Inmer finds his voice

Inmer had always been terribly shy in public and even at home. His family believed it was due to lack of opportunities and the vulnerable conditions in which they lived.

But that difficult life path was disrupted when he received a sponsor from Canada through Children Believe Nicaragua. Today this energetic 11-yearold child enjoys playing sports, studying and simply experiencing childhood to the fullest. Once unwilling to speak, Inmer’s transformation has been remarkable his mother, Yajaira, says.

“The changes have been so very positive, he has improved in each of the workshops he attends as part of a network of communicators,” she says. “I have seen his evolution since he joined and now I see him talking with other children, with adults, without being afraid of what people will say, because he feels confident.”

Nurturing Confidence

It is communication itself that has given Inmer confidence. He remembers taking part in a program activity with a group of young speakers who encouraged him. Immediately he wanted to learn more about how to get involved. Inmer was finding his voice.

“I remember the materials they were presenting and it was a new world for me,” Inmer remembers. “I was excited and surprised by everything I saw, so that same day I told my parents that I wanted to be part of this network of communicators. They were surprised because they knew me and how shy I was, but I really saw a whole new world.”

The program Inmer participated in is just one of the benefits of the child sponsorship program designed to overcome the barriers to education. Sponsorship enables families to cover basic household expenses, motivating parents and caregivers to keep their children in school.

Inmer has come a long way from his shy start, he is now a regular presenter on a children’s radio programme that airs once a week on a Christian radio station. Sharing biblical themes aimed at children, his goal now is to continue perfecting his communication skills and continue sharing his knowledge.

“For children, there are no limits to what we can do, but it is very important to have the support of our families and to have safe and reliable spaces where we can develop,” Inmer says. “It is also necessary that they believe in us, that we have a lot to contribute and that they can learn from us.”

His mother has been inspired by her son’s transformation.

“I have faith that Inmer will become someone important in this life, both in his spiritual life and in his professional life,” she explains.

Explore more inspiring stories like Inmer’s in the latest edition of ChildVoice!

About Children Believe

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.

About Childfund Alliance

A member of ChildFund Alliance, Children Believe is part of a global network of child-focused development organizations working to create opportunities for children and youth, their families and communities. ChildFund helps nearly 23-million children and their families in 70 countries overcome poverty and underlying conditions that prevent children from achieving their full potential. We work to end violence against children; provide expertise in emergencies and disasters to ease the harmful impact on children and their communities; and engage children and youth to create lasting change and elevate their voices in decisions that affect their lives.