Through Our Eyes: Overcoming Child Poverty

As International Youth Day begins to wrap up, here's an opportunity to meet LaToya, Children International's youth representative from the United States.

Our Youth Council talks a lot about being an Agent of Change, so I wrote this poem about becoming an agent of change:

“My Path”
My path is my path paved just for me.
No one can pave it for me.
Not even God.
He can only show me how to pave it.
If I pave my path with anything or something thrown together,
What kind of path would that be?
A path that’s not for me.
My path is paved with success,
So successful that when I walk down it,
You can see success in me and my face, left and right,
And when it’s all over, my God will take me home
Because the path that I paved was the life that I was living.
 

In case you hadn’t guessed, International Youth Day activities are in full swing at the United Nations in New York, and eleven of Children International’s sponsored youth are in attendance. This is José Enrrique, our delegate from the Dominican Republic:





"I am very excited about this trip to New York. For me it's a dream come true. This is a unique and special trip because not everyone can have this opportunity that I have. They chose me because I have shown my dedication. I am a very lucky person.

My family supports me a lot, and they give me the confidence to do it well. I have a lot to share about the environment and the youth in my country. I'm going with an open mind, so that I can learn from others. I am very excited."

Check out our latest youth slideshow, “Bridging the Gap”.

Sponsored youth, Chengo Chewe from Lusaka, Zambia, Africa shares his plans for International Youth Day in New York:

I have been talking to a lot of people from all over the world about Zambia and the youth in Zambia. I am looking forward to meeting more youth and talking to them about their countries and communities. We will definitely share problems and successes we face in our various communities.

I am learning more about other youth activities that promote the Millennium Development Goals in other parts of the world. This will help me to teach my fellow Zambian youth what I learned and to do our activities like the others do to achieve maximum success.

I was so excited because I left my country for the first time in my life. I never thought I would one day fly to place where only the rich and educated go. New York is a very big city with very big buildings that seem to reach the clouds.

Definitely my life will never be the same when I get back.

Photo by Clementina Chapusha, Communications Coordinator for Children International in Lusaka, Zambia, Africa.

Each year our Communications Coordinator in Guatemala, Javier Cárcamo, trains a new batch of youth reporters to write stories, conduct interviews and take photos and video. Here, 17 year-old youth reporter Edwin Canac Tzaj shares what life is like in his rural community and how sponsorship is giving him an opportunity he never thought he would have.

My community is a small and hidden place. We live at the base of a hill and all of the neighbors are happy, but you always have a desire to have a better life. Even though we are happy, it’s kind of difficult to live here, because there isn’t any work. Some farmers give work to day laborers so they can support their families, but there isn’t enough work for everyone. Some only find work in other villages, so they have to go far away early in the morning and they come home even more tired.

The women help their husbands working in the fields cutting peas and lettuce, and some just do whatever work they can find each day in the markets or at construction sites. Every morning the sun rises and women weave their güipils (a traditional Mayan blouse) to sell, although many women work in the fields too, carrying their babies on their backs.

Even still, life here is beautiful, but everyone hopes to have happier lives with good futures for their children and to be able to enjoy the weekends at church or just taking a walk around town.

Poverty in my community is due to the fact that there aren’t any good salaries or jobs. And that’s why many people can’t afford to send their children to school, much less give youth like us higher education - like my siblings and me, for example. Our parents don’t have any way to support us, although they have always tried very hard. But sometimes it’s been difficult to keep studying. I know we have to struggle and work for our futures, because many desperate youth have thrown themselves into vice, because they have no work, nor the love of a mother or father, or anyone to support them.

But sponsorship in my community is something that makes things different for many families. In my community there are more than 100 sponsored children and youth, and that has helped us to improve ourselves and have a greater possibility of becoming better people. I am very thankful to all of you, because you have lovingly given us help, and that is such a benefit for each household. You have helped us with school supplies and personal items.

Now that I have the opportunity to be a Youth Reporter, I feel even better about myself, because now I can communicate my community’s feelings. And this is something I never dreamed of before, because it used to be very hard for me to speak Spanish, because I speak an indigenous language. But thanks to the opportunity to go to school, I can write this –although I still get a little nervous. I am learning to take photos and talk to people without feeling embarrassed. And I’m really happy about that, and I’m very satisfied being sponsored by Children International. That’s why I wish you all success in each and everything you do each day.
 

Guatemala's Youth Reporters
 

Did you like this story? Want more? Send us a comment, and let us know. We’ll be sure to make this a regular feature.

With the support of Congress and the Courts, Honduran President José Manuel Zelaya was ousted by the military on Sunday, June 28. The Supreme Court and members of Congress deemed the president’s efforts to seek a second term illegal and unconstitutional.

Rest assured our child sponsorship agency staff in San Pedro Sula reports that our agency is operating normally and does not anticipate any disruption of benefits or services to sponsored children or their families. Agency director Blanca Estela Rodriguez described the mood of the city and the population in general as “calm.” Preliminary reports from the field indicate that all sponsored families appear to be fine as well.

We will continue to provide updates on Honduras as the situation progresses. For breaking news, alerts and the most up-to-date information on the areas that we serve please visit Children International’s homepage.

Reporting by Deron Denton.

By Damon Guinn

Let me start by saying I’m new at this. As of last week, I’ve been a dad for only two years. And even though my second child is in the works, plumping up like a nice little bun in the oven, I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not the voice of authority when it comes to fatherhood. I don’t have a collection of ties to prove my tenure as the World’s Best Dad. I don’t even have the coffee mug. What I do have, though, is some fresh perspective, along with eight years of working to support children in need.

During my brief time as a dad, and my history at Children International, I’ve come to understand one principle above all others: the importance of simply “being there.”
 

Before my daughter, Ellie, was born, I racked my brain trying to plan the perfect approach to Papadom. Would I need classes on advanced diaper changing? When should I start teaching her to read? How would I keep my cool when she had her first inexplicable, Chernobyl-sized meltdown in public?

Now I realize fatherhood is mainly about being available for my daughter whenever she needs me – to help instill in her confidence and a sense of security. And that seems to be the same role sponsors serve for the children they support.

Sponsor David Medeiros brought that point home to me during a recent interview. After losing his son in a drunk driving accident, and lapsing into an alcohol-induced depression, David discovered a new purpose in life. He became a sponsor and rekindled those fatherly instincts he thought had died with the premature loss of his son, Bobby.

Sponsorship gave David the break he needed to take the focus off himself and instead place it on a young, innocent child who desperately needed someone to look up to. It’s given him so much joy, in fact, he now sponsors six children.

“I love these children like my own,” David brags, “and I treat each one of them differently. Each letter is different. And it’s personal between each one of them. To do what I’m doing...I love this! It’s a gift!”

A gift indeed. To be given the opportunity to guide the growth and development of a young life who counts on you for support and encouragement is a unique privilege – especially on Father’s Day.

So...if you haven’t bought dad something special for his big day, check out David’s story, “It’s Never too Late,” and then consider giving your own dad a gift sponsorship.  It’s way better than a tie, and it’ll give him the chance to share his wisdom and experience with another boy or girl who could definitely use a positive male role model.

By Javier Cárcamo, Communications Coordinator for Children International in Guatemala.

Like a gentleman, Don Eliseo Molina awaited me punctually with his grandson Jonatan at our designated meeting place. Before I even started asking questions, he softly began to tell a story that started with the coming of the trolley, the revolution, the earthquake, Children International’s entrance into his community and past governments. He even mentioned his plans for the future. That’s right – Don Eliseo has plans for the future. He wants to travel.
 

Don Eliseo Molina is well known at Children International’s sponsorship agency in Guatemala. At 75 years old, he is one of its most active and dynamic volunteers. His work as a volunteer spans over 12 years, and he defines his motivation with these words: “I work as a volunteer because I like to help people.”

Among these people Don Eliseo helps is his 7 year-old sponsored grandson, Jonatan. Jonatan is yet another motivating factor for Don Eliseo’s important work in the community, serving approximately 50 families whose children and youth see and respect him as an authentic father figure for all...someone who is always concerned with bringing information, fulfilling sponsorship requirements and carrying good news to those who benefit from the program.

His deep blue eyes and white hair convey serenity as he tells his story. “I like to help children because many years ago I taught elementary school. Later, as a volunteer, I found a way to keep working so children won’t lose their childhood. I remember that when the program first started here they would give the families groceries, but that didn’t last long because their need would sometimes drive the families to sell what they received. So the help changed, and I think for the better, because no one can take away the benefits of education and health.”

Perhaps the hardest part of the visit with Don Eliseo was bringing my thoughts back from that journey through the strata of time. A powerful phrase emerged from his wise thoughts: “They always say that the past was better, but that’s not always true...because since [Children International’s] program came to Guatemala, children and families are living better. I’ve seen it.”

A little more than an hour passed and it was time to say goodbye. As Don Eliseo walked away into his neighborhood leading Jonatan by the hand, I saw a classic silhouette: a loving man tenderly and firmly guiding the footsteps of a small child, just like a real father, a dedicated grandfather, a patient brother...or even like a caring sponsor.

By Garrett Kenyon

PART TWO

In our last posting, we discussed what we could learn from a picture of Paola, an unsponsored, impoverished child. Today, we turn our attention to how Paola’s life will change if someone reading this story decides to sponsor her.

Sponsorship would drastically change this picture. Paola would be examined by a medical professional, and if she were suffering malnutrition or other medical conditions, she’d be treated and given medicine until her health stabilizes. She would be given vitamins and monitored by health professionals, and even have access to a dentist when she needs one. She would receive gifts her family could use – like clothing, kitchen utensils and warm blankets.

Next, her education would begin. She’d be enrolled in school, and provided with a uniform, books and pens, and other supplies. For those hours of the day when school is in session, Paola could escape that alley, her mind able to run free. Education would awaken her mind and give her the opportunity to make new friends. She’d gain self-esteem, and a chance to dream of a better life. From the day she became sponsored, her odds of getting out of that alley would increase greatly.

Most importantly, sponsorship will show Paola that someone out there cares about her. This would change the way she sees the world and herself. It’s amazing that for just $22 a month, someone can enter Paola’s sad story and instantly change things for the better. Whoever decides to sponsor Paola will see many more pictures of her. In each one, the effects of sponsorship will become more apparent. Before long, Paola will be a healthy, confident young lady. Her sponsor will see pictures of her and think back to this sad little girl standing in an alley, unable to smile, and think, “Did I do that?”

The answer will be “Yes”.

To sponsor Paola, please call 1-800-888-3089.

By Garrett Kenyon

Strolling through the halls of Children International, the first thing one notices are pictures of children adorning every wall and decorating individual cubicles. It’s hard to be negative with dozens of beaming, beautiful kids smiling down at you. But not all the pictures show happy children.

As a writer, I’m faced each day with images of a different kind: hundreds, sometimes thousands, of poor, unsponsored children. Looking at so many sad kids can eventually inure one to the emotions such images generate. But occasionally, a picture brings all those feelings back again. You put the picture aside and try to get back to work, but find your eyes repeatedly slipping back for another look. You stare into the child’s sad eyes and try to imagine what their life might be like.



Each child has their own story, a unique set of harsh circumstances that has stolen the ubiquitous smile of childhood from their face. The photographs tell that story, and with a little practice, you learn to read the image like an open book.

The picture of Paola Mendez that arrived on my desk yesterday had that effect. Her image stayed in my mind all day, until I had to see the picture again. I examined it more carefully this time, letting my eyes go deeper to see what information I could glean about her life from the photograph.

The picture appears to have been taken in an alley. In the background, you can see canvas that serves as walls for Paola’s home. With scant protection from the elements, her nights must be cold and sometimes wet. A large metal post is visible, supporting a structure barely visible overhead, suggesting that the family lives under a bridge or in the shadow of an industrial structure. There are cooking utensils visible – hinting that the family has no kitchen. Kitchens are generally the second most important room in the house, so we can speculate that the members of this family do their living and sleeping in one room.

As if to highlight the unsanitary conditions, a puddle of what looks like urine snakes up to the foreground, just over Paola’s shoulder.

Next, we look at Paola. She wears a hair band, indicating that someone cares for her. However, the band has slipped and her hair is tangled and frizzy, suggesting she might not be getting the attention she needs. The dirt on her face and hands isn’t the kind a child picks up playing, but the kind that comes from being unwashed for days. This means the family probably has no bathroom or running water. Paola wears a thin, faded shirt, and her eyes are moist, as if she was recently crying.

Most disturbing is Paola’s expression. If joy was ever reflected in her face – it’s long gone. She seems unable to muster even the hint of a smile. The happiness that most of us associate with youth seems to have been stolen from this child.

From these observations, we can make some assumptions about Paola’s situation. The lack of sanitary facilities or a solid home indicates poverty at its most extreme. Her family struggles to survive, and she could be facing malnutrition and frequent illness. But disease and starvation aren’t the only dangers facing Paola.

On the streets of her city, she’s like a minnow among sharks. Mexico is home to some of the world’s largest and most violent drug cartels. The violence associated with such gangs often spills over into urban neighborhoods, where innocent bystanders get caught in the crossfire. Nearly half the population of Mexico lives in poverty, and poor families are often the hardest hit by crime and violence. When you add drugs and social diseases into the mix, a grim picture develops. Without help, Paola could be doomed to live her life in this alley, devoid of hope.

Luckily, that’s not how this story has to end...

Check back on Thursday to see the drastic changes that would occur in Paola’s life when she becomes sponsored.

To become part of Paola’s story by giving her the gift of sponsorship, call: 1-800-888-3089.

By Deron Denton

Answer: YOU!

Well, our awesome family of sponsors quickly stepped up to help nearly all of the waiting children we featured in a recent slideshow. The key words here – after “awesome” – are “nearly all.”

Fifteen of the 18 children – all of whom have been waiting for a sponsor – have a new friend to help them traverse the rocky course of an impoverished childhood.

But about those other three children living in poverty…




To be honest, it’s possible that 5-year-old Bantoni, from Ecuador, might have looked too happy in the slideshow. His beaming smile may have disguised the harsh reality of his daily life.

One look at his drafty and dilapidated home makes me worry about the longevity of that omnipresent smile. (And did I mention that – last we heard – he had cavities in his front teeth and his family cannot afford to send him to a dentist?) Having a sponsor, and the material benefits that come with that relationship, would mean a lot to Bantoni.

 

Six-year old Neyder, the eldest of four children, has been waiting for a sponsor for nearly a year now. When we spoke with his mother in Barranquilla, Colombia, she said she and her husband had trouble scraping together enough money for food. Yet, when asked why she’d most like to see her son become sponsored, she mentioned educational benefits. The implication is that they may not be able to keep him in school without the help…












Last and certainly not least is 5-year-old Francisco, in Valparaíso, Chile. It tugged at my heart to hear him talk about seeing his older brother receive gifts as a result of sponsorship…gifts that his family can’t afford to buy. And we aren’t talking about anything extravagant, like expensive jeans or video games. Just having new shoes to go to school, he said, would be really nice.







Can you help one of these children get a sponsor? If so, please visit Children International's Waiting Child slideshow to learn more about them. Or you can call us toll-free at 1-800-888-3089 and speak with one of our friendly sponsor representatives…they won’t be the only ones happy to hear from you!
 

Photos and blog by Andrea Waters, Vice-President of Creative Services and Production.

Photos. I take thousands of them every year.  But when I’m asked which ones are my favorites, I kind of lock up. I have hundreds of favorites – but not because of the photographic composition, the exposure, or the lighting.  It’s the kid.

The photos I gravitate toward are of children who capture my eye while walking through a barrio…and then almost invariably, capture my heart a moment later.  As if to return the favor, I try to capture, in the click of a shutter, the essence of their unique personality -- their joy or sadness, their hope or pain, their dreams or desperation.

In that moment they are quite special – they are held high above the millions of other children suffering their same plight. Even today they have a special place in my heart – and on my PC – popping up in rotation on my screensaver.  They are remembered…they are unique…they are special…at least to me.
 

By Patricia Calderón, Children International's Communications Coordinator in Barranquilla, Colombia

In Barranquilla, Colombia, we began promoting the Let’s Win (A Ganar – in Spanish) program on May 7th. Twenty sponsored youth will benefit from this pilot program. The Let’s Win program, driven by Brazilian soccer star Pele, makes use of the impact of soccer and other team sports as an effective tool to support at-risk youth – particularly athletes – to help them develop values and basic skills, prepare them for work and foment a new generation of youth who will actively participate in the country’s progress.

Let’s Win aides in combating the unemployment problem among the youth population through integral labor training based on soccer skills and imparting practical, interpersonal and technical skills.

This program, which is supported by Partners of the Americas, has as its goal to develop leadership abilities and a self-starter attitude in the participants thereby increasing their chances of finding work and earning an income. The program also creates innovative and interactive professional training for at-risk youth. The training includes values like teamwork, emphasis on results, self-realization, communication, respect and discipline.