Meet Valentina
Aged 11, Colombia
Valentina and her family live in a humble home which has zinc walls and a mud floor. They have a make-shift bathroom, and no clean water at home. Her dad works at a banana farm earning a minimum wage and her mum cares for the home and the young children. They find it difficult to cover their living costs.
By being part of the care centre, and with the help of the sponsorship programme Valentina can receive help with her education, and some nutritious meals. She can have support from the local staff and practical help in different ways.
Valentina likes reading and writing Spanish. She is a happy girl and quite an extrovert. She loves being around people and sharing her opinions. She enjoys drawing, riding a bike and playing with her dolls. She also likes to help her mum to tidy and sweep the home. She loves to eat rice, cheese and salad. She attends church with her family and hopes to be a nurse one day.
Where Valentina 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 Valentina 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.
