"Warmi Kaya" Helps Mom in Need

When Miriam came to Kaya she and her five children were living in just one room with no running water. She enrolled in the Warmi (means "woman") program and eventually was able to obtain stable work operating a stand where she sells candy, chips, drinks and other items. Miriam worked hard; she successfully graduated from the program while two of her sons attended the Kaya Center.

But recently, Miriam turned to Kaya for help once again. Her three-year-old son, Marco, fell and broke his arm. He needed an operation, but since Marco was suffering from a chest cold, the doctors were not able to operate right away. They told Miriam that Marco would need to remain in the hospital until he was well enough for surgery. Miriam faced a difficult challenge. With her little boy in the hospital, she would be unable sell at her stand. And, when Miriam cannot sell, she cannot earn the money she needs to buy food for her children...

Fortunately, Kaya was able to help! Kaya staff and volunteers took turns staying with Marco in the hospital while Miriam went to sell at her stand. Kaya also provide much-needed additional food for Miriam and her kids. In the end, Marco's operation was a success and he has since recovered. With the help of Kaya, Miriam did not have to make the same terrible choices that many Bolivian mothers have to make... between being there for their children in the hospital and losing the income they depend on in order to feed their children.

Every day, with God's guidance and the help of our friends and donors, Warmi Kaya makes a difference in the lives of mothers in La Paz, helping them find a way to provide for their children and protect them from life on the streets.

As Head of His Class, Omar is Honored in Parade

This past month in La Paz was full of excitement, as the Kaya children enjoyed watching -- and marching in -- the Dia De Bolivia parade. To celebrate Independence Day of Bolivia, all the schools in La Paz participate. Each school lines up with the band in the lead, baton twirlers next, followed by the graduating class. Elementary classes and high school classes follow. The students line up, four by four, in their very best uniforms, and march down the street proudly waving Bolivian flags and wearing Bolivian pins.

Many of the Kaya children were marching. While Kaya staff members and Kaya kids who were not marching went to watch the bands and support their friends. It was fun to cheer and clap as the Kaya kids proudly passed by. But one student stood out among the others as an example of determination and hope. In keeping with the tradition, the highest achieving student in each grade is given the honor of holding the flag for the class. This year, Omar, a young man from Kaya's residential program, was given this honor to acknowledge his excellence in school.

Not long ago, we might have found Omar sadly living on the streets of La Paz. But on this day, Kaya staff, and fellow Kaya kids beamed with pride for Omar -- and for all the Kaya children who are growing into strong, capable, caring young people with hopes and dreams for a bright future!