dynamic scholarship program helps CREATE FUTURE LEADERS

Infrastructure issues, violence and lack of water are just a few harsh realities that Cesia has to navigate every day. The streets in her neighborhood are usually filled with young children asking for money — something their mothers often send them to do out of desperation. As a Children International HOPE scholar, Cesia is determined to not only escape poverty, but to become a leader in her community. The support of both sponsorship and her HOPE scholarship help her work toward these goals.

Before she was awarded a scholarship, Cesia’s mother, Maria Irma, worked hard to send her three children to school despite struggling to afford it. She knew an education was one of the keys to breaking the cycle of poverty.

“We have overcome several challenges because it is not easy to be two parents working with the children at home.”

Once she was notified that she received a HOPE scholarship, the burden instantly lightened.

“Without those benefits, I don’t know what I would have done.”

With a range of interests, it took Cesia some exploring to figure out what she wanted to study, and though a bit reluctant at first, (she also loves tourism and language), she landed on Business Administration.

“The teachers have taught us responsibility, how to develop, manage, and work under pressure,” Cesia said. “It’s a pretty dynamic program.”

Helping teens get the training they need to not only land a job, but to become a sought after employee prospect is a key objective to the approach we take at Children International.

The volunteer work is something that Cesia found particularly helpful in building her confidence and leadership skills.

There are thousands of teens like Cesia who are filled with potential and determination to break through their own cycles of poverty and create powerful change. To support one of these inspiring teens and give them the boost they need to succeed, donate to the HOPE scholarship fund today.