Our achievements

Dare to dream

A lot has changed in the seven years since Mpowering People began its work in León. One of the biggest differences is the confidence most of the children and parents now have in themselves and their future. Their lives are less hopeless and they dare to dream. We give them personal attention and watch them develop and grow - we could not wish for a better result.

Founder Dorien van Schie: “It’s great to hear street children like Wilber and Joen read street signs out loud and, recently, when I saw Marco pick up and start to read a brochure on prostate problems in the doctor’s waiting room, tears came to my eyes. It may not have been suitable reading material for a nine year old, but he just looked so proud! Cesar, the first little boy I decided to sponsor, is hardly recognizable these days. He is no longer as shy as he used to be and loves to talk! Fifteen year old Angel is also doing much better. He still gets very angry when he's hungry, but he's not taken drugs for a year now and is a power of strength for us in the Adiact district. We are also very proud of his swimming achievements!.”

“The parents, too, have changed dramatically since 2003. A large group is now actively engaged in our projects and most are really happy their children are getting the chances they never had. But we all have to work hard to help them confront the problems they face every day, problems that are often so desperate and urgent they are staggering. Young girls who believe they have been bewitched, for example, or youngsters whose brothers and sisters died simply because there was no money for medication. It is a constant uphill battle.”

The figures

When Dorien van Schie started Mpowering People in 2003, we were helping six children. In 2009. we can report that as a direct result of our projects and programmes:

• 160 street children attend primary school, secondary school and vocational school
• 225 children receive daily home schooling thanks to our partnership with the children’s stamp foundation
• 12 children have successfully completed vocational school and are now moving on to our new junior programme
• Two young people are studying at university – and are paying their own way
• Three young people have permanent jobs and two have are currently in work-experience programmes

We have seen a dramatic change in the attitude of both parents and children.And through our sport, theatre and games projects (as well as days at the beach!), we can share some great memories with over 200 children. That makes us immensely proud!