Care for Kids La Paz

The Heart of a Volunteer

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“The heart of a volunteer is not measured in size but by the depth of their commitment to make a difference in the lives of others.”(anon)

Three volunteers, Emily, Todd, Tamera, and I, went to the streets in Vista Hermosa to hand out lollipops, lightly used children’s clothing donated by Andrea and Rene Bailly, and 60 lbs of beans and 50 pounds of lentils donated by Harker Board Co. in La Paz. It’s always an honour and a blessing to meet and help families who, while living in difficult circumstances, are doing everything possible to make a life for their family. Lots of very cute babies, too! More photos.

 

Exceptional Students

At a GPA of 9.6, Paty received recognition for achieving third place for her hard work, commitment, and dedication to school. This is her second award this school year for high academic achievement. We are so proud of you, Paty!

Luis Fernando, an exceptionally bright student, is in his last semester of high school with a GPA average of 10. Due to financial struggles, his mom was unable to pay the high tuition costs. For those with few resources, the costs of high school can be insurmountable. It was truly a blessing for us to help this family out!

 

Celebrating Mother’s Day

Celebrating Mexican Mother’s Day, which always falls on May 10, with our volunteers and scholarship students. Without our volunteers, our charity wouldn’t exist. Their love and dedication to supporting our goals to help children move forward in their lives is extraordinary. Rather than give each mom only one kiss to show our appreciation, we bought them each a box of kisses. Photos here.

 

Let’s Play

Trying to gather a group of kids together for a photo is like trying to herd ants. However, we succeeded!

After playing games of Pie Face, where the children love getting plastered in the face with whipping cream, Loteria (Mexican bingo), artistic drawing and some creative face painting, the children had a drink of refreshing Jamaica (ha-my-kah) and each left with a bag of popcorn. These kids are so easy to please and that’s what makes them so much fun to be around! More photos.

Let There Be Light

It’s hard to believe that, in 2018, electricity still hasn’t been installed in parts of Vista Hermosa. A big thanks to Trevor Brown of Baja Connections in La Paz, who donates a solar lamp for every whale watching tour he takes out, and to John Peterson for his donations that bring light for students to study by at night. More photos.

Child Health Care

Throughout the times Dr. Ortega has come to Vista Hermosa, our charity has been able to meet families and hear about their needs.

Sometimes the needs are as simple as buying diapers or handing out a solar lamp. Other times, it’s recognizing when a child is not thriving well so that a plan can be put in place for the welfare of the child.

Children waiting to be seen by Dr. Ortega can become very restless if they have nothing to divert their attention. On Saturday, we brought reading books as well as colouring books and crayons (donated by Andrea and Rene Bailly), hoping that this would occupy their time.

Little did we know how popular an activity this turned out to be. Some of the older boys can be pretty noisy and rowdy so it came as a surprise when they took to the colouring books like fish to water. On the soccer field, they’re merciless; with a crayon in hand, they’re putty. Photos here.

On the Road Again

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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.

Joan and Mike sent us the following note about their visit:

“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.

After the Rain

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For six weeks before Ash Wednesday, residents and travellers to La Paz can experience days and nights full of colour, music, dance, delicious Mexican food, mechanical rides, fireworks, and also the incredible parade floats that always bring a carnival to life. This is all part of an amazing “fiesta” in Baja called Carnaval La Paz. The main street, El Malecon, is closed to traffic while numerous stands taunt buyers with food, toys, clothing, jewellery, and masks. 

For this month’s Let’s Play event, for our kids in Vista Hermosa and in keeping with the theme of Carnaval (Spanish spelling), we offered face painting and mask making. The masks were pre-cut, thanks to volunteer Eileen Herrara, and the table was littered with feathers, jewels, ribbon, crepe paper, pipe cleaners, string, and other recycled material. At the end, we handed out popcorn, Jamaica (delicious Mexican drink) and prizes. The whole event was beyond successful, with some very creative masks. The dolls are from Colombia, thanks to Andrea and Rene Bailly. More photos here.

Cuter Than Cute
 Kevin was just coming from a dance festival at his school when I bumped into him and his mother. He’s wearing the traditional clothing from Veracruz, another state on the Mexican mainland. Is this little boy cute or what!!

 

Scholarship Student

Alan is one of our scholarship students who does his four hours a month of community service in our After School program. Whether the kids play games, draw, or do homework, they enjoy getting together and just having fun….which kids are so good at!

Twins!

Creativity Plus

Marco is an elderly gentleman living in Vista Hermosa who keeps busy making colourful purses and weaving an intricate pattern for fishing nets. The amount of details, not to mention hours, he puts into these projects is astounding, with the end result being a beautiful product.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Children’s Health
Yesterday, numerous babies and infants visited Dr. Ortega, Vista Hermosa’s “resident” paediatrician, who offers his services (free) once a month to children in that community.
Dr. Ortega feels it’s especially important to care for newborns and infants in order to encourage moms to breastfeed, to ensure the infants are getting the proper nutrition, which can be a problem in the poorer communities, and overall to focus on health and development of the child so that problems can be nipped in the bud before they have a chance to blossom.
Dr. Ortega’s love for children makes him awesome at what he does! A big thank you to the co-workers of Julia, Dr. Ortega’s lovely wife, for donating running shoes and clothing. More photos.

 

After the Rain

It rarely rains in La Paz but I was lucky enough to be high up on the hill in Vista Hermosa to capture the rainbow after the cloudburst. One of life’s little miracles!

Love Springs Eternal

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Keeping Warm

Imagine not having a blanket to keep you warm on cold winter nights. It’s unthinkable, isn’t it? But that’s exactly what a number of families in Vista Hermosa face every night when the temperatures fall and the wind whips through the cracks and crevasses of their poorly built homes. Thanks to the generous donation from the Gerbrandt and Graves families, we delivered 92 blankets to Mexican families, as well as toques to children, lovingly knitted by La Paz resident, Sylvia Sperling. It means so much to the recipients to know that someone cares enough about their warmth during those chilly nights in the harsh, desert environment. More photos here.
Helping Out

We received an email from a family who would be travelling to La Paz for Christmas. They wanted to help make Christmas special for a Mexican family in need. On December 24, the two families met and told each other a little about their lives. The children received gifts – dolls, soccer balls and clothing – and the parents, food. Both families departed feeling very blessed for this opportunity to be involved in each other’s lives, if only for a few minutes. More photos here.

We met this little boy when we were handing out blankets. It was a cool, windy day, too cold to be out barefooted but that’s how this little boy was walking. We asked his mom what happened to his shoes and she replied that what he had were no longer wearable. It was a no-brainer. The boy needed shoes; our charity is in the business of helping. We went out to one of the many shoe stores in La Paz that carries every size, colour and style imaginable, found him a pair of sneakers and made one boy, and mom, very happy. Who doesn’t love new shoes?

Making Lives Better

Dr. Jose Luis Ortega, who provides free medical care to newborns up to late teens in the community where our charity serves, saw twenty-four children, including two brand new babies, a three-day old boy and a three-month old girl, who were brought by their first-time moms for a “well-visit”. Caring for a newborn baby can be an overwhelming experience for new mothers and the support they receive from Dr. Ortega is indispensable to their well-being as well as their baby’s health.
Community Service

Magui is one of our scholarship students, who does her community service in our After School program, where kids in the community come to play games, draw, read, do homework, and just be silly…which kids are really good at!

The scholarship students must do four hours a month at whatever they choose. This school year, they have been volunteering at the After School program, their church, their school, and government agencies.

Heading Back to School

Guess who got new school supplies just as they were heading back to school after Christmas vacation? Thanks to clients of Tailhunter International Sportfishing who kindly donated the supplies, and Araceli, a follower of our FB page, for all the lovely used clothing handed down from her daughter. More photos here.

‘Twas The Night Before Christmas

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4th Annual Christmas Food Drive

Four trucks loaded to the brim with 231 food hampers made their way to Vista Hermosa to meet the families patiently waiting.

Each hamper contained 25 basic food and personal hygiene items. Because we bought from a warehouse that sells in bulk, we were able to negotiate a significant savings per hamper, at least 1/3 less than if you bought the same products in a grocery store.

What I love about the culture is the Mexicans are rarely in a hurry. This gave us the opportunity to schmooze with single moms, single dads, large families, small families, the elderly and the handicapped.

One of our volunteers handed out candy canes and we all exchanged hugs with wishes to each and every person for a very Merry Christmas. Happiness and sugar highs all around!

It was an amazing time for all of us knowing that each family we met will have food on their table for Christmas. Thank you to all who donated to this project and to the 21 volunteers who joined us this special day in celebrating an early Christmas with the children and families. Lots more photos

We, at Care for Kids La Paz, would like to wish you, our readers, a very blessed Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. See you in 2018!

Partying With the Mexicans

Over eighty children attended our annual children’s Christmas fiesta where they vigourously and enthusiastically participated in games, relays, and drawing.

Surprisingly, some of those young kids were out to defeat their opponent at all costs but thankfully, we didn’t lose any, a miracle in itself.

However, kids being kids, they were most anxious for a gift – dolls, trucks, Yoyo’s, Slinkys, flying machines, rubber balls, Frisbees, girls’ notebooks, bead-making kits, silly putty – lovingly donated by clients of Tailhunter International Sportfishing, and Dr. Jose Luis Ortega, his lovely wife, Julia, and her coworkers.

Lastly, check out Oscar’s very fashionable tie in the photos.

 

More Partying With The Mexicans

The Mexicans sure know how to throw a Christmas Posada. Lots of food, piñatas for the kids and gifts.

I attended this fiesta, hosted by Gris, who teaches young moms with newborns to 4 years the necessary skills to help their children develop cognitively, socially, physically and emotionally.

There were a ton of kids and when it came time for the piñatas, I was pretty surprised at how some of those young ones could really pummel those things, tackle each other to the ground diving for candies, and arise unscathed. Arising without a mark or even arising at all, is a mystery.

Our charity donated the gifts – trucks, dolls, clothing – to very happy children who might not otherwise receive something for Christmas. More photos.

 

Sick Kids

Once a month, Dr. Jose Luis Ortega, a paediatrician, attends to sick kids in Vista Hermosa. The word has quickly gotten out that a paediatrician will treat children at no cost. What’s more is that the mothers don’t have to make an appointment and they will be given the medication their children need, if Dr. Ortega has brought it.

It was both a busy and hectic afternoon with over thirty-eight kids waiting to be seen. Dr. Ortega and his lovely wife, Julia, brought a ton of Christmas gifts for the kids, many of them donated by Julia’s co-workers. That helped keep the children occupied.

When your child is sick, it’s a great comfort to have specialized care right in your backyard! Lots more photos.

 

Our 12th Anniversary

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It’s been an honour and a privilege to have founded this charity twelve years ago. When I decided to start one, I didn’t have a clue about running one. All I knew was that the poverty in Mexico was extensive, I alone couldn’t even begin to make a difference, but together many of us could. At that time, my friend and I were already helping some impoverished families. I wanted others to share in the joy of being able to bring dignity and hope to those who live in poverty, for we really are all part of one family. Those thoughts were at the root of starting Care for Kids La Paz.

The community we decided to serve was dirt poor, financially the charity wasn’t faring much better, but we never gave up hope that the money would come from somewhere and we would be able to help those in need. The only explanation I can give as to why we’re still going strong after twelve years is Divine Providence. 

We’ve been both humbled and encouraged by the stories of the people we’ve met, their sacrifice, their desire for a better life, their hard work and love of family.

We always celebrate the anniversary with our volunteers, scholarship students, and families. There’s no better way to celebrate than by showing our appreciation to those who have dedicated themselves to working with us. One of our volunteers handed me an arrangement of beautiful flowers as a way to thank us for our work!

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have supported us by donations, sponsorship, prayers, volunteer work, spreading the word about our charity, and fundraising. Your generosity has made a difference in the lives of those who have so little. Without your help and love, we wouldn’t exist, and the children and families where we serve wouldn’t reap the benefits. More photos here.
 

Engaging Families

Sponsoring a student can change the life of not only the student but the sponsor. One of the first things Roxanne wanted to do in La Paz was visit Perla, the student she and her friend Doug have been sponsoring, meet her family, and take her out for a few hours to get to know her better. Of course, you can’t go downtown without stopping for delicious ice-cream on a hot summer day, or buying a book by Perla’s favourite author, or even buying her a pearl bracelet to match her name. A wonderful bond was forged and an unforgettable experience for both.

Roxanne wrote a little something for the newsletter:
“Recently my friend Doug and I sponsored a young woman through Care for Kids La Paz. Meeting Perla, seeing her beautiful smile walking towards us in the town square, is a memory I will never forget. Although we were both a bit nervous at first, we ended up spending a few hours enjoying ice cream and chatting like old friends. After doing a bit of walking and shopping, we proceeded to Perla’s home so I could meet her family. They were welcoming and friendly and we laughed and joked with the help of Oscar, our translator. I feel so much richer for the experience of meeting Perla, and seeing the promise in her future. Priceless!” Photos of their time together here.
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Let There Be Light
Thanks to Keith Anderson, Bill and Erika Elliott, and John Peterson, both the young and old received solar lamps to illuminate their homes and study by when night falls. Say good-bye to messy candles. More photos here.

 

 

Taking It To The Streets
Thanks to visitors, Kristen Weiss and family, and clients of Tailhunter International Sportfishing, we went into the streets handing out new and used clothing, soccer balls, and school supplies. Even dad got into colouring! Photos here.

Taking It To The Streets

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Basic Health Care
According to Mexico’s constitution, all citizens are entitled to health care benefits from the government and, as of now, have access to basic healthcare services. At least on paper.
The healthcare system is divided. There is one for government workers (IMSS), one for workers of the private sector (ISSSTE) and one for those who aren’t covered by the former two (Seguro Popular). Each has a budget, hospitals and separate clinics. However, challenges to this system is substantial, especially for the poor who may have to pay out-of-pocket for drugs, procedures and surgeries that either clinics, hospitals or their health plan don’t provide.  If the cost is an amount a patient can’t afford, the patient doesn’t get treated. Private hospitals, doctors and health insurance exist but the cost is prohibitive to those with few resources. So, you can imagine my delight when I received an email from Dr. Jose Luis Ortega, a paediatrician in La Paz, who, for many years, has been treating children from Vista Hermosa in his office for free. However, more often than not, parents in that community missed their appointments. Whatever the reason, Dr. Ortega said if the children couldn’t come to him, he’d go to the children. Once a month. Every month. A small Christian church, right in the heart of an area filled with kids, opened their doors for this very compassionate doctor. While he was consulting with babies to teens, a volunteer from our charity was handing out oranges, bananas and apples he bought for this occasion. Even a small step can provide a big impact in delivering medical care and the gift of love to those with few resources! More photos here.

 

Sleep and Smile
 
Riding in her bright yellow wheelchair, Norma is difficult to miss. With the help of her brother and the community, she is able to live independently. She asked our charity if we could help her with a new pair of shoes because the ones she had were held together with gum. We found her a pair of slip-on rubber soled tennis shoes, which fit her like a glove and brought a beautiful smile to her face.

 

We spend about a third of every day in bed. What you siesta on can impact your sleep. Many of us have the luxury of spending it blissfully slumbering on a comfortable bed. What if your mattress was old and saggy or even wet? Or three of your kids were sleeping with you because there was only one mattress? Or you slept on a dirt floor? Unimaginable, isn’t it? In many of the poorer communities, this is not uncommon. Our charity recently delivered a number of mattresses to happy children who could finally get a good night’s sleep. Sleep and smile…such simple things! More photos here.

 

Love Comes In Different Sizes
We love it when we receive donations of school supplies and other goodies because it gives us an excuse to take to the streets to meet the most adorable kids and their families where they live. Two thumbs up to clients of Tailhunter International Sportfishing for their generous donations of school supplies, shoes, toys, personal hygiene items, new and used clothing and empty wooden cigar boxes, beautifully decorated, that were snapped up rather quickly. More photos here.

 

Moms and Babes

Gris is a very valued volunteer who has been with our charity since its inception in 2005. Twice a week, she teaches young moms (and grandmothers) with newborns to 4 years the necessary skills to help their children develop cognitively, socially, physically and emotionally. Gris, with her love for children and her warm personality, is the perfect person to help these mothers and their adorable children. Thanks to a donation from clients of Tailhunter International Sportsfishing, we were able to supply her program with crayons and drawing material. Check out adorable kids here.

 

Fourth Annual Christmas Food Drive

Hunger is a real problem in the outlying communities of La Paz. Many families in the community Vista Hermosa reside in homes built of tin, pieces of wood, and cardboard. Some have dirt floors. They live without electricity, piped-in water or basic sewage.
Last year we raised enough money to buy 230 food hampers that consisted of dry goods and personal hygiene items. This year we’re aiming for 300 families. Each hamper costs $25.00 or 450 pesos.
Will you help us reach our goal?
Donations can be made through the website, Care for Kids La Paz , in either Canadian or US dollars, on our Facebook page or in La Paz at Allende Books (125-9114)
Allende Books: Independencia 518 between Prieto and Serdan Open 10-6
Mon-Sat
Thank you for wanting to make Christmas special for those who have so little.

 

Investing in a Child’s Future

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Academic Achievement

Congratulations to Brayan, Estefanía, and Jennifer, three of our scholarship students, for receiving diplomas in their school year for academic achievement. We are very proud of them!   

 

 

 

 

Mattress Run

There’s nothing like a good night’s sleep!

We delivered a mattress to a young boy who was sleeping on the floor and to a family of eight where Tropical Storm Lidia became a running river through their home. 

 

 

 

Guess Who Got New School Shoes?

Ready To Learn

Just before classes began at the end of August and after classes were in session, generous clients of Tailhunter International Sportfishing donated a huge amount of school supplies.

We’re investing in the future of children by giving them the tools they need to finish school and have successful lives.

Free school supplies can also help ease the burden of school costs for children in need.

Our hope is that every student sees its benefit, works hard and succeeds in life. More photos here and here.

Let’s Play

Our monthly event gives kids the opportunity to engage in races, games, and drawing and to leave with prizes, popcorn and a good time. A big thank you to clients of Tailhunter International Sportfishing for donating the prizes.

More photos here.

Solar Reading Lamps

Trevor Brown, the founder of Baja Connections, a responsible tourism business, has pledged to purchase one rechargeable solar lamp for every whale shark tour they do. We will distribute these lamps to school age children who don’t have electricity in their homes. Baja Connections offers snorkelling, diving, whale watching and whale shark tours in La Paz.  

If you’ve never snorkelled with a whale shark,
the biggest and most docile fish in the ocean, you’ve never really snorkelled. Visit La Paz, swim with these gentle giants and help distribute a lamp to a child.
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The Face of An Angel

Our hearts are saddened by the passing of precious, little 10-year old Vania, who recently died of an inoperable brain tumour. Vania was such a blessing to everyone who met her and she will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family, who have lost such a beautiful princess.

Summer’s Finally Here!

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This newsletter marks the end of the school year as summer holidays are a breath away. Why is it that time drags on when you want something to happen but moves at a quicker and quicker pace when you’re not paying attention?

Our focus has been on a number of events:

We have continued to give younger children an outlet essential for their developing brains through our after school activities – reading, toys, books, and games – and monthly play events. If you stimulate a child’s mind, he or she will grow up to be engaged and excited about the world.
 
Fifteen students are receiving scholarships, seven in junior high and eight in high school. One student, Brandon, has graduated this year with plans to join the military.     
                             

It’s a good option for a young person who may not have the money to attend university or the marks to get in. Brandon has always been a very hard worker, employed part-time to help support his family of eight while going to school. The fact that he even completed high school is a tribute to his determination and dedication!

 

 

At Christmas, thanks to generous donors, we were able to deliver 174 food hampers to families. And throughout the year, we have provided food, portable propane stoves and tanks, school shoes, uniforms and school supplies to families in dire need.

Not to mention, celebrating Christmas and Mother’s Day with our volunteers to thank them for their hard work and dedication to our mission.

We’ve also received a ton of donations – school supplies, crayons, colouring books, personal hygiene articles, toothbrushes, toothpaste, sheets, blankets, pillows, girls’ hair stuff, soccer balls, soccer clothing and shoes, cleats, mattresses, solar reading lamps, and so much more – from visitors to La Paz. In fact, we just received and handed out a gazillion goodies donated from clients of Tailhunter International Sportfishing. More photos here.

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The Faces of Angels

An hour of fun with kids participating in sack races, Pie Face, colouring, Loteria and Kickball (futbeis in Mexico) with rules similar to baseball except a soccer ball is used instead of a bat. An event isn’t really over until treats are handed out: the delicious, refreshing drink Jamaica, bags of popcorn and prizes. Happy children make our hearts soar! More photos here.
 
All our volunteers, students and I are looking forward to kicking back. On behalf of our families, we thank you for all your emails, support and donations. Although we’re taking a break from writing newsletters, please follow us on Facebook.

God bless you.

Barbara

Inspiring Hope

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Love to Play

Kids love being creative and using their imagination. And they just love to play. Our charity started an After School program for kids from kindergarten to the end of elementary school in order to brighten and uplift the lives of children who live in poverty and deprivation. 

What better way for our scholarship students to give back to the community than to commit their four hours of volunteer service a month to engage in play with these children. There are no specific qualifications except to be enthusiastic, show up on time and strive to be good role models.

Alanis entered our scholarship program last August with exceptionally high grades. He thinks community service is a good thing and he enjoys helping the kids with math, reading, memory games, jigsaw puzzles, painting…anything that will be a benefit for them. Some proudly receive gold stars on their forehead when they
master some skill!

A number of children who attend the After School program
are from difficult backgrounds. They have not had the best start in life. Our scholarship students, like Alanis, have the opportunity to improve things, little by little, with their love, commitment, care and energy. Community service can not only make a difference in someone else’s life but our students’ lives as well.
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The Face of Angels: Profile of Alanis – 13 years

CFKLP: Please tell the readers a bit about your family?

Alanis: I live with my father, mother and younger sister. My dad’s a construction worker by trade but because he can’t find work, he’s working in a restaurant cleaning and doing other things. My mom takes care of us.

CFKLP: What is the most important thing your parents have taught you?

A: They taught me values and my rights. Also, to be respectful with them, the right to education, and to help around the house.

CFKLP: What does education mean to you?

A: It gives someone the opportunity to get ahead and to be somebody in life.

CFKLP: I know you’re still young but do you have any dreams for your future?

A: I want a good career and to be able to help my family. Both my mother and father went as far as junior high. I thought I would like to be a military engineer but not now. To be a military engineer, I would have to leave La Paz and I want to stay close to my family.

CFKLP: What makes you proud of yourself?

A: I’m very positive. Even if bad things happen, I keep smiling. Tomorrow will be better. I learned this by myself. In school, they teach us to be positive, arrange things with words and not with fists.

CFKLP: Your marks are excellent. Does that make you proud?

A: My favourite subject is biology. That’s another reason why I changed my mind about being an engineer. The transition from primary school to junior high has been easy for me.

CFKLP: What do you do in your spare time?

A: I play soccer with friends and watch TV.

CFKLP: Tell us about your community service and what you think of doing community service.

A: It’s a good thing. There are people who are old and sick and community service can help them. My community service is helping in the after school program the charity started. I play with the kids who come, help them with math, and try to do things with them that will be a benefit for them like memory games, jigsaw puzzles, multiplication games and sometimes they paint.

CFKLP: If you had all the money and time in the world, what would you like to do?

A: Basically, I’d like to give something back to society like giving away money to people in need, help with housing, maybe create some program that helps a lot of people. I’ve also been seeing these 3D machines that can create fake skin that can actually be transplanted into humans. They’re just researching this but it fascinates me.

CFKLP: What does poverty mean to you? How would you describe it?

A: I don’t think my family is in poverty because my parents have been providing me with food and a house. But there are others who lack resources to feed themselves. I’d like to provide them and help them with what they need.

CFKLP: If you were the President of Mexico, what would you change to make this country a better place to live?

A: I’d try not to engage in more corruption to benefit myself. I’d attack the cartels, provide security to people, start programs that benefit all society like stopping robbery and all bad things. Where I live, I’d put in drainage, water, electricity and better housing. It’s important to be a good citizen and not do bad things. Lots of people rob houses and do graffiti.

CFKLP: Is there anything you’d like to say to our readers before we close this interview?
A: Thank you for the opportunity to help us so we can continue with school.

 

Improving the Lives of Children and Their Families

Mexicans with few resources live in the poorest
and most marginalized communities.
Many have no access to piped-in water,
electricity or basic sanitation.

We want to help those families live with dignity, hope and opportunity.

 

Care for Kids La Paz Mission Statement

Care for Kids La Paz is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of impoverished children and their families in La Paz, BCS, Mexico. Our focus is to promote hope and opportunity by providing long-term support guaranteeing access to food, education and health care to children whose families want to participate in a process of development to enhance their quality of life.

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Care for Kids La Paz