It is truly a dynamic experience when sponsors meet their sponsored student and families. This is the fourth time Joan and Mike Whalen have visited Veronica (above) and the first time for Julio (left). It’s a beautiful opportunity for sponsors to discover the everyday reality of the student, to have a heartfelt conversation with them, indulge in some local food, hand out gifts and leave knowing how the students’ lives are being transformed.
“In March my husband and I had the chance to visit Veronica and Julio, the kids we have been sponsoring through Care for Kids La Paz. The time we spend visiting with the kids and their families is the highlight of our trip to La Paz.
We have sponsored Veronica for the past four years. We have watched her grow from an energetic, happy girl to a beautiful, composed and strong young woman, yet she has not lost her enthusiasm for people, life and learning. She is making good use of every opportunity given her and is working hard to open doors to her future.
This was our first time to meet Julio. We had such fun meeting him and his twin brother and family. The boys are doing excellent in school, always competing with each other. It was encouraging to hear of their plans for their futures. More photos here.
What a privilege it is for us to meet these hard working families facing incredible hardships with hope and joy.” For more information about being a sponsor for a scholarship student, click here.
Heartthrobs of the Year
He’s got the fast car. I’ve got the travelling bug and we’re going cruisin’!
Move over Popeye…this boy’s a serious contender!
Teen Parents
Studies show that teen parents and their children are at increased risk for medical, psychological, developmental, and social problems.
On Saturday, a number of teen moms visited our “resident” paediatrician, Dr. Jose Luis Ortega, who comes once a month to Vista Hermosa. Paediatricians are in the unique position of being on the front line for early intervention and medical care, which is crucial to reduce the risks specific to this population and to address their unique challenges.
Gris, a resident of Vista Hermosa, and an instructor hired by CONAFE (National Council for Education Development), carries out an outreach program for new parents, caregivers and pregnant women. She meets twice a week with mostly young moms of newborns to four years to help improve parenting skills and strengthen families through support and education. The impact she’s making is encouraging.
Last, but not least, Dr. Ortega, his wife Julia, and some of her colleagues, bought gifts and candies to celebrate Children’s Day in Mexico…April 30. On behalf of the kids who were delighted to be a recipient of this goodwill, thank you. Photos here.
Warming Up
Every month we throw an event for the little kids from 4 – 10 years. They are crazy about Pie Face, where they have the opportunity of getting smacked in the face with 
whipping cream…and they keep coming back for more! And what kid doesn’t want to have his or her face painted?
At the end, we handed out popcorn and glasses of Mexico’s favourite refreshing, non-alcoholic drink, Jamaica (ha-my-ka), made from dried hibiscus leaves. We also had a free raffle for the gifts that were donated to the charity by a yoga group from the U.S., who last month, visited with the children, and engaged in activities with them. Like stretching, which was a big hit. Thank you, Juli Schultz and crew of ECO SUP. More photos.