Kaya Children's Blog

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!