DINA
Since I was just a wee little one I have had a real passion for reading and learning about disadvantaged (that’s a pc word, right?) children, usually in other countries. I’ve always received mail from Save the Children and though I do not drink coffee daily, their “for the price of your daily cup of coffee you can save this child…blah blah blah” has really impacted me over the years.
When I was about 11 I sponsored a child through Save the Children. For unknown (can’t remember) reasons, it only lasted a few months. Probably didn’t pay the bill. I’m pretty sure my monthly income at that time was maaaybe 20 bucks (babysitting) and well, that’s a bit less than a cup of coffee x30 days.
Then I started packing and sending shoe boxes full of school supplies, tooth brushes and toys through Samaritan’s Purse’s program called Operation Christmas Child. This is still a yearly tradition that my mom and I take part in. I know that these kids probably love getting these boxes full of somewhat useful things but I really feel like there is more we can do!
So a few months ago I started the search for a sponsorship program that I would feel really good about contributing to. My requirements for the perfect organization were as follows-
* not be affiliated with any one religion or other religious organization.
* the bulk of the money would go to the care and education of the specific child.
* be somewhat education and health centered.
* and lastly, have some kind of volunteer program in case I ever feel like I need to get out of this country again. hah!
So after searching for a very very very long time (2+ months) I finally found an organization I feel good about. Now I have not done tons of research on them or anything like that but I have contacted the coordinator and I am part of their very friendly yahoo group and I have to say, these people are awesome!
The organization is called Mayan Families. They support the indigenous people of the Lake Atitlan area of Guatemala through education and community programs. If you are looking to sponsor a child (they also have dog sponsorship programs!), volunteer or just learn about what’s going on in this part of Guatemala please check out their website. Aaaanyyyywaayy, here’s the little girl I started sponsoring a few months ago.
Her name is Dina, she’ll be 11 later this year and will be starting 3rd grade very soon. She lives in a one room mud floor “tent house” with her parents and 3 siblings. I’m soooo happy that she’ll be able to start school this month!!
