Share In Their Future

ODU Students Volunteer at Project in the Dominican Republic

This past March, students and staff from Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, Virginia spent a week volunteering at the National School for the Blind in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.  There they worked with many students sponsored by Children, Incorporated.  Special thanks go to the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind in  St. Augustine, which sent a representative to Norfolk to help the ODU students understand how to work with blind children. 

International Education Programs of Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida facilitated the ODU trip. This year, IEP also sent students on spring break trips to Guayaquil, Ecuador to work at projects where CI supports children.  In the summer, IEP sends student volunteers to CI-affiliated projects in the Philippines. 

You don’t have to be a college student to volunteer.  IEP welcomes participants of all ages.  Please visit IEP's website for more information.

The ODU students shared with us many photos of their work and of the wonderful children of the Dominican Republic:

 

Update: Bolivian Crisis

Most of our Bolivian projects are once again receiving funds.  A majority of schools are still open, and the children are receiving the support that they need.  Some paperwork has been delayed by the recent mail strike (which ended on April 21), so your children's letters may arrive much later than they normally would.  This delay, however, is for the most part no longer affecting our ability to send money to Bolivia.  If you have questions about a specific project, please contact Magda Kegley, Director of the Latin American Division, at (800) 538-5381 or at mkegley@children-inc.org. 

We Love Our Supporters

Last night, we hosted a reception for our donors who live in the Richmond, Virginia area.  CI supporter Bill Hall graciously donated the use of his home, and Dominion donated refreshments and valet services. 

We truly enjoyed meeting so many of our local supporters.  You all do amazing things for our children, and we love to talk to you about your experiences with CI.  Thank you so much to everyone who came to last night's event--and to all our supporters everywhere. 

Update: Bolivian Crisis

Bolivia is still experiencing major unrest. 

A postal workers' strike--which is entering its third week--is the most recent crisis. Bolivia has had no mail service since late March . The country is also suffering from violent political protests and the devastating effects of a series of natural disasters. Major roads are blocked, and airports close for undetermined hours every day. The price of food has nearly tripled, and parents struggle to feed their children. President Juan Evo Morales Aymo is urging Bolivia's citizens to carry arms in anticipation of civil war. Bolivia's most developed and industrialized city, Santa Cruz, is on the brink of seceding and becoming an autonomous country. 

If you sponsor a child in Bolivia, please be aware that your child’s letters will be greatly delayed by the mail strike. Distressingly, our financial support will also be late in reaching our Bolivian projects. All of us at Children, Incorporate are deeply concerned about this situation, and Magda Kegley, Director of the Latin American Division, is leading the effort to find a way to send help. If you have any questions about the status of our Bolivian programs, please contact Magda at (800) 538-5381 or at mkegley@children-inc.org.

Health of HIV-Positive Child Improving

Wilmer is an HIV-positive 4-year-old boy in Paraguay.  His mother and siblings have died of AIDS, so he lives in an orphanage managed by an order of Catholic nuns.  When Wilmer arrived at the orphanage in December of 2007, he was very ill.  His skin was covered with sores, and he was lethargic, underweight, and withdrawn. 

Today, merely four months later, Wilmer's health has improved tremendously.  He has plenty of energy, he has gained weight, and his skin condition is nearly gone.  The nun who serves as Wilmer's primary caregiver attributes much of this improvement to the support the child receives from his Children, Incorporated sponsor.  In a recent letter to the sponsor, she wrote:

Dear Mr. David,

Have you seen a more beautiful picture than this?

I told Wilmer while they were taking the picture to "smile for your sponsor, Mr. David," and his beautiful face lit up!  As you can see in this photograph, he is doing really well and is very playful. 

Thank you very much for your monthly gift.  Because of your assistance, Wilmer does not lack for anything.  He loves for us to talk to him about you.  He understands somewhat. 

I'm sure you're happy to know that Wilmer is really improving.  We pray that science or a "miracle" will make him totally well.  Why not!  We take very good care of him, as you can see.

When Wilmer first arrived at the orphanage, he was shy and diffident.  He could not communicate in any way.  Time and the love we offer have turned him into the treasure of this orphanage.  All of the children are beautiful, but there's something very special about Wilmer. 

Wilmer sends you his love, and I send you mine.  Once again, THANK YOU.

Until next time,
Sister Elfride