Meet Kaner
Aged 6, Colombia
Kaner lives with his large family. His dad William, his mum Nellis, his grandparents, three uncles, two aunts and three cousins. They live in a relative's four-bedroom house, which has electricity and gas, but they do not have clean water. They take it from a river or buy it to drink and prepare their meals. Some of the walls are made of brick and others of bamboo. His father works in various trades on a farm earning the minimum wage. His mum Nellis is a housewife, and she is studying agribusiness administration. His grandfather sometimes contributes with prepared meals, but they find it difficult to cover all the family's needs.
Kaner has been given the opportunity to join the Stand by Me Emmanuel Care Centre, where with sponsorship provision he can attend and learn new things, have fun and receive educational support and nutritious meals.
Kaner is at elementary school, and his favourite thing to do at school is colouring. He is a funny, talkative and calm boy. He is short for his age, so he is being checked by an endocrinologist to help him grow. In his free time, he likes painting and playing with his cousins. He also loves football and playing with balls. His favourite colours are blue and red. Kaner likes to eat plantain with cheese. He attends a Christian church, and he enjoys singings the songs. When he grows up, he would like to be a soldier.
Where Kaner 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 Kaner you will receive a pack in the post with his story and photo. Every year you will receive an update about his progress, a new photo and at least one communication from him.
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.
