A sad past, a bright future
The Stand by Me Centro Educativo Cristiano School in Colombia is a beacon of hope to the 240 children who attend and receive a quality education, care and two nutritious meals a day. Sadly the poverty and violence in the area means that a number of our children have heartbreaking stories of abuse and neglect. Ana* is one of those.
Ana is an only child who lived with her grandma and other family members in a small house in Guacamayal. Her father died when Ana was very young and her mother moved away to find employment in order to support the family. The little she was able to send was insufficient to feed Ana or send her to school so Ana was accepted into the Centro Educativo Cristiano School.
Ana enjoyed school and playing with her friends. She missed her mum and dad but her grandma was there to care for her. But sadly, a male family member sexually abused and then raped Ana at the tender age of just 13, leaving her with a lovely baby girl born in February 2014.
Ana is now safe and is raising her baby with the help of Stand by Me. Now in a safe home, we are helping Ana buy supplies for her little girl as well as meals for herself so she can remain healthy. She loves to attend school, and brings Maria with her. Although not ideal, she relates well to her fellow pupils and is eager to study. Ana is a quiet girl but has received lots of love, affection and respect.
Stand by Me is Ana’s family, where else can she turn to know God’s love and care for her baby? Along with 70 other students Ana loved learning about God’s love and developing spiritually at the ‘Summer Bible week’, she believes God will care for her and her baby. Help us love and help care for Ana and her baby as well as many other children whose lives have been victims of neglect and abuse by supporting the Colombia Medical Priority Project . With our support and God’s love, they can be restored.
*Name changed for child protection