Bright, Eager, and Ready To Learn

Last year most children around the world lost a chunk of their school year after public health measures closed schools in an attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19. Many schools were able to introduce online learning, but due to inadequate internet connections in Bolivia, the government cancelled the whole school year.

Eager to return this year, even with new health measures in place, many children around our Amanecer sponsor site were struggling more than ever. Unable to work, their parents barely scraped by, relying on handouts and the goodwill of others just to eat.

Just in time for the new school year, gift catalog funds provided by donors purchased 93 school backpacks for adolescents and young interns of the San Martin Home and some of their family members and bought school materials for 336 children in the greatest need.

According to the site, "Since the pandemic has affected our families, leaving many of the families without work, we were eager to reach out to those most in need and help them get ahead."

The biggest challenge was finding a safe way to distribute the school supplies and backpacks to families. As usual, our Chalice family circles assisted in the distribution of materials, creating efficient, organized, and safe deliveries in open spaces such as sports fields.

Mrs. Mamani, the mother of Maria and Walter, is very grateful for the gift of backpacks given to her children. "The backpacks will be of great use to my children who before today did not have one," she said through a veil of tears. "Thank you everyone who makes it possible to make my children smile. We are very grateful, and our family prays for all of you."

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