Accomplishment: Increased Income, Health, and Hope

Better health is a priority, and children in this community have more hope for the future because of it.

Acute malnutrition was once a huge challenge, but families are planting household gardens and raising small animals that provide a reliable source of food and income.

Children’s health has also improved because waterborne diseases have declined. In fact, 95 percent of families are now using new eco-filters that purify the water.

In the past 12 months, families have also implemented new agricultural techniques that improve harvests and household income. Many farmers have received support to bolster their farm income with other income-generating activities.

Meanwhile, 74 percent of children in Semillas de Esperanza are starting school at the right age—and fewer are repeating grades 1 and 2 because of the preschool education they are receiving at six local centres.

Students are also benefiting from upgrades primary schools and tutoring programs, while vocational training is giving young people the skills they need to find jobs or start their own businesses.

Local people in Semillas de Esperanza are taking greater responsibility for development activities. Women especially are gaining the confidence to play a greater role in the decision-making process.

All of these things help prepare women, children, and young people to be strong contributors as the community continues its journey toward self-reliance.

Story: Maria Works To Achieve Her Dreams

Maria Elvira, 17, lives with her mother and four brothers. When her father passed away six years ago, her mother struggled to support the family.

Child sponsorship has made an enormous difference for Maria and her siblings, supporting them as they journey toward adulthood.
“It motivated us to go to school,” Maria explains.

At the beginning of every school year, Maria received the school supplies she needed to keep studying. She responded by working hard at her studies.

“During the three years of middle school I was awarded a scholarship,” she says. “Because of this I was able to take the typing course and I always worked to get good grades. It was a struggle but I knew I was learning for life.”

Maria graduated a year ago and has gone on to further studies. “Now I am in my first year of study towards a professional career. In two years I will graduate as administrative secretary and I feel happy.

“Thanks to God, my family has also greatly benefited, my sister graduated as teacher and my two younger brothers are studying now.”

The future of this community is in capable hands with diligent students like Maria. She adds: “My challenge now is to become a secretary so I can help my support my mother and my younger brothers.”

In Closing: Toward a Better Future for Semillas de Esperanza

As we near the end of our child sponsorship journey with the people of Semillas de Esperanza, we celebrate their commitment to building a better life for themselves and their children.

They have overcome many challenges. Today, the people have the tools and skills to continue working toward independence and sustainability.

Over the past 24 years, World Vision has invested to strengthen leadership, build networks and organizations, improve infrastructure, and provide the resources that Semillas de Esperanza needs to continue its development journey.

The confidence to set and achieve their own development goals has brought tremendous change for families and children.

This final phase is part of the lifecycle of a World Vision-supported community — one that, as hard as it is to end a relationship, we can celebrate as the people move on to the next stage of their journey.

The example that Semillas de Esperanza has set gives us hope for other vulnerable communities, and we hope you will join us soon on another sponsorship journey.