Centro de Esperanza Infantil — Hope for Children

Carol happily looking over the computer room

Totally cheerful dining room filled earlier with noisy, happy kids

Mike contemplating his computer gift choices 

Head of computer program — A cordial man from Italy

Cheerful computer facility for students

View from the balcony

Discussing the pros and cons of a local PC over a used MAC

The light and airy courtyard at Centro de Esperanza Infantil

I took a walk way up the hill to Calle Crespo #308 where the headquarters to Centro de Esperanza Infantil A.C. is located. There was a lively sense of children all around the minute we walked into the building. To our left we passed a brightly painted dining room that was almost filled with children happily eating "comida" as we passed by. We walked into the central courtyard and were warmly greeted by a member of the staff.

Carol and Mike were there to talk to the staff about the progress of their sponsored teenager. I went along with them to see what  the center felt like and to perhaps offer to be a supporting contributor for a particular child. They now have my information and because their need is so great they plan to suggest a child for me to sponsor by tomorrow.

The staff includes many volunteers and one of them showed us their whole computer facility for the children because Carol and Mike have decided to buy their recipient a laptop. Mike actually has a used MAC he would like to have upgraded and given to her but after consulting with the man at the Center, they decided it would be better to give her a computer outfitted especially for a Mexican user. What a warm and generous couple they are. Tomorrow they are going shopping for "whatever" with their girl and I imagine they'll be telling her about the soon to be gift of a new laptop. She sounds like a wonderful young teenager. They describe her as intelligent, full of life and very affectionate. I'm really touched by this whole program and urge anyone interested to check out their webside at:

                                                www.oaxacastreetchildrengrassroots.org

This admirable program serves about 600 children. At the center they provide nutricious meals, medical care, a kindergarten and all support  necessary to prepare and assist these children as they enter public school. It was initiated in 1996. $250 a year will support a child from kindergarten through Middle School to 8th grade until graduation. They support young people through high school and university.

I'll post a few photos I took this afternoon and will continue to report on my association with this thoughtful organization.    Abrazos,   Jackie