Meet Stefany
Aged 6, Colombia
Stefany lives with her dad Samir, who does various trades, her mum Yuselis who is a housewife and her little sister Antonella. They live in a one-bedroom house which belongs to a relative. They have electricity and gas, but they do not have clean water. They have to take it from the river. The house has little furniture. Her dad earns the minimum wage and her mum tries to sell beauty products. They find it difficult to cover all the family's needs with this limited income.
Learning of their situation, Stefany has been given the opportunity to join the Stand by Me Emmanuel Care Centre, where with sponsorship provision she can learn new things in a safe and loving environment, and receive educational support and nutritious meals.
Stefany is at elementary school, and she enjoys going to school to learn new things. Her favourite subject is mathematics, since she likes counting. She is a happy, funny, kind and respectful girl. In her free time, she loves dancing, drawing, playing with dolls and friends, and watching TV. Her favourite toy is kitchen accessories. Stefany likes the colour pink and eating food fried plantain with cheese. She sometimes attends a Christian church. When she grows up, she would like to be a chef, since she enjoys cooking.
Where Stefany 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 center in 2015 to support families through educational provision, meals, counselling, training and housing support. Every day, our children come to our care center eager to learn, play and receive emotional support.
Why Stand by Me?
What you receive
When you sponsor Stefany you will receive a pack in the post with her story and photo. Every year you will receive an update about her progress, a new photo and at least one communication from her.
Real relationship
We know our kids love to receive your emails and write back so we encourage you to write as many emails as you like, along with photos and birthday gifts to develop a genuine relationship.
Not sure yet?
Ask us anything. We’ve helped sponsors change 1000s of kids’ lives, and we know it can be a big decision. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
