LIDER GIMENEZ of Paraguay.
Click on the photo to enlarge it.
The first two children I sponsored through Plan moved on as many children do in Paraguay. They were Carlos and Sergio. When Sergio moved, I asked for a girl to sponsor but they gave another boy into my care. This is Lider Giminez and he lives with his father Elvio, his mother Felicita and his three year old sister, Liz Ramona, in Santa Elena Gua in Central Paraguay. Lider was born on 24th March, 1997 which makes him six at the time of writing this page. His dad is a peasant farmer and they live in a small wooden home with a corrugated roof. They don't have a latrine and, instead, have to use the open fields or or public area for their needs. They use an open stove fueled by charcoal for their cooking but they do have electricity for lighting. Lider's family, like their friends and neighbours, have a very small income and it is a struggle to meet their basic needs.
However, the residents of Santa Elena Gua do have a rich social life which mainly revolves around their strong catholic faith. Hopefully, I will be able to communicate with Lider and I'll keep this page updated for all to see how he's getting on. I have a load of stamps to send to him and I've ordered some painting materials for him too.
Until later......
11th February 2005.
Here are a couple more photos of Lider and his mother, Felicita.
Click on photos to enlarge them.
As you can see, Lider is growing and is now almost 8 years old. He has written to me twice and he's doing fine. I've sent him some small presents, a birthday card and a Christmas card. One letter to me is below.
"Hello Mr Norcop.
I send my warmest greetings from Santa Elena. I hope this letter finds you well and healthy. I received your beautiful presents. They are all so wonderful. Thank you very much! I tell you that this year I will go to second grade at school. I promise you to work very hard to get good marks. I say bye now. Hugs and kisses,
Lider."
He's now in 3rd grade and is progressing ok. He's been healthy over the last year and Plan have made many improvements to his community. Although they still have an outside 'hole' latrine, water is installed in their home and it is safe to drink. [How we take these things for granted eh!] The school has been improved with a new playground and on the health side, all the children have been vaccinated against tuberculosis, diphtheria, polio and measles. There have been improvements in ophthalmic care too, plus many of the women of the village have been educated in modern methods of care in the home.
Which reminds me....I need to get off some more 'beautiful presents' and also a birthday card for his 8th birthday. I'll let you know how the young man is progressing.
If you want to help in any way, just contact Plan and they will sort you out with a child to sponsor.