village of Danga in West Bengal and bringing up three children all by herself is certainly not easy, yet amidst all these difficulties she maintains a cheerful front. [image] [image]I spent sometime with her talking about her life and came away humbled that a person who has so much hardship can still be so open and loving especially towards her children. What touched me most was that when requested for a photo with one of her daughters she got up and hugged her daughter and wanted a photo of that moment. [image] [image] This is almost unheard of in rural communities in West Bengal were hugging is not that common – and a widowed mother hugging her ten year old daughter that too in front of strangers is most certainly a no, no. [image] This is what Radha said: I lost my husband recently. He could not handle the pressures of poverty and just lost the will to live, but I still have the zest for living especially for my children Piyali, Pinki and Suman. [image] Without a husband I have to earn money for the family. I am a daily [image]worker as I cannot afford to take on any permanent work like that of a domestic help. Domestic help would mean spending long hours away from my children and though the money would be good they would be deprived of my company and would have no one to look after them or supervise their studies. I cannot help them in their studies but I keep an eye on them making sure that they are studying.  Life is not easy, in fact things are really tough, but all my three children are sponsored and their education and healthcare, the two most important things are being taken care of by their sponsors. [image] Often we do not have enough to eat, but we have each other, and sponsorship program to help my children reach their dreams of making it big in life even in the midst of such poverty and hopelessness. The program is gradually instilling in them the courage to pursue their goals unhampered by any limits and I can see the change in them. My heartfelt thanks to my children’s sponsors for being there for us always. [image][image]   [image] [image] Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:13:27 GMT http://community.liftone.org/_A-mothers-take-on-Sponsorship/BLOG/2470013/121091.html CI_CommSAH 2010-07-19T12:13:27Z LiftOne Surely all mothers are extraordinary? Well, Radha certainly is. Living in one of the poorest communities in the village of Danga in West Bengal and bringing up three children all by herself is certainly not easy, yet amidst all these difficulties she maintains a cheerful front. [image] [image]I spent sometime with her talking about her life and came away humbled that a person who has so much hardship can still be so open and loving especially towards her children. What touched me most was that when requested for a photo with one of her daughters she got up and hugged her daughter and wanted a photo of that moment. [image] [image] This is almost unheard of in rural communities in West Bengal were hugging is not that common – and a widowed mother hugging her ten year old daughter that too in front of strangers is most certainly a no, no. [image] This is what Radha said: I lost my husband recently. He could not handle the pressures of poverty and just lost the will to live, but I still have the zest for living especially for my children Piyali, Pinki and Suman. [image] Without a husband I have to earn money for the family. I am a daily [image]worker as I cannot afford to take on any permanent work like that of a domestic help. Domestic help would mean spending long hours away from my children and though the money would be good they would be deprived of my company and would have no one to look after them or supervise their studies. I cannot help them in their studies but I keep an eye on them making sure that they are studying.  Life is not easy, in fact things are really tough, but all my three children are sponsored and their education and healthcare, the two most important things are being taken care of by their sponsors. [image] Often we do not have enough to eat, but we have each other, and sponsorship program to help my children reach their dreams of making it big in life even in the midst of such poverty and hopelessness. The program is gradually instilling in them the courage to pursue their goals unhampered by any limits and I can see the change in them. My heartfelt thanks to my children’s sponsors for being there for us always. [image][image]   [image] [image] nonadult false A mother's take on Sponsorship text blog 422 8 4.75 http://community.liftone.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=21167272&as=121091 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/121091/photos/PHOTO_8168244_121091_21167272_ap_160X120.jpg false 11 0 2470013 21167272 PowerLifter 4005 http://community.liftone.org/_Olympic-Snowboarder-Teams-With-Children-International/BLOG/2458780/121091.html Hannah Teter and Ryan Sheckler are both up for VH1 "Do Something Awards" this year under the athlete category. These action sports icons might have a tough task ahead of them in the face of their competitors including Yankee Derek Jeter, Phoenix Sun Steve Nash and New Orleans Saints sensation, Reggie Bush. [image] "Hannah sells maple syrup and other products on her website to provide water to a village in Kenya, sold underwear online to support Doctors Without Borders, and had a Ben & Jerry's flavor named after her, with proceeds going to charity. She's raised over $250,000 for Kirindon and at least 40% of all net proceeds from the sale of her Sweet Cheeks panties line is given to charity partner Children International to help feed and nourish children living in extreme poverty." The awards take place on July 19th so get your vote on here. Hannah Teter and Ryan Sheckler are both up for VH1 "Do Something Awards" this year under the athlete category. These action sports icons might have a tough task ahead of them in the face of their competitors including Yankee Derek Jeter, Phoenix Sun Steve Nash and New Orleans Saints sensation, Reggie Bush. [image] "Hannah sells maple syrup and other products on her website to provide water to a village in Kenya, sold underwear online to support Doctors Without Borders, and had a Ben & Jerry's flavor named after her, with proceeds going to charity. She's raised over $250,000 for Kirindon and at least 40% of all net proceeds from the sale of her Sweet Cheeks panties line is given to charity partner Children International to help feed and nourish children living in extreme poverty." The awards take place on July 19th so get your vote on here. Wed, 14 Jul 2010 22:38:12 GMT http://community.liftone.org/_Olympic-Snowboarder-Teams-With-Children-International/BLOG/2458780/121091.html Children_Intl_Admin 2010-07-14T22:38:12Z LiftOne Hannah Teter and Ryan Sheckler are both up for VH1 "Do Something Awards" this year under the athlete category. These action sports icons might have a tough task ahead of them in the face of their competitors including Yankee Derek Jeter, Phoenix Sun Steve Nash and New Orleans Saints sensation, Reggie Bush. [image] "Hannah sells maple syrup and other products on her website to provide water to a village in Kenya, sold underwear online to support Doctors Without Borders, and had a Ben & Jerry's flavor named after her, with proceeds going to charity. She's raised over $250,000 for Kirindon and at least 40% of all net proceeds from the sale of her Sweet Cheeks panties line is given to charity partner Children International to help feed and nourish children living in extreme poverty." The awards take place on July 19th so get your vote on here. hannah teter, sweet cheeks nonadult false Olympic Snowboarder Teams With Children International text blog hannah teter,sweet cheeks 364 5 5.0 http://community.liftone.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=8150033&as=121091 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/121091/photos/PHOTO_5756166_121091_8150033_ap_160X120.jpg false United States MO Kansas City 0 0 2458780 8150033 Site Administrator 20980 http://community.liftone.org/_Breaking-the-cycle-of-illiteracy/BLOG/2421370/121091.html When the school year opened this June, most kids saw it as the end of the blissful summer days when they can sleep and play all they want. But for some, the first day of school was a day they have long waited for. Of course, who wouldn’t get excited over the thrill of wearing a new pair of shoes and uniform, a fresh set of school supplies and a new set of books? At least for the nerdy types, that is. But more than the buzz of writing on the first pages of a new notebook or doodling on a crisp notepad, for sisters Maricel and Noela, going back to school is all they ever wanted. [image] These two girls came from a long line of people deprived of an education. Their father can barely read and their mom can’t even write her full name. He is a farm helper and she is a housemaid. Of their three older siblings, Noel and Norlyn are already fortunate to even make it to first grade. Noli wasn’t that lucky; he didn’t experience going to school at all. In fact, their mother Norma couldn’t remember a single relative who finished high school. For their family, this seemed like a fate they have long accepted and getting stuck in menial jobs was a fact they’re already resigned to. It was true for the generations that came before them, it’s still true for them today.  But when Maricel and Noela became part of the sponsorship program in 2008, it gave them a chance to hope… that things can be better, that maybe, there is a possibility that they can break away from the crippling cycle of illiteracy that runs in their family. With the help of sponsorship, their mother Norma is convinced that life could be different for her two youngest daughters. The educational support that Children International provides to sponsored children encouraged her to send her girls back to school. Maricel and Noela, ages 12 and 8, are now both in Grade 2. They maybe lagging behind compared to the students in their batch but their eagerness to learn more than makes up for it. [image] Talking to these girls, I saw how badly they wanted to learn. At first, they seemed aloof and couldn’t even meet my gaze but they warmed up eventually and started sharing their thoughts with me. They said they both wanted to go to school but their parents just couldn’t afford it so they had to stop. Noela, the more outspoken one of the two girls, told me how she loved being in school because they get to meet new friends and most of all learn how to read and write. She proudly demonstrated how well she could write her name and filled an entire page in no time. [image] Maricel, on the other hand, brought out the story book she got from CI last Christmas and read me a paragraph from her favorite story. She loves books and history is her favorite subject, she told me. [image] Looking in their eyes you can see that the thirst for learning is so real you could almost touch it and their enthusiasm so high you can’t help but root for them. If the writings on this wall are any indication, these girls will go a long way… all they need is a chance. [image] [image] When the school year opened this June, most kids saw it as the end of the blissful summer days when they can sleep and play all they want. But for some, the first day of school was a day they have long waited for. Of course, who wouldn’t get excited over the thrill of wearing a new pair of shoes and uniform, a fresh set of school supplies and a new set of books? At least for the nerdy types, that is. But more than the buzz of writing on the first pages of a new notebook or doodling on a crisp notepad, for sisters Maricel and Noela, going back to school is all they ever wanted. [image] These two girls came from a long line of people deprived of an education. Their father can barely read and their mom can’t even write her full name. He is a farm helper and she is a housemaid. Of their three older siblings, Noel and Norlyn are already fortunate to even make it to first grade. Noli wasn’t that lucky; he didn’t experience going to school at all. In fact, their mother Norma couldn’t remember a single relative who finished high school. For their family, this seemed like a fate they have long accepted and getting stuck in menial jobs was a fact they’re already resigned to. It was true for the generations that came before them, it’s still true for them today.  But when Maricel and Noela became part of the sponsorship program in 2008, it gave them a chance to hope… that things can be better, that maybe, there is a possibility that they can break away from the crippling cycle of illiteracy that runs in their family. With the help of sponsorship, their mother Norma is convinced that life could be different for her two youngest daughters. The educational support that Children International provides to sponsored children encouraged her to send her girls back to school. Maricel and Noela, ages 12 and 8, are now both in Grade 2. They maybe lagging behind compared to the students in their batch but their eagerness to learn more than makes up for it. [image] Talking to these girls, I saw how badly they wanted to learn. At first, they seemed aloof and couldn’t even meet my gaze but they warmed up eventually and started sharing their thoughts with me. They said they both wanted to go to school but their parents just couldn’t afford it so they had to stop. Noela, the more outspoken one of the two girls, told me how she loved being in school because they get to meet new friends and most of all learn how to read and write. She proudly demonstrated how well she could write her name and filled an entire page in no time. [image] Maricel, on the other hand, brought out the story book she got from CI last Christmas and read me a paragraph from her favorite story. She loves books and history is her favorite subject, she told me. [image] Looking in their eyes you can see that the thirst for learning is so real you could almost touch it and their enthusiasm so high you can’t help but root for them. If the writings on this wall are any indication, these girls will go a long way… all they need is a chance. [image] [image] Thu, 01 Jul 2010 03:45:09 GMT http://community.liftone.org/_Breaking-the-cycle-of-illiteracy/BLOG/2421370/121091.html CI_CommTAB 2010-07-01T03:45:09Z Philippines LiftOne When the school year opened this June, most kids saw it as the end of the blissful summer days when they can sleep and play all they want. But for some, the first day of school was a day they have long waited for. Of course, who wouldn’t get excited over the thrill of wearing a new pair of shoes and uniform, a fresh set of school supplies and a new set of books? At least for the nerdy types, that is. But more than the buzz of writing on the first pages of a new notebook or doodling on a crisp notepad, for sisters Maricel and Noela, going back to school is all they ever wanted. [image] These two girls came from a long line of people deprived of an education. Their father can barely read and their mom can’t even write her full name. He is a farm helper and she is a housemaid. Of their three older siblings, Noel and Norlyn are already fortunate to even make it to first grade. Noli wasn’t that lucky; he didn’t experience going to school at all. In fact, their mother Norma couldn’t remember a single relative who finished high school. For their family, this seemed like a fate they have long accepted and getting stuck in menial jobs was a fact they’re already resigned to. It was true for the generations that came before them, it’s still true for them today.  But when Maricel and Noela became part of the sponsorship program in 2008, it gave them a chance to hope… that things can be better, that maybe, there is a possibility that they can break away from the crippling cycle of illiteracy that runs in their family. With the help of sponsorship, their mother Norma is convinced that life could be different for her two youngest daughters. The educational support that Children International provides to sponsored children encouraged her to send her girls back to school. Maricel and Noela, ages 12 and 8, are now both in Grade 2. They maybe lagging behind compared to the students in their batch but their eagerness to learn more than makes up for it. [image] Talking to these girls, I saw how badly they wanted to learn. At first, they seemed aloof and couldn’t even meet my gaze but they warmed up eventually and started sharing their thoughts with me. They said they both wanted to go to school but their parents just couldn’t afford it so they had to stop. Noela, the more outspoken one of the two girls, told me how she loved being in school because they get to meet new friends and most of all learn how to read and write. She proudly demonstrated how well she could write her name and filled an entire page in no time. [image] Maricel, on the other hand, brought out the story book she got from CI last Christmas and read me a paragraph from her favorite story. She loves books and history is her favorite subject, she told me. [image] Looking in their eyes you can see that the thirst for learning is so real you could almost touch it and their enthusiasm so high you can’t help but root for them. If the writings on this wall are any indication, these girls will go a long way… all they need is a chance. [image] [image] education, philippines nonadult false Breaking the cycle of illiteracy text blog education,philippines 700 30 5.0 http://community.liftone.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=21136992&as=121091 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/121091/photos/PHOTO_8158335_121091_21136992_ap_160X120.jpg false Philippines 8 Philippines 0 2421370 21136992 PowerLifter 5295 http://community.liftone.org/_Countering-the-Cognitive-Effects-of-Poverty-through-Sponsorship/BLOG/2411468/121091.html Evidence continues to emerge that underscores the often devastating effects of poverty on children's ability to learn. In an article from December 10, 2008, in USA Today, Greg Toppo addresses the results of a study performed on 9- and 10-year-olds who live in poverty. The damage inflicted by poverty conditions on the brain is in some cases compared to the damage inflicted by a stroke. The lead researcher, Mark Kishiyama of the University of California - Berkely, describes it as "a similar pattern to what's seen in patients with strokes that have led to lesions in their prefrontal cortex." According to Toppo, "the study adds to a growing body of evidence that shows how poverty afflicts children's brains. Researchers have long pointed to the ravages of malnutrition, stress, illiteracy and toxic environments in low-income children's lives. Research has shown that the neural systems of poor children develop differently from those of middle-class children, affecting language development and ‘executive function,' or the ability to plan, remember details and pay attention in school." However, what I find most significant is this: "Such deficiencies are reversible through intensive intervention such as focused lessons and games that encourage children to think out loud or use executive function." Perhaps this explains why the picture I see every time I visit a Children International community center - and I've visited dozens - is so dramatically different from the picture painted in the study. It's not that our sponsored kids don't grow up in poverty; quite the contrary. But spend a little time around our sponsored youth, and you'll soon realize you would be hard-pressed to find sharper, more articulate and more engaged young people in any area of society. It would be irresponsible to arbitrarily assign causality without engaging in proper research. But I've seen the love and care the staff of our community centers invests in our children. I've seen the many programs they operate to engage children from preschool age on up through graduation from sponsorship. Our children are constantly challenged...constantly mentored...and consistently outstanding in their leadership, character and contribution to their communities. Whatever the technical reasons might be, sponsored children are beating the odds. Very soon, you'll see a new section on our website that features the successes of sponsorship - real stories of real kids who grew up and took control of their destinies. Keep doing what you're doing. Sponsorship works. To read Greg Toppo's article in its entirety, click here.   Evidence continues to emerge that underscores the often devastating effects of poverty on children's ability to learn. In an article from December 10, 2008, in USA Today, Greg Toppo addresses the results of a study performed on 9- and 10-year-olds who live in poverty. The damage inflicted by poverty conditions on the brain is in some cases compared to the damage inflicted by a stroke. The lead researcher, Mark Kishiyama of the University of California - Berkely, describes it as "a similar pattern to what's seen in patients with strokes that have led to lesions in their prefrontal cortex." According to Toppo, "the study adds to a growing body of evidence that shows how poverty afflicts children's brains. Researchers have long pointed to the ravages of malnutrition, stress, illiteracy and toxic environments in low-income children's lives. Research has shown that the neural systems of poor children develop differently from those of middle-class children, affecting language development and ‘executive function,' or the ability to plan, remember details and pay attention in school." However, what I find most significant is this: "Such deficiencies are reversible through intensive intervention such as focused lessons and games that encourage children to think out loud or use executive function." Perhaps this explains why the picture I see every time I visit a Children International community center - and I've visited dozens - is so dramatically different from the picture painted in the study. It's not that our sponsored kids don't grow up in poverty; quite the contrary. But spend a little time around our sponsored youth, and you'll soon realize you would be hard-pressed to find sharper, more articulate and more engaged young people in any area of society. It would be irresponsible to arbitrarily assign causality without engaging in proper research. But I've seen the love and care the staff of our community centers invests in our children. I've seen the many programs they operate to engage children from preschool age on up through graduation from sponsorship. Our children are constantly challenged...constantly mentored...and consistently outstanding in their leadership, character and contribution to their communities. Whatever the technical reasons might be, sponsored children are beating the odds. Very soon, you'll see a new section on our website that features the successes of sponsorship - real stories of real kids who grew up and took control of their destinies. Keep doing what you're doing. Sponsorship works. To read Greg Toppo's article in its entirety, click here.   Fri, 25 Jun 2010 14:25:54 GMT http://community.liftone.org/_Countering-the-Cognitive-Effects-of-Poverty-through-Sponsorship/BLOG/2411468/121091.html CI_KellyN 2010-06-25T14:25:54Z LiftOne Evidence continues to emerge that underscores the often devastating effects of poverty on children's ability to learn. In an article from December 10, 2008, in USA Today, Greg Toppo addresses the results of a study performed on 9- and 10-year-olds who live in poverty. The damage inflicted by poverty conditions on the brain is in some cases compared to the damage inflicted by a stroke. The lead researcher, Mark Kishiyama of the University of California - Berkely, describes it as "a similar pattern to what's seen in patients with strokes that have led to lesions in their prefrontal cortex." According to Toppo, "the study adds to a growing body of evidence that shows how poverty afflicts children's brains. Researchers have long pointed to the ravages of malnutrition, stress, illiteracy and toxic environments in low-income children's lives. Research has shown that the neural systems of poor children develop differently from those of middle-class children, affecting language development and ‘executive function,' or the ability to plan, remember details and pay attention in school." However, what I find most significant is this: "Such deficiencies are reversible through intensive intervention such as focused lessons and games that encourage children to think out loud or use executive function." Perhaps this explains why the picture I see every time I visit a Children International community center - and I've visited dozens - is so dramatically different from the picture painted in the study. It's not that our sponsored kids don't grow up in poverty; quite the contrary. But spend a little time around our sponsored youth, and you'll soon realize you would be hard-pressed to find sharper, more articulate and more engaged young people in any area of society. It would be irresponsible to arbitrarily assign causality without engaging in proper research. But I've seen the love and care the staff of our community centers invests in our children. I've seen the many programs they operate to engage children from preschool age on up through graduation from sponsorship. Our children are constantly challenged...constantly mentored...and consistently outstanding in their leadership, character and contribution to their communities. Whatever the technical reasons might be, sponsored children are beating the odds. Very soon, you'll see a new section on our website that features the successes of sponsorship - real stories of real kids who grew up and took control of their destinies. Keep doing what you're doing. Sponsorship works. To read Greg Toppo's article in its entirety, click here.   children international, cognitive, development, poverty, youth nonadult false Countering the Cognitive Effects of Poverty through Sponsorship text blog children international,cognitive,development,poverty,youth 516 4 5.0 http://community.liftone.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=18530336&as=121091 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/121091/photos/PHOTO_7517637_121091_18530336_ap_160X120.jpg false 7 0 2411468 18530336 ChampionLifter 4865 http://community.liftone.org/_Soccer-and-life-skills-time/BLOG/2407387/121091.html [image] [image]   LEADERSHIP + RESPONSIBILITY + TEAMWORK= DRUG-FREE YOUTH   [image] [image]   The World Cup season seems the perfect time to share with you one of the strategies we’re really proud of at the CI Jalisco agency!   Last year, Children International made an alliance with the International Alliance for Youth Sports (IAYS), and thanks to that we’ve been training volunteer youth and parents to become coaches and organize sport tournaments and trainings.   But it’s not just about soccer and other sports, but about promoting life skills through physical activity. Life skills and values such as: responsibility, leadership, gender equality, teamwork, effective communication and conflict resolution strategies. Sponsored youth are now leading teams formed by sponsored and non-sponsored kids in their communities.   We have an important network of participants that is getting bigger every day. Besides the IAYS support we also signed an agreement with a Mexican soccer team named Chivas, whose Chiva Barrio program aims to form community trainers.   But, what is the program about? It is part of our vision to form true leaders, responsible adults who are avoid drugs and unhealthy lifestyles. The program is now being settled in other agencies as well, and the goal is to have it in all the countries were we work.   Mothers, who are also the coaches, say: “We’ve seen the results; our kids are more responsible, and because of that, better students and better kids as well”.    Just imagine, what if one day the soccer players who are in the World Cup would be former sponsored children from Children International, or better yet: your former sponsored child!   [image]   -The future world champion? 'Monarchs', the soccer team who won the first tournament at the agency-   [image]   -This is one of the fields where kids play soccer-   [image] [image]   -Women's roll  has been really important for the development of the sports program.                   [image]     [image] [image]   LEADERSHIP + RESPONSIBILITY + TEAMWORK= DRUG-FREE YOUTH   [image] [image]   The World Cup season seems the perfect time to share with you one of the strategies we’re really proud of at the CI Jalisco agency!   Last year, Children International made an alliance with the International Alliance for Youth Sports (IAYS), and thanks to that we’ve been training volunteer youth and parents to become coaches and organize sport tournaments and trainings.   But it’s not just about soccer and other sports, but about promoting life skills through physical activity. Life skills and values such as: responsibility, leadership, gender equality, teamwork, effective communication and conflict resolution strategies. Sponsored youth are now leading teams formed by sponsored and non-sponsored kids in their communities.   We have an important network of participants that is getting bigger every day. Besides the IAYS support we also signed an agreement with a Mexican soccer team named Chivas, whose Chiva Barrio program aims to form community trainers.   But, what is the program about? It is part of our vision to form true leaders, responsible adults who are avoid drugs and unhealthy lifestyles. The program is now being settled in other agencies as well, and the goal is to have it in all the countries were we work.   Mothers, who are also the coaches, say: “We’ve seen the results; our kids are more responsible, and because of that, better students and better kids as well”.    Just imagine, what if one day the soccer players who are in the World Cup would be former sponsored children from Children International, or better yet: your former sponsored child!   [image]   -The future world champion? 'Monarchs', the soccer team who won the first tournament at the agency-   [image]   -This is one of the fields where kids play soccer-   [image] [image]   -Women's roll  has been really important for the development of the sports program.                   [image]     Wed, 23 Jun 2010 05:17:13 GMT http://community.liftone.org/_Soccer-and-life-skills-time/BLOG/2407387/121091.html CI_CommJAL 2010-06-23T05:17:13Z Mexico LiftOne [image] [image]   LEADERSHIP + RESPONSIBILITY + TEAMWORK= DRUG-FREE YOUTH   [image] [image]   The World Cup season seems the perfect time to share with you one of the strategies we’re really proud of at the CI Jalisco agency!   Last year, Children International made an alliance with the International Alliance for Youth Sports (IAYS), and thanks to that we’ve been training volunteer youth and parents to become coaches and organize sport tournaments and trainings.   But it’s not just about soccer and other sports, but about promoting life skills through physical activity. Life skills and values such as: responsibility, leadership, gender equality, teamwork, effective communication and conflict resolution strategies. Sponsored youth are now leading teams formed by sponsored and non-sponsored kids in their communities.   We have an important network of participants that is getting bigger every day. Besides the IAYS support we also signed an agreement with a Mexican soccer team named Chivas, whose Chiva Barrio program aims to form community trainers.   But, what is the program about? It is part of our vision to form true leaders, responsible adults who are avoid drugs and unhealthy lifestyles. The program is now being settled in other agencies as well, and the goal is to have it in all the countries were we work.   Mothers, who are also the coaches, say: “We’ve seen the results; our kids are more responsible, and because of that, better students and better kids as well”.    Just imagine, what if one day the soccer players who are in the World Cup would be former sponsored children from Children International, or better yet: your former sponsored child!   [image]   -The future world champion? 'Monarchs', the soccer team who won the first tournament at the agency-   [image]   -This is one of the fields where kids play soccer-   [image] [image]   -Women's roll  has been really important for the development of the sports program.                   [image]     kid, mexico, soccer nonadult false Soccer (and life skills) time! text blog kid,mexico,soccer 572 4 5.0 http://community.liftone.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=21136458&as=121091 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/121091/photos/PHOTO_8158187_121091_21136458_ap_160X120.jpg false Mexico Jalisco Guadalajara 44500 4 Mexico 0 2407387 21136458 PowerLifter 5895 http://community.liftone.org/_Living-in-No-Mans-Land/BLOG/2395566/121091.html To me one of the best part of being a communications coordinator is that I get to meet varied people in the community, both sponsored and non-sponsored and every meeting is a learning experience for me. In one of my recent visits to the villages along the Indo-Bangladesh border, I had a very interesting experience – I met a sponsored family living in no man’s land between India and Bangladesh, in the village of Shilberia and this is the first time I have met someone living in “no man’s zone” between two countries. [image] Fencing started at the Indo-Bangladesh border in 1986 to curb cross border movement. Due to this many Indian families have fallen outside fencing and a huge quantum of Indian land has fallen in the 'no man's zone'. Those who could afford it moved inland and abandoned houses like the one in the photo below is a common sight, but for some like the Sarkar family movement was not an option due to economic reasons. Indeed, the border fence has cut off thousands of Indians from the rest of India and the people residing in such no-man’s land have to now show their ID cards to pass through the border gates into their own country. [image] At one such border checkpost I watched Munmun Sarkar, resident of Nichpara, pass through the gate after her credentials were checked by the BSF border guards and I talked to her to find out how it is to live in the no-man’s land: [image] “Q: What is it like living in a no man’s land? Munmun: Our family has lived in this particular plot for the past 35 years and we did not have the wherewithal to move when the fencing came up in this area in 1995. The main problem that we face is that of movement from fenced Indian land to Indian mainland. Being under constant vigilance of the Border Security Forces is at times stressful. There are also certain protocols that we have to follow if we have visitors or if we stay out late as the border gates have fixed times of opening and shutting. Also, if someone falls ill at night it takes a while to get proper authorization for the gates to open beyond the scheduled time. [image] What’s more, there are associated problems of smuggling as this is a very porous border. This is corrupting the community. There are so many young people who get enticed into drug trafficking because of poverty and difficult living conditions. These young men and women drop out of school because of poor economic condition of their families and then take to smuggling to relieve their boredom and to make quick money. Often this leads to disastrous results with lives being lost. Luckily for me, while we are poor and have to live here, being sponsored makes a world of a difference. I can continue to go to school, attend youth group meetings, take the various trainings, avail of the health benefits etc. While being a girl and living in a no man’s land has its own baggage, the number of trainings that we have received as members of the youth group has equipped me to handle these problems with confidence. The program has made me aware of what I can achieve if I put my mind to it. I am now more aware of my rights and can be quite vocal about it. Being in the program has given me the strength to say no to my peers who have at times wanted me to join in their schemes of making quick money in a border area. Infact with my communication skills, negotiating skills and problem solving skills that I have learned through leadership training I have tried to wean some of the youth away from their present violent lifestyles. [image] While we were talking the hands of the clock was slowly creeping towards 6PM and noticing this Munmun, along with a few others turned to leave India and return to their homes beyond the border fence as they do everyday, before the gates closed shutting them out.After meeting this exceptionally mature young adult who lives in an area where steel wires have divided people, communities and villages even though they share the same linguistic, ethnic and cultural similarities, I felt that for the many many sponsored youth living in these border areas, this program offers a beacon hope, the ship that will take them to safety, away from poverty and deprivation, to places where nationality and sovereignty are not alien concepts. [image] To me one of the best part of being a communications coordinator is that I get to meet varied people in the community, both sponsored and non-sponsored and every meeting is a learning experience for me. In one of my recent visits to the villages along the Indo-Bangladesh border, I had a very interesting experience – I met a sponsored family living in no man’s land between India and Bangladesh, in the village of Shilberia and this is the first time I have met someone living in “no man’s zone” between two countries. [image] Fencing started at the Indo-Bangladesh border in 1986 to curb cross border movement. Due to this many Indian families have fallen outside fencing and a huge quantum of Indian land has fallen in the 'no man's zone'. Those who could afford it moved inland and abandoned houses like the one in the photo below is a common sight, but for some like the Sarkar family movement was not an option due to economic reasons. Indeed, the border fence has cut off thousands of Indians from the rest of India and the people residing in such no-man’s land have to now show their ID cards to pass through the border gates into their own country. [image] At one such border checkpost I watched Munmun Sarkar, resident of Nichpara, pass through the gate after her credentials were checked by the BSF border guards and I talked to her to find out how it is to live in the no-man’s land: [image] “Q: What is it like living in a no man’s land? Munmun: Our family has lived in this particular plot for the past 35 years and we did not have the wherewithal to move when the fencing came up in this area in 1995. The main problem that we face is that of movement from fenced Indian land to Indian mainland. Being under constant vigilance of the Border Security Forces is at times stressful. There are also certain protocols that we have to follow if we have visitors or if we stay out late as the border gates have fixed times of opening and shutting. Also, if someone falls ill at night it takes a while to get proper authorization for the gates to open beyond the scheduled time. [image] What’s more, there are associated problems of smuggling as this is a very porous border. This is corrupting the community. There are so many young people who get enticed into drug trafficking because of poverty and difficult living conditions. These young men and women drop out of school because of poor economic condition of their families and then take to smuggling to relieve their boredom and to make quick money. Often this leads to disastrous results with lives being lost. Luckily for me, while we are poor and have to live here, being sponsored makes a world of a difference. I can continue to go to school, attend youth group meetings, take the various trainings, avail of the health benefits etc. While being a girl and living in a no man’s land has its own baggage, the number of trainings that we have received as members of the youth group has equipped me to handle these problems with confidence. The program has made me aware of what I can achieve if I put my mind to it. I am now more aware of my rights and can be quite vocal about it. Being in the program has given me the strength to say no to my peers who have at times wanted me to join in their schemes of making quick money in a border area. Infact with my communication skills, negotiating skills and problem solving skills that I have learned through leadership training I have tried to wean some of the youth away from their present violent lifestyles. [image] While we were talking the hands of the clock was slowly creeping towards 6PM and noticing this Munmun, along with a few others turned to leave India and return to their homes beyond the border fence as they do everyday, before the gates closed shutting them out.After meeting this exceptionally mature young adult who lives in an area where steel wires have divided people, communities and villages even though they share the same linguistic, ethnic and cultural similarities, I felt that for the many many sponsored youth living in these border areas, this program offers a beacon hope, the ship that will take them to safety, away from poverty and deprivation, to places where nationality and sovereignty are not alien concepts. [image] Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:29:40 GMT http://community.liftone.org/_Living-in-No-Mans-Land/BLOG/2395566/121091.html CI_CommSAH 2010-06-14T12:29:40Z LiftOne To me one of the best part of being a communications coordinator is that I get to meet varied people in the community, both sponsored and non-sponsored and every meeting is a learning experience for me. In one of my recent visits to the villages along the Indo-Bangladesh border, I had a very interesting experience – I met a sponsored family living in no man’s land between India and Bangladesh, in the village of Shilberia and this is the first time I have met someone living in “no man’s zone” between two countries. [image] Fencing started at the Indo-Bangladesh border in 1986 to curb cross border movement. Due to this many Indian families have fallen outside fencing and a huge quantum of Indian land has fallen in the 'no man's zone'. Those who could afford it moved inland and abandoned houses like the one in the photo below is a common sight, but for some like the Sarkar family movement was not an option due to economic reasons. Indeed, the border fence has cut off thousands of Indians from the rest of India and the people residing in such no-man’s land have to now show their ID cards to pass through the border gates into their own country. [image] At one such border checkpost I watched Munmun Sarkar, resident of Nichpara, pass through the gate after her credentials were checked by the BSF border guards and I talked to her to find out how it is to live in the no-man’s land: [image] “Q: What is it like living in a no man’s land? Munmun: Our family has lived in this particular plot for the past 35 years and we did not have the wherewithal to move when the fencing came up in this area in 1995. The main problem that we face is that of movement from fenced Indian land to Indian mainland. Being under constant vigilance of the Border Security Forces is at times stressful. There are also certain protocols that we have to follow if we have visitors or if we stay out late as the border gates have fixed times of opening and shutting. Also, if someone falls ill at night it takes a while to get proper authorization for the gates to open beyond the scheduled time. [image] What’s more, there are associated problems of smuggling as this is a very porous border. This is corrupting the community. There are so many young people who get enticed into drug trafficking because of poverty and difficult living conditions. These young men and women drop out of school because of poor economic condition of their families and then take to smuggling to relieve their boredom and to make quick money. Often this leads to disastrous results with lives being lost. Luckily for me, while we are poor and have to live here, being sponsored makes a world of a difference. I can continue to go to school, attend youth group meetings, take the various trainings, avail of the health benefits etc. While being a girl and living in a no man’s land has its own baggage, the number of trainings that we have received as members of the youth group has equipped me to handle these problems with confidence. The program has made me aware of what I can achieve if I put my mind to it. I am now more aware of my rights and can be quite vocal about it. Being in the program has given me the strength to say no to my peers who have at times wanted me to join in their schemes of making quick money in a border area. Infact with my communication skills, negotiating skills and problem solving skills that I have learned through leadership training I have tried to wean some of the youth away from their present violent lifestyles. [image] While we were talking the hands of the clock was slowly creeping towards 6PM and noticing this Munmun, along with a few others turned to leave India and return to their homes beyond the border fence as they do everyday, before the gates closed shutting them out.After meeting this exceptionally mature young adult who lives in an area where steel wires have divided people, communities and villages even though they share the same linguistic, ethnic and cultural similarities, I felt that for the many many sponsored youth living in these border areas, this program offers a beacon hope, the ship that will take them to safety, away from poverty and deprivation, to places where nationality and sovereignty are not alien concepts. [image] nonadult false Living in No Man's Land text blog 623 14 5.0 http://community.liftone.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=21167272&as=121091 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/121091/photos/PHOTO_8168244_121091_21167272_ap_160X120.jpg false 6 0 2395566 21167272 PowerLifter 4005 http://community.liftone.org/_A-Board-Members-Perspective-Keeping-Disaster-Victims-in-Our-Thoughts/BLOG/2390183/121091.html Dr. Charles Maahs is a long time member of Children International's Board of Directors and a retired Lutheran bishop and pastor. Over the years, he has traveled to many of Children International's field locations. At a recent Board meeting, which took place in the wake of the calamitous events in Central and South America, Dr. Maahs opened the meeting with the following thoughts... I was moved by reading the reports of the recent natural disasters in several of the countries where we have our sponsoring agencies: the volcanic eruptions in Guatemala and Ecuador, and the destructive tropical storms in Guatemala and Honduras. In fact, looking at some of the pictures on the CI website had me thinking, I’ve been down that muddy street before on one of our Board visits to that agency. It sure looked familiar. However, what always stands out for me is not the suffering and hardship of the families we sponsor, but the faith, durability, and the strength, of the families and children we serve. This reminded me of the passage from Psalm 46 which surely  has to be at the heart of the faith these people have in order to sustain them from one disaster after another and the reality of the poverty they face each day: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.Therefore, we will not fear though the earth should change,Though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;Though its waters roar and foam,Though the mountains tremble with its turmoil.”(Psalm 46:1-3) We pray for the many children and their families who have been beset by natural and human disasters and who see their way of life threatened. Grant that  they may live each day with the assurance that it is not FEAR, but HOPE that will enable them to face each new day. May our decisions today continue to further the vision and mission of Children International. Dr. Charles Maahs is a long time member of Children International's Board of Directors and a retired Lutheran bishop and pastor. Over the years, he has traveled to many of Children International's field locations. At a recent Board meeting, which took place in the wake of the calamitous events in Central and South America, Dr. Maahs opened the meeting with the following thoughts... I was moved by reading the reports of the recent natural disasters in several of the countries where we have our sponsoring agencies: the volcanic eruptions in Guatemala and Ecuador, and the destructive tropical storms in Guatemala and Honduras. In fact, looking at some of the pictures on the CI website had me thinking, I’ve been down that muddy street before on one of our Board visits to that agency. It sure looked familiar. However, what always stands out for me is not the suffering and hardship of the families we sponsor, but the faith, durability, and the strength, of the families and children we serve. This reminded me of the passage from Psalm 46 which surely  has to be at the heart of the faith these people have in order to sustain them from one disaster after another and the reality of the poverty they face each day: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.Therefore, we will not fear though the earth should change,Though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;Though its waters roar and foam,Though the mountains tremble with its turmoil.”(Psalm 46:1-3) We pray for the many children and their families who have been beset by natural and human disasters and who see their way of life threatened. Grant that  they may live each day with the assurance that it is not FEAR, but HOPE that will enable them to face each new day. May our decisions today continue to further the vision and mission of Children International. Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:02:09 GMT http://community.liftone.org/_A-Board-Members-Perspective-Keeping-Disaster-Victims-in-Our-Thoughts/BLOG/2390183/121091.html CI_JimCookBlog 2010-06-11T15:02:09Z LiftOne Dr. Charles Maahs is a long time member of Children International's Board of Directors and a retired Lutheran bishop and pastor. Over the years, he has traveled to many of Children International's field locations. At a recent Board meeting, which took place in the wake of the calamitous events in Central and South America, Dr. Maahs opened the meeting with the following thoughts... I was moved by reading the reports of the recent natural disasters in several of the countries where we have our sponsoring agencies: the volcanic eruptions in Guatemala and Ecuador, and the destructive tropical storms in Guatemala and Honduras. In fact, looking at some of the pictures on the CI website had me thinking, I’ve been down that muddy street before on one of our Board visits to that agency. It sure looked familiar. However, what always stands out for me is not the suffering and hardship of the families we sponsor, but the faith, durability, and the strength, of the families and children we serve. This reminded me of the passage from Psalm 46 which surely  has to be at the heart of the faith these people have in order to sustain them from one disaster after another and the reality of the poverty they face each day: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.Therefore, we will not fear though the earth should change,Though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;Though its waters roar and foam,Though the mountains tremble with its turmoil.”(Psalm 46:1-3) We pray for the many children and their families who have been beset by natural and human disasters and who see their way of life threatened. Grant that  they may live each day with the assurance that it is not FEAR, but HOPE that will enable them to face each new day. May our decisions today continue to further the vision and mission of Children International. agatha, board, disaster, ecuador, guatemala, honduras, member, prayers, thoughts nonadult false A Board Member's Perspective: Keeping Disaster Victims in Our Thoughts text blog agatha,board,disaster,ecuador,guatemala,honduras,member,prayers,thoughts 604 18 2.38889 http://community.liftone.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=19258940&as=121091 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/121091/photos/PHOTO_7800813_121091_19258940_ap_160X120.jpg false 2 0 2390183 19258940 CI Employee 915 http://community.liftone.org/_Video-of-Guatemala-Mudslides/BLOG/2384762/121091.html I just posted a number of video clips taken by Javier Cárcamo, our communications coordinator in Guatemala, as he and other staff members entered the areas stricken by the mudslides from Tropical Storm Agatha to assess damages and determine the wellbeing of sponsored children and their families. For a firsthand view of what a mudslide can do, visit our YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/ChildrenInt.   I just posted a number of video clips taken by Javier Cárcamo, our communications coordinator in Guatemala, as he and other staff members entered the areas stricken by the mudslides from Tropical Storm Agatha to assess damages and determine the wellbeing of sponsored children and their families. For a firsthand view of what a mudslide can do, visit our YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/ChildrenInt.   Tue, 08 Jun 2010 20:05:58 GMT http://community.liftone.org/_Video-of-Guatemala-Mudslides/BLOG/2384762/121091.html CI_KellyN 2010-06-08T20:05:58Z Guatemala LiftOne I just posted a number of video clips taken by Javier Cárcamo, our communications coordinator in Guatemala, as he and other staff members entered the areas stricken by the mudslides from Tropical Storm Agatha to assess damages and determine the wellbeing of sponsored children and their families. For a firsthand view of what a mudslide can do, visit our YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/ChildrenInt.   agatha, children international, disaster, guatemala, tropical storm nonadult false Video of Guatemala Mudslides text blog agatha,children international,disaster,guatemala,tropical storm 629 1 5.0 http://community.liftone.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=18530336&as=121091 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/121091/photos/PHOTO_7517637_121091_18530336_ap_160X120.jpg false 4 Guatemala 0 2384762 18530336 ChampionLifter 4865 http://community.liftone.org/_Images-from-Guatemala-Part-3/BLOG/2381964/121091.html Hope...Although the weariness on his mom's face is evident, this young Tropical Storm Agatha survivor's smile indicates that the emergency food aid they have just picked up at the Children International community center in Patulul has made life a tiny bit better after the devastating mudslides that changed his family's world in a moment. Photo by Dálide Oliva. [image] Hope...Although the weariness on his mom's face is evident, this young Tropical Storm Agatha survivor's smile indicates that the emergency food aid they have just picked up at the Children International community center in Patulul has made life a tiny bit better after the devastating mudslides that changed his family's world in a moment. Photo by Dálide Oliva. [image] Mon, 07 Jun 2010 13:58:19 GMT http://community.liftone.org/_Images-from-Guatemala-Part-3/BLOG/2381964/121091.html CI_KellyN 2010-06-07T13:58:19Z Guatemala LiftOne Hope...Although the weariness on his mom's face is evident, this young Tropical Storm Agatha survivor's smile indicates that the emergency food aid they have just picked up at the Children International community center in Patulul has made life a tiny bit better after the devastating mudslides that changed his family's world in a moment. Photo by Dálide Oliva. [image] agatha, children international, disaster, guatemala, tropical storm nonadult false Images from Guatemala, Part 3 text blog agatha,children international,disaster,guatemala,tropical storm 561 4 5.0 http://community.liftone.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=18530336&as=121091 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/121091/photos/PHOTO_7517637_121091_18530336_ap_160X120.jpg false 2 Guatemala 0 2381964 18530336 ChampionLifter 4865 http://community.liftone.org/_Images-from-Guatemala-Part-2/BLOG/2375842/121091.html Pain...the eyes of these Mayan villagers are haunted by the horrors they have seen in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Agatha. Photo by Javier Cárcamo. [image] Pain...the eyes of these Mayan villagers are haunted by the horrors they have seen in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Agatha. Photo by Javier Cárcamo. [image] Fri, 04 Jun 2010 14:04:17 GMT http://community.liftone.org/_Images-from-Guatemala-Part-2/BLOG/2375842/121091.html CI_KellyN 2010-06-04T14:04:17Z Guatemala LiftOne Pain...the eyes of these Mayan villagers are haunted by the horrors they have seen in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Agatha. Photo by Javier Cárcamo. [image] agatha, children international, disaster, guatemala, tropical storm nonadult false Images from Guatemala, Part 2 text blog agatha,children international,disaster,guatemala,tropical storm 588 5 5.0 http://community.liftone.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=18530336&as=121091 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/121091/photos/PHOTO_7517637_121091_18530336_ap_160X120.jpg false 4 Guatemala 0 2375842 18530336 ChampionLifter 4865 http://community.liftone.org/_Images-from-Guatemala/BLOG/2373688/121091.html Courage...As if being abandoned by her father were not enough, this 4-year-old girl's bedroom collapsed into the gulch behind her home under the onslaught of Tropical Storm Agatha -- taking with it much of what was left of her world. Yet, somehow, she still finds the faith to smile. Photo by Javier Cárcamo [image]   Courage...As if being abandoned by her father were not enough, this 4-year-old girl's bedroom collapsed into the gulch behind her home under the onslaught of Tropical Storm Agatha -- taking with it much of what was left of her world. Yet, somehow, she still finds the faith to smile. Photo by Javier Cárcamo [image]   Thu, 03 Jun 2010 20:06:36 GMT http://community.liftone.org/_Images-from-Guatemala/BLOG/2373688/121091.html CI_KellyN 2010-06-03T20:06:36Z Guatemala LiftOne Courage...As if being abandoned by her father were not enough, this 4-year-old girl's bedroom collapsed into the gulch behind her home under the onslaught of Tropical Storm Agatha -- taking with it much of what was left of her world. Yet, somehow, she still finds the faith to smile. Photo by Javier Cárcamo [image]   agatha, children international, disaster, guatemala, tropical storm nonadult false Images from Guatemala text blog agatha,children international,disaster,guatemala,tropical storm 652 8 5.0 http://community.liftone.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=18530336&as=121091 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/121091/photos/PHOTO_7517637_121091_18530336_ap_160X120.jpg false 7 Guatemala 0 2373688 18530336 ChampionLifter 4865 http://community.liftone.org/_Guatemala-Disaster-Update/BLOG/2370573/121091.html   The following is a firsthand account from the disaster area in Guatemala, as reported by our communications coordinator, Javier Cárcamo. Please be advised that it contains very graphic descriptions of death and human suffering. It's nine o'clock at night. Just a few hours ago I was in the disaster area that Tropical Storm Agatha left in Ciudad Vieja, a community situated on the outskirts of the Volcán de Agua (Water Volcano). My arms are covered in small scrapes and insect bites. My eyes are irritated, and my skin reeks of mud and death. A smell of death that could be a person or an animal...whatever the case, it is so penetrating that I can't get it out of my pores or my mind. I walked nearly four hours alongside CI Guatemala team members, through the mud that looks like unstable sand, hiding enormous rocks, objects and human remains. "Yesterday they found a woman holding her eleven month-old baby," recounts Mario Morales, a sponsored youth who has joined forces with the volunteers. "They also found a boy's hand, or a girl's. We won't know until we find the rest." The magnitude of this tragedy has left behind the rain of volcanic sand from the eruption of the Pacaya Volcano that just five days ago covered a large part of the country. Ironically, I am in the disaster area, and because I've been helping the sponsored families, I haven't been able to clean my own house, which also was covered and damaged with that toxic and corrosive sand. Hundreds of people from the communities have worked without rest since Saturday the 29th, when Agatha hit the hardest. You can see volunteers from various countries with shovels and hoes digging out homes in search of the missing or to rescue belongings. The most fortunate families, with homes made of block and cement, saw the river of mud, rocks and trees uprooted by the volcano, open up holes in their walls, bend their metal balconies and sweep away their things. The water that has now receded left its brown mark above the windows. More than two meters of mud; cars swept away and destroyed; tons of rocks inside of their rooms...even the home of the parents of San Lorenzo Center's Social Work Supervisor. [image] But our sponsored families...they have nothing. Their homes disappeared; their lands are unrecognizable. Everything is a horrible valley of debris that smells of death and misery, where you can't plant your feet without slowly sinking in. [image] There are remains of unrecognizable objects - a few pieces of destroyed furniture, tables, chairs, dressers and beds. The mud is so high that it looks like there is a decorative border a few centimeters from the ground, by what was once the home's wall. Men and women work their shovels, with mud up to their knees. Children who have found items that are still usable walk barefoot, protecting their treasures in black plastic bags. Members of the army watch us carefully. Despite the chaos, there are always criminals who take advantage of the abandoned homes to steal things. [image] Yellow tape that announces, "Keep Out, Crime Scene," alerts us to a desolate panorama. An unidentified child cries behind a barbed wire fence. He and his family must flee to the shelter. The fear that this child is feeling now - I feel as though I'm swallowing it with anger and impotence. Upon seeing us, the hopeful families gather around field officer Cristóbal Hernández, and they show us what once was an impoverished but colorful rural area. To anyone who didn't know this community called San Miguel Escobar before, maybe there isn't anything out of the ordinary. There is a river of mud, enormous rocks and overturned trees. But it wasn't like this just a few days ago. This was a village. "That's where the road was," says Cristóbal, "And that's where a sponsored family's home used to be...there, where you can see a piece of a dresser." [image] The sensation is indescribable. This is a cemetery full of ruins, broken families - in heart and spirit - who walk one behind the other with their few possessions over their heads and in their hands. Many of them talk with us telling us their own experiences. "Do you know how people who die drowned by the mud end up?" one of the men carrying a bag of clothes asks me. "They are found stiff, with their mouth open as wide as possible, full of dirt, with their cheeks swollen, about to burst...You don't get over seeing something like that. It's impossible to stop thinking about it."     The following is a firsthand account from the disaster area in Guatemala, as reported by our communications coordinator, Javier Cárcamo. Please be advised that it contains very graphic descriptions of death and human suffering. It's nine o'clock at night. Just a few hours ago I was in the disaster area that Tropical Storm Agatha left in Ciudad Vieja, a community situated on the outskirts of the Volcán de Agua (Water Volcano). My arms are covered in small scrapes and insect bites. My eyes are irritated, and my skin reeks of mud and death. A smell of death that could be a person or an animal...whatever the case, it is so penetrating that I can't get it out of my pores or my mind. I walked nearly four hours alongside CI Guatemala team members, through the mud that looks like unstable sand, hiding enormous rocks, objects and human remains. "Yesterday they found a woman holding her eleven month-old baby," recounts Mario Morales, a sponsored youth who has joined forces with the volunteers. "They also found a boy's hand, or a girl's. We won't know until we find the rest." The magnitude of this tragedy has left behind the rain of volcanic sand from the eruption of the Pacaya Volcano that just five days ago covered a large part of the country. Ironically, I am in the disaster area, and because I've been helping the sponsored families, I haven't been able to clean my own house, which also was covered and damaged with that toxic and corrosive sand. Hundreds of people from the communities have worked without rest since Saturday the 29th, when Agatha hit the hardest. You can see volunteers from various countries with shovels and hoes digging out homes in search of the missing or to rescue belongings. The most fortunate families, with homes made of block and cement, saw the river of mud, rocks and trees uprooted by the volcano, open up holes in their walls, bend their metal balconies and sweep away their things. The water that has now receded left its brown mark above the windows. More than two meters of mud; cars swept away and destroyed; tons of rocks inside of their rooms...even the home of the parents of San Lorenzo Center's Social Work Supervisor. [image] But our sponsored families...they have nothing. Their homes disappeared; their lands are unrecognizable. Everything is a horrible valley of debris that smells of death and misery, where you can't plant your feet without slowly sinking in. [image] There are remains of unrecognizable objects - a few pieces of destroyed furniture, tables, chairs, dressers and beds. The mud is so high that it looks like there is a decorative border a few centimeters from the ground, by what was once the home's wall. Men and women work their shovels, with mud up to their knees. Children who have found items that are still usable walk barefoot, protecting their treasures in black plastic bags. Members of the army watch us carefully. Despite the chaos, there are always criminals who take advantage of the abandoned homes to steal things. [image] Yellow tape that announces, "Keep Out, Crime Scene," alerts us to a desolate panorama. An unidentified child cries behind a barbed wire fence. He and his family must flee to the shelter. The fear that this child is feeling now - I feel as though I'm swallowing it with anger and impotence. Upon seeing us, the hopeful families gather around field officer Cristóbal Hernández, and they show us what once was an impoverished but colorful rural area. To anyone who didn't know this community called San Miguel Escobar before, maybe there isn't anything out of the ordinary. There is a river of mud, enormous rocks and overturned trees. But it wasn't like this just a few days ago. This was a village. "That's where the road was," says Cristóbal, "And that's where a sponsored family's home used to be...there, where you can see a piece of a dresser." [image] The sensation is indescribable. This is a cemetery full of ruins, broken families - in heart and spirit - who walk one behind the other with their few possessions over their heads and in their hands. Many of them talk with us telling us their own experiences. "Do you know how people who die drowned by the mud end up?" one of the men carrying a bag of clothes asks me. "They are found stiff, with their mouth open as wide as possible, full of dirt, with their cheeks swollen, about to burst...You don't get over seeing something like that. It's impossible to stop thinking about it."   Wed, 02 Jun 2010 16:35:32 GMT http://community.liftone.org/_Guatemala-Disaster-Update/BLOG/2370573/121091.html CI_KellyN 2010-06-02T16:35:32Z Guatemala LiftOne   The following is a firsthand account from the disaster area in Guatemala, as reported by our communications coordinator, Javier Cárcamo. Please be advised that it contains very graphic descriptions of death and human suffering. It's nine o'clock at night. Just a few hours ago I was in the disaster area that Tropical Storm Agatha left in Ciudad Vieja, a community situated on the outskirts of the Volcán de Agua (Water Volcano). My arms are covered in small scrapes and insect bites. My eyes are irritated, and my skin reeks of mud and death. A smell of death that could be a person or an animal...whatever the case, it is so penetrating that I can't get it out of my pores or my mind. I walked nearly four hours alongside CI Guatemala team members, through the mud that looks like unstable sand, hiding enormous rocks, objects and human remains. "Yesterday they found a woman holding her eleven month-old baby," recounts Mario Morales, a sponsored youth who has joined forces with the volunteers. "They also found a boy's hand, or a girl's. We won't know until we find the rest." The magnitude of this tragedy has left behind the rain of volcanic sand from the eruption of the Pacaya Volcano that just five days ago covered a large part of the country. Ironically, I am in the disaster area, and because I've been helping the sponsored families, I haven't been able to clean my own house, which also was covered and damaged with that toxic and corrosive sand. Hundreds of people from the communities have worked without rest since Saturday the 29th, when Agatha hit the hardest. You can see volunteers from various countries with shovels and hoes digging out homes in search of the missing or to rescue belongings. The most fortunate families, with homes made of block and cement, saw the river of mud, rocks and trees uprooted by the volcano, open up holes in their walls, bend their metal balconies and sweep away their things. The water that has now receded left its brown mark above the windows. More than two meters of mud; cars swept away and destroyed; tons of rocks inside of their rooms...even the home of the parents of San Lorenzo Center's Social Work Supervisor. [image] But our sponsored families...they have nothing. Their homes disappeared; their lands are unrecognizable. Everything is a horrible valley of debris that smells of death and misery, where you can't plant your feet without slowly sinking in. [image] There are remains of unrecognizable objects - a few pieces of destroyed furniture, tables, chairs, dressers and beds. The mud is so high that it looks like there is a decorative border a few centimeters from the ground, by what was once the home's wall. Men and women work their shovels, with mud up to their knees. Children who have found items that are still usable walk barefoot, protecting their treasures in black plastic bags. Members of the army watch us carefully. Despite the chaos, there are always criminals who take advantage of the abandoned homes to steal things. [image] Yellow tape that announces, "Keep Out, Crime Scene," alerts us to a desolate panorama. An unidentified child cries behind a barbed wire fence. He and his family must flee to the shelter. The fear that this child is feeling now - I feel as though I'm swallowing it with anger and impotence. Upon seeing us, the hopeful families gather around field officer Cristóbal Hernández, and they show us what once was an impoverished but colorful rural area. To anyone who didn't know this community called San Miguel Escobar before, maybe there isn't anything out of the ordinary. There is a river of mud, enormous rocks and overturned trees. But it wasn't like this just a few days ago. This was a village. "That's where the road was," says Cristóbal, "And that's where a sponsored family's home used to be...there, where you can see a piece of a dresser." [image] The sensation is indescribable. This is a cemetery full of ruins, broken families - in heart and spirit - who walk one behind the other with their few possessions over their heads and in their hands. Many of them talk with us telling us their own experiences. "Do you know how people who die drowned by the mud end up?" one of the men carrying a bag of clothes asks me. "They are found stiff, with their mouth open as wide as possible, full of dirt, with their cheeks swollen, about to burst...You don't get over seeing something like that. It's impossible to stop thinking about it."   agatha, disaster, guatemala, mudslides nonadult false Guatemala Disaster Update text blog agatha,disaster,guatemala,mudslides 1400 5 4.8 http://community.liftone.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=18530336&as=121091 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/121091/photos/PHOTO_7517637_121091_18530336_ap_160X120.jpg false 7 Guatemala 0 2370573 18530336 ChampionLifter 4865 http://community.liftone.org/_The-learning-experience-of-sponsorship/BLOG/2365096/121091.html I have been working with Children International as a Communications Coordinator in Quito Agency for one year now, and since that day I have been able to see lots of things and meet lots of people that have proved something to me: it is worth it every minute of our work! The first family I met was Nathaly’s, and I must say I was nervous, but they just made it easy from the moment Nathaly and her sister started to sing and dance for me. How would not I feel warmly welcome with such cute smiles? [image] Sharing that time with them made me feel there is a lot to do for those who need a helping hand; for those who know they want something more for their future, but just cannot find the way to make it. When I find children like Josselin, grooming and keeping a cute smile to look nice in the photo. [image] Like Kevin and Welinton, concentrated on studying with the help of a tutor to better their performance at school. [image] Like Josselyn, happily playing after seeing the doctor. [image] And youths like Estefania, making their goals real. [image] The only thing that comes to my mind is a big Thank you to all of our sponsors that make this possible. The work we are doing together can make a difference in our children’s lives, and I am glad for being part of this. I can tell this has been a life-changing experience to me, and I am sure you could say the same about sponsorship, so here is my invitation: let’s keep bringing hope and help to our sponsored children! I have been working with Children International as a Communications Coordinator in Quito Agency for one year now, and since that day I have been able to see lots of things and meet lots of people that have proved something to me: it is worth it every minute of our work! The first family I met was Nathaly’s, and I must say I was nervous, but they just made it easy from the moment Nathaly and her sister started to sing and dance for me. How would not I feel warmly welcome with such cute smiles? [image] Sharing that time with them made me feel there is a lot to do for those who need a helping hand; for those who know they want something more for their future, but just cannot find the way to make it. When I find children like Josselin, grooming and keeping a cute smile to look nice in the photo. [image] Like Kevin and Welinton, concentrated on studying with the help of a tutor to better their performance at school. [image] Like Josselyn, happily playing after seeing the doctor. [image] And youths like Estefania, making their goals real. [image] The only thing that comes to my mind is a big Thank you to all of our sponsors that make this possible. The work we are doing together can make a difference in our children’s lives, and I am glad for being part of this. I can tell this has been a life-changing experience to me, and I am sure you could say the same about sponsorship, so here is my invitation: let’s keep bringing hope and help to our sponsored children! Mon, 31 May 2010 16:43:49 GMT http://community.liftone.org/_The-learning-experience-of-sponsorship/BLOG/2365096/121091.html CI_CommQTO 2010-05-31T16:43:49Z Ecuador LiftOne I have been working with Children International as a Communications Coordinator in Quito Agency for one year now, and since that day I have been able to see lots of things and meet lots of people that have proved something to me: it is worth it every minute of our work! The first family I met was Nathaly’s, and I must say I was nervous, but they just made it easy from the moment Nathaly and her sister started to sing and dance for me. How would not I feel warmly welcome with such cute smiles? [image] Sharing that time with them made me feel there is a lot to do for those who need a helping hand; for those who know they want something more for their future, but just cannot find the way to make it. When I find children like Josselin, grooming and keeping a cute smile to look nice in the photo. [image] Like Kevin and Welinton, concentrated on studying with the help of a tutor to better their performance at school. [image] Like Josselyn, happily playing after seeing the doctor. [image] And youths like Estefania, making their goals real. [image] The only thing that comes to my mind is a big Thank you to all of our sponsors that make this possible. The work we are doing together can make a difference in our children’s lives, and I am glad for being part of this. I can tell this has been a life-changing experience to me, and I am sure you could say the same about sponsorship, so here is my invitation: let’s keep bringing hope and help to our sponsored children! ecuador, education, health, photo, sponsorship, tutoring nonadult false The learning experience of sponsorship text blog ecuador,education,health,photo,sponsorship,tutoring 722 7 4.85714 http://community.liftone.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=21136604&as=121091 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/121091/photos/PHOTO_8158217_121091_21136604_ap_160X120.jpg false 5 Ecuador 0 2365096 21136604 PowerLifter 3985 http://community.liftone.org/_A-night-of-literature-music-dance-and-lots-of-fun/BLOG/2353652/121091.html In the Philippines, April and May are considered the summer months. It is also the time when kids take a long break from school making it a perfect opportunity to hold activities that entails participation of the youth. This year, the annual youth sports fest just had an added twist. Aside from competing in different sports categories such as basketball, volleyball, table tennis, chess and the much awaited cheer dancing competition, the youth council thought of including a literature, music and dance (LITMUSDA) component. So not only did the youth engage in healthy physical competitions but their talents in the arts were showcased as well. [image] [image] [image] The agency youth council thought of adding a LITMUSDA component to make the sports fest experience more holistic, at the same time increasing the youth’s appreciation for the culture and the arts. The literary component consisted of poem writing and reading, declamation and impersonation; vocal solo and instrument playing for music; and modern, ballroom and folkdance categories for the dance component. [image] [image] Contestants liven up the stage with their brilliant performances: from their lyrical poems, flowing and graceful dance moves and smooth playing of musical instruments. Their colorful dance costumes also didn’t fail to dazzle the audience.   [image] [image] [image] Sponsored youth from all four service areas, both from the mainland and island communities, gathered and battled it out in the various events putting their teamwork, sportsmanship and talents to the test. The service area center 2 (SAC2) team emerged as the over-all winner but everyone left feeling like a champ: more confident and with lots of new friends! [image] [image] The summer sports fest is one of the activities supported by the Youth Fund. It is an annual fund that finances activities identified, planned and implemented by the sponsored youth, lead by the agency youth council.   In the Philippines, April and May are considered the summer months. It is also the time when kids take a long break from school making it a perfect opportunity to hold activities that entails participation of the youth. This year, the annual youth sports fest just had an added twist. Aside from competing in different sports categories such as basketball, volleyball, table tennis, chess and the much awaited cheer dancing competition, the youth council thought of including a literature, music and dance (LITMUSDA) component. So not only did the youth engage in healthy physical competitions but their talents in the arts were showcased as well. [image] [image] [image] The agency youth council thought of adding a LITMUSDA component to make the sports fest experience more holistic, at the same time increasing the youth’s appreciation for the culture and the arts. The literary component consisted of poem writing and reading, declamation and impersonation; vocal solo and instrument playing for music; and modern, ballroom and folkdance categories for the dance component. [image] [image] Contestants liven up the stage with their brilliant performances: from their lyrical poems, flowing and graceful dance moves and smooth playing of musical instruments. Their colorful dance costumes also didn’t fail to dazzle the audience.   [image] [image] [image] Sponsored youth from all four service areas, both from the mainland and island communities, gathered and battled it out in the various events putting their teamwork, sportsmanship and talents to the test. The service area center 2 (SAC2) team emerged as the over-all winner but everyone left feeling like a champ: more confident and with lots of new friends! [image] [image] The summer sports fest is one of the activities supported by the Youth Fund. It is an annual fund that finances activities identified, planned and implemented by the sponsored youth, lead by the agency youth council.   Wed, 26 May 2010 04:51:27 GMT http://community.liftone.org/_A-night-of-literature-music-dance-and-lots-of-fun/BLOG/2353652/121091.html CI_CommTAB 2010-05-26T04:51:27Z Philippines LiftOne In the Philippines, April and May are considered the summer months. It is also the time when kids take a long break from school making it a perfect opportunity to hold activities that entails participation of the youth. This year, the annual youth sports fest just had an added twist. Aside from competing in different sports categories such as basketball, volleyball, table tennis, chess and the much awaited cheer dancing competition, the youth council thought of including a literature, music and dance (LITMUSDA) component. So not only did the youth engage in healthy physical competitions but their talents in the arts were showcased as well. [image] [image] [image] The agency youth council thought of adding a LITMUSDA component to make the sports fest experience more holistic, at the same time increasing the youth’s appreciation for the culture and the arts. The literary component consisted of poem writing and reading, declamation and impersonation; vocal solo and instrument playing for music; and modern, ballroom and folkdance categories for the dance component. [image] [image] Contestants liven up the stage with their brilliant performances: from their lyrical poems, flowing and graceful dance moves and smooth playing of musical instruments. Their colorful dance costumes also didn’t fail to dazzle the audience.   [image] [image] [image] Sponsored youth from all four service areas, both from the mainland and island communities, gathered and battled it out in the various events putting their teamwork, sportsmanship and talents to the test. The service area center 2 (SAC2) team emerged as the over-all winner but everyone left feeling like a champ: more confident and with lots of new friends! [image] [image] The summer sports fest is one of the activities supported by the Youth Fund. It is an annual fund that finances activities identified, planned and implemented by the sponsored youth, lead by the agency youth council.   music, philippines, youth nonadult false A night of literature, music, dance and lots of fun text blog music,philippines,youth 643 4 5.0 http://community.liftone.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=21136992&as=121091 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/121091/photos/PHOTO_8158335_121091_21136992_ap_160X120.jpg false Philippines 7 Philippines 0 2353652 21136992 PowerLifter 5295 http://community.liftone.org/_Sponsorship-goes-further-than-you-ever-imagined/BLOG/2345304/121091.html [image]   I feel really proud and excited when I tell people about where I work and what our organization does for people.   One thing that not everybody know about our work is that it isn’t just about giving a pair of shoes and school supplies to the kids once a year, but instead it’s about helping not just the children but the entire family, and moreover, the whole community.   Once, I was interviewing a mother, who has three sponsored kids, actually two of them are really involved in the youth and sports programs. I was happily surprised when she told me that she has seen a good change in her community over the last few years. She said something like, “You can see the difference between kids who aren’t sponsored and the ‘new generation’ of sponsored kids [the agency has been working there for the last 5 years]; they are more responsible, they aren’t into drugs, and now, with the sports program, I’ve seen that they’re more committed to the program. I’ve seen good changes in my family and also in the way they act in school”, says the mother.   We’ve seen how the communities have been improved in different ways. For instance, with our community participation program in which volunteer mothers are involved, they have been developing social projects in their neighborhoods. They have gotten the money to improve a sports center for the kids, and they are also helping a nursing home, applying strategies in favor of the environment and promoting family values.   In addition, youths are also starting to develop social projects aimed at ecology, sports, etc. We want them to become real leaders.   You might wonder why this is important for us… well, because we see how this ‘chain of help’ grows and grows. Our families which -without a doubt- face a daily struggle due to their disadvantages, at some point understood that their future is in their own hands, and they also feel responsible for sharing this ‘good news’ with their peers.     [image]   And this amazing and real change started when someone, one fine day, thought: ‘Yeah, I would like to sponsor a child. Why not?!’ [image]   I feel really proud and excited when I tell people about where I work and what our organization does for people.   One thing that not everybody know about our work is that it isn’t just about giving a pair of shoes and school supplies to the kids once a year, but instead it’s about helping not just the children but the entire family, and moreover, the whole community.   Once, I was interviewing a mother, who has three sponsored kids, actually two of them are really involved in the youth and sports programs. I was happily surprised when she told me that she has seen a good change in her community over the last few years. She said something like, “You can see the difference between kids who aren’t sponsored and the ‘new generation’ of sponsored kids [the agency has been working there for the last 5 years]; they are more responsible, they aren’t into drugs, and now, with the sports program, I’ve seen that they’re more committed to the program. I’ve seen good changes in my family and also in the way they act in school”, says the mother.   We’ve seen how the communities have been improved in different ways. For instance, with our community participation program in which volunteer mothers are involved, they have been developing social projects in their neighborhoods. They have gotten the money to improve a sports center for the kids, and they are also helping a nursing home, applying strategies in favor of the environment and promoting family values.   In addition, youths are also starting to develop social projects aimed at ecology, sports, etc. We want them to become real leaders.   You might wonder why this is important for us… well, because we see how this ‘chain of help’ grows and grows. Our families which -without a doubt- face a daily struggle due to their disadvantages, at some point understood that their future is in their own hands, and they also feel responsible for sharing this ‘good news’ with their peers.     [image]   And this amazing and real change started when someone, one fine day, thought: ‘Yeah, I would like to sponsor a child. Why not?!’ Wed, 19 May 2010 17:21:13 GMT http://community.liftone.org/_Sponsorship-goes-further-than-you-ever-imagined/BLOG/2345304/121091.html CI_CommJAL 2010-05-19T17:21:13Z Mexico LiftOne [image]   I feel really proud and excited when I tell people about where I work and what our organization does for people.   One thing that not everybody know about our work is that it isn’t just about giving a pair of shoes and school supplies to the kids once a year, but instead it’s about helping not just the children but the entire family, and moreover, the whole community.   Once, I was interviewing a mother, who has three sponsored kids, actually two of them are really involved in the youth and sports programs. I was happily surprised when she told me that she has seen a good change in her community over the last few years. She said something like, “You can see the difference between kids who aren’t sponsored and the ‘new generation’ of sponsored kids [the agency has been working there for the last 5 years]; they are more responsible, they aren’t into drugs, and now, with the sports program, I’ve seen that they’re more committed to the program. I’ve seen good changes in my family and also in the way they act in school”, says the mother.   We’ve seen how the communities have been improved in different ways. For instance, with our community participation program in which volunteer mothers are involved, they have been developing social projects in their neighborhoods. They have gotten the money to improve a sports center for the kids, and they are also helping a nursing home, applying strategies in favor of the environment and promoting family values.   In addition, youths are also starting to develop social projects aimed at ecology, sports, etc. We want them to become real leaders.   You might wonder why this is important for us… well, because we see how this ‘chain of help’ grows and grows. Our families which -without a doubt- face a daily struggle due to their disadvantages, at some point understood that their future is in their own hands, and they also feel responsible for sharing this ‘good news’ with their peers.     [image]   And this amazing and real change started when someone, one fine day, thought: ‘Yeah, I would like to sponsor a child. Why not?!’ chain, change, mexico, of, sponsorship nonadult false Sponsorship goes further than you ever imagined! text blog chain,change,mexico,of,sponsorship 909 20 5.0 http://community.liftone.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=21136458&as=121091 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/121091/photos/PHOTO_8158187_121091_21136458_ap_160X120.jpg false Mexico Jalisco Guadalajara 44500 7 Mexico 1 2345304 21136458 PowerLifter 5895 http://community.liftone.org/_Can-You-Help/BLOG/2343851/121091.html [image] These three children -- Edgar (8), Jorge (5) and Heidy (1) -- belong to a hard-working family in Guatemala who are really having a tough time. We plan to feature their story in a the near future. For now, though, we'd like to help these children find sponsors. If you would like to help -- or if you know of anyone who would -- please email us at blog@children.org. We'll help you get set up as the sponsor for one or more of the children right away. Thanks!   Jorge [image]                       Jorge and Heidy [image]                         Edgar [image]                         Edgar at School [image]   [image] These three children -- Edgar (8), Jorge (5) and Heidy (1) -- belong to a hard-working family in Guatemala who are really having a tough time. We plan to feature their story in a the near future. For now, though, we'd like to help these children find sponsors. If you would like to help -- or if you know of anyone who would -- please email us at blog@children.org. We'll help you get set up as the sponsor for one or more of the children right away. Thanks!   Jorge [image]                       Jorge and Heidy [image]                         Edgar [image]                         Edgar at School [image]   Tue, 18 May 2010 21:01:04 GMT http://community.liftone.org/_Can-You-Help/BLOG/2343851/121091.html CI_KellyN 2010-05-18T21:01:04Z Guatemala LiftOne [image] These three children -- Edgar (8), Jorge (5) and Heidy (1) -- belong to a hard-working family in Guatemala who are really having a tough time. We plan to feature their story in a the near future. For now, though, we'd like to help these children find sponsors. If you would like to help -- or if you know of anyone who would -- please email us at blog@children.org. We'll help you get set up as the sponsor for one or more of the children right away. Thanks!   Jorge [image]                       Jorge and Heidy [image]                         Edgar [image]                         Edgar at School [image]   children international, guatemala, poverty, sponsorship nonadult false Can You Help? text blog children international,guatemala,poverty,sponsorship 712 5 5.0 http://community.liftone.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=18530336&as=121091 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/121091/photos/PHOTO_7517637_121091_18530336_ap_160X120.jpg false 3 Guatemala 0 2343851 18530336 ChampionLifter 4865 http://community.liftone.org/_To-the-Classes-of-2010-and-Beyond-Congratulations/BLOG/2342100/121091.html Last Saturday, I watched my oldest daughter graduate from high school. [image] I'll have to admit I wasn't ready for it. There were still so many things I wanted to do with her as a child...yet childhood had somehow slipped away. Now it's college in the fall, and a step out into a whole new world of adulthood. She's more excited about it than I am. :) Watching Lauren graduate got me thinking about the importance of education. My wife and I have worked hard to make sure our children get the best education possible, because we realize it is critical to their future. It's been a sacrifice, no doubt about it. But compared to the struggle our sponsored families put up to educate their children, we've had it pretty easy. We didn't miss any meals along the way. We always had a decent roof over our heads. And the kids might not have always worn designer clothing, but they dressed well. So in a month when a lot of graduates are throwing their caps in the air, my hat's off too...to the moms and dads around the world who, with the help of CI, are doing whatever it takes to help make sure their kids have a chance at a better life. Last Saturday, I watched my oldest daughter graduate from high school. [image] I'll have to admit I wasn't ready for it. There were still so many things I wanted to do with her as a child...yet childhood had somehow slipped away. Now it's college in the fall, and a step out into a whole new world of adulthood. She's more excited about it than I am. :) Watching Lauren graduate got me thinking about the importance of education. My wife and I have worked hard to make sure our children get the best education possible, because we realize it is critical to their future. It's been a sacrifice, no doubt about it. But compared to the struggle our sponsored families put up to educate their children, we've had it pretty easy. We didn't miss any meals along the way. We always had a decent roof over our heads. And the kids might not have always worn designer clothing, but they dressed well. So in a month when a lot of graduates are throwing their caps in the air, my hat's off too...to the moms and dads around the world who, with the help of CI, are doing whatever it takes to help make sure their kids have a chance at a better life. Mon, 17 May 2010 18:27:20 GMT http://community.liftone.org/_To-the-Classes-of-2010-and-Beyond-Congratulations/BLOG/2342100/121091.html CI_KellyN 2010-05-17T18:27:20Z LiftOne Last Saturday, I watched my oldest daughter graduate from high school. [image] I'll have to admit I wasn't ready for it. There were still so many things I wanted to do with her as a child...yet childhood had somehow slipped away. Now it's college in the fall, and a step out into a whole new world of adulthood. She's more excited about it than I am. :) Watching Lauren graduate got me thinking about the importance of education. My wife and I have worked hard to make sure our children get the best education possible, because we realize it is critical to their future. It's been a sacrifice, no doubt about it. But compared to the struggle our sponsored families put up to educate their children, we've had it pretty easy. We didn't miss any meals along the way. We always had a decent roof over our heads. And the kids might not have always worn designer clothing, but they dressed well. So in a month when a lot of graduates are throwing their caps in the air, my hat's off too...to the moms and dads around the world who, with the help of CI, are doing whatever it takes to help make sure their kids have a chance at a better life. children international, education, graduation, sponsorship nonadult false To the Classes of 2010 and Beyond: Congratulations! text blog children international,education,graduation,sponsorship 681 4 5.0 http://community.liftone.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=18530336&as=121091 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/121091/photos/PHOTO_7517637_121091_18530336_ap_160X120.jpg false 1 0 2342100 18530336 ChampionLifter 4865 http://community.liftone.org/_Making-Music/BLOG/2331868/121091.html Apart from living in villages along the Indo-Bangladesh border in West Bengal where life is fraught with tension, what does Robila, Sanatan, Shanti, Seema, Debabrata and 35 other youth have in common? It is music. Surprising but true. [image]Last week, while travelling to a youth group meeting I was wondering how would the day unfold? Would I hear more about how difficult it is to motivate the youth, how they are prone to skipping school and in general are careless about their future and society? These thoughts were buzzing inside my head when faint notes of the flute punctuated by the heavy beats of a drum reached my ears and turning the corner I was greeted with a spectacular sight. A pep band formed of our youth members braving the hot sun was playing a “marching song” just for me. What a spectacular welcome. I was floored. [image] And this is how it all came about…The youth group of this area proposed for learning musical instruments as they felt that these additional opportunities teach important life skills such as cooperation, discipline, leadership, and self-control. Once this proposal was approved by Children International, the youth wasted no time in forming a music band to learn musical instruments together. [image]They took it a step further and turned this pep band of theirs into an earning venture. The band was hired by a nearby school for their annual function. People were so impressed by their playing abilities that requests started coming in on a regular basis to play in schools, at social gatherings, sports meets etc and the money they receive was put in the youth account for future projects to help needy members of their community  . While listening to them play I realized that this group of young men and women have learnt to work together in perfect harmony and without breaking a note because music connects people. When put together well, the sound can be infectious and foot tapping. [image]This is what Shanti Singh (I.D-733276) one of the band members had to say:In the beginning, when I told with my parents that I will learn a musical instrument and be a part of a band my mother was very hesitant and apprehensive. Girls in rural areas played musical instruments to aid their singing, but a girl playing in a marching band was unheard of and not an acceptable behavior. Girls are expected to cook, sew and learn other household activities prior to marriage and not join and play in a band. I was trying to be an anomaly and this wasn’t liked by many. Despite the frowns I coaxed some of my friends to join the band and seeing my eagerness my parents finally relented.  Today, we are 40 members in a group and have completed our training. It was a great boost to our fledgling band’s morale when we were asked to play at the local school. This was a sign of acceptance by the local community. Apart from practicing daily we are in the process of training 20 more of our peers who want to join us. In the anvil are also plans of revamping our costumes and learning new tricks like baton twirling. This band has indeed opened new horizons for us and we want it to be the best. And the band plays on… Apart from living in villages along the Indo-Bangladesh border in West Bengal where life is fraught with tension, what does Robila, Sanatan, Shanti, Seema, Debabrata and 35 other youth have in common? It is music. Surprising but true. [image]Last week, while travelling to a youth group meeting I was wondering how would the day unfold? Would I hear more about how difficult it is to motivate the youth, how they are prone to skipping school and in general are careless about their future and society? These thoughts were buzzing inside my head when faint notes of the flute punctuated by the heavy beats of a drum reached my ears and turning the corner I was greeted with a spectacular sight. A pep band formed of our youth members braving the hot sun was playing a “marching song” just for me. What a spectacular welcome. I was floored. [image] And this is how it all came about…The youth group of this area proposed for learning musical instruments as they felt that these additional opportunities teach important life skills such as cooperation, discipline, leadership, and self-control. Once this proposal was approved by Children International, the youth wasted no time in forming a music band to learn musical instruments together. [image]They took it a step further and turned this pep band of theirs into an earning venture. The band was hired by a nearby school for their annual function. People were so impressed by their playing abilities that requests started coming in on a regular basis to play in schools, at social gatherings, sports meets etc and the money they receive was put in the youth account for future projects to help needy members of their community  . While listening to them play I realized that this group of young men and women have learnt to work together in perfect harmony and without breaking a note because music connects people. When put together well, the sound can be infectious and foot tapping. [image]This is what Shanti Singh (I.D-733276) one of the band members had to say:In the beginning, when I told with my parents that I will learn a musical instrument and be a part of a band my mother was very hesitant and apprehensive. Girls in rural areas played musical instruments to aid their singing, but a girl playing in a marching band was unheard of and not an acceptable behavior. Girls are expected to cook, sew and learn other household activities prior to marriage and not join and play in a band. I was trying to be an anomaly and this wasn’t liked by many. Despite the frowns I coaxed some of my friends to join the band and seeing my eagerness my parents finally relented.  Today, we are 40 members in a group and have completed our training. It was a great boost to our fledgling band’s morale when we were asked to play at the local school. This was a sign of acceptance by the local community. Apart from practicing daily we are in the process of training 20 more of our peers who want to join us. In the anvil are also plans of revamping our costumes and learning new tricks like baton twirling. This band has indeed opened new horizons for us and we want it to be the best. And the band plays on… Mon, 10 May 2010 06:22:06 GMT http://community.liftone.org/_Making-Music/BLOG/2331868/121091.html CI_CommSAH 2010-05-10T06:22:06Z LiftOne Apart from living in villages along the Indo-Bangladesh border in West Bengal where life is fraught with tension, what does Robila, Sanatan, Shanti, Seema, Debabrata and 35 other youth have in common? It is music. Surprising but true. [image]Last week, while travelling to a youth group meeting I was wondering how would the day unfold? Would I hear more about how difficult it is to motivate the youth, how they are prone to skipping school and in general are careless about their future and society? These thoughts were buzzing inside my head when faint notes of the flute punctuated by the heavy beats of a drum reached my ears and turning the corner I was greeted with a spectacular sight. A pep band formed of our youth members braving the hot sun was playing a “marching song” just for me. What a spectacular welcome. I was floored. [image] And this is how it all came about…The youth group of this area proposed for learning musical instruments as they felt that these additional opportunities teach important life skills such as cooperation, discipline, leadership, and self-control. Once this proposal was approved by Children International, the youth wasted no time in forming a music band to learn musical instruments together. [image]They took it a step further and turned this pep band of theirs into an earning venture. The band was hired by a nearby school for their annual function. People were so impressed by their playing abilities that requests started coming in on a regular basis to play in schools, at social gatherings, sports meets etc and the money they receive was put in the youth account for future projects to help needy members of their community  . While listening to them play I realized that this group of young men and women have learnt to work together in perfect harmony and without breaking a note because music connects people. When put together well, the sound can be infectious and foot tapping. [image]This is what Shanti Singh (I.D-733276) one of the band members had to say:In the beginning, when I told with my parents that I will learn a musical instrument and be a part of a band my mother was very hesitant and apprehensive. Girls in rural areas played musical instruments to aid their singing, but a girl playing in a marching band was unheard of and not an acceptable behavior. Girls are expected to cook, sew and learn other household activities prior to marriage and not join and play in a band. I was trying to be an anomaly and this wasn’t liked by many. Despite the frowns I coaxed some of my friends to join the band and seeing my eagerness my parents finally relented.  Today, we are 40 members in a group and have completed our training. It was a great boost to our fledgling band’s morale when we were asked to play at the local school. This was a sign of acceptance by the local community. Apart from practicing daily we are in the process of training 20 more of our peers who want to join us. In the anvil are also plans of revamping our costumes and learning new tricks like baton twirling. This band has indeed opened new horizons for us and we want it to be the best. And the band plays on… nonadult false Making Music text blog 658 5 5.0 http://community.liftone.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=21167272&as=121091 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/121091/photos/PHOTO_8168244_121091_21167272_ap_160X120.jpg false 4 0 2331868 21167272 PowerLifter 4005 http://community.liftone.org/_Click-for-a-Cause-with-Visa-and-CI/BLOG/2329662/121091.html Since we've launched LiftOne and been reviewing your feedback, we've been working to provide you with the tools and resources that you've requested.  One of the most common points of feedback was "how can I use LiftOne to engage others?". While there have been numerous indirect ways for you to engage others via LiftOne, we've been working on providing you with more direct tools.  We're excited to announce that we just launched the first of these tools. [image] Through a generous partnership with Visa, we've launched our "Click for a Cause" campaign on LiftOne.  In the upper left corner of every page you'll see an ad like the one shown in the photo to the right. When you hover over it, you're given the option to click. Click and you're done. That's it - with a click of the mouse you're telling Visa to donate $1 towards the purchase of books for the libraries at our community centers. Pretty cool, huh? The best part is that Visa has agreed to donate up to $50,000! While each user is allowed only one click per day, you can come back to click as many days as you like. You can also invite anybody else to click - they won't have to create an account or sign-in to click. It's as simple as visiting the site and clicking on the button. So, that's it - a click of your mouse gives books to needy kids! Simple enough. Here's my challenge to you: how quickly can we get those 50,000 clicks? I'll post updates on our progress along the way. Me? I'm shooting for under 6 months. [image] Since we've launched LiftOne and been reviewing your feedback, we've been working to provide you with the tools and resources that you've requested.  One of the most common points of feedback was "how can I use LiftOne to engage others?". While there have been numerous indirect ways for you to engage others via LiftOne, we've been working on providing you with more direct tools.  We're excited to announce that we just launched the first of these tools. [image] Through a generous partnership with Visa, we've launched our "Click for a Cause" campaign on LiftOne.  In the upper left corner of every page you'll see an ad like the one shown in the photo to the right. When you hover over it, you're given the option to click. Click and you're done. That's it - with a click of the mouse you're telling Visa to donate $1 towards the purchase of books for the libraries at our community centers. Pretty cool, huh? The best part is that Visa has agreed to donate up to $50,000! While each user is allowed only one click per day, you can come back to click as many days as you like. You can also invite anybody else to click - they won't have to create an account or sign-in to click. It's as simple as visiting the site and clicking on the button. So, that's it - a click of your mouse gives books to needy kids! Simple enough. Here's my challenge to you: how quickly can we get those 50,000 clicks? I'll post updates on our progress along the way. Me? I'm shooting for under 6 months. [image] Fri, 07 May 2010 17:41:22 GMT http://community.liftone.org/_Click-for-a-Cause-with-Visa-and-CI/BLOG/2329662/121091.html Children_Intl_Admin 2010-05-07T17:41:22Z LiftOne Since we've launched LiftOne and been reviewing your feedback, we've been working to provide you with the tools and resources that you've requested.  One of the most common points of feedback was "how can I use LiftOne to engage others?". While there have been numerous indirect ways for you to engage others via LiftOne, we've been working on providing you with more direct tools.  We're excited to announce that we just launched the first of these tools. [image] Through a generous partnership with Visa, we've launched our "Click for a Cause" campaign on LiftOne.  In the upper left corner of every page you'll see an ad like the one shown in the photo to the right. When you hover over it, you're given the option to click. Click and you're done. That's it - with a click of the mouse you're telling Visa to donate $1 towards the purchase of books for the libraries at our community centers. Pretty cool, huh? The best part is that Visa has agreed to donate up to $50,000! While each user is allowed only one click per day, you can come back to click as many days as you like. You can also invite anybody else to click - they won't have to create an account or sign-in to click. It's as simple as visiting the site and clicking on the button. So, that's it - a click of your mouse gives books to needy kids! Simple enough. Here's my challenge to you: how quickly can we get those 50,000 clicks? I'll post updates on our progress along the way. Me? I'm shooting for under 6 months. [image] books, click for a cause, click to give, donate, donation, library, visa nonadult false Click for a Cause with Visa and CI text blog books,click for a cause,click to give,donate,donation,library,visa 954 3 5.0 http://community.liftone.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=8150033&as=121091 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/121091/photos/PHOTO_5756166_121091_8150033_ap_160X120.jpg false United States MO Kansas City 4 0 2329662 8150033 Site Administrator 20980