Discover how the lives of our children and graduates have been transformed, thanks to the life-changing education they have received.
With a place at school, the children in our care have a proper start in life. They learn what they need to find reliable employment when they finish school but they also develop life-skills and values. They learn agency and take responsibility for their place in society. They have compassion, make friends, become stronger and more resilient individuals. They learn self-worth, self-discipline and how to live sustainably.
The stories of our children, their journey from poverty and the contributions they make in the world convey the transformative power of the Sisters of Mary education programmes and the impact of our work.
Children's stories
Guatemala
Lesly’s Story
Lesly is 12 years old and comes from the village of Nueva Candelaria in Santa Rosa. Lesly’s family struggles to access fresh water regularly, placing additional pressure on her family.
Honduras
Edwin’s Story
My name is Edwin and I am 12 years old. I have a twin called Cleofe and two other younger brothers. My parents are simple farmers who till the soil for us in order to survive.
Philippines
Graziela’s Story
Playing with friends, eating nutritious food, and being loved by my parents. None of these things were experienced by me.
Philippines
Angel’s Story
Angel came to the Sisters of Mary School in Biga, Cebu from a poor family of barbeque vendors. Angel is now at school in her first year of secondary school and is enjoying her life with her classmates.
Philippines
Frenchzai’s Story
Frenchzai comes from a poor family and after her parent separated, was looked after by her grandparents. After her grandfather died, life was a real struggle for their family.
Mexico
Cintia’s Story
The eldest of three children and from a very poor family. Cintia had a violent upbringing which culminated in her father’s desertion of her family leaving her mother to farm in order to support them all
Mexico
Arturo’s Story
Arturo’s early life in Monte Blanco, Mexico, was very hard. With no money for food, the family was always hungry and from the age of seven, Arturo was expected to work every day in the fields harvesting coffee and sugar to earn a few pesos to support the family.
Brazil
Lara’s Story
Lara comes from a poor family in Brazil and her life changed when she entered the Sisters of Mary school in Brasilia
Brazil
Lauanda’s Story
Lauanda comes from a very poor family in rural Brazil. Her parents are separated and she dreams of becoming an accountant to help her family.
Mexico
Lineth’s Story
Lineth came to Villa de las Niñas in 2021 from a very poor, broken family where she experienced abuse. When she came to Villa de las Niñas, Lineth found a supportive family she can share her life with.
Dora's story
Hear from Dora, former student and current teacher at our girls' school in Guatemala, how your donations changed her life.
More Children's stories
Tanzania
Helena’s Story
Helena is the third of six children based in Tabora, Tanzania. With no access to healthcare, her mother died suddenly and her alcoholic father was left in charge of the children.
Brazil
Vanessa’s Story
When her mother got pregnant with Vanessa, she was taking drugs and drinking alcohol. Vanessa was born premature and had to recuperate in an incubator. After four days, she was abandoned in the hospital.
Kisarawe Girlstown
Justa’s Story
Justa is one of 8 children and lives in severe poverty with her parents in rural Tanzania. Thanks to your support and the care of the Sisters of Mary she is now at school in Kisarawe and looks forward to a brighter future.
