Meet Zelecio

Dominican Republic

Zelecio lived with his mother, father and sister in a small house in a community near the city of Santo Domingo. His parents, Haitian immigrants came to work in the Dominican Republic. At the beginning of the year, his father suffered an accident while working and died as a result. His mother continued to care for her children but had no work or place to live. She knew about the Stand by Me program through a friend of the church who recommended that she bring her children there. Zelecio was very malnourished and had skin diseases due to lack of food and hygiene. Since he arrived at the home he has started to adapt and looks happier. He eats and sleeps well and he plays and interacts with the other children in the house.

Where Zelecio lives

Despite being a popular holiday destination, the Dominican Republic is a country steeped in poverty – major advances in the tourism industry have only added further to the divide between the rich and poor. High unemployment remains a serious problem and many children do not have access to a basic education or simple healthcare. There are over 220,000 orphaned children on this small island and thousands suffer from malnutrition.

The Eva Russell School provides free education to children from the poorest backgrounds. Without our support, these children would never attend school. Our children's village provides a loving family home for orphaned and at risk children.

How your donation is used

92% of your donation will be used to directly provide the best care possible for Zelecio. 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 Zelecio 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.

Stand by... almost there...