The eyes of thankful parents tell the story of supporters’ impact

When visiting communities where Christian Christian Children’s Fund of Canada (CCFC) works it’s easy to spot the impact our supporters are having: just look into the eyes of the parents — especially the moms.

That’s what I’ve been doing as I’ve visited our programs in Paraguay this week, along with Sharon Caddy, our volunteer ambassador. A mother herself, Sharon was excited to meet her sponsored child, Liz, but she wasn’t the only one.

As Sharon approached Liz, her mother, Maria Angela (pictured with Liz and Sharon, below), broke into tears. She was finally meeting the person helping make her daughter a happy girl with a bright future ahead. The gratitude in Maria Angela’s eyes was impossible to miss — there was a deep connection with Sharon, despite living thousands of kilometres apart.

Then there was Felicia. Her daughter (also Maria) has come a long way, since local partner, Crecer, discovered that the then 11-year-old was in constant pain and was just 50 lbs. She was too weak to attend school or even walk.

Fast forward to today, weeks after the teen danced at her “sweet 15” (as they call it in Paraguay). With CCFC’s help, Maria saw a doctor who diagnosed her with lupus. She’s now receiving treatment and is back in school. Her mother hugged me so hard. She didn’t want to let go.

Jennifer, 9, (pictured, top) is already showing signs of being a leader, like her mom, who got involved with school and became president of the parents’ committee. As we visited, the student thanked Sharon and other CCFC supporters for providing her school with uniforms and books. Her mother beamed with pride.

The butterfly effect is in full force. CCFC is creating sustainable change, which is endorsed by the parents and lived out through the lives of their children who are going to school while learning about their health, hygiene and campaigning for their rights and needs.

Children and their mothers in Paraguay are gaining self-confidence. And, the greatest gift may be knowing supporters across the globe are cheering them on. In fact, sponsorship and other related projects are making all the difference in the lives of those who never had the confidence to succeed. The good news is — thanks to donors — many are now brimming with hope for the future.

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.