What an incredible feeling to watch a young girl take such a positive step in her life. Maria Alida began her prep classes for University admission this week in Cajamarca. Anna, Sandro, Alida's mother and I, all took her in to meet the professor and embark on a life-changing path. Many of the young women her age and from her small rural town, Pullyucana, have already had children by this time. In a lot of ways they have lost their chance at a University education. Maria Alida is a dedicated, hardworking, and fun-loving young 17 year old girl who was working at her Uncle's restaurant in Pullyucana to try and raise money for school. This will be her last year in secondary, or high school, and then she plans to seek a degree in civil engineering. With the help of Eagle Condor, and their mentorship program, she receives money to take these classes and to commute to Cajamarca every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. I can't wait to see what the future holds for this bright young girl.
I have always had a passion for international development and serving those less fortunate in different parts of the world. I have done construction projects, school lessons, and donated numerous amounts of school and medical supplies. Though these are extremely beneficial, I am convinced that what I saw with Alida this week is the most successful and best way to truly fight poverty. Giving someone an education is giving them a life. The professor talked to Alida about his expectations. He told her it would be difficult, and she would be the youngest girl in the class. He too, was passionate about seeing her succeed. He expressed his love for educating young Cajamarquinos and told Alida that hopefully with her education, she can go back to her hometown and help others find the same success. She may be just one girl, but if this proves lucrative, Eagle Condor wants to provide more scholarships for the children that come to El Bichito. If one or two kids a year has a chance at an education, think of the impact they will have on the youth in Pullyucana. Kids will be inspired to learn and strive for good grades, because they will have a foreseeable tool to get to college. Alida is an example to all of the persistence it takes to fulfill your dreams. Thanks to Eagle Condor, she is now one step closer.
Watching Alida's mother as she beamed with pride, might have been the most touching part of my week. Her mother is a stalwart farmer who has made so many sacrifices for her kids to live close enough to go to school. Even her mother isn't entirely literate, and has spent her life farming and raising her kids. She is a beautiful and warm woman, and I was so touched by how grateful she was for Alida's opportunity. Their family is poor and rural, but now Alida has a chance to improve her circumstances. If there is one thing I do this whole 4 months, I hope it can be to support and encourage Alida and her family through this process. Then, I will feel that I have truly made a difference.
I have always had a passion for international development and serving those less fortunate in different parts of the world. I have done construction projects, school lessons, and donated numerous amounts of school and medical supplies. Though these are extremely beneficial, I am convinced that what I saw with Alida this week is the most successful and best way to truly fight poverty. Giving someone an education is giving them a life. The professor talked to Alida about his expectations. He told her it would be difficult, and she would be the youngest girl in the class. He too, was passionate about seeing her succeed. He expressed his love for educating young Cajamarquinos and told Alida that hopefully with her education, she can go back to her hometown and help others find the same success. She may be just one girl, but if this proves lucrative, Eagle Condor wants to provide more scholarships for the children that come to El Bichito. If one or two kids a year has a chance at an education, think of the impact they will have on the youth in Pullyucana. Kids will be inspired to learn and strive for good grades, because they will have a foreseeable tool to get to college. Alida is an example to all of the persistence it takes to fulfill your dreams. Thanks to Eagle Condor, she is now one step closer.
Watching Alida's mother as she beamed with pride, might have been the most touching part of my week. Her mother is a stalwart farmer who has made so many sacrifices for her kids to live close enough to go to school. Even her mother isn't entirely literate, and has spent her life farming and raising her kids. She is a beautiful and warm woman, and I was so touched by how grateful she was for Alida's opportunity. Their family is poor and rural, but now Alida has a chance to improve her circumstances. If there is one thing I do this whole 4 months, I hope it can be to support and encourage Alida and her family through this process. Then, I will feel that I have truly made a difference.
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