Dear NicaClinic Supporter,
“Before I had a Padrino, I didn’t think anyone outside my village would ever care about my child’s future.”
This is what we often hear from the families of children in our sponsor-a-child program, Padrino.
Below you’ll see a picture of a Madrina from the U.S. visiting her child, Yader, who requires visits to a specialist in Managua. The Clinic provides transport and coordination support.I also want to share a picture of my sponsored child, Keyling. She recently received school supplies to start the school year. Her warm smile and the warmth of Nicaraguans in general is what invites me back to visit, and to support these families year after year.
Our Padrino program goes beyond school supplies and medical check-ups – underscoring the power of personal connection.
Another sponsored child named Carlos lives with his grandmother after his parents left in search of work and never returned. He struggles with asthma that once kept him out of school for weeks at a time. Without proper medical care and support, children like Carlos face nearly insurmountable obstacles.
When you become a Padrino or Madrina, you don’t just provide financial support. You become a source of encouragement and inspiration for a child who may have limited horizons.
Right now, we have a U.S. Volunteer, Maya, on the ground in Nicaragua, meeting with all our Padrino-sponsored families – and those on the waiting list. They are documenting their needs, wishes, and challenges.
Maya just sent one report that shows progress in many areas, but much work to be done. For example, one family in the Virgen Morena neighborhood is getting enough food, but their child lacks milk and certain nutrients. She presents with occasional serious digestive issues. They get their water from a well, and that water needs to be tested again. The child attends school, and receives physical therapy, thanks to our sponsorship.
The child has speech problems and breathing issues due to a psychomotor delay. Maya noted the father currently has medical issues that prohibit him from working, so the family is facing financial challenges.
Maya also noticed the child does not have a bed to sleep on in their small shack of a home. The three family members share a single bed.
Clearly, any support for children like this will go a long way. If you’re interested in learning more, here’s how the relationship works:
- Twice yearly, you’ll receive detailed updates about your sponsored child from Enmanuel, our Program Director.
- You’ll see photos of your child with their new school supplies or during health check-ups.
- You can exchange letters or drawings with your sponsored child.
- If you wish, we can even arrange video calls with translation assistance.
Many of our sponsors have maintained relationships with their sponsored children for years, watching them grow from shy primary school students to confident young adults with aspirations.
This personal connection transforms both lives – the child’s and the sponsor’s.
Below is an excerpt from a recent update letter from Enmanuel about Kimberling, one of our sponsored children:
Kimberling and her family are very grateful for the support you provide through the sponsor program. We know that by contributing to education and well-being we can build a better world. Thank you so much for all you do for the Padrino program. Without your help this would not be possible!
Ready to make this kind of difference in a child’s life?
In my Spring Campaign e-letter this week to you, I’ll share exactly how your monthly gift is used and the comprehensive support system it helps create.
With appreciation,
Julia C. Guth
Chair, The Roberto Clemente Health Clinic
[email protected]
P.S. If you’re wondering if your contribution really matters – it does. Many families live in remote areas, and don’t have the resources to get to school, or get the uniforms and supplies needed to attend. We provide all these resources for $25/month. And for $25/month more, we provide free wellness checks, access to clean water at the schools, and free medicines if needed. Several of our families have told us their children would have dropped out after 6th grade if not for their Padrinos.