Student Profiles

Student Profiles

Miguel (aka Michael) lives with his father and mother in a small two-bedroom house along with his 3 other siblings. His modest house has a small kitchenette and one bathroom with no running water. It is a daily struggle for Michael. Winter months are particularly tough as they have no heating in the home. Donated blankets have been the only way they keep their bodies warm. Michael's mother is a housewife. His father works in the cemetery. The family survives on the father's monthly income of 4,000 Mexican pesos (or ~$290). The family lives on a daily diet of tortilla and beans. To make life more difficult for Michael and his family, there are temptations from local drug pushers tempting children to get into the drug-selling trade.

Our Mano Amiga (means Helping Hands) school in Piedras Negras wants Michael to have a fighting chance. Through the generosity of donors contributing to Catholic World Mission our local support personnel have extended Michael a variety of support including: free education, medical check-up, clothes and food. Mano Amiga Piedras Negras has also extended assistance to Michael's family through frequent dialogue about parenting needs and supporting children's education. Michael's mother now assists and volunteers at the school.

It was a struggle at first to get Michael acclimated to school life. He had to be taught basic things such as personal hygiene and discipline. Michael is now well acclimated with school – showing respect to teachers and working well with his classmates. Michael's favorite subject is Spanish. He wants to become a policeman someday. Michael is 7 years old and is now in second grade.

Won't you please help Michael and Mano Amiga schools? We want to continue to provide for children such as Michael. Perhaps with increased donation Michael's other siblings can be accommodated at the school as well. Thank you for taking the time to read Michael's story. May God bless you and your loved ones.

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