Meet Juan

Aged 9, Colombia

Juan lives with his family in a one-bed rented house consisting of brick walls and a cement floor. There is a bathroom, kitchen and living room but no furniture. They have electricity and gas, but they do not have clean water and wash their clothes in the river. Juan shares his bedroom and bed with his brother. His dad Milder is a labourer and his mum Diana does various trades. Both his parents earn less than the minimum wage. He has got a brother called Jose, aged 2. They find it difficult to cover all the family's needs. Juan is in 2nd grade at elementary school, and his favourite subject is Spanish. He likes reading about animals and their habitats. He enjoys going to school, because he likes to study and do homework. He is happy, kind, and easy-going. When he grows up, he would like to be a policeman to help people in danger. In his free time, he likes playing football, drawing cartoons, watching TV, and playing with his favourite toy a big aeroplane. His favourite colour is blue. He enjoys eating rice and pasta with meatballs. He sometimes attends a Christian church with his family where he enjoys listening to the Word of God, and singing the worship songs. Juan attends the Stand by Me Care Centre, and he enjoys coming. He is happy with the idea of having a sponsor. With sponsorship provision he can have access to academic, psychological support and nutritious food.

Sponsor Juan for $30 a month

Where Juan lives

The gulf between the haves and the have-nots in Colombia is alarming. Decades of civil war and conflict have resulted in a country plagued by violence and murder. For six million children deep in poverty, a lack of educational opportunities and malnutrition is an everyday reality. Children have severe health issues worsened due to not being able to afford medical treatment. Many children suffer from psychological problems as a result of neglect, abuse and violence experienced in their homes.

We established a care centre in 2015 to support families through educational provision, meals, counselling, training and housing support. Every day, our children come to our care centre eager to learn, play and receive emotional support.

How your donation is used

92% of your donation will be used to directly provide the best care possible for Juan. We’ll use the remaining 8% to support the work of Stand by Me and find a sponsor for the next child.

What you receive

When you sponsor Juan you will receive a pack in the post with his story and photo. Every year you will receive an update about his/her progress, a new photo and at least one communication from him/her.

Real relationship

We know our kids love to receive your letters and write back so we encourage you to write as many letters as you like, along with photos and birthday gifts to develop a genuine relationship.