31 Days 31 Faces: Wilmer

Meet Wilmer, a fifteen year old boy at Kaya Children. He has been with Kaya for three years. He favorite class in school is Physical Education, and his favorite sport is soccer. He hopes to one day become a doctor and have a family.

31 Days 31 Faces: Daniel

Written by Stephanie Kuei, Communications Officer with Kaya Children.

“What were you doing when you were ten?”

I remember Daniel, a former street child and one of the older boys at Kaya Children whom I met while I was in Bolivia, asking me this question and feeling guilty because, at ten years old, I was ignorant of events happening in other parts of the world and was taking all my opportunities for granted.

Up until that moment, I thought I understood the challenges street children face and was able to sympathize with the children I met. However, listening to Daniel tell me the reasons why he left his family to live on the streets, the types of people he encountered, the worries he faced, and the conditions he had to endure really broke my heart. At ten years old, he slept in an abandoned building and worked late hours selling sausages on street corners.

Here was a guy who was the same age as me and who had experienced so many things that no child should ever have to experience. His question shook me up and revealed a passion for these children in me that I never fully realized.

Now, Daniel, who is twenty years old and one of four recent high school graduates at Kaya Children, is in college and is an example to the younger kids of what it means to hope for a bright future. With Kaya’s support, he has overcome countless hardships and has grown to be a man of strong character.

The question he asked me changed my perspective and made me rethink what it means to really care for this population. It made me realize what a blessing a childhood is. So I am going to ask you:

“What were you doing when you were ten?”

Please help us continue serving the children of Bolivia. Learn more about the Kaya Challenge: http://www.firstgiving.com/kayachildren.

31 Days 31 Faces: Israel

Meet Israel, a sixteen year old boy at Kaya Children. His favorite things about Kaya Children are his room, his friends, and his ability to study and get an education. He loves to read, to listen to music, and to watch TV. If he could have one wish right now, it would be to have a collection of music records because he hopes to someday become a sound engineer.

31 Days 31 Faces: Rafael

Meet Rafael, an eleven year old boy at Kaya Children, who wants to one day become a police officer. He loves going to school, learning about computers and technology, and spending time with his classmates. His favorite activities are basketball, volleyball, and racquetball.

31 Days 31 Faces: Omar

Meet Omar, a ten year old boy at Kaya Children. He enjoys learning, playing board games, and taking trips, such as going to the park. His favorite food is chicken, specifically salta de pollo and pollo copacabana. When he grows up, he wants to be a car driver, and he hopes to own his own car someday.

31 Days 31 Faces: Brayan

Meet Brayan, a twelve year old boy who has been at Kaya for a year and a half. He loves learning, but his favorite part of being at Kaya is the soccer court because he hopes to be the best soccer player in the world someday, just like Messi, a professional soccer player. When he is not busy perfecting his soccer skills, he likes to play volleyball and baseball. His favorite foods are chicken and hot dogs.

31 Days 31 Faces: Launch!

The time has come for the Kaya Challenge!

All throughout the month of October, we will be updating this blog daily with a new story about the life of one of the kids at Kaya Children. We want to connect our fundraisers and supporters to the motivation behind the Kaya Challenge -- helping the children in Bolivia.

Starting Friday, October 1, be sure to check in each day to meet a new kid at Kaya!