Camila’s childhood began with heartache. At a young age she was abandoned by her mother and then her father became unable to care for her. Her grandmother was left to raise her, but the compounding expenses of raising a child weighed on her shoulders.
When Camila first came into her grandmother’s care, the financial burden was overwhelming, and she thought she would have to remove Camila out of school. But then, a blessing came through the form of child sponsorship.
Camila was one of the first girls sponsored in El Salvador through our Child Sponsorship program. Our team and partners spoke with Camila’s grandmother and told her that through the sponsorship, Camila would receive school uniforms, supplies, shoes, and books. In addition, through the school, she would receive breakfast and lunch, easing even more of the burden on her grandmother’s shoulders.
With this support, Camila was able to stay in school and receive an education—a lifeline for young girls in this region. For many girls unable to attend school, the alternatives are childhood labor or early marriage. School is more than just a place to learn for these girls; it is a pathway to opportunity, hope, and freedom.
Camila has been sponsored for years now and is thriving in fifth grade. She and her grandmother are devoted to serving and supporting their church.
Through child sponsorship, Camila has received tangible support, freedom to enjoy childhood, and opportunities that would not have been possible otherwise.
